Cover Letter

 COVER LETTER

To: Ms. Maria B. Cequena

Way before the start of the 2^nd term, I’ve already heard about the existence of a course named ENGLCOM. It was a course taken by some of my friends during the start of the school year, and more than often, I would hear them complaining about how hassle the course was, and about the numerous essays they need to write in order to comply with the requirements. Also, I learned from them that this course is composed of 2 components, the reading and writing component and the language component. At that time, I didn’t know specifically what these two separate components are for, and since I don’t want them to spoil everything and ruin the fun, I didn’t bother to ask any further. However, secretly, I acknowledged it as one of those challenging course that I will definitely put effort and time into.

 Even though having a background of what ENGLCOM will be all about, I’m still pretty nervous on the very first day of meeting with my two professors that will guide and lead us throughout the entire term and throughout the entire course. Luckily, both of our professors appear to be kind and friendly; at least my first impression of them is not bad. With regards to the RWC component, our professor is Ms. Maria B. Cequena.. From her, I learned a lot of things which include how to write a good essay using different rhetorical devices. Besides, we also got to learn how to write an extended definition essay, an argumentative essay, and also, other essays that employ different techniques like cause and effect, andcomparison and contrast. Moreover, I can say that our skills in brainstorming, outlining, and drafting are also honed during the span of the 2^nd term since she always requires us to undergo these three important processes before writing the final essay. Indeed, this helps us in organizing our thoughts; thus, making the flow of ideas in every paragraph smooth and not choppy. On the other hand, our professor in the LC component is Ms. Mylene Manalansan. Through her lessons, we were able to strengthen the foundation of our grammar ability, which is of great help for our RWC component, since it lessens our tendency to commit errors when writing our essays. Likewise, it also reminds us of our common mistakes in constructing sentences. For instance, after several meetings, we were able to improve our competency and recognize errors such as comma splices, run on sentences, and wrong subject- verb or pronoun- antecedent agreement. Use of hedging devices in academic writing were also taught to us, and for me, that’s something new and unfamiliar, and I’m happy that I get to learn how to use them.

Additionally, I volunteered to attend a program named ELL designed especially for those students taking the ENGLCOM course. At first , I admit it was for the sake of plus points, since I’m not really that confident in getting a high grade in this course. but as time passes by, I realized that it’s truly worth my time and effort,  for I was able to further develop my skills in English, especially in grammar. It was really a great experience, and I feel like the sessions are not enough.I wanted more!

Initially, I thought ENGLCOM will be a very boring subject, which has a lot requirements and stuffs to do. Indeed, it  is stressful; however it’s all worth it for I can see myself improving day by day, as we are trained to become a good writer, who knows not only how to write, but also how to write effectively using the right vocabulary and right diction. Furthermore, this course allows me to take one step closer towards my goal, that is, to become a writer who can write his/her mind, and describe whatever things perceive by his/her senses. Even though it may seem unrealistic now, but I will continue to work hard to achieve it, even if it takes years to happen. I believe that as long as I persevere, sometime in the future, I will certainly reach my goal.

As of now, my short term goal is to apply what I’ve learned from ENGLCOM to the other courses that need lots of paper works, for this is the only way for me to maintain and put into good use what I’ve learned. Instead of writing whatever that comes into my mind, I will try to brainstorm for more ideas, and try organizing them by doing an outline. Then, I’ll proceed to drafting, revising and last but not the least, the writing of the final paper. Along the process, I will also try to expand my vocabulary by reading books and online articles so that the words I use will not be redundant. Apparently, this is going to be a tough work. However, as much as possible, I will try to force myself to undergo these writing processes in hope for a better written output. I believe that by keeping up with my goals, I will be able to strengthen my weaknesses and improve not only my writing skills, but also my character as well. I will be trained to become a more responsible student and person.

Furthermore, the different essays that I’ve posted in my e-portfolio proved that I have achieved the desired learning results. As an effective communicator, I was able to develop analytical and critical thinking skills when brainstorming for ideas that I wanted to convey to the readers. Additionally, the more essays I tend to write during the span of the course, the more I learn about my common mistakes. For instance, I was able to lessen the wordiness of my paragraphs and make it short and concise. Besides, in real life, I was also able to practice my skills by applying several of the grammar rules that I’ve learned from the LC component. As time passed by, I found out that I was able to communicate more effectively than before. In writing my essays, my skills as a critical and creative thinker were also honed. I was able to organize my ideas more clearly and make sure that these are connected.  In addition, I was also able to correct the essays of my peer, which is a great accomplishment in my part, since I can now identify not only my own grammatical lapses, but also the grammatical error of my friends. As a reflective life- long learner, I was able to practice intellectual honesty by putting into use what I’ve learned about APA citation style. This was something that I’ve never done before since I don’t know how to properly cite sources. Indeed, it proved to be a useful tool when writing my major essays, and I’m glad that I was able to put into use what I’ve learned from the RWC component. At the same, in the course of completing the requirements needed to pass the course, values such as perseverance was also instilled into us.  And last but not the least, as part of the Lasallian community, I was able to play the role of a service-driven citizen. For instance, I was able to write an informed personal stand on current social issues like social networking sites. This was my topic for my argumentative essay. I was particularly concerned about the loss of quality and quantity of face time due to addiction to these social networking sites. For me, it’s a great issue that should get everyone’s attention so that they could prevent the negative effects from happening, and at the same time, they can spend more time interacting with people in real life rather than spending the entire day in front of a screen that is lifeless. Furthermore, another piece of evidence that can prove this attribute of mine is the action plan that I’ve done in my LC component. I was able to identify errors in different billboards and signages around me, and consequently prepare an action plan to correct the errors.

