SWA 8 E.A. pg 85-86 Questions 1-5

The Writing Process

The writing process is something that takes time and effort in order to produce a well-developed and successful paper. I would describe my writing as a discovery process. When assigned to write a paper, I begin to write, and then figure out what I want to say as I progress. I do not start writing a paper by making an outline, but rather I just let it develop as I write, and I usually try to make an outline after my paper is finished. I make the outline so that I can see the basic structure of my paper and see if I would make any changes to it. I would try to become more organized to write a paper so that I would be able to focus more and be more ready to write. In addition to that, I might also begin to keep a journal, notebook, or folder of ideas because I often find times where I think of a good idea but forget it because I do not have any source to record it.
There are many advantages to outlining ideas before writing a draft. An outline can often help to bring forth ideas before actually writing a paper. An outline is the basis for a paper, serving as a “skeleton or back bone, providing an internal structure that holds the paper together.” (E.A. 74) Also, the outline allows you to have the ability to write continuously, not having to pause to find more information to write about.
One suggestion for revision is to look at the draft as a whole. By looking at a draft as a whole, I would be able to analyze all of the different parts of my paper to make sure that it was complete. I would make sure I have sufficient information, an effective introduction, and strong transitions, allowing for a good paper. Another suggestion for revision is to ask revision questions to help locate other problems. By asking revision questions, I would be making sure that I have a strong paper that does not contain any holes. Revision questions would make me find the faults in my paper so that they could be corrected before being handed in. A third suggestion for revision is to check for final errors, add or adjust the title, and type or print your paper. By using this suggestion, I would make sure that everything grammatical would be correct, and this would add credibility to my paper. By eliminating grammatical mistakes, papers are taken more seriously.
In an exploratory paper, the author has an issue and identifies multiple positions involving that issue. They summarize the positions and talk about the overall rhetorical situation that involves the issue. Since it talks about multiple sides of an issue, it allows you to write a policy paper because after seeing the many different sides of an issue, you can chose your side and explore supporting information for your issue and contradictory information for the opposing position.
There are some different ways that peer reviews can be conducted. You can group-up and distribute a copy of your paper to your group, and then the group will provide feedback on the paper, sometimes with the teacher as part of the group and other times without. Another form of peer review is to have a round-robin reading session in which students take turns reading their papers and receiving feedback from classmates. and then to provide feedback on the hard copy of the paper. Another form of peer review is to exchange papers with a classmate and review it for the following class, which would allow for more time to review the paper and to provide constructive feedback. Peer review is helpful because having multiple readers of the same paper allows for different insights, thoughts, and perspectives that you would not have otherwise realized. Peer review allows for a more relatable audience to make suggestions rather then having suggestions come solely from a teacher.

Carolina Reader Page 260, Question 4

Both articles discuss the current issue of being overweight, and body image. Currently in today's society, our culture is constructing a bodyily image, whether it is being done direclty or indirectly. Bodily image is being culturally constructed by the growing opportunities to be lazy in today's world. People are exercising less, physically working less, and eating foods that are worse for you now than they have ever been. Even though the current economy is striving becuase of this new image of being overweight, is our health really worth sacrificing just for our current economy? Could there be a "compromise" in which some changes would be made to help health / bodily image even if it were to hurt the economy a bit? This bodily image is being constructed by us and for us. Society is responding to the current desires that people have, and because of that, we are constructing this bodily image. We are desiring, although not necessarily directly, to be lazier people and eat what appeals to us and is convenient to us rather than what might be our best option. This bodily image is also being constructed for us, because the economy is reacting to our wants and needs, and I do not really believe that it would still occur if we did not really want it. When things in society are not favorable, they are often times pushed out, and since this has yet to happen, there is no reason for it to stop. Since this is an idea / desire of the masses, the common people might not be in favor. Large companies are producing products that will sell to the majority of people, leaving the common person out of their thoughts. Those who are not in favor will not regularly be heard because they are just common people, not really a representation of the masses.

Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography

Bahrke, Michael S., Charles E. Yesalis Iii, and James E. Wright. "Psychological and
Behavioral Effects of Endogenous Testosterone and Anabolic Androgenic Steroids." Sports Medicine (1996): 367-390.

This report is from Sports Medicine, and it talks about the relationships between natural testosterone and anabolic steroids. It goes into a discussion on the associations that are linked between anabolic steroids and athletes’ moods, behaviors and dependencies. It also discussed the psychological addiction that can be caused when taken in excess. This is not very biased because it comes from a Sports Medicine magazine however it is slightly biased to present information that will prevent anabolic steroid use. It is somewhat dense reading, but it will be useful enough to be worthwhile to read. In my paper I will use this article to talk about the psychological effects of anabolic steroids.

