Carlos Robles

Professor Molly

English 110

12/12/20

Self Assessment Essay REVISED

   Throughout each phase of this class, i seemed to learn more and more about different rhetorical strategies and devices, researching strategies and more. The use of these strategies and devices learned will help further my understanding in english and help me develop a better understanding on executing essays and more. Each phase was unique in its own way and it taught me how to develop different strategies for my essays and how to write different types of essays.

   In phase 1, learning Literacy narrative was probably my personal favorite topic that we covered because it illustrated a variety of opinion on language and how it was used. The language and literacy narrative i wrote about was about a time where i felt i appreciated english/ when it helped me and i wrote about the time i received the top reward for english at the time. It was very important to me because it helped me develop an understanding on when i appreciated my understanding of english. Although the story i wrote about did not necessarily speak about a time i struggled with english, it helped me acknowledge why i appreciated my understanding of it.

   The rhetorical analysis essay that was taught in phase 2 was also very helpful and impacting on my ability to write essays because i developed an understanding on how to analyze rhetorical strategies and understand them to the fullest. I had also learned the meaning of ethos, pathos, and logos which i had not known before hand.  In my phase 2 essay, i wrote about Amy Tans “mother tongue” and i dove deeper into what rhetorical strategies she used and how well they were used. The strategies that were used the most were pathos and ethos because she was trying to relate to the audience about being in a family where english is the second language all while being factual and persuasive using her past events. This phase stood out to me because i was able to understand what rhetorical strategies were and i was able to execute that through writing an essay about Amy Tan and her mother. 

   The research essay that was written has definitely been the most challenging but most interesting topic thus far because i was able to take any topic and write about it using research from other sources both scholarly and non-scholarly. This topic i decided to stick to my interest about writing how the use of the english language effects immigrant families who use english as a second language and it was a very interesting topic to write about. Using sources from multiple websites, i was able to inform myself on why it might be important to learn english because it can present more opportunities both job and education wise. Using these sources helped me educate myself more heavily on the topic and learn more about both sides of the occasion. 

   Throughout all of these topics, i felt that the literacy narrative has helped me the most and it taught me about formulating an understanding about an article through the use of different sources and rhetorical situations. The other phases helped me better understand how to construct an essay and execute based upon sources and strategies that the authors use. Throughout this self assessment, I had realized that I learned alot this semester and I feel more confident as an essay writer and an English student. Throughout my writing process and career I will be sure to include the strategies learned this semester. Therefore, each phase has taught me a variety of skills to keep to make my essay writing skills better

COVER LETTER:

   In this essay i covered a wide range of different opinions/ statistics that present the struggles that immigrant families face when english is their second language. The struggles ranged from communication struggles, judgement, and not getting the same opportunities that others might have gotten who know english. This topic is important to me because my family also has english as their second language and i have seen them experience judgement and more. The audience that appeals to this would be people that speak a different variation of a language or its not their primary language. The audience would be able to use this essay to relate to what might also be going on for them or just to gain insight on what others go through and how they might be able to handle it.  This is a meaningful piece and it was very interesting getting to know everyones different takes on it through the different articles i have cited. Some of the articles that i have cited include pro english speakers and why they think immigrants should know the language fully and thorough and other articles i have cited are more informational on how they can learn english efficiently/ stats on what happens to immigrants that don’t learn english. The reason i did this was so that i could get all angles of people and their belief on the situation in order to develop my own. 

 Carlos Robles

Professor Molly

English 110

11/13/20

Immigrant Families Learn English (FINAL)

  The english language has become widely accepted as the primary language in the United States for many people. Pro English speakers claim it to be the native language and that it has to be spoken one way. Because of this claim, immigrants that might use english as a secondary language, get discriminated against and even harassed because of their so-called “flaws” in the use of it. English has many different forms but many believe that it has a primary form and that it should be used in that specific sense. Throughout time, immigrants coming from other countries and coming into this one have brought with them a slew of cultures and languages which then turned us into a melting pot of people and throughout this process, english has developed different types of slang, accents, and more. It is used in many different variations and some differ and claim that english should be spoken one way. 

