Monday, December 14, 2015

Final Exam Review

1. Timeliness- stories that discuss events which have recently taken place

2. Proximity- stories that involve a location close by or issues near you

3. Human Intereststories with a heartwarming twist, drama or a unique turn on human lives.

4. Prominence- If important people are involved and how large scale the event is

5. Conflict- when two or more opposing sides are involved and often commenting on each other

6. Interviews- where the interviewer asks one or more "sources" questions in order to gather supporting material for a news story

7. Research- gathering related articles and facts about a certain topic

8. Quotations- "what you put around quotes," I said. It is used for quoting people in stories.

9. Yes/no question- questions that can be answered with a one word response like yes or no

10. follow up question- a question relating to the response of the previous one

11. Objective writing- an article or story that doesn't express any opinion, it's unbiased

12. Transition paragraph- paragraphs that connect and string two ideas together

13. Hard news story- serious news concerning politics, or  foreign affairs

14. Soft news story- stories that are primarily commentary, entertainment, arts and lifestyle

15. Inverted Pyramid- a writing style that features the most newsworthy information first, then the important details, and lastly the small background details

16. Third person point of view- writing with pronouns like he, she, it, or they

17. 5 Ws and H lead- The beginning paragraph or statement that includes the What, Who, Where, When, and Why of a story as well as the How.

18. editing- improving the formatting, style, and accuracy of text

19. attribution- gives stories credibility and perspective. It tells readers how we know what we know

20. paraphrase- putting the summary of a quote into a paragraph without quotation marks

21. fragmentary quotation- quoting someone while adding in transitioning phrases and commentary

22. direct quotation- quoting the exact sentences and words of a source without interjecting any comments

23. partial quotation- quoting certain words or phrases from a source

24. Uses of quotations- when you add in quotes from a source

25. When to use quotations- the correct place in the format of a paper to add quotes from a source

26. When quotations are unnecessary or not desired- when quotes aren't meant to be added or don't correspond with the format of an article

27. Editorial- different kind of Opinion/Commentary story that appears in every daily newspaper in the country and most high school papers feature one as well. It's an opinion piece about a well known topic

28. editorial page- an article in a newspaper or magazine expressing the opinion of the editor or publisher

29. columns- a reoccurring piece or article in a newspaper

30. editorial that criticizes- These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.

31. editorial that explains- Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a food drive.

32. editorial that persuades- Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion.

33. letter to the editor- a letter sent by a reader to a publication, usually about an issue of concern

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Feature Story Final Draft

Carmen Clarke is a world traveler with an enthusiastic attitude. Her way of looking at things is different due to her living and touring abroad. To put it another way, she has had exposure to different types of scenarios that give her more expanded worldviews. Carmen is now able to look at situations objectivity and think of the various solutions and sides to the issue.

Carmen was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Shortly after her family moved to Pereira, Colombia, so Carmen's official first language is Spanish. After moving back from Colombia, Carmen spent the rest of her childhood in Austin, Texas. She attended the University of Texas where she met her husband of 20 years, Ken Clarke.

Since then, Carmen and Ken have traveled to over twenty different countries.

“My favorite trip was to Egypt in 2006. I got to sail the Nile and see tombs and pyramids. When I was younger I always loved learning about the pharaohs and King Tut in magazines like National Geographic, so it was really cool to finally see it all in person," said Carmen.

Paris, France was Carmen's favorite place to live (long term).

"It was beautiful and historical. The urban lifestyle was so exciting. There were gorgeous museums and cafes, and I loved the language,” Carmen said.

Carmen has experienced some of the finest art, history, and architecture in the world. 
Reflecting on when she first moved to Paris, Carmen thinks she was young and immature. 

"I felt like what I had to say was very important. Before I learned French the language barrier kept me quiet. For the first time in my life I just listened. I realized I could learn a lot from being an observer. It taught me to just shut up and appreciate what was around me,” Carmen said.

Carmen's adventurous outlook made her life in Paris quite eventful. She got really involved with the city and it's activities. 

"She joined local groups, learned the local languages, and helped other foreigners adapt the way she did," said Carmen's sister Katy Lizcano. 

