A Reflective Essay

     I was a bit hesitant to take this class. I have always thought of myself as a fair writer, but it has been a long time since I have taken an English class. I have written papers for Humanities class and put together research papers for a biology class and I always get a good grade, but I knew this class was going to pose difficulties. I didn’t think I was prepared for my writing style to be picked apart. I can usually throw together a good story, but I learned quickly that this class would require more effort than that. I have learned how to add vivid detail to a story, organize my thoughts and brainstorm, and I have learned how to write for a specific audience.

     I pride myself on using good grammar and using proper punctuation and I thought this was the biggest obstacle to overcome when writing an essay, but I very quickly learned this is not the case. Grammar and punctuation although necessary, do not make a story interesting. I had to learn to add colorful interesting words and verbs to my essays. Without such additions the story seemed to be dull and lack life. It took me a few tries before I caught on, but I realized that the addition of those words really did make all the difference. For example, in my “Red Hot Lesson” essay instead of just saying that I used baby oil to tan, I described the sweet smell to help give the reader more vivid detail. Because of this class I am no longer naïve to the importance of these words.

    I have always had the most trouble with starting a story. One reason I find it difficult is because I don’t find my life interesting, so who would want to read my stories? After reading the example essay and the instructions for the assignment, I would sit in front of my computer and look at the blank white screen. I would constantly be searching for an idea. When at work I was constantly thinking about what I should write about, jotting ideas down on credit card receipt paper. When I would come up with an idea I would start to type. It was a slow process but I always made it through. I always have trouble with the introduction, but once I was able to get it down, it was smooth sailing. I have surprised myself many times by coming up with a story I had forgotten about or writing a story and turning it into something that I was proud of and found myself sharing with friends. I think that brainstorming for an essay will always be problematic, but after taking this class and writing over thirty essays, I know I will eventually come up with the perfect story.

     Upon looking back on my first essays I realized that I had poor organization skills. When writing the story I would just let all of the ideas flow together, unaware of how disorganized the story was. To me it made complete sense, but to the reader it was a confusing mess. It took me some practice to learn how to organize my thoughts, keeping in mind chronological order. Because I still have trouble writing an organized essay, I make sure to go through the story several times and think about the story from every angle. I try to put myself in the reader’s shoes so that I can write an interesting, effective essay. I know that I still need work as far as organization goes, but I think that I have come a long way.

     Before this class the only audience that I wrote for was my professors. When writing for a professor I always kept in mind that the paper I was writing was for nothing more than a grade, I never tried to entertain. I was not worried about making him laugh or making him sympathize with me, I was only trying to convince him that I knew the subject matter at hand and that I deserved the best grade possible. Having a blog for this class put me in a different mindset. Although I knew my professor was going to read my essays, I had to keep in mind that my peers would read them as well. So I had to switch gears and write to entertain. I wanted to write a funny essay, an essay that would bring about emotion, or cause my peers to sympathize me. Captivating an audience can be a difficult task, but I found that if I was enthusiastic about the topic then getting the readers to like the story wasn’t that hard after all.

     I started this class with hesitation. I was not ready for my writing to be judged but once I jumped in and gave it all I had, I found that I really enjoyed myself. I learned valuable writing skills that I would not have learned otherwise. I will now always add vivid detail when needed, brainstorm for as long as it takes, and organize my thoughts effectively. 

Classification and Division Based Peer Review

Writer’s Name & Title of Essay: Chelsea Adams- Think Before You Speak

Reader’s Name: Briana Salter

1.     

          1.  Is the introductory paragraph interesting?  Why or why not? Does the introduction specify clearly what is to be classified and/or divided into groups?

     The introduction is interesting, especially the first sentence. I think it is clear what the essay is going to be about, but there is not classification, she mentions a couple of different ideas in the introduction.

2.       

      2.Is there a clear thesis statement?  Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s point or purpose for the classification and/or division?  Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement.  If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below. 

      I don’t think there is a sentence that is a clear thesis statement, but the “you are what you say” part gives a good idea about what the essay is about.

3.      

     3.Is the writer’s basis of classification clear (see “Notes on Classification and Division” posted June 2nd)? Why or why not?  By what means is the writer grouping his or her subject matter?