Among all the dlrs, I find the first dlr most difficult to achieve. Even though I may be able to communicate effectively through writing, I still have difficulties when I was called to speak in front. Most of the time, I will have the tendency to black out. All ideas will suddenly disappear, and there would be no coherence in what I’m saying. Thus, to improve my communication skills, I will try to recite more often during class and participate actively during discussions, as I believe this is the only way for me to train myself to be more comfortable when I will be required to speak in front.

When it comes to my accomplishments in Englcom, I would say that the two major essays that I’ve written are the best works of mine throughout the entire course. Why? Because I was able to apply all the skills that I’ve learned from both components and incorporate them while writing the introduction, body , and the conclusion. In fact, I really spend much time and effort to think of a good topic that I would be able to expound and explain clearly and concisely.

As I was taking this course, I learned that everyone can be a good writer, as long as he/he would put effort into it. Everyone can be creative and everyone is capable of writing a good essay with sound content. If one would practice writing often and be more careful when writing, the errors in grammar can definitely be avoided, just as in my case. There’s one time in ell where we are required to write an essay, and I was actually very careful in checking every sentences to make sure that the subject-verb agreement in each of the sentences is right and that there’s no run-on sentences, and surprisingly, my grammar was perfect, and I was even praised by the professor for this, even though she told me that my essay is wordy and emotional. 

During the RWC component, I also learned much about the writing process. I learned that before proceeding to the final paper, brainstorming and outlining can be useful, since these may serve as guidelines in organizing ideas and in making the flow of the sentences smooth and connected. Writing of drafts is also important as this allows you to make certain revisions in order to further improve your essays. In the process, you can add more information or cancel out unnecessary words or sentences that will make your paragraph redundant and boring. I’ve also learned that when writing academic papers, hedging devices should be used. All in all, writing is something that undergoes a lot of process. In order to be a good writer, being creative is not enough, one should also possess patience and determination for coming up with a good paper isn’t something that could be done in a matter of minutes. It take hours, or even days to complete a wonderful essay!

Other Blogs I Commented

http://rochelle-blogerzzzz.blogspot.com/

DUMPLINGS INSTEAD OF FLOWERS!!! :)

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http://rochelle-blogerzzzz.blogspot.com/2011/12/behind-camera.html

http://enahjailalo.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

Sweet dreams in a Beautiful Nightmare: November 2011

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http://enahjailalo.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

http://cskoreandining.blogspot.com/2011/11/extended-definition.html

Cause and effect of Korean dining lifestyle: Extended definition

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http://cskoreandining.blogspot.com/2011/11/extended-definition.html

http://theidiotclub.blogspot.com/2011/10/cuisines-from-land-of-rising-sun.html

Moronical Intelligence: Cuisines from the Land of the Rising Sun

theidiotclub.blogspot.com

http://theidiotclub.blogspot.com/2011/10/cuisines-from-land-of-rising-sun.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Essays	Date Submitted	Score
1.      Descriptive -Chinese Cuisine	Oct. 9, 2011	N/A
2.      Cause and Effect -Dangers of Sweets and Junk Foods	Oct. 25, 2011	N/A
3.      Compare and Contrast -Restaurant meals or Street Foods?	Nov. 14, 2011	N/A
4.      Extended Definition -Surrender: A New Way of Living	Nov.22, 2011	N/A
5.      Argumentative -Social Networking Sites: Depriving us of Social Skills???	Dec. 11, 2011	N/A

Social Networking Sites: Depriving Us of Social Skills???

Social Networking Sites: Depriving Us of Social Skills???