When Carmen moved overseas she was no longer employed, so she became very active in the community. 

“She started volunteering and became a leader. Carmen has joined the American Women's Organization while living in France and Dubai,” said Carmen’s twin sister Ana McPherson.

Carmen says living in France gave her a lot of perspective on the US. 
“We have that our-way-is-the-best-way American attitude. It's ignorant. There are beautiful, well functioning places the world that aren't doing things our way." 

Carmen's new ideas and her fresh outlook have touched her family too. 

"She was often alone in these foreign countries, so she has developed a more independent spirit and a strong sense of purpose," said Lizcano.

Growing up Carmen always thought of herself as a conservative. Living in Paris, one of the most liberal countries in the world, she gained some perspective and discovered different political views. 

“She was able to see different types of governments and cultures and how they work, even though they are different than what she was accustomed to," said Lizcano. 

Carmen sees herself as being more open-minded now.

"I try to see different sides of issues. Maybe that's what wisdom is. It's what we're all working towards," she said.

Carmen has brought her worldviews and experiences back to her current residency in Houston. She strives to contribute as much as she can as a citizen so that her city can be the best it can be. She feels socially responsible in her community. 

"I used to not care about anything outside my own world, now I vote for every office position I can and keep up on current events. I am an engaged, more aware, member of society," said Carmen. 

Carmen lived in Paris for many years, so the attacks made by ISIS were heart wrenching. But she had some interesting thoughts about some of the same types of violence that other parts of the world are experiencing. 

“The attacks on Paris were tragic. It felt like 9/11 all over again for me, because it hit home. It also made me notice how much attention and sympathy we have for places we've idealized. Bombs went off in Beirut a few days before, so I feel like we are desensitized to violence taking place in these countries that we don't consider developed,” said Carmen.

 This is just another example of how critical thinking and knowledge of the world can open your mind.




Carmen and her husband Ken keep visiting new places all around the world. They hope their next big trip will be to Peru. Carmen Clarke continues to exhibit her enthusiasm and intelligence daily. She is a role model for those around her.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Feature Story Rough Draft



Carmen Clarke is a world traveler with an enthusiastic attitude. Her way of looking at things is different due to her living and touring abroad. To put it another way, she has had exposure to different types of scenarios that give her more expanded world views. Carmen is now able to look at situations objectivity and think of the various solutions and sides to the issue.


Carmen was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Shortly after her family moved to Pereira, Colombia, so Carmen's official first language is Spanish. After moving back from Colombia, Carmen spent the rest of her childhood in Austin, Texas. She attended the University of Texas where she met her husband of 20 years, Ken Clarke.

Since then, Carmen and Ken have traveled to over twenty different countries. She says her favorite trip was to Egypt in 2006, "I got to sail the Nile and see tombs and pyramids. When I was younger I always loved learning about the pharaohs and King Tut in magazines like National Geographic, so it was really cool to finally see it all in person." Paris, France was Carmen's favorite place to live (long term)."It was beautiful and historical. The urban lifestyle was so exciting! There were gorgeous museums and cafes, and I loved the language!" Carmen has experienced some of the finest art, history, and architecture in the world. 

Reflecting on when she first moved to Paris, Carmen thinks she was young and immature. "I felt like what I had to say was very important. Before I learned French the language barrier kept me quiet. For the first time in my life I just listened. I realized I can learn a lot from being an observer. It taught me to just shut up and appreciate what was around me."

Carmen's adventurous outlook made her life in Paris quite eventful. She got really involved with the city and it's activities. "She joined local groups, learned the local languages, and helped other foreigners adapt the way she did," said Carmen's sister, Katy Lizcano. When Carmen moved overseas she was no longer employed, and according to her twin sister Ana McPherson, "she started volunteering and became a leader." Carmen has joined the American Women's Organization while living in France and Dubai. She is very active in the community, no matter where she resides.

Carmen says living in France gave her some perspective on the US, "we have that our-way-is-the-best-way American attitude. It's ignorant. There are beautiful, well functioning places the world that aren't doing things our way." Carmen's new ideas and her fresh outlook have touched her family too. "She was often alone in these foreign countries, so she has developed a more independent spirit and a strong sense of purpose," says Katy Lizcano.