   Immigrant families coming to new countries can be stressful especially when there is a communication barrier between both parties. In an article written by Hannah Summers called “Language barrier leaves refugees facing struggle to rebuild their lives”, She goes into detail on the struggles that the refugees face when coming to a new country and the main problems that they face include communication barriers.”The results show that people with better English skills are more satisfied with their job and education and have a better understanding of British culture.”(Paragraph 10). This piece of evidence shows how immigrants that came to a different country and learned English more proficiently had better job and educational opportunities. The link between a person’s understanding of English tends to play a big role in the opportunities they get because of the immediate judgement.”I used to cry when I had to talk to someone”(Paragraph 27) This shows the insecurities that people face who use english as a second language. Communication can become embarrassing and unenjoyable when the person is being constantly judged and looked down upon. 

   In another article written by Michelangelo Landgrave called “ Immigrants Learn English: Immigrants’ Language Acquisition Rates by Country of Origin and Demographics since 1900”, He illustrates how important it is to learn english as an immigrant in order to assimilate into society more smoothly and better. It also takes statistics to explain why it might be easier to learn english as an immigrant. “In contemporary politics there is a concern that although earlier waves of immigrants learned English, newer cohorts are doing so at lower rates.”(Paragraph 1) This piece of evidence shows that the newer generations of immigrants that are coming in are learning english at lower rates and not being able to maintain constant communication with people that know english fluently. It can be bad when the resources provided are low and then it causes the opportunity to better things to fade because of the constant language barrier that will be happening. “About 26 percent of Americans who said they frequently or sometimes come into contact with immigrants who speak little or no English say that it bothers them.”(Paragraph 2) This piece of evidence shows how pro english speakers dont like when someone that uses english as a second language and it can become discriminating and even embarrassing.

   An article by Impact called “When Immigrants Learn English” illustrates what can happen if english is learned and what can happen to communities that don’t assist its non english speakers on learning english”Numerous studies have shown that immigrants who are proficient in English earn more than those who lack proficiency.”(Paragraph 3) The opportunities that immigrants get are lower when their proficiency in english is lower which can lead to less success in jobs and education. Some causes for this is that they cant communicate as well and they are immediately judged upon.”English skills also contribute to immigrants’ civic involvement and social connection to their new home.”(Paragraph 6) This piece of evidence shows the positive things that can happen if immigrants learn english. English proficiency can lead to a better social life and communication within peers.

   When coming to a new country, it can be hard to assimilate into a new environment and whole different culture which includes english. Learning english as a primary language as an immigrant has many challenges that come with it like communication, social life, job opportunities and educational opportunities. Discrimination and judgement can seem to come from many directions and be very stressful and hard but english is essential in many ways because it is spoken the most in America and the UK etc. The sources used showed the different angles and perspectives of pro english speakers, statistics, and pure information on how to learn english.These were some facts about what immigrant families deal with when first coming to an english speaking country.

SOURCES USED:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/16/language-barrier-refugees-english-classes-integration-esol “Language barrier leaves refugees facing struggle to rebuild their lives” Hannah Summers, November 16, 2016

https://www.cato.org/publications/immigration-research-policy-brief/immigrants-learn-english-immigrants-language “Immigrants Learn English: Immigrants’ Language Acquisition Rates by Country of Origin and Demographics since 1900”, Michelangelo Landgrave, September 17, 2019

https://www.frederickliteracy.org/immigrants-learn-english/ “When Immigrants Learn English . . .”, By Impact, August 17, 2017

Carlos Robles

Professor Molly

English 110

12/1.2020

   Amy Tans “Mother Tongue” Expresses ideas about racism and discrimination towards people that dont speak English the way that it is usually spoken. In society, English has known to have many different versions and In Amy Tans “Mother Tongue”, This is widely expressed through the writers mother. The writer explains that her mother doesnt speak the “correct” version of english and that it is broken. She takes back to events in her childhood where she had to assist her mother and at points it became annoying because her mother constantly needed her service. Amy Tans “Mother Tongue” Shows this through different forms of rhetorical devices. The two that i realized were most used were Pathos and Ethos. Her use of these rhetorical devices help explain the events in the story and the audience can grab a better understanding of what the events hold to Amy Tan.