     Although I can see how the writer tried to divide and classify the different types of speech, she did tend to mention two different ideas within the same paragraph. I think the writer should have talked about slang in one paragraph and improving language in another. That would have helped to bring classification and division to the essay.

4.     

           4.  Are the groups or categories clearly defined and uniquely named?  Do any seem to overlap or appear oversimplified or based on stereotypes?  Explain.

      The categories do seem to overlap, and they are simplified. I think the writer could have given more examples for each idea.

5.       

      5.Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently?  Why/why not?  Note any paragraph that seems out of order.  Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically?  Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected?  Explain.

      The essay would improve if the writer arranged the paragraphs by ideas, focusing on one idea per paragraph. The transitions between the paragraphs are not very good because each paragraph is so different from the other, it does not flow well.

6.      

     6.Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed?  What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific examples to help illustrate the writer’s classification and/or division? 

      The beginning of the fifth paragraph is off topic and is out of place. I think the essay would benefit if it was deleted. The writer does provide some details and stories as to why she wants to improve her vocabulary or why she has used slang, but I think she could add more.

7.      

     7.Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent?  Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).  

     The fifth paragraph is the one that is the most out of place. The essay would be more coherent if there were more order. I think the essay would flow better if she started off talking about why she used slang, then went into how her language has developed and how she went about improving it.

8.    

            8. Go back and read the first and last paragraph.  Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction?  Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus?  Why or why not?  How can the conclusion be improved?

      The introduction and conclusion do tie in together, although the focus in the conclusion slightly goes off track by mentioning that she is constantly teaching herself new words. I think if the writer focused more on how a person’s vocabulary gives certain impressions and not how she learns new words the conclusion would be better.

9.       

     9.Now look at sentences.  Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images?  Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells?  Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of?  (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, or switches in verb tense, etc.) 

      The sentence that stands out most is the first sentence of the essay. There are not any apparent errors.

10.  

       10.Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper.  Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement.  What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?

     What I like about the essay is how she focuses on the fact that a person’s vocabulary does give certain impressions. I think that if the writer organized the essay better and gave more examples, the essay would improve. 

Definition Based Peer Review

Writer’s Name & Title of Essay: Mallory Wehr- Why I Want a Wife/Husband Essay

Reader’s Name: Briana Salter

1.       

      1.First of all, does the essay respond appropriately to the assignment: 1) Is the writer writing about a group or class that he or she is a member of?  (For example, a male shouldn’t be writing an “I Want a Girlfriend” essay; also an “I Want a Genie” essay would not be acceptable), or 2) Is the writer ranting against a pet peeve or current societal shortcoming?  Explain your answer.

     Yes, the writer responded appropriately to the assignment. The writer belongs to a group known as “girlfriends.”

2.       

          2.“I Want a Wife” is a good example of an essay with an implied thesis statement.  Does your writer have an explicit (stated) or implicit (implied) thesis?  If the thesis is clearly stated, re-write it below.  If the thesis is implied, write what you believe the thesis to be below.

     The conclusion does not have a pronounced thesis. I know that she will be writing about what it is like to be a girlfriend, but there is not a sentence that sums up well what she will be talking about. I feel as though the conclusion should be shortened, she has added one too many ideas in this first paragraph. I am not able to state an implied thesis because all the writer tells me is that she too would like to have a girlfriend. Everything else she mentions is about what her past relationships were like, which has very little to do with the definition of a girlfriend.

                       

3.      3. Is the writer’s term or concept sufficiently defined?  Why or why not?  What other information would help you “define” this term?

     The writer only briefly touches on the definition of a girlfriend. I feel as though she spent too much time talking about the personality traits she would want in a girlfriend rather than the duties of a girlfriend. The essay we read for this assignment was written by a woman and a man that were talking about themselves, but they were not using first person. I think this writer switches from using first person to third person, which makes for some confusion. After reading the essay I know very little about what she thinks it takes to be a girlfriend.

4.       

           4.Do all of the paragraphs contribute to the development of the thesis?  Point out any paragraph(s) that you have difficulty relating to the thesis statement or definition. 

     In the introduction she mentions that she wants a girlfriend, but in the body of the essay there are only a few examples as to why she would want one. I feel as though the list of characteristics she gave could describe a variety of groups of people. I think the third paragraph is very out of place, it does not fit the rest of the essay, it goes off track.