Growing up Carmen always thought of herself as a conservative. Living in Paris, one of the most liberal countries in the world, she gained some perspective and discovered different political views."She was able to see different types of governments and cultures and how they work, even though they are different than what she was accustomed to," said Lizcano. Carmen agrees that she is more openminded now, "I try to see different sides of issues. Maybe that's what wisdom is. It's what we're all working towards."

Carmen has brought her world views and experiences back to her current residency in Houston. She is tries to contribute as much as she can as a citizen so that her city can be the best it can be.
"I used to not care about anything outside my own world, now I vote for every office position I can and keep up on current events. I am an engaged, more aware, member of society," Carmen shared. She feels socially responsible in her community. 

Carmen lived in Paris for many years, so the attacks made by ISIS were heart wrenching. But she had some interesting thoughts about some of the same types of violence that other parts of the world are experiencing."The attacks on Paris were tragic. It felt like 9/11 all over again for me, because it hit home. It also made me notice how much attention and sympathy we have for places we've idealized. Bombs went off in Beirut a few days before, so I feel like we are desensitized to violence taking place in these countries that we don't consider developed." This is just another example of how critical thinking and knowledge of the world can open your mind.



Carmen and her husband Ken keep visiting new places all around the world. They hope their next big trip will be to Peru.


 Carmen Clarke continues to exhibit her enthusiasm and intelligence daily. She is a role model for those around her.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

CE 3.3

1. What are the goals Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife have from donating a sizable portion of their money? Quote directly Page A1 "Facebook CEO to give..."
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife hope to "improve education and build strong community ties" 
through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

2. What are the major reasons (3) the state is adding $130 million in spending for Pre-K? Page B1 "Experts offer pre-k advice" The state is adding $130 million for the purposes of small class sizes, teacher training, and full-day schooling.

3. How many stories will the newest downtown condo project be and why is this significant (2 part)? Page B7 "Land sale closes..." The newest condo plan is projected to be 58 stories tall, they will be luxury condominiums ranging in price from $350,000 to $3 million.

4. How much money will David Price make the next 7 years? Page C5 "Red Sox, Price agree..."
David Price will make $217 million in the next 7 years.


5. Would you eat Texas Trash? Page D1 "LBJ Library letting us..." 
Yes, I would most likely eat Texas Trash! I like spicy foods, so it would be interesting to try it!



Read the story on page SA1 "A life reshaped by bread"

1. What is Homeboy Industries?
Homeboy Industries is an organization that works to give second chances to those just let out of prison and to former gang members who want to change their lives.
2. Was this a compelling read and why?
Yes, this story talked about the past of Javier Medina, which was sad, but then you keep reading wanting to know what happens. He turns out successful in his work with Bouchon, and gets a job in Beverly Hills.
3. What did you think as you read this story? I thought that Medina would go to jail, come out, change his ways, and then go to rehabilitation, but it turned out he really made the choice on his own. One day he just snapped, something in him clicked and he realized this isn't what he wanted to do. It was a touching story.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Feature Story Notes