   Amy Tan has a goal to persuade the audience that everyday “proper” language can be discriminating towards people that speak an alternate form of “proper” english. She does this by using different Ethos strategies. Her use of ethos is presented through her use of going back to previous events in her life to show the struggle that her and her mother went through with the language barrier that they were having. In paragraph 9, she expresses that even her mother was made aware of her english language. She was insecure and she would have her daughter speak for her because people would assume that her mother wasnt educated enough. Her use of previous events that she had with her mother supports the argument that people that speak “Alternate” versions of english feel discriminated against and frowned upon. Another piece of evidence that shows that Amy Tan was trying to persuade the audience by using past events was when she mentioned that English also limited her as well. In paragraph 14 she explains that her mothers English was affecting her possibilities because although she wasn’t bad at English, it wasn’t her strong suit because she goes on to explain that household languages are taught and they affect the peers around them. This also shows ethos because she once again went back to explain that her school grades had a slight effect on her English because of her mother. She uses this piece of evidence to persuade the audience that the use of English is different and it can affect people differently when they are told to speak differently.

   Amy turn also uses a bunch of Pathos strategies to help connect to her audience. The audience that she is trying to connect to, includes people that might have English as a second language, or people whose household has English as a second language. She wants the audience to relate to her on an emotional level and she wants to spread this information that they aren’t alone. She also uses past events to show her empathy with the audience along with explaining her struggles with her mother being a second language user.  I think her use of wording is also very interesting as she switches versions of English from her use, up to her mothers use which is very different. In paragraph 12 this is very apparent as her mother‘s English seems very different end it becomes obvious that it is her second language. I think this use is very important because it shows a personal take on what is going on. Are use of past events also shows emotion in addition to her use of ethos where it shows credibility.

   Amy Tan ‘s use of both Pathos and Ethos Is very very effective and it helps set up her story well. The use of ethos showing credibility and support for her argument the English as a second language can be discriminating in the American society is effective and she executes well. The use of pathos it’s also very effective because the onions that she already is relating to can be visually understood because of her change in tone, and scripture. English in society has been constructed to be spoken in one way and if it isn’t spoken in that specific way, people are locked down as uneducated, and not knowledgeable. Amy son uses this as a argument that people that have English as a second language arts uneducated and that it should be spoken however the person likes it to be spoken.

   In conclusion, Amy Tan‘s use of pathos and ethos were very effective and the audience was connected to and persuaded to understand what Amy Tan was talking about. The argument presented in this text was also executed in a correct manner and showed many pieces of evidence to the use of pass events and scripture changes. These were the different versions of Amy Tans explanation and why she used those rhetorical devices.

Carlos Robles

Professor Molly Mosher

English 10150

Monday November 30th, 2020

WLLN SNAPSHOT FINAL

     The sudden sound of my alarm clock buzzing in my ears jolted me awake as the sun creeped through the blinds and into my eyes. As I pull the covers off of me I can smell the warm feeling of a summer morning. As I came to realize what was going on, I realize that it was graduation day. Me and all of my middle school friends had prepared for this day and it felt like forever before It would come, but here it is. I walked into the kitchen possessed by the smell of bacon eggs and sweet coffee. The soft flaky eggs and slightly crunchy bacon had filled my dopamine levels and I felt ready to tackle on the day. My mother greeted me with a warm hug and congratulated me on Becoming a graduate for middle school. My brother Had also congratulated me while my dog frantically jumped up at me to get a taste of the delicious bacon that I was eating.

