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On today’s rhetorical devices test, was it easier to recognize devices from their definitions or identify them in quotations? Explain why, and discuss a device that challenged you, if any. What did this experience reveal about how well your study habits prepared you?

Prompt Response: On today's quiz, I did okay identifying the devices. The question that I got wrong was answering from a quotation, so I would say that is what I struggled on. I had trouble choosing between analogies and other devices surrounding comparison, and I believe that is what was going on with the question I got incorrect. I studied using flashcards, and I feel that I would use the same tactic again. However, I do find it frustrating that I got the one wrong, so I would make sure to go over similar concepts to be able to differentiate between them. Summary: Today in class, we took a quiz over rhetorical devices. Reflection: I felt good on the quiz, but I am a bit frustrated considering the fact that I got one wrong. I am pretty sure that the question I got incorrect was about analogies. However, the tactic I used for studying was very effective and helpful. 

Think about a speech, song, or message that has inspired or motivated you. How did the speaker or writer use language to make an impact? Connect your experience to at least one rhetorical device you identified in Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

Prompt Response: A song that has always inspired me is Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. The song is very special to me as it brings me motivation and serenity from its nostalgic tune and transcending lyrics. A rhetorical device the song uses is repetition, where the verse repeats over and over saying "I'm radioactive, radioactive". This sense of repetition indicates the singer's feeling of urgency, explaining that he is constantly facing the possibility of snapping and having an outburst of anger. For this reason, I find the song very motivating and special.  Summary: Today in class analyzed the "I Have A Dream" speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for rhetorical devices.  Reflection: I really enjoyed annotating this way because it helped me break down the various meanings behind some of his figurative language usages. I always love watching and reading the speech, so looking at it in this way was really cool. I found it pretty easy to do this, as I have been...

Think of a fictional character, celebrity, or historical figure you can relate to. Create an allusion that connects your personality or experiences to that person. Explain why you chose that reference.

Prompt Response: A character I would say I can relate to is Hermione Granger. I feel this way because she is a very quick-witted girl, which is something I have been told I relate to. While I wouldn't say I am anywhere near her on the intelligence scale, I do like to think that I maintain a similar sense of determination.  Summary: Today in class we learned about connotations and denotations. Reflection: I have definitely heard of both before, and obviously used them in my life billions of times. Because of this, I had no trouble completing the chart we worked on as a class. I will definitely continue to pick up connotations in writing.  

Think about a time when someone challenged your opinion or told you that you were wrong. What was the disagreement about, and how did you defend yourself? Did you change their mind, or did they change yours?

Prompt Response: One time I was told I was incorrect was when I claimed my sister had made a mess and she claimed she had not. My little sister and I share a bathroom, and I walked into the bathroom to see skincare items all over the counter. I told her to go clean it up, and she claimed it wasn't hers. I defended myself by making her get up and look at the skincare, which I knew didn't belong to me as I own only a face wash and moisturizer. She huffed and, under her breath, agreed that it was hers and cleaned it up.  Summary: Today in class we went over rhetorical devices such as allusions, metaphors, analogies, and similes. Reflection: I am definitely very familiar with all of these rhetorical devices, and have used them a lot. I had never truly understood the distinction between some of them, so this deeper dive was helpful. I would definitely say that what I learned today with similes was different compared to what I have learned about them in the past. 

Have you ever worried about what others think of you? How did it affect your actions or decisions? Share a personal experience and use hypophora at least once in your response.

Prompt Response: I have definitely worried about what others think of me. I wish I didn't, but I feel that it is quite the norm for many to overthink about how your outfit looks or if anyone heard you say a joke that didn't exactly land. I would say that a lot of people fear what others think of them, and it limits us to being ourselves. Why do we worry? Probably because it is how our society has been built. Sadly, these expectations limit us to acting different from who we truly are- or even acting like someone totally different. Summary: Today in class we went over rhetorical devices such as hypophoras, procatalepsis, and rhetorical questions. Reflection: I would definitely say I had a bit of trouble coming up with rhetorical questions despite the fact that I use them very often. I have used them in speech and writing a lot for various things. I will need to continue reviewing hypophoras and procatalepsis' though. 

Consider the following statement: "We spend more time connecting online but less time connecting in person." Do you agree or disagree with this antithesis? Explain your perspective using personal experiences. Discuss how technology has influenced the way people communicate and build relationships. In your response, include at least one original example of antithesis.

 Prompt Response: I definitely agree with this statement because unfortunately, the rise of social media has allowed us to connect with others with the click of a button. However, I can agree that in a sense, the connectivity is hugely important and a beautiful thing. I am able to connect with camp friends from miles away easily, with the only barrier being time difference. However, I have had countless "interactions" with people who look up from their phones merely once. While we might be able to connect with people from all around the globe, it seems we are losing our focus on those right around us. We are constantly both connected and isolated at the same time. Summary: Today in class we went over litotes and antithesis's. Reflection: I feel like in the future I might have trouble with antithesis. Litotes, on the other hand, I felt very confident about. I was only really confused by antithesis because I didn't fully understand when it is the phrase or just one word...

Think about a time when you exaggerated something to make a point, tell a story, or get someone's attention. What happened? What did you say? Why did you exaggerate? Looking back, do you think your exaggeration made your message more effective? Explain.

 Prompt Response: Yesterday, I was exaggerating how stressed out I was by saying I was about to "explode". Junior year is definitely a stressful time, and that is how I was describing my stress about this week to one of my friends. We were all talking about everything on our plate: homecoming, clubs, and schoolwork is piling up. In the moment, saying I was going to "explode" might have been a bit over the top. However, I felt that was a good way to express how I am feeling about this year.  Summary: Today in class we learned about rhetorical analysis and did exercises on two different rhetorical devices. Relfection: Today's exercise on hyperboles helped me realize how often I use them. I would definitely say that hyperboles are a rhetorical device that I use multiple times a day. Just today, I have probably used one to talk about how stressed out I am, how cold it was this morning, and to even talk about school.