Main Subject Interview: Carmen Clarke
1. How many different countries have you visited? Definitely over 20, probably around 36.
2. What was your favorite trip and why? My favorite trip was to Egypt in 2006. I got to sail the Nile and see tombs and pyramids. When I was younger I always loved learning about the pharaohs and King Tut in magazines like National Geographic, so it was a really good experience to finally see it all in person.
3. What cities have you lived in? Corpus Christi-TX, Pereira-Colombia, San Marcus-TX, El Paso-TX, Austin-TX, Paris-France, Houston-TX, and Dubai-UAE.
4. Where was your favorite place to live and why? Paris, France because it was beautiful and historical. The urban lifestyle was so exciting! There were gorgeous museums and cafes, and I loved the language.
5. Have any of these places change your viewpoint politically? And how? Oh yes! Growing up I used to think I was a big conservative, but France, being one of the most liberal countries in the world, changed me into more of a liberal. 
6. Have any of these places change your viewpoint spiritually? When I was younger, my religion classes toured mosques and synagogues to educate us about other religions, so I was always aware and informed of other faiths. But it is a good experience to meet other people with religious beliefs different than your own.
7. What was the most life-changing experience you've had in your traveling and where was it? Moving to France! When I moved there I was young and immature. I felt like what I had to say was very important. Before I learned French, the language barrier kept me quiet. For the first time in my life I really just listened. I realized I can learn a lot from being an observer. I learned to just shut up and appreciate what was around me.
8. How did it change your point of view? Living in France gave me some perspective on our own country. We have the "our way is the best way" American attitude. It's ignorant. There are beautiful, functioning places the world that are far from "our way."
9. What significance does it have in your life now? I am more openminded now and try to see different sides of issues. Maybe that's what wisdom is. It's what we're all working towards.
10. How has it changed you as an individual? I am a better, nicer person. I can relate more to other people now.
11. How has it changed you as a member of society? I feel responsible. I used to not care about anything outside my own world, now I vote for every office position I can and keep up on current events. I am an engaged, more aware, member of society.
12. Has it changed the role you play in your family? Yes, because I'm not always there. I am less involved with my family on a day to day basis.
13. Do you think if your perspective hadn't changed, would you feel the same now? In 10 years? I think so, there are other routes to grow spiritually and become a better person. 
14. Have you brought the significance of this experience back into your Houston "home life" through any activity or ritual? Yes, Ken (husband) and I, talk about where we want to go next. We keep traveling and learning new languages.
15. Do you share it with others? Yes, whenever I hear other people talking in a different language I see if I know it, then try to greet them in their own language. I also meet with women's groups, most of the ladies are adventurous travelers so we share our stories and experiences. One of the women lived in France too so we get together and only speak French.
16. How do you think they see it? Everybody appreciates it. I've rarely met someone who didn't like living someone else for a few years. Though it can take some adjusting at first.
17. How do you feel about the attacks in paris? It is tragic. It felt like 9/11 all over again for me, because it hit home. It also made me notice how much attention we have for places we've idealized. Bombs went off in Beirut a few days before, so I feel like we are desensitized to violence taking place in these countries that we don't picture as developed.
18. Since living abroad had expanded your point of view, do you think it has touched your family in a similar way? I definitely think they've come out of their comfort zone when they came to visit me.
19. Where are you going next? Hopefully Peru!
20. What are you looking forward to doing there? I think we will go to Matchu Pitchu and try to hike up.




Secondary Interview #1: Lloy Lizcano
1. How are you related to Carmen? I am her mom.
2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you? I got the opportunity to visit her and learn more about the culture and the language. Plus the cool souvenirs!
3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences? Definitely. She has become very open to learning from other cultures, and has learned a lot of languages as well. Carmen is also a very good chef due to sampling foreign cuisine!
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location? Yes
5. Was it out of the country? Yes, in France and Dubai.
6. Did she participate actively in the community? Yes, especially in France. She was apart of a couple lady's clubs.
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist? Around the area where she was living, she always traveled. While living in France, she toured Europe.
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point? She has become more liberal. She listens to all sides of the issues and tries to understand their point of view.
9. What about her role in society? Since living abroad, she comes back and does more charity work in Houston.
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it? I definitely try to get more involved with charity work now. I'm volunteering for "Drive a Senior" tomorrow.



Secondary Interview #2: Katy Lizcano
1. How are you related to Carmen? She's my sister! (We have the same parents.)
2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you? Because she's lived all over the world for extended periods of time, I've had the opportunity to visit her and stay longer in places that I normally wouldn't. The gifts are cool, too.
3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences? Because she's lived all over the world for extended periods of time, I've had the opportunity to visit her and stay longer in places that I normally wouldn't. The gifts are cool, too.
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location? Yes!
5. Was it out of the country? Yes! In Paris, France!
6. Did she participate actively in the community? Definitely. She has joined local groups, learned the local languages, and helped other foreigners adapt the way she did.
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist? Probably Dubai because the local traditions are so different from her own.
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point? Yes, definitely. She was able to see different types of governments and cultures and how they work, even though they are different than what she was accustomed to.

