Post #5: Dig Into Your Beliefs

Think about the connection between your bedrock beliefs and the way you live. If, for instance, you believe that nature has created all animals for the benefit of man, you'll probably find nothing unethical about eating cow for dinner. You are not likely to demonstrate in front of the supermarket carrying a "Meat is Murder" sign. Start with the assumption that all work is ennobling and you'll be more likely to rally some enthusiasm for scrubbing the gunk out of the grout in the shower stall.

Here are some values statements about important matters. Find some with which you agree or disagree. Write about how those beliefs translate into specific action for you. Give examples. For instance, if you value friendship more than personal integrity, you'll be more likely to let a friend copy your exam answers. Choose one of these to agree or disagree with and write several paragraphs. You may also create another statement that expresses a closely held value.

• Loyalty to one's friends is more important that loyalty to one's family.
• Security is more important than wealth. 
• Creative work is more important than socially useful work. 
• Friendship is more important than personal success.
• Duty to one's family is more important than personal success.
• Physical and emotional safety are more important than sensual pleasure. 
• Personal integrity is more important than financial success.

Post # 4: Define with Specifics

Define with Specifics

Dictionary definitions are general, but you can also define with specific examples. For example, the dictionary says that a procrastinator is a person who puts things off to last minute. Go further. How does a procrastinator behave? What does she think when she realizes that her major project is due tomorrow? What is his first thought when he gets a writing assignment that isn't due for two weeks?

You can make excellent use of defining examples when you are exploring the meanings of words or ideas for which the dictionary gives little help. For example, the dictionary defines "beautiful" and "people," but it does not define the concept of "beautiful people." This combination of words suggests something which Webster's Dictionary ignores. Similarly, you can think if the "unsung hero."

In contrast to the standard denotative dictionary definition, a definition by example looks at the connotations that sometimes belong to words. Consider a subspecies you know about  and define this type by example, with specifics. Some suggestions:

• hacker
• slacker
• geek
• cynic
• showoff
• hotdog
• boor

Post #3: Look for the Reason

Working with a partner, brainstorm reasons for each of the following puzzling phenomena. Write a list of two or three for each. Then, on your own,  choose one topic and reason and write a paragraph illustrating your claim with explanations and examples.

1. Some people join cults because...
2. Some people fall in love with serial killers because...
3. People like to stare at fires because...
4. Children are more likely to laugh at slapstick comedy than adults because...
5. People collect things like beer mugs, ceramic dolls, and owls because...