The ABC of technique
Barzun “Prime difficulty: What is my subject?”
I learned that any article, description, or reading should
have an intended impact on the reader. I
tend to agree with Barzun’s question “Is the account true, reliable, complete?
Is it clear, orderly, easy to grasp and remember?” I believe that first and
foremost, the account must be organized and defined clearly. Personally, I find
that I have trouble understanding completely a piece of work if it is not
presented carefully and lined up in a manner where, I know where to locate
information if needed, in its specified reflected area. Having a concise idea
of what the subject is, will certainly help with the organization of the
article. I have read a number of books where ideas are often repeated unnecessarily,
during different sections of the book, often leading me to disarray. I really
like the idea of doing more research than will eventually be needed, thereby
allowing the amending and cutting of ideas; sometimes even facts may not be
considered as important for the subject itself, as well as for sub sections. At
times, too much information can lead to a poorer reflection of the subject. After
reading this article, I tend to believe that a more vague title (most likely
smaller in length), will in the end, make things much more difficult to represent
a completed subject overall. And I agree with the notion that, in order for the
reader to be able to ask questions that pertain to the ideas/facts of the
article, these questions should be both asked and answered by the researcher at
first, during, and in the final stages of writing.
Knott “Writing an Annotated Bibliography”
I am most excited to be able to write an annotated
bibliography. I believe this to be because I have the ability to evaluate each
source and its significance to the research. I also have the freedom to find
sources that pertain to the article and subject at hand at Ithaca College’s
library, and most other college libraries. I very much enjoy forming (research)
questions to the topic. The challenge
thrills me alone, and the fact that there can be a different answer to each
question through the organization of timely research of ideas from history to
present. This may be completely new to me, as I do not remember during high
school and undergrad having access to this many resources. I specifically may
be interested in researching government reports and policy statements, as I
have been curious about politics during the past decade. I agree with Knott’s “Look
for repetition of key terms or ideas. Note especially the key terms that occur
in the thesis or research question that governs the text.” I believe that repetition,
e.g. whether it is notated in music or that music is practiced on an
instrument, is vital to forming key ideas and concepts of that music. Without repetition, I find it hard to relate
to the main theme representing the piece. And identifying how I intend to use
the source and why, is analogous to my practicing or picking out a new piece of
music, and asking myself the same two questions. Knott asks “Why is it of value? What are its
limitations?” These are also questions that I tend to ask myself and others
when reading a new piece of music, more particularly a solo that I am choosing
for a recital. I also imagine that the vocabulary words listed in this article when
referring to texts and ideas could be of great use.
University of Toledo “Writing an annotated bibliography”
I really enjoyed the
elements of Annotation included in this guide. I never really thought that the qualifications
of the authors would be included; this is an aspect of the annotation that I
may very well delight in discussing. Sometimes, the authors’ personal lives may
contradict what they write about or believe.
This would be a good example of questioning the qualifications of the
author. With that, may include certain
biases that they have on the subject. For instance, Donald Trump, has made some
not so nice remarks about Latinos and Mexicans recently during his run for
President of the United States. However,
he has employed thousands of Latinos and Mexicans throughout the years in his company. This seems to be a little contradictory,
thereby eliciting further research into the subject. I am not sure how long my
bibliography will be, as it can vary from 150 to 200 words, however I believe
once I start, I will have a better idea how long it will be. I think I will be
outlining and making notes I believe to be pertinent to have an organized
approach at gathering information.
Reading the two articles of the Foreword and Intro of the
Elements of style I felt to be very repetitive and were more personable,
however I did not relate much to them.
I am possibly interested in doing a topic in “Whistling”
possibly also the history and relevance/use. And modern pieces written for
Trombone. This is because I have been
whistling since I was a young child, and I am always looking for something new
to play on Trombone.
