Isabella's English Blog

Prompt Response:   The bibliography helped me see my topic from every angle. I found sources that backed each other up with facts, but also some that looked at things differently. By looking at the history, the social side, and the possible solutions all at once, I now have a much deeper understanding of the issue. This will help me write a paper that covers all the bases instead of just one side. Summary: Today in class, we continued to work on our annotated bibliography Reflection: Today I learned how to put my citations in order by author's last name.

Prompt Response : For me, the most challenging part of the annotated bibliography was  the reflection part of the bibliography because I had to explain exactly how each source fit into my own argument. It forced me to think ahead and plan out my paper instead of just collecting info. This helped me grow because I learned how to connect different ideas together, which will make the actual writing process much faster and more organized. Summary : Today in class, we started our annotated bibliography on Writable. Reflection: Today I learned how to write a bibliography 

Prompt Response: Some differences that I noticed were that  I looked at several sources that didn't always agree with each other. Some highlighted the benefits of the issue, while others pointed out the risks. Comparing these different ideas helped me understand the topic better because I could see the 'big picture' instead of just one side. It showed me how many different factors are actually involved. Summary : Today in class, we started our research. Reflection: Today in class I learned how to find the citation for articles.

Prompt Response:  Using GALILEO was a big step up from a regular Google search. It’s built for serious research, so I had to learn how to use better keywords and filters to find what I needed. By checking things like the author’s background and the date it was written, I found much more reliable sources. It really made my final project feel more professional and trustworthy.  This also made my research a lot stronger. Summary: Today in class, we were taught how to properly research articles on Galileo Reflection: Today I learned how to do my research properly.

  Prompt Response:  This cartoon is a critique of political distraction, suggesting that leaders use foreign conflicts to divert public attention from serious problems at home. By showing Donald Trump pointing toward missiles in the sky while a giant elephant labeled "Big Beautiful Bill" crushes Uncle Sam, the cartoonist argues that domestic policy and the weight of the political party are harming the country while no one is looking. The presence of an ICE officer suggests that controversial enforcement or legislative actions are being ignored because of the "chaos" abroad.   Summary: Today in class, we worked on a Writable assignment as a class. Reflection: Today I learned how to analyse a prompt.

  Prompt Response:  In the past, I’d usually just Google a topic by typing in a super broad question or just a few random words and hoping the first link had the answer. It’s basically just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. But today, I practiced using specific search phrases, which is way different because it’s more like using a scalpel than a sledgehammer. Instead of getting millions of generic results or random blog posts, using specific keywords and filters helps me find actual academic studies or expert articles that are hidden deeper in the search results. Summary: Today in class, we worked on a CommonLit assignment. Reflection: Today I learned about a new article on CommonLit.

Prompt Response:  It’s tough because there’s rarely a single right answer; instead, you have to balance different factors, like the  economic cost  of a solution versus its  ethical impact  on people. You might also find that what works on a big, statistical level doesn't actually help individuals with unique, lived experiences. Understanding all these different viewpoints is the only way to avoid having a biased "blind spot." Plus, seeing the whole picture makes your own argument way stronger because it shows you’ve actually done the work to understand why people disagree. Summary: Today in class, we worked in our groups to do research.  Reflection: Today I learned how to create research phases.

  Prompt Response:  I definitely feel like the biggest struggle with research is just the sheer amount of   procrastination   and not knowing where to start.  In the past, when I’ve worked on my own, I usually end up with fifty tabs open at 2:00 AM, and half of them are just google pages that I’m trying to convince myself count as "pre-research." The hardest part was always trying to turn all those random notes into an actual paper that didn't sound like a robot wrote it.  In groups, the vibes are always... a lot. There’s always that one person who wants to do everything, the one person who disappears from the group chat for three days, and then me trying to make sure we’re actually following the rubric.  Summary: Today in class, we got put into groups and started a research assignment Reflection: Today in class I learned about how to do proper research on my topic.

 Prompt Response:  If I could plan the perfect spring break with no limits, I’d spend it exploring tropical paradise destinations. I’d start in   Bora Bora , staying in an overwater bungalow, swimming in clear blue water, and relaxing on the beach all day. Then I’d head to   Maui   to explore waterfalls, drive along the coast, and snorkel with sea turtles.  Next, I’d visit   Maldives  for even more peaceful beach time, crystal-clear water, and beautiful sunsets every night. I’d bring a few close friends or family so we could enjoy it together, but still keep things calm and fun. Summary: Today in class we did a CommonLit assignment. Reflection: Today I learned the true definition of a main idea.

 Prompt Response:  Christopher McCandless wanted to live completely on his own in the wilderness. While this independence seemed brave, it also led to his death. He was not fully prepared for how difficult and dangerous nature could be. He brought limited supplies and had no one to help him when things went wrong. Because he chose to rely only on himself, he had no support when he faced problems like finding enough food or getting back across the river. His strong desire for independence made it harder for him to survive.  I can relate to this idea. One time, I wanted full control over a group project and decided to do everything by myself. At first, it felt easier because I didn’t have to depend on anyone. But soon, I ran into problems I couldn’t handle alone. I became overwhelmed and had to ask for help. In the end, things didn’t go as planned, but I learned that working with others can make things easier and better. Independence is important, but it’s not always the be...

 Prompt Response:  Watching the film version of   Into the Wild   helped me understand Chris McCandless on a deeper level than just reading the book. One key difference is how the movie shows his emotions through visuals, like his facial expressions and the scenery around him. In the book, we read about his thoughts and actions, but in the film, you can actually see how alone he is and how he feels in certain moments. This makes his journey feel more real and emotional. For example, seeing Chris in the wilderness, especially near the end, makes his situation feel more serious and sad than it might seem in the book. The visuals help you connect with him more because you can see what he’s going through instead of just imagining it. Summary: Today in class we finished the book and watched the movie. Reflection: Today I learned more about Chris McCandless’s case.

Prompt Response:  One relationship where I feel really understood is with my best friend. I can be myself around them without worrying about being judged. We talk about everything, and they actually listen and care about what I’m going through. We trust each other and support each other no matter what.  This is similar to Chris and Carine in   Into the Wild   because they understood each other when no one else really did. Chris had a hard time connecting with people, but his sister still got him and cared about him. The difference is that my relationship with my friend is something we chose, not something we were born into. Summary: Today in class, we read chapter 13 of Into the Wild. Reflection: Today I learned about Chris’s relationship with Carine.