Communication has existed in various forms since man appeared on earth (Anonymous, 2011). The most well known means of communication used by our early ancestors is cave painting. This method depicts primitive life on the cave walls, and involves creating pigments from colored minerals, animal blood or juices of fruits and berries. Besides, other means such as drums, smoke signals, fireworks, although not practical, were also used. Furthermore, before the invention of the printing press, storytelling and handwritten documentaries are their way of passing down details of historical events to the next generation. And as human continue to improve in the Age of Information, other mediums of communication have also evolved. For instance, some of which that we are familiar with include telegraphs, telephones, radios, televisions, photographs, cell phones, internet, and last but not the least, the social networking sites.

Living in a highly technological era, effective communication is essential for a variety of reasons. It serves to inform, motivate, establish authority and control, and allows for emotive expression (Anonymous, 2011). For the same reason, social networking sites, which are the fruit of the evolution from before up until now, are seen as advantageous, convenient, and multifunctional. Social networking sites connect people from around the world. It provides not only the ground for staying in touch with distant friends and relatives, but also the platform for meeting new friends, and sharing of common interest. For more than a decade, it has served us well. Instead of needing to write letters to maintain contact, we can simply click on the names onscreen, and start chatting with friends, acquaintances, or even unknown strangers. Everything is just a click away! Indeed, social networking sites have proved to be a great tool for facilitating communication and interaction between people of same and different ages. However, while the impact of these social networks continue to expand geographically and exponentially, scientific breakthroughs have managed to take a quantum leap and draw the attention of the new generation towards the negative effects that social networking sites have brought upon our lives. Although social networking sites, with all its features and applications, are regarded as a great tool for easy communication, instant update, game playing and fun learning, it seems to be that it is also the reason why youths nowadays are lacking necessary interpersonal social skills to face the challenge of real life face to face interaction.

 According to ScienceDaily(June 21, 2008), researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered the educational benefits of social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. For instance, the study found out that students using social networking sites are actually practicing the kinds of 21st century skills they need to develop to be successful like creativity, technological skills, being open to diverse views, and communication skill. Moreover, Christine Greenhow, the principal investigator of the study, suggested that these websites offer tremendous educational potential, since students are seen to develop a positive attitude toward using technology systems, customizing content and thinking about online design(2008). On the other hand, an eminent scientist has warned that social netwroking sites are causing alarming changes in the brains of young users. Specifically, Susan Greenfield, a neuroscientist, has claimed that sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo can shorten attention spans, encourage instant gratification and make young people more self-centered. “My fear is that these technologies are infantilising the brain into the state of small children who are attracted by buzzing noises and bright lights, who have a small attention span and who live for the moment.” She said in her statement (2009). Furthermore, Baroness Greenfield, another neuroscientist also took the same stand, as she believes repeated exposure to these sites could effectively rewire the brain. In addition, some of the related studies also attempted to analyze the possibility of facebook related academic procrastination. One of which is the recent study carried out at Czech university, whose finding revealed that most people are actually unaware of how much time they really spend on Facebook and how these can affect their academic performances.  Therefore, social networking sites, despite their educational potential, somehow contribute to the decline in the over all performance of students in school as they spend more time in front of the computer screen than studying.  Social networking sites may be doing more harm than good.

 People often spend much of their time in front of the computer chatting with friends, and reading updates. For them, that’s the way to stay connected and possibly, even more connected, since one would be able to know what’s going on in the lives of other people by browsing through their walls and looking at their posts and recent activities. Indeed, the several new features and applications of social networking sites have allowed this to happen. However, as these networks successfully tore down the geographical barrier that has once existed among people of different nation, research evidences have pointed out another barrier that coexists with the frequent use of social networking sites. It happens that there’s a certain correlation between self-esteem and a sense of social inadequacy and social network addiction. It appears to be that frequent users of social networking sites are more prone to depression and other anxiety disorders. In other words, in spite of the online connections they have made with other people, they still feel lonely and isolated, which is ironical. For instance, a Mexican study found out that Facebook users spending over four hours everyday on Facebook had a higher incidence of depression and lower physical and general self-esteem levels than less frequent Facebook users. A teacher also shared that she had noticed a sharp decline in the ability of her pupils to understand others, which is the result of online social networking. I'm not against technology and computers. But before they start social networking, they need to learn to make real relationships with people. (Palmer, 2009)