9. What about her role in society?  Because she was often alone in these foreign countries, she has developed a more independent spirit and a strong sense of purpose.
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it? Yes- it has encouraged me to travel more often.





Secondary Interview #3: Ana McPherson
1. How are you related to Carmen? I am her twin sister.
2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you? I got the opportunity to visit her in France, and when she started understanding world politics it gave me more perspective on world relations along with other countries interests.
3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences? Yes, she's become more liberal.
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location? Yes.
5. Was it out of the country? Yes, it was Paris, France.
6. Did she participate actively in the community? She joined the American Womens' Organization while living in Dubai and France.
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist? (Answer not given)
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point? Yes, she became less conservative.
9. What about her role in society? Yes, when she moved overseas, and was no longer employed, she started volunteering and became a leader.
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it? Yes, it made me realize that I want to travel more and see many different countries.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Feature Story Brainstorm

1. Who is your main subject?
Carmen Clarke

2. Supporting interviews (who else do you need to talk to)?
I'll interview Ana McPherson, Ken Clarke, Katy Lizcano, and Lloy Lizcano. 


3. What is the topic or potential topic?
A potential topic for this story is some of Carmen's world travel experiences, or maybe focus on one important trip that changed how she thought about something.


4. Which angle from above will you write the story?

How one of her trips changed her outlook on an event/person/life.

5. Then to help you get going faster, come up with 20 questions that you can ask your main subject. Type these in your blog.

1. How many different countries have you visited?
2. What was your favorite trip?
3. What cities have you lived in?
4. Where was your favorite place to live and why?
5. Have any of these places change your viewpoint politically and how?
6. Have any of these places change your viewpoint spiritually?
7. What was the most life-changing experience you've had in your traveling and where was it?
8. How did it change your point of view?
9. What significance does it have in your life now?
10. How has it changed you as an individual?
11. How has it changed you as a member of society?
12. Has it changed the role you play in your family?
13. Do you think if your perspective hadn't changed, you would feel the same now? In 10 years?
14. Have you brought the significance of this experience back into your Houston "home life" through any activity or ritual?
15. Do you share it with others?
16. How do you think they see it?
17. How do you feel about the attacks in paris?
18. Since living abroad had expanded your point of view, do you think it has touched your family?
19. Where are you going next? 
20. What are you looking forward to doing there?

6. Once you complete that portion, you need to come up with 5-10 questions you need to ask your supporting interviews. Type these into your blog. You may need different questions for each supporting subject.
1. How are you related to Carmen?
2. What impact have her world travel experiences had on you?
3. From your personal point of view, do you think her opinions have changed due to her worldwide experiences?
4. Have you visited her while she was living or visiting another location?
5. Was it out of the country?
6. Did she participate actively in the community?
7. Is there anywhere she behaved more like a tourist?
8. Do you think her travel and exposure to new ideas has affected her political stand point?
9. What about her role in society?
10. Has any of this inspired you to make a change? What was it?

7. You will need to do a little research on the topic you expect to interview your main subject about. Take a little time and do some google searching - find at least 5 new things about the intended topic you should know before you interview your main subject. List those on your blog.
1. Living abroad tends to give you more patients because of the language barrier, it takes longer for people to understand you.
2. Have a lot of experience with foreign language, so people who travel that much often know a few.
3. Due to foreign cuisine, they don't fear food and have more evolved taste.
4. A lot of the times, people with exposure to a lot of other countries and new ideas, become more aware of themselves. They get to know themselves better.
5. People who travel and develop good tourist skills, become tourists of their own city, very up to date on current activities.

8. Write when you plan to conduct the interview(s)?
I'll be interviewing over the course of Thanksgiving break. A few will be over Skype, the others will be done on Wednesday or Thursday.


9. Where you will interview them (some interviews are better to do in the persons environment, while others should be done in public places, ALL interviews should be done in person)? I'll be doing most of my supporting interviews over FaceTime or Skype, but some will be done in person along with my main subject interview.


10. How will you record the information? (taking notes is ideal, and if you want to record the conversation you MUST get permission. You can do both if they will allow you to record, this is a really strong technique that you could use.) 

I will be taking notes during the interview.