Catlin, Don H., and Thomas H. Murray. "Performance-Enhancing Drugs, Fair
Competition, and Olympic Sport." Journal of the American Medical Association
276 (1996): 231-237.

In this article that was found in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the authors go into great detail on the different types of anabolic steroids and drugs that are being used. It talks about the different ways and types of test to detect anabolic steroid use. It talks about different organizations using tests, such as the Olympic Committee. It also talks about the differences in testing between the U.S. and international organizations. It also talks about the process after a positive test has been given, and the differences between over the counter and illegal substances. There is also mention of the necessity of these tests for fair competition. This is fairly objective because two doctors wrote it. I will use this in my paper to show the different types of test that are being conducted for anabolic steroid use, and the procedures for tests before, during and after.

Jost, Kenneth. “Sports and Drugs.” The CQ Researcher. 23 July. 2004: 613-635

This report was found in the CQ Researcher, and it is a detailed look at many different aspects of anabolic steroid use. It talks about the use of anabolic steroids in today’s sports world, and includes information about different policies that are being enforced, as well as specific policies for specific sporting leagues. It also talks about proposals for increased testing, which would help to make sports fairer. Due to the title of this publication, The CQ Researcher, I believe that this information is accurate fairly objective. In my paper, I will use this source to talk about the different policies in sports, and the proposals and procedures for different leagues and organizations on testing.

Leach, Robert E. "Anabolic Steroids - Round 4." The American Journal of Sports
Medicine 21 (1993): 337.

This is an editorial from the American Journal of Sports Medicine, so it might not be something that is widely read. It is a very reputable journal, so the information that is presented is useful. Written by a doctor, I do not think that there are any biases in this editorial, I just think that his intent is to inform people the effects that anabolic steroids is having in the sports world. He talks about college and professional sports and how anabolic steroids are being used. In addition, he talks about how athletes who are using steroids are not only affecting themselves but also those in sports medicine who must help athletes. I think that in my paper I will use this article to show how anabolic steroid use is affecting both athletes those who work in sports medicine.

McKeag, Douglas B., and James L. Moeller, eds. ACSM's Primary
Care Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins,
2007.

This chapter from the ACSM’s Primary Care Sports Medicine discusses in detail the many different types of steroids that are being used today. There are detailed descriptions of the different types of anabolic steroids, and this article has given me new knowledge about anabolic steroids. It is very objective because it is just talking about the different kinds of steroids, something that cannot be changed into an opinion, but rather is a fact. This chapter is very dense, and might be tough to integrate into my paper, but it is helpful in learning about the different kinds of steroids, something I will use in my paper when giving background information.

Mishra, Raja. "Steroids and Sports Are a Losing Proposition." FDA CONSUMER
The Magazine of The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Sept 1991: 25-27.

This document was produced by the FDA, and was written as part of a series of health information for teenagers and young adults. An FDA intern wrote it, therefore it is very credible. Since it is from the FDA, it will have negative connotations towards anabolic steroids. The article talks about the reasons why people choose steroids, and it indicates some effects that are not commonly known. It is not extremely biased because it is just trying to get the information known, and then for people to make there own decisions. I will use this article in my paper to show why people choose to use anabolic steroids and some risks involved.





Stevens, Sarah. The Facts About Steroids. New York: Macmillan Publishing
Company, 1991.

Sarah Stevens’ book is very informative on many different aspects of steroids, ranging from their history, to their purposes, to their side effects. She talks about the history and how and why they were originally created. Included in her book are both short and long term side effects from taking anabolic steroids. This book is objective, because she is reporting the facts and information that she has. I do not think that there are any biases in this book. The only bias might occur if steroids, either herself or someone close to her, directly affected her. For my paper I will use her historical information of steroids as well as some of her information on side effects.

Sutton, Lindsay, and David Schlundt, comps. Anabolic Steroids: Not Just for Men
Anymore. Psychology Dept., Vanderbilt University. 14 Oct.-Nov. 2007 .

This report was written at Vanderbilt University after research on anabolic steroid use had been completed. It is a reputable source because Vanderbilt University is a well-known, and well-respected university in the United States. Sutton and Schlundt lay out an outline that indicates exactly what they plan on talking about in their report. They talk first about a brief history of anabolic steroids, what they are, and what kinds there are. After the first few sections of this report, they go into a one sided discussion about women and the use of anabolic steroids, which makes the second half a little less useful for my paper. Since they only mention women when talking about benefits, positive and negative side effects, why they are taken, and what abuse is, I do not think that I will use more than the first few sections. This is because I do not want to have any type of biased information when writing my paper, however it might be helpful if I decide to talk about the effects on men in contrast to those on women.

