Santi’s English Blog

Prompt Response - Completing the annotated bibliography helped me better understand my research topic by showing me how different sources connect and support my argument. Some sources provided facts and statistics, while others explained personal experiences or expert opinions, which gave me a more complete view of the subject. I also noticed common themes and differing viewpoints. This process made my argument clearer and more focused because I can now use my sources more effectively to support my main claim in the research paper. Summary - Today in class, we worked on our annotated bibliography for our research project. Reflection - Today, we thought about our annotated bibliography.

Prompt Response - The summary was the most challenging part of the bibliography because I had to condense the text into 3 sentences while keeping all the main points intact. This challenge helped me grow as a researcher because I learned how to understand my sources better and identify key points quickly. It will help me when writing my research paper because I will be able to use those summaries to support it and organize my ideas more clearly. Summary - Today in class, we started our annotated bibliography for our research project. Reflection - Today, we thought about our annotated bibliography.

Prompt Response - While gathering sources on how constant digital connectivity affects mental health among the youth, I noticed that some sources focused on the negative effects of social media, while others highlighted positive aspects of it. These differences showed me that the issue is not simply black and white and that technology can both help and harm mental health, depending on how it is used. Seeing multiple perspectives helped me understand that the impact of digital connectivity depends on lots of factors. Summary - Today in class, we kept researching sources for our research project. Reflection - Today, we thought about our sources.

Prompt Response - Using Galileo was different from how I used to search beforehand because I had to use specific keywords and phrases instead of broad/basic questions. It gave me more reliable sources instead of random sites. This made my research better because I found information that was more accurate, relevant, and trustworthy. Summary - Today in class, we started researching sources for our research project. Reflection - Today, we thought about our sources.

Prompt Response - The cartoon criticizes how Donald Trump is distracting the public with the Iran war while major problems at home are being ignored. The ICE officer attacking Uncle Sam and the elephant labeled big beautiful bill crushing him symbolize controversial immigration policies and government actions that are hurting the country. Another thing shown is the doge chainsaw that cut off his hand. The cartoon suggests that Trump shifts attention away from domestic issues, and it encourages viewers to question whether they are being distracted from problems that deserve more focus. It could also be talking about how he tries to distract from his involvement in the Epstein files. Summary - Today in class, we went over an example in Writable to better understand our research project. Reflection - Today, we thought about our research project.

Prompt Response - Creating specific search phrases is different from googling a general topic because it uses precise keywords, questions, or filters to narrow down results. Previously, I might have looked up something broad and gotten a ton of useful and unrelated information, but using targeted phrases helps find more reliable