Rory's English Blog

 Prompt: Completing the annotated bibliography helped clarify my understanding of my research topic by showing me how different sources relate to the main issue in different ways. As I reviewed each source, I began to notice patterns in the information, such as shared themes, repeated evidence, and differing perspectives. These connections helped me better understand the bigger picture and identify the strongest points to include in my argument. The sources are shaping my argument by providing reliable evidence from multiple viewpoints, which makes my research more balanced and convincing. Moving forward, I feel more prepared to develop a clear thesis because I now have a stronger foundation of information to support my ideas. Summary: I was absent. Reflection: I was absent.

 Prompt: The most challenging part of the annotated bibliography for me was the evaluation section because it required me to judge the credibility and usefulness of each source instead of just summarizing the information. I had to think carefully about the author’s qualifications, the reliability of the publication, and how well the source supported my research topic. This was difficult at first, but it helped me become more thoughtful about the sources I choose and taught me not to accept information at face value. Learning how to evaluate sources made me a stronger researcher because I can now identify which information is trustworthy and relevant. This skill will help me write a stronger research paper by making sure I use reliable evidence to support my ideas. Summary: We began the annotated bibliography. Reflection: I learned to make an annotated bibliography.

 Prompt: As I gathered sources, I noticed that different authors had different viewpoints, evidence, and opinions about the same topic. Some sources focused on the benefits of the issue, while others emphasized the challenges or negative effects. These differences helped me see that the issue was more complex than I first thought and that there was not just one simple answer. By comparing multiple perspectives, I was able to better understand the arguments on each side and recognize why people may disagree. This made my research stronger because it gave me a more balanced and complete understanding of the issue. Summary: We continued to gather sources. Reflection: I gathered sources.

Prompt: Using GALILEO was different from how I usually search for information because it gave me access to reliable academic sources instead of general websites. In the past, I often used search engines that returned a mix of useful and unreliable results, making it harder to know what information to trust. By using specific search strategies like keywords, filters, and database tools in GALILEO , I was able to find sources that were more relevant to my topic. Evaluating the authors, publication dates, and source credibility also helped me choose better information. Overall, these strategies improved the quality and reliability of the sources I found for my research. Summary: Today we started gathering our sources. Reflecition: I learned how to use GALILEO to gather sources.

 Prompt: The cartoon criticizes how political leaders shift attention away from domestic problems by focusing on foreign conflicts. It shows Donald Trump pointing to Iran attacking Israel while a large elephant labeled “Big Beautiful Bill” crushes Uncle Sam, which represents harm to the country. This suggests the government distracts the public from important internal issues like harmful policies. The cartoonist wants the audience to question whether leaders use international crises to avoid responsibility for problems at home. Summary: We learned how to use information from a source. Reflection: I learned how to effectively skim a text and understand its meaning.

 Prompt: In the past, I searched by typing broad topics, which gave me too many general results. Creating specific search phrases focuses on key terms and leads to more relevant sources. This method saves time and reduces unreliable information. It improves research quality because the sources are more accurate and directly connected to the topic. Summary: Today we did a common lit.  Reflection: I learned how to use an article to answer questions about it.

 Prompt: This topic is difficult to answer because it involves balancing individual rights with social accountability. One perspective argues that freedom of speech should be protected, even if the opinions are unpopular or offensive. Another perspective argues that cancel culture holds people accountable for harmful words and actions. Understanding both viewpoints matters because each side shows different impacts on society, which helps create a fair and balanced approach. Summary: Today we picked our research question. Reflection: I learned how to make search phrases to conduct research.

 Prompt: In past research assignments, I struggled with time management when working alone and staying organized. I fixed this by breaking the work into smaller steps and setting deadlines. In group projects, uneven effort caused problems, so I assigned roles and communicated clearly to keep everyone accountable. For this project, I will stay organized, manage time early, and make sure responsibilities are clear if I work with others. Summary: We got our research topics and groups. Reflection: I learned the beginning steps to the research process. 

 Prompt: My perfect spring break would start on a tropical island with clear water and warm sand. I would bring my closest friends and family so we could relax together. We would spend days swimming, hiking, and exploring local culture. At night, we would have bonfires, cookouts, and stargazing. I would also take time to try new experiences like scuba diving and learning local crafts to make the trip unforgettable. Summary: I was absent. Reflection: I was absent. 

 Prompt: Chris McCandless’s desire for independence led him to live alone in the wilderness without enough preparation or supplies. He ignored warnings and relied only on himself, which made it harder to survive when challenges arose. His drive to be fully self-reliant ultimately contributed to his death. I wanted complete independence when I planned a big school project on my own. At first, I thought I could handle everything, but I faced unexpected problems and realized I needed help to finish it successfully. Summary: Today we finished the book. Reflection: I learned the ending of the into the wild book.

 Prompt: Watching the film version of Into the Wild deepens understanding of Chris McCandless because the audience sees his emotions and environment directly. The movie shows his loneliness and excitement through his actions, facial expressions, and the places he travels. In the book, readers rely more on Krakauer’s descriptions and narration. One key difference involves the bus scenes, where the film shows how isolated Chris feels near the end of his journey. I experienced a similar change in understanding when I watched a historical documentary after reading about the event, because seeing the visuals helped me understand the situation and emotions more clearly. Summary: We watched the Into The Wild film. Reflection: I learned the differences from the film and book.

 Prompt: One relationship where I feel understood is with a close friend. We talk about school, problems, and goals, and they listen without judging. This trust and honesty make the relationship strong. Chris and his sister Carine had a similar connection because she understood his feelings about his family and his need for independence. Both relationships show how important strong understanding and support are between two people. Summary: Today we read chapter 13. Reflection: I learned chapter 13 of into the wild.