   I had about an hour to kill, so I decided to meet up with my friends. We talked and talked about how excited we were to finally be going to high school and just reminiscing on the memories we made from middle school. We also had a quick game of basketball before going on the bus. It was just overall a fun moment to spend with my friends and it felt very nostalgic to this day. We had small 2 on 2 games and just had funny laughs and a good time. Before we knew the hour went by and we all decided to hop on the bus and go to the high school where we would be graduating. My mother was meeting me there so I decided to tag along with my friends and just meet her there. A deep pit in my stomach started to form as I realized what today was and it started to hit me more and more. I almost felt Nauseous but I held It in so that I wouldn’t throw up everywhere. The weather was really nice with clear skies and a slight breeze that made the day feel perfect.The bus ride was only a couple of stops away from the high school so we weren’t too occupied on the bus. Stepping off the bus into the slight breeze of a summer day complimented my senses while walking in. For an odd reason I was really nervous and excited at the same time. This next step in life that i was going to take was big and i was ready for it.

   The school was absolutely humongous compared to our little middle school of only about 250 people. We all knew each other really well because of the small school size so i never felt out of place or alone. I was always excited at the idea of meeting new people and making memories so I knew high school was going to be an interesting ride for me. My friends and I were directed into the auditorium and just that room alone completely blew me away from its size. We were a little early so we just conversed about what we were going to do after graduation. I was always fond of sports specifically baseball and basketball so we basically just talked about that the whole time and argued about who is going to win the finals that year. The tight friendship i had with my friends was always important to me and i am still friends with them till this day. People started to walk in and the head of the event directed us to the back room of the auditorium where we would practice our walk and prepare for the graduation ceremony. Me and my friends were very excited because we were finally taking the next step in our lives and we dreamt about going to high school for a very long time.

   About an hour had passed and we started to walk down the isles. As I headed to my seat I see that my mom had made it to the graduation and our graduation was long so I prepared myself and got comfortable in my seat. The seat really didn’t help  as it was wooden and creaky so I had to stay still even though it hurt my bottom. I’ve always been ahead of my class in terms of academics so I was bound to get some rewards. I was awarded mathematical achievement, science achievement and more. Those awards was for about 40% of the class got so I wasn’t too proud of them. The real rewards were on the top 5 and 1% of the class and those people would get their outstanding achievement awards. Little did I know that I was part of the top 1% of the English language arts subject. My ELA teacher walked up to the podium in her white silk dress and this award was only going out to about two students. The first name that was called happen to be the valedictorian and I clapped in excitement  to show my support. The next name they called was “Carlos Robles”. As i stood up, the floor became alive with the sounds of stomping and claps from the auditorium. It erupted in claps and shouts of happiness and I was absolutely shocked and almost paralyzed for about two seconds. My mind had finally processed what was going on and I got out of my seat and headed towards the podium. The auditorium which seemed dark, finally started to light up and the distinct look of the room seemed to change.  My English language arts teacher who happened to be my favorite teacher in the school hugged me tight and congratulated me on this award.

   My mother was so proud of me and gave me hugs and kisses to the point where I lost count. I met up with my friends to say congratulations before I went to dinner with my mom and my brother. Afterwards I said bye to my friends as I went to dinner with my family but not goodbye in a sense that I would leave them forever because we were all going to the same high school. I reflected on my award for being the top 1% in the English category which made me realize I was always kind of good at English and I never really seemed to struggle with it, but I never knew I was at this level. I knew I was prepared for high school and that I was going to tackle English with all my force and do as good as possible. After I finished reflecting on my reward, I indulged on some of the best pizza I had ever tasted at the time. The grease was at just the right amount and the cheese was oozing out of the Pizza as I bit inside of the pepperoni.I had about five or so slices and wasn’t finished from there.Out of the kitchen in my corner eye, I see the biggest cookies and cream ice cream cake that I had ever seen. My first bite was almost like I had entered heaven and got thrown back in a matter of seconds. It was so good but afterwards I got a really big stomach ache and had to sleep at my house for the rest of the day.

   Throughout high school I never got lower than 85 on an exam and I ended up scoring a 93% on the regents. This shows me that I specialize in English and that graduating at the top of my class in English Proved that I could succeed. Going into college I hope that I can achieve some of the same things that I did when I was in middle school and high school. That was one literary moment that was meaningful to me because it helped me realize that I was good at the English language arts and that he could help me do great things in the future.

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