i.e. vs e.g.

When I was in sixth grade I was taken back by the idea that the abbreviation "i. e." could go before a word and mean "for example", or at least so I was taught. Often times, since receiving this knowledge, I have used the abbreviation "i.e." when taking notes for other classes. By using "i.e." I would save myself the nano second of writing out the long word "example." That was until last week when my Biology teacher pointed out to me that "i.e." doesn't really mean "for example." As a result I thought I would share my new found knowledge with you.

The "i.e." is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id estis which can replace the words "that is" in one's writing. It is related to the use of "AKA" in more casual documents.

Using this abbreviation is simple, for example:

"Last month we celebrated the birth of Jesus, i.e. ,Christmas."

Note that there must always be a comma after the abbreviation.

To express the words "for example" one could use the correct abbreviation of "e.g." This is short for another Latin phrase which is exempli gratia. To use these letters as a symbol follow this given example:

"I like many of the ladies on the Food Network (e.g., Rachael Ray, Giada DeLaurentiis, etc.)"

The same rule about the comma after the abbreviation applies here.

For more information about the use of i.e. and e.g. please click here:)

What About the 19050's?

This week we have been asked to review two seperate essays focused on the 1950's and the role of the family in that time period. As I wrote in my previous post for last week, history fascinates me and I love to think about what has happen in order for life to exist as I know it. The essays Looking for Work by Gary Soto and What We Really Miss About the 1950's by Stephanie Coontz gave great insight to the "everyday life" of Americans in the 1950's.

Of the two essays I read, Looking for Work was the msot interesting. By including references to the media and using unformal, common language, Gary Soto allows the story to connect well with the audience. Many Americans can relate to drinking "Kool-Aid" and the desire to have money of their own. Ultimately I think that the message one can recieve from Gary Soto's writing is that culture and environment do influence our way of thinking and acting whether for good or bad. For example, when the teacher in this story refers to some children in her class "differently", these students begin to think that they are different and not in a positive way. Because of how they were treated as children, they may have lower ambitions or goals. Although there were many good morals promoted by people in the 1950's there were some actions that were completely wrong. The shining point in this story however was the determination expressed by Gary as a young boy. As children life is so full of opportunity and because Gary decided at a young age to have a great work ethic, and drive he has become a well respected, educated man.

Although I said I enjoyed the first essay better, does not mean that Coontz's more researched based paper did not give me some ideas to ponder. I liked the fact that What We Really Miss About The 1950's held theries that could be proven and backed up with scientific evidence. It is allowed me as a reader to trust the information I was being represented with. The most enphiseed point of this essay was the fact that simplicity is what most American are missing in their lives and the 1950's are a symbol of a less complex time in our history as a people. As the song says "All I want to do, is have some fun." Life is built around this idea that everything we do is to allow us to have more joy in our life. We go to school so we can get a good job, so we can provide for ourselves and our loved ones, so that we can enjoy time together. This was the most interesting part of the essay for me. The fact that in Coontz's mind, the 1950's may not have perfect, but they held an important, sought-after dream for most Americans.

Unitl Thursday at 6:00,

Maddi

Grammar: When, Where and Why To Use a Colon

Many times in my writing I have wondered when it is appropriate to use a colon in a sentence. In my personal reading I have seen colons used and wondered "Can you do that?" So for my "grammar spotlight" this week I wanted to do some research about colons and try to expand my punctuation knowledge.

A colon is most commonly used in writing to express or list items or objects. For example...

"For the over night activity this weekend you will need to bring personal items: a sleeping bag, a towel, sun screen, and insect repellent."

This puncuation allows for organized easy to read lists that can be detailed. The one rule however is to make sure that the colon is preceeded by a complete sentence.

The most beneficial rule for colons however, is using it to direct attention or introduce a quote. When using a quotation that is more than three lines long, it is correct to put add a blank line before and after the quote. By incorperating a colon into the quote introduction t will alow for neat sentence fluency.

There are more rules for colons, and iIf you would like to access more information please click here.

Political Cartoons

These are my two political cartoons. :)

Grammar: Disruptive Modifiers

Growing up my Dad would continually ask me how much I loved him. I would make up things like "more than all the stars in the sky" or "so much times infinity." By doing this I was began to "modify" the ways of expressing love for my Dad. Often times a writer will want to add life and emphasis to a piece of writing however, if modifiers are added incorrectly the idea of writing may be lost. There are a few simple ways to avoid writing interference and allow for voice and personality to be apparent in one's writing.
1- Read your writing out loud. Often times it helps to read to another person what you have written and see if you can find any in perfections.

2- When adding a limiting modifier such as "only" or "just" input them in front of the subject you would like to add to. This will , in most cases, help avoid any awkward word choice.
Disruptive

3- Ask for help. Let others read your writing and except input or opinion about changes that could be made.

Ultimately enjoy adding modifiers to writing. They can help brighten up your work and when done correctly express your point.

If you would like more information click .... here! :)

Writing Prompt:America, God Shed His Grace On Thee

The following is a response for my English 2010 class. I am commenting on what it means to be an American citizen. As well as my thoughts on if the Rereading America text will challenge my current opinions.

For me, being an American is both a privelege and an honor. I love the patriotic feeling I get when I read historical fiction books. I know, call me wierd but, I like to read about the American fore fathers and all those who sacrificed so I can have the life I enjoy today. America is centered around the fact that all humans have the right to life, liberty and happiness. This is the land of oppurtinity for any person to follow their dream and have joy in the journey.

Rereading America seems to be a book that will allow me to see different points of view on subjects that are, to me, black and white. I highly doubt that anything this book or any person says will influence or change my opinion about the country that I love, or what it means to be a part of it. Although I understand that America is not complete perfection, I hold strong to the morals and beleifs by which it was founded. I believe it to be the best place on Earth to live beccause any person has the opportunity to obtain and education, have a family, worship thier father in heaven and have all the happiness the world can offer.