Articles

Article 1: http://search.finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/107536/cut-your-spending-by-500-a-month.html?mod=bb-budgeting

"Cut Your Spending by $500 a Month" definitely expresses a good idea. Who doesn't want to save $500 a month? As the article states, "In today's tight economy, who doesn't want to free up some cash? Trim the fat but not the fun from your budget."There are a variety of topics--grocery bills, cars, phone bills, shopping wisely-- that give ideas on saving and spending. For example, in the topic of grocery bills, it states that monthly savings can be up to $183 by following these tips: shop once a week, give up the bottle, eat what's ripe and differentiate between clean and dirty. These ideas give a positive impact amongst its readers and educates them on saving money.

Article 2: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/the-worlds-most-powerful-women-503004/

"The World's Most Powerful Women" talks about how women are making marks in business and politics all around the world. Their influence and respect is growing. This is an amazing feat for women who were once strongly discriminated in history. This is an amazing idea to me because it shows our continual growing impact in this world. This list isn't about celebrities or popularity, it's about influence. No.1 on the list for the fourth consecutive year is German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She is the leader of the world's fourth-largest economy. The list also includes the President of Argentina and the chief executive of Avon. Women have controlled a large part of this world, from business to impressive title holders.

Questions (8/19)

1) How do you know an idea to write about is "good"?
I think an idea that is "good" is something that will evolve into a good writing piece. The idea will have a interesting story line and will capture the readers. The idea could be anything, from violence to high school cliques, as long as the writing has a purpose. That purpose is to educate the readers and have some sort of impact.

2) What is the hardest aspect of making an idea a complete paper?

I think one of the hardest aspects of making an idea a complete paper is that the fact that you start with just one simple idea and you have to create a whole writing piece. It's overwhelming at first. You have no idea where to begin, what to begin with, how to write it, or how the story will go on. When you finally grasp the sense of the beginning, you can start writing freely at the direction your story goes.

Questions (8/14)

What characteristics describe "good" writing?

To me, the characteristics of quality writing is good writing that actually has a purpose. The story is deep and meaningful and conveys a message to the readers. It has a clear point that is supported with definite information. The story flows logically without interruptions and has good grammar, English and spelling. When reading, the readers will become absorbed into the story line and be captivated by the powerful text. Quality writing will touch the hearts of the readers.

What is the process of writing?

In order to develop quality writing, it's important to follow the writing process. The different stages of writing include prewriting, rough draft, revising, editing, final draft, and publishing. Prewriting includes brainstorming and developing ideas because actually starting the writing process. The rough draft is your very first draft of your story. You do your revising and editing on your rough draft and then start on your final draft after you finalize your writing piece. After finishing your final draft, you can publish your written piece. Remember, writing doesn't just go one way. You can go back and fourth between the stages to improve your writing.