5.       

     5.Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently?  Why/why not?  Note any paragraph that seems out of order.  Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically?  Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected?  Explain.

     If the third paragraph was taken out, I think that would help focus the essay a little more. Because this assignment called to list duties of a certain type of person I think it would be difficult to organize efficiently, but maybe if the writer group similar ideas into the same paragraph, like school related duties, family, and personal. I think that the writer could improve on the transitions between paragraphs; it would help the essay flow a little better. If the paragraphs had separate topics I think it would help with the transitions.  

6.       

     6.Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed?  What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific details that would help define the writer’s term(s) or concept?  Does the writer utilize the different strategies of definition (see “Notes of Definition” posted June 1st)?  What strategy should the writer consider using more?  Explain your answer—why would this strategy be effective?

     As far as defining what a girlfriend is, I do not think the reader accomplished this. Because the writer was supposed to define something by class, she should have given examples as to why being a girlfriend is different than being a friend, a mother, or a coworker. I think that she lost sight of this a little bit. If the writer focused more on the duties of a girlfriend, and defined being a girlfriend in a way that it was noticeable the essay would be more focused.

7.       

7    7.Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent?  Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).  

     The third paragraph is definitely out of place, and there are a few sentences that do not make much sense, or lose focus. I think if the writer grouped ideas then there would be more unity within the essay.

8.       Brady’s essay is also a good example of an effective tone…while not quite a rant, she definitely exudes frustration with society’s expectations of “wifely” duties.  Does the essay you’re reading have a similar tone?  

      8.What could the writer do to sound even more exasperated?

     I do not feel as though there is any tone to the essay. If the writer explained the duties of a girlfriend, or described in more detail what it takes to be a girlfriend, I think there would be a certain tone to the essay.

9.      

     9.Now look at sentences.  Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images?  Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells?  Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of?  (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, or switches in verb tense, etc.) 

     I think that the fifth paragraph captures what the essay should be about. The writer describes the duties that most girlfriends take up to please their boyfriends, and within this paragraph there is a certain tone.  I think the writer uses commas a little too frequently, and the essay would benefit from more vivid description.

10.  

     10.Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper.  Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement.  What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?

     What I like about the paper is that the writer does list a lot of good personality characteristics that make a good girlfriend. She is descriptive in the personality traits. I think that the essay would improve if the writer focused more on the duties of a girlfriend, and complained a little bit!

Illustration Peer Review

Writer’s Name & Title of Essay: Olivia Thompson -Mean Girls

Reader’s Name: Briana Salter

1.       

1    1.Is the introductory paragraph interesting?  Why or why not? What does the writer give you to make you want to continue reading? Can you tell what strategy the writer is using to begin the essay (see handout)?

     I did not find the introduction very interesting. I feel as though the writer presented a couple of different ideas, not focusing on either idea. There is not much incentive to keep reading. I think to help with this, the writer should pick one idea, then elaborate to capture the readers interest. The process of the essay is not apparent in the introduction.

2. Is there a clear thesis statement?  Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s purpose?

                         

     There is not a clear thesis statement. Because the writer mentions a couple of different ideas, it’s hard to determine the purpose of the essay. I can guess that that the essay is about being judged based on appearance, or about how cliques influence other people and how they are treated, but the idea is not clear.

3.Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement.  If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below. 

     Implied Thesis: Being a female, judgment and discrimination is a part of daily life.

4.Do all of the paragraphs contribute to the development of the thesis?  Point out any paragraph(s) that you have difficulty relating to the thesis statement or the point or purpose of the examples provided. 

     I do not think that all of the paragraphs contribute to the purpose of the essay. The writer veers off topic and talks about her work habits. Only a couple of paragraphs address the idea, and I do not feel as though strong enough examples were given. I think the examples could have been more descriptive and the writer could have expressed how she felt at the time these comments were made.

5.Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently?  Why/why not?  Note any paragraph that seems out of order.  Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically?  Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected?  Explain.

     The paragraphs definitely need to be revised. The introduction does not give a clear example of the purpose of the essay. The body of the essay is not paragraphed correctly. None of the paragraphs have specific topics, they contain several different ideas, and very few of them relate to the topic at hand. The conclusion is not satisfying. I do not feel as though the writer addressed the idea at the end, the essay does not feel finished.

