Things I've learned

Hello Reader,

Just so you know – my paper is fair game to say anything you want about it. Think the grammar is wrong? Okay! Let me know. Think a joke is lame. Okay too! Say so if that’s important to you. Like something? I know I'm awesome already, but you can let me know anyway. I won’t get mad no matter how critical the response is. Enjoy.

So far this semester I've learned about the different styles of writing and punctuation that are evolving, yet still have no solid set rule. It doesn't come down to WHOSE [possessive pronouns] is better, THEIRS [possessive pronouns] or YOURS [possessive pronouns]; rather it is still almost a stylistic difference until the majority decides to follow one rule over the other. From what we've discussed in class it seems an apostrophe following an “s” instead of an added apostrophe “s” is the winner in the VHS/Beta like competition. However, as of right now there are still occasional publications that let the added apostrophe “s” such as Katie Holmes’s rather than Katie Holmes’ slide. This particular apostrophe rule seems to be coming to an end agreeing that apostrophes will follow the letter “s” rather than adding an additional “s”.

AS A STUDENT OF ENGLISH, I PERSONALLY FOLLOW THE RULE OF WRITING MY APOSTROPHES FOLLOWING “S” RATHER THAN ADDING AN APOSTROPHE AND “S”; AS A READER, I STILL SEE THE ADDING OF AN ADDITIONAL “S” IN BIG NAME PUBLICATIONS [Parallel sentences conjoined by semicolon, with introductory phrases, with comma after the phrase]. If I remember correctly, my magazine I read articles out of for the class project was People. My example of Katie Holmes’s was one of the uses of apostrophes my group found. ITS [possessive pronouns] editor either missed the mistake or agrees with that style of use. I feel as though the accepted manner of mode for this punctuation might be a solid rule in the future, but for now it seems both manners are currently being accepted as correct. But as with most English rules there can only be one; such is the way of the highlander.. err English grammar rules.

Outside of grammar rules we've been reading about an imaginary first grader named Dora. I can’t remember how I first learned to write. I've always assumed I've just been pro at it. But seriously, when I think back I can vaguely remember working on my writing. I can probably best remember assignments I've been assigned the last year or two. Any earlier and assignments I have worked on are a blur, like a night of too much tequila. The problem with this is that when I try and compare to the examples I've been reading, I can’t as easily relate to them if I can’t remember my own experiences from then clearly. I assume my learning went something like the examples in the Dora article, but there’s no way to be sure which of the two, free thought or worksheets, I experienced in school.

Aside from Dora, I've been introduced to many ideas of how children learn to use punctuation. My opinion is that the children having free reign over their stories and punctuation within a set track to keep them learning correct use is a good style of learning. I feel things are more exciting with a little mystery. Some may disagree saying mystery is annoying, but when you’re a kid discovering things is fun. From my own experience, taking tests and working on worksheets is nowhere as beneficial as making your own mistakes. If someone can learn to effectively correct their own grammar mistakes they can ever evolve to become a better writer.

The last thing I've learned so far is that class ends at 4:05. It seems that even short of 4 o'clock people are PACKING UP, GETTING UP, LEAVING [List without and]. I have faith we’ll get this one down some day.

Cheers