U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Anabolic Steroid
Abuse. By National Institute On Drug Abuse. Aug. 2006. 14 Oct 2007

This source is a report that was published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This report is very detailed and very informative on different aspects of anabolic steroids. It gives some background information on what anabolic steroids are. This report also talks about why anabolic steroids are used and how they are abused. However, since this is from the Department of Health and Human Services, it is somewhat biased. Instead of directly saying side effects and talking about positive and negative side effects, the report says “health consequences,” which implies only negatives, and no positives. It also talks about different behavioral effects. For my paper, I think I will use the information on how anabolic steroids affect your health.

SWA 7

In today’s society, viewpoints, opinions, and ideas are constantly changing and shifting, especially with college students. Alan Finder’s article, “Matters of Faith Find A New Prominence on Campus,” talks about changes in faith; Richard Just’s article, “Schools of Thought: The Liberal-Conservative Divide on College Campuses,” talks about changes in political affiliations; David Leonhardt’s article, “The College Dropout Boom,” talks about different class associations, all regarding college students.
In times of sorrow and sadness, religion can become more and more important in peoples lives. Alan Finder’s article, “Matters of Faith Find A New Prominence on Campus,” discusses the increased interest in religion and religious organizations throughout college campuses. He states that “there is more interest in religion on campus, both intellectually and spiritually,” (75) and that there are many causes for this increase. Some of this increase, he suggests, comes from different world affairs that have been happening. The terrorist’s attack of September 11 has been a factor in the “influence of religion on world affairs.” (75) There is more in the news and in political discussions about religious rights. In addition to the attack of September 11, the current war in Iraq has “contributed to the interest in religion among students.” (76) The war has made college students question what the war is really all about.
Richard Just’s article, “Schools of Thought: The Liberal-Conservative Divide on College Campuses,” discusses the liberal and conservative groups on and around different colleges and universities across the country. In the current society, changing times in politics, world events such as September 11, and student apathy has made it acceptable to be conservative even though the majority of students define themselves as being liberal. The number of liberal or progressive groups is much greater than the “conservative counterparts,” which “are much fewer in number.” (81) Although there might be fewer conservative group offerings, this allows them to recruit more people, whereas the liberals have too many choices and can not always decide, causing there not to be enough members for a specific group to succeed. Conservatives are beginning to “feel more comfortable than their liberal peers…easier to be conservative at college after September 11.” (83) It is acceptable to be conservative because there are not as many negative stereotypes on campuses about them, mainly because they do not have as much public viewing. The liberals are offering too many choices, which seems to dilute participation, and actually may divide people on how things should run, which creates bitter feelings and a lack of cohesiveness. Also, liberal groups “often end up being dominated by its most extreme voices,” (81) causing a lack of true representation. Being conservative also became more popular after September 11th because it was acceptable to support troops, be patriotic, and be anti-terrorist. Conservative events were often “advertised as a ‘pro-troops’ event rather than a ‘pro-war’ event.’” (84) Being conservative has become more and more acceptable in the recent years.
“The College Dropout Boom,” by David Leonhardt gives an example of a student from a lower income family in rural Virginia who leaves college after one year to stay home, and work in a low-paying job. He never goes back to school, marries a high school sweetheart, and eventually struggles to make ends meet. Leonhardt writes this article to show that lower income young adults are less able to be successful in college because of their backgrounds and role models growing up. Their incentive to stay in college is than middle or upper income families. It has been shown that on campuses who enroll “poorer students, graduation rates are often low,” and that currently there are more students who “come from the top of the nation’s income ladder than they did two decades ago.” (99) When lower income students look at and hear these statistics, they are less and less motivated to attend college. Since the gap between rich and poor is getting larger, more rich students are graduating than poor students. Although there are colleges with diverse students, they all tend to “share and upper-middle class upbringing.” (100) Lower income students do not know as much the importance of a college degree as upper-middle class students do. Those brought up in upper-middle class lifestyles thought that they “simply must graduate from college,” while lower income students such as Andy Blevins “did not know the importance of a degree while growing up.” (100) In addition to lack of information on the importance of a degree, dropout rates are increasing because high schools “do a poor job of preparing teenagers for college.” (101) Also, colleges with lower income students usually have more “limited resources” and a “narrow range of majors.” (101) Costs of tuition are also a deterrent, people do not to “leave others with years of debt,” and college also “seemed like another week of losing money…that might have been made at a job.” (101) Upper-middle class students do not have these worries. Since the upper-middle class “dominates elite universities, high income students get slightly more financial aid than low income students do.” (103-04) This lack of financial aid for lower income students is also a deterrent for college.