6.Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed?  What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific examples to help illustrate the writer’s point or concept? 

     The writer gives some details, but they are mostly about the job she performed, not about being judged or how she felt about being judged. If more examples were given, or if she could have related the specific experience to something else, I think it would help the idea that “the female population is known extremely well for judging other people.”

7.Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent?  Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).  

     I do not think that the essay has much unity or coherence. Some sentences do not make much sense, and the paragraphs would benefit from organization. I feel as though the writer did not try and organize the ideas, they seem to jump around. I feel as though some entire paragraphs are irrelevant to the story, and adding specific details would help to add coherence to the story.

8.Go back and read the first and last paragraph.  Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction?  Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus?  Why or why not?  How can the conclusion be improved?

     The introduction brings up issues such as women judging other women based on appearance, dominance between women, and mean girl cliques that form to put other girls down. I feel as though the essay very briefly touches only on topic, the mean girl clique. The conclusion focuses on something completely different: issues between coworkers. The writer mentions that she is a hard worker, and that she tries not to upset anyone at work. I do not feel as though the conclusion and introduction have the same topics in mind. The conclusion could be improved if the writer focuses less on work and more about how she deals with being judged.

9.Now look at sentences.  Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images?  Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells?  Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of?  (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, or switches in verb tense, etc.) 

      None of the sentences really stand out. The writer does not use many verbs, the sentences are not detailed, and it’s easy to lose focus of what the essay is about. I find that the sentences run on, and some of them do not make sense. The essay would benefit if the writer organized the sentences better.

10.Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper.  Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement.  What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?

     What I like about the paper is that it addresses a topic that most women are familiar with. I think there is a lot to say about this topic, so if the writer refocused the essay it could be a good story. If the writer organized her thoughts and added specific detail, the essay would improve. 

Peer Review for Maya Tolefree- Motherhood

Writer’s Name & Title of Essay: Maya Tolefree; Motherhood

Reader’s Name: Briana Salter

1.      1.Is the introductory paragraph interesting?  Why or why not? What does the writer give you to make you want to continue reading? Can you tell what strategy the writer is using to begin the essay (see handout)?

     The introductory paragraph is not very captivating. The writer makes it known what the essay will be about, but other than that there is not much incentive to keep reading. From the introduction I am not able to decipher what strategy will be used.

2. Is there a clear thesis statement?  Can you find a sentence (or two) that reveals the writer’s purpose?

    

     I believe that the thesis statement is clear. I have a clear idea what the topic of her essay is about.

3.Type the sentence(s) below that you believe to be the writer’s thesis statement.  If the thesis is implied, state it in your own words below.                                                                                                      

     Thesis statement: Although there are many difficulties being a single mother it is overall very rewarding.

4. Do all of the paragraphs contribute to the development of the thesis?  Is it clear to you how each of the paragraphs relate to the process the writer is examining?  Are any of the required steps or stages left out?  Point out any paragraph(s) that you have difficulty relating to the thesis statement or process. 

   

     I think that although the paragraphs describe the routine of being a mother, there is not enough said about the rewards that come from the challenges of being a mother. Although the writer mentions the reward in the conclusion, I think she should have mentioned a reward in every paragraph. For the essay to be a process essay, I thought it was a little scattered. I think it could have been a little more organized. I think the fourth paragraph does not fit very well. The writer focuses less on the process of motherhood, and more on how Kimora eats. I think this paragraph would belong more if more steps were included.

5. Would the essay improve if the paragraphs were arranged differently?  Why/why not?  Note any paragraph that seems out of order.

     Because the writer is describing a day with Kimora, I do not think it should be arranged differently. I think to make the essay a little more cohesive the writer could have included more details within the paragraphs.

6. Are the paragraphs connected to one another smoothly and logically?  Are there transitions between paragraphs that help you understand how the writer’s ideas are connected?  Do individual paragraphs seem well detailed?  What suggestions would you make about adding/subtracting specific details? 

     I feel like the paragraphs don’t flow well. Some of the paragraphs have a topic, others don’t, and some repeat topics. Because this is a process of going through the day with her daughter, and things like eating are something that is repeated throughout the day, but I think there is a way to make each instance different and new. More details could definitely be added to make the paragraphs more interesting. I think some more detail about her daughter or some personality traits of her daughter could have helped make the essay more vivid.

