Blog Post #3 (My Life as a Fairytale)

          Although it doesn't scream "hero", my role within the group would have to fall under either elaborator, procedure developer, or supporter. Initially, I was a bit ashamed to admit that I'd probably never be a leader in this group setting. While reading through some of the fairytales, however, I began to feel better about this role and realized that being a "supporter" may be more important than I had thought. Sure, in many cases these roles are overlooked (especially sidekicks: Robin, Barnacle Boy, Tonto...).  But in others (fairytales and myths), they're the most important characters.  In "The Gifts of Wali Dad: A Tale of India and Pakistan", Wali Dad, a lowly grass-cutter, never asks for wealth (like I don't care much for all the attention), yet he continues to give his wealth away (like I'm hoping to do with my knowledge and ideas).
         Another role I think I'd fill in the group is Procedure Developer.  Like many others, I thoroughly enjoy organization (sometimes it becomes a problem). But for the most part, I 'd like to think that group would value me for these organizational skills.  Similar to the popular "Hansel and Gretel" fairytale, I think I'd fill Gretel's shoes if the situation presented itself.  I can see myself "laying the breadcrumbs" to mark our path and plan for an easy hike back to our starting point.  Though they won't be literal chunks of rye, I feel like I would be the one to formulate a plan for task completion. With the combination of supporter and procedure developer roles, I hope to fill the shoes of Wali-Gretel-Dad.

Blog #2 (Practice Multiple Choice)

           Based on today's practice test results, I would say there are three major areas in which I'm achieving success.  Number one is annotation of the text and my ability to "interact" with it.  By marking its basic structure, mechanics, and techniques I found it easy to answer questions related to structure and literary devices.  My second strength is symbolism.  For some reason, the way I skim passages allows me to easily pick up on the main symbol of the text/underlying meanings.  Thirdly, I'm successful at vocabulary and being able to remember rhetorical devices.  Hopefully, this will prove itself helpful on following tests.
            On the flip side, I admit that I need to improve on more things than not. Although I'm sure we'll cover these topics, I found myself struggling with classifying poems (time periods, style).  Along with this, it was difficult for me to get past some of the more "olden-sounding" words and phrases. I got held up on not knowing the meanings or pronunciations of certain things, and therefore, lost precious time.  One of my biggest hurdles was being able to analyze quotes.  When they were severed from the rest of the text, it was difficult for me to understand their true meanings or the author's intentions.  Somehow, I'll need to improve on inferring the author's purpose.
             In order to improve on these weaknesses and many others, my plan will consist of three achievable and measurable goals.  Firstly, to improve on classification of poetry, I will plan on attaining (learning) the information in class, and then furthering my knowledge at home.  Once I learn the basic classifications and time periods of literature, I'll need to start by understanding them and being able to give examples of each.  Then, I'll take time to memorize them and apply them to daily readings.  My second goal will deal with unfamiliar-sounding words and style.  Reading through various time periods' pieces daily will get me more comfortable with understanding it.  Marking any unknown words or strange colloquial diction and then taking time to research it may solve this simple weakness and allow me more time for reading.
            My third goal will be practice with quote analysis.  By familiarizing myself with quotes similar to the ones pulled from the multiple choice test, I can hopefully train my mind to work through their analysis in an orderly system.  Connected to this, I'll review my notes from AP Comp related to the rhetorical triangle (audience, purpose, speaker..).  By first understanding the author's audience and purpose in writing the piece, it will become easier for me to analyze and make inferences.

Blog Post #1 (design choices)

                  At first glance, I wanted the viewer of my blog to see a fresh, simple design. I also tried to combine feelings of excitement with serenity. To communicate this, I chose orange and green as the page's main color scheme.  Green symbolizes "tranquility, good luck, and health" while orange ties in "enthusiasm and warmth." Together, with brown and red undertones, I had hoped the reader would feel a sort of ancient charm.  My blog's background (crumbling book covers) taps into the more obvious subject of the blog while simultaneously tying into its color scheme.
                  As for the blog's text, I decided on a more artistic, brush-stroke-looking title.  I wanted it to be something that would pull in viewers while also being legible enough to give them the information.  For section titles and footers, I went with Merriwether-classic and formal, yet just the right amount of flair. As a whole, I feel that my basic color and text choices blend to create a balanced and enthusiastic environment.