List of Sources from SWA 8

Bahrke, Michael S., Charles E. Yesalis Iii, and James E. Wright. "Psychological and
Behavioral Effects of Endogenous Testosterone and Anabolic Androgenic Steroids." Sports Medicine (1996): 367-390.

Catlin, Don H., and Thomas H. Murray. "Performance-Enhancing Drugs, Fair
Competition, and Olympic Sport." Journal of the American Medical Association
276 (1996): 231-237.

Jost, Kenneth. “Sports and Drugs.” The CQ Researcher. 23 July. 2004: 613-635

Leach, Robert E. "Anabolic Steroids - Round 4." The American Journal of Sports
Medicine 21 (1993): 337.

McKeag, Douglas B., and James L. Moeller, eds. ACSM's Primary
Care Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott,
Williams and Wilkins, 2007.

Mishra, Raja. "Steroids and Sports Are a Losing Proposition." FDA CONSUMER
The Magazine of The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Sept 1991: 25-27.

Stevens, Sarah. The Facts About Steroids. New York: Macmillan Publishing
Company, 1991.

Sutton, Lindsay, and David Schlundt, comps. Anabolic Steroids: Not Just for Men
Anymore. Psychology Dept., Vanderbilt University. 14 Oct.-Nov. 2007 .

U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Anabolic Steroid
Abuse. By National Institute On Drug Abuse. Aug. 2006. 14 Oct 2007

SWA 8 - Topic Proposal for Exploratory Paper

Growing Steroid Usage

In today’s ever growing society, athletes are becoming more and more spotlighted in the media. Professional sports are becoming more and more popular because of the media, and athletes are always looking to get better at what they do. Athletes are always looking to become stronger and faster, looking for any edge they can get on their opponents. Sometimes hard work is just not enough for these athletes, so in addition to the long hours of working out, they turn to illegal substances to try and gain that edge. Upon seeing the results that these professionals gain from taking steroids, young people often take them, expecting to get the same results and not thinking about the side effects that they may have.
My paper will explore the different types of steroids that are on the market. I will also discuss who uses these steroids, what the side effects, both positive and negative, are, and how different governing bodies are looking to prevent the usage of steroids. Since steroids are fairly accessible, it is often common for young people to take them, so it is important for proper regulations are imposed for safety.
My audience will be anyone who is involved in any kind of sports, because they will most likely have heard of different steroid allegations. Also, it will be geared towards athletes who have at one time or another considered using steroids. With this paper I hope to provide useful knowledge about steroids.

Smoking Bans Brainstorming

effects of smoking
human rights
effects on tobacco industry
nationwide vs statewide
personal businesses / public places
effects on restaurants
health concerns for those who do not smoke
limiting personal choices
protecting younger people
does ban matter if people will just smoke outside of restaurants (causing people to have to walk through it)
national economy
state economy
effects on company's other products
reasons for ban
policies of ban (when enforced, where, etc...)

Personal Post Secret Card

The post secret card that I created consists of a picture of a very fast-looking car along with a cartoon picture of a police officer writing a ticket. There is text, with the author apologizing for the tickets and also asking to be picked up. With my message, I was trying to show the images associated with speeding; a fast car and a police officer. Since my subject was about speeding ticekts, I felt that these two images were very good representatives. When I showed my classmates my post secret card, they were easily able to undertand the message that I was trying to get across. I think this was because it is fairly straightforward, not really requiring too much interpretation. No one really saw beyong what I was trying to say other than that I might have a problem with authority / my parents, and that is why I drive fast and break the law. There were not any unexpected reactions to my card, I think this is because there is only one real message that could be interpreted from my card.

POST SECRET

The post card that I chose to analyze for this assignment was the one that talks about wanting to join Judaism but can not because of being Asian. The text in this message is the creators desire to be Jewish but because of the social restraints of being Asian, they are unable to convert. I think that the claim of this message is that in today's society it is hard to express true desires and feelings, and social rules are followed because of the fear of being ridiculed. I think this author is an Asian person who is not Jewish but wishes to be. The audience is anyone who feels limited by social normalities. The textual support is the text that says the author likes Judaism but is afraid to convert because of being Asian. The visual component of this post secret is the pictures of two traditionally stereotypical foods, bagels for Jewsih people and white rice for Asian people. Since these two foods are not usually thought of together, it is a reference for the idea that Judaism and Asians are not typically associated, and they are very effective visual aids.