7. Are all of the writer’s paragraphs unified and coherent?  Indicate which paragraphs have any sentences that seem irrelevant (“unity” concerns) or out of order (“coherence” concerns).  

    The paragraphs do not have apparent topics, so they do feel a little unorganized. Most of the sentences are relevant to the topic, I just feel like they lack interest. If more details were added, it would be easier to carry a topic throughout the paragraph instead of bring several different ideas into it. The essay would be more coherent if each paragraph had a topic, and the transitions between the paragraphs were in place.

8. Go back and read the first and last paragraph.  Has the writer fulfilled the obligations he or she established in the introduction?  Does the writer accomplish everything promised in the introduction, or does the essay go off track or seem to switch focus?  Why or why not?  How can the conclusion be improved?

     The writer talks about the challenges and difficulties of being a mother, but I think she loses this concept in the body of the essay. I think that each paragraph would have benefited if the writer introduced a challenge then ended the paragraph with a reward. I think the conclusion could have been improved if the writer focused again on the hardships of being a mother but reiterated the fact that in the end it is a reward to be a mother.  

9. Now look at sentences.  Does the writer have sentences that strike you as effective because they include strong verbs, specific details, memorable phrases, or striking images?  Does the writer have any words they repeat too often, use incorrectly, or misspells?  Finally, does the writer have any tendencies for error they should be made aware of? (Think comma splices, run-on sentences, switches in verb tense, etc.) 

     There are a couple of sentences that contain vivid detail which make the story more interesting. For instance when she said that her daughter was calm like an eye of the hurricane when she is asleep was very nice detail. The writer does not have a problem with spelling, few punctuation errors, but I do think that the sentences themselves need work. Adding more detail, adding comas when necessary, and some sentences are too short ad they jump from idea to idea. The essay would benefit if the writer paid more attention to detail in the sentences.

10. Write a summary comment that explains what you like best about the paper.  Then, describe the two features of the paper that most need improvement.  What suggestion(s) for overcoming these problems do you have?

     What I like about the paper is that I get the impression that the writer enjoys the little challenges that her daughter presents her. I able to picture a mother running around after a toddler, cleaning up food, and doing homework while watching Dora the Explorer. I find the essay sweet and endearing. Two comments that I can make that could improve the essay is to add more vivid detail. I think it will make the essay more fun to read. Also, I think some humor could be added if the right words were chosen. The situation where Kimora got into her mother’s blush could have been a really funny story if more details were added. One technique I do when telling a story is try to envision it. I write down every detail; sound, sights, smells that help tell the story, and then I go back and refine the paragraphs. I think if the writer did this, the essay would only be that much better. 

How to Con an Instructor Revision Essay

           Enter college you'll soon be reminded of an old saying, “The pen is mightier than the

sword.”  That person behind the instructor's desk holds your future in his or her ink-stained hands. 

Your first important assignment in college has nothing to do with required readings, examinations,

or even the hazards of registration.  It is, instead, how to con an instructor. 

     The first step in conning an instructor is to use body language. You may be able to convince your

instructor that you are special without even saying a word.  When you enter the classroom, be sure to

sit in the front row, that way the instructor can't possibly miss you; then, as the instructor lectures,

take notes frantically. The instructor will be flattered that you think so much of his or her words that

you want to write them all down. A felt-tip pen is superior to a pen or pencil, it will help you write

faster and prevent aching wrists.  While you are writing, be sure to smile at the instructor's jokes and

nod violently in agreement with every major point.  Most important, as class continues, sit with your

body pitched forward and your eyes wide open, fixed firmly as if hypnotized on your instructor's

face.  Make your whole body suggest that you are watching a star.
     Once you have mastered body language, it is time to move on to the second phase of conning the instructor: class participation. Everyone knows that the student who is most eager to learn is the one who responds to the questions that are asked and even comes up with a few more.  Therefore, be sure to be responsive. Questions such as, “How does this affect the future of the United States?” or “Don’t you think that someday this will all be done by computer?” These questions can be asked in any class without prior

knowledge of the  subject matter.  Many students, especially in large classes, get lost in the crowd and

never do anything to make themselves stand out.  Another good participation technique is to wait until

the instructor has said something that sounds profound and then ask him or her to repeat it slowly so

you can get it down word for word in your notes.  No instructor can resist this kind of flattery.  However,

the most advanced form of conning an instructor happens after class. 