For the many users of the social networking sites, they see the benefits and opportunities that these sites offer to them. With the help of the presence of various social networking sites, they can access information easily and connect with different kinds of people internationally. In a way, they can also use it as a bridge to form relationships that may last for a life time. In brief, social networking sites link people to people. At the same time, it also promotes exchanging of ideas among people of different and same profession in attempt to find a better solution to a problem. In fact, social networking sites could be the road towards globalization and development of a country as a whole when we try to look at it in a macro perspective concerning not only an individual, but the whole world which has been dominated by information technology. On the other hand, when we try to look at things microscopically, that is to say, look into the effects of these social networking sites on every individual, we can see that these networking sites have successfully replaced quality interpersonal communication in real life that involves the use of verbal and non verbal cues. Most of the time, instead of actively participating in the events of other people’s life, we just pretend to be a part by being constantly updated. Social gatherings and get together also reduced in frequency for people are distracted with their online life. A study by the Broadcaster Audience Research Board found teenagers now spend seven-and-a-half hours a day in front of a screen.Most importantly, these sites deprived us of our ability to feel, touch, smell and hear, since most of the time we are facing a screen which is lifeless and expressionless. And as one can see, this strongly contrasts with how the past generations used to communicate and interact. In the past, they use means that involve the use of their senses. One good example is the use of drums and fireworks as the medium of communication. Even though not practical, they train people to be more sensitive and active in their real surrounding. Conversely, nowadays, everything is simplified. All we have to do is to face the computer screen and everything will be displayed. Even communication and interaction requires no spoken language, one just need to type his/her message on the chat box and it will automatically be sent to the other side. All animal species have perfected a system of communication, but humans are the only ones capable of spoken language (Anonymous, n.d.).Nevertheless, it is sad to see to see that these social networking sites have prevented us to speak often, as it is replaced more with typing. In the long run, this may even cause our senses to become dull and incapable of perceiving stimuli coming from the surrounding.

All in all, social networking sites have brought about a lot of negative effects, as much as its positive influences. Using of social networking sites deters people from concentrating on their work, and leave them with short attention span. Furthermore, it also paves the way for health problems such as depression and other psychological disorders. Most importantly, it reduced the quality and quantity of face time. Instead of being socially connected through face to face communication and interaction, people tend to focus more on the virtual online world of connections, which are detrimental to developing their interpersonal skills that require keen senses and the use of non verbal cues. As a result, youths nowadays, lack essential social skills and weren’t able to communicate effectively. It becomes more and more difficult for them to express thoughts face to face for they were so used to interacting with the screen that strays them from reality.

SOURCES:

 Anonymous(n.d.). History of Communication From Cave Drawings To The Web.

Retrieved from http://www.creativedisplaysnow.com/articles/history_of_communication.htm

Derbyshire, D. (2009, February 24). Social websites harm children's brains: Chilling warning to parents from top neuroscientist. Retrieved from

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1153583/Social-websites-harm-childrens-brains-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist.html#ixzz1gBicwAk9

ScienceDaily (2008, June 20). Science news. Educational benefits Of social networking sites uncovered. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620133907.htm

Pamoukaghlian, V. (2011, January 7). Social network addiction. A scientific no man’s land. Retrieved from http://brainblogger.com/2011/01/07/social-network-addiction-a-scientific-no-mans-land/

Restaurant Meals or Street Food?

  

People nowadays face a number of options with regard to when, where and what to eat. Depending on their own financial situations, preference and personal circumstances, such as income, leisure and a limited amount of time, respectively, they eliminate other options and pick the readily available choice that best satisfy their craving stomach. Thus, street food and restaurant meals are faced with a high demand in the market. However, similarity and differences that characterize these two types of food also play an important role in analyzing the reason behind continuing patronage of the people, which includes degree of convenience and amount of leisure. Let us together dig through their significant similarities and differences to clear our doubts and curiosity.

When it comes to taste, restaurant meals and street foods can be both mouth watering and dietary satisfying, since they are all delicious and tasty. Similarly, most of the time, they are marked by creativity and uniqueness that represents their own culture. However, in terms of price, street foods are remarkably cheaper compared to restaurant meals, which are normally very expensive and affordable only to those who are financially well-off. The same goes with the quality. The price determines the kind of quality delievered to the customers. I'm not saying that street foods are of poor quality, since it depends largely on the seller, but more often, restaurants have a higher capability to produce high quality food. Furthermore, street foods and restaurant vary with their location. Street foods are often found just about anywhere-in the street, along pavements, inside school premises, on bus and railway stations, parks and other public places frequented by people, while restaurant meals can only be found inside closed, air-conditioned restaurants. Due to the significant contrast posed by the location of these two types of food, it is therefore necessary to consider the issue of sanitation. Street food that are cooked in open area and spaces are naturally more susceptible to airborne bacteria and mosquitoes than meals served in the restaurants. Cleanliness of utilities, ingredients and sauces are other factors that should also be taken into consideration when comparing and contrasting street food and restaurant meals.

Street food and restaurant meals both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Most of the time people prefer street foods over restaurant meals because it's more convenient, cheap, and tastier. On the other hand, restaurants offer a high quality service and a cozy environment for relaxation and leisure. Thus, it is up to the consumers to decide which option and what food to choose. Nevertheless, when choosing, one should always consider the health implication of these foods and choose wisely to avoid regrets.