Assignment 1

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.