     Don’t be like the others who slap their notebooks closed, snatch up their books, and rush out the

door before the echoes of the final bell have died away.  Did you ever notice how students begin to get  

restless about five minutes before class ends, even if there’s no clock on the wall?  Instead, be reluctant

to leave.  Approach the instructor’s desk hesitantly, almost reverently.  Say that you want to find out

more about the topic.  Is there any extra reading you can do?  Even better, ask if the instructor has

written anything on the topic—and whether you could borrow it to read (or, even better, where you can

purchase a copy).  Finally, compliment your instructor by saying that this is the most interesting course

you’ve ever taken.  Nothing beats the personal approach for making an instructor think you care.

      Body language, questions, after-class discussions, these are the secrets of conning an instructor that

every college student should know.  These kinds of things go on in high school too, and they’re just as

effective on that level.  Once you master these methods, you won’t have to worry about a thing, until

the final exam.

Mother Tongue Essay

     As I have gotten older, and as I work my way through college I have noticed that it is a necessary life skill to be able to express yourself adequately. I do not believe that my English is as good as it can be, but it is something that I am actively working to improve.

     As I navigate through my day there are several instances when I use different vocabulary to express my thoughts. The one place where my English varies most is at work. I work at a fine dining restaurant, so I am expected to describe meals in an appetizing and appealing manner. I use vocabulary at work that I do not use otherwise. While talking to a customer I choose certain words to describe a wine or an entrée in a manner that would appeal to the customer. I use words such as succulent, simmer, delicate, aroma and seared to describe the featured entrées. It is important to use particular appetizing vocabulary while describing the dish in order to appeal and possibly sway the customer into choosing that entrée. If I did not use these appetizing words to describe the dish, I doubt many people would be interested in what I was saying. The customers are not the only people where I use different vocabulary. The majority of the employees that work in the kitchen are Hispanic, so I find myself using vocabulary that is simple. When speaking with them I am deliberate when choosing what words to use. I want to make sure that they understand what I am saying, so I speak slower than I usually do, and use short simple phrases. While I am thinking about the conversations I have with them, I realize that it probably does not benefit them, or enhance their vocabulary if I choose to use simple language. But in order to get my point across in a timely manner, using simple language is the best method.

     Outside of the restaurant, the other area of my life that I consciously use particular vocabulary is at school. College is a place to learn, a place to grow and expand. I would find that I would be back tracking if I did not actively work to improve my English. Although I do not speak as well as most students, I am constantly seeking to get better. While talking to my professors I am careful not to use slang or vocabulary that does not do me justice. I feel as though I need to prove myself in a way; if I do not show that I have the ability to use proper English to express my thoughts, then I cannot  expect my professor to believe that I have learned much. While talking to my peers I am not as particular at using specific English, but I do maintain proper vocabulary. Being a nursing major I am constantly learning new words, words that I have never been exposed to before. It is exciting for me to learn these words and know that I will someday be emerged into an environment where this vocabulary is important to be able to handle certain situations. I believe that it is important to learn how to write and talk effectively while in college so that you can be better prepared for your career.

     If I am not at work or in school, then I find that my English slacks slightly. Because I am around my boyfriend and friends, I do not feel as much pressure to use enhanced vocabulary. Although I do not use slang or use curse words, I find that I do not use particularly good English while talking to my friends. I am more relaxed with the words I use. I usually keep my thoughts simple, therefore the words I choose are generally simple. There are times when I may find myself in deep conversation with a friend or my boyfriend and I will refine my vocabulary and use English to express my thoughts, especially if I am in a disagreement. I have noticed that it is hard to believe someone or take them seriously when a person uses slang words, especially in a disagreement. I have a lot of work to do, as far as improving my English goes. I read on a regular basis hoping that will help improve my vocabulary. I am not completely comfortable with the vocabulary I use, but I am making a constant effort to improve it.

     Using proper English is important, whether you are at work or just sitting around with your friends. Knowing how to express your thoughts using good descriptive words is an important tool in life. The way a person speaks, the language they use, the English words they choose are a good indicator of a person’s education, of the person they are. A person’s words are in a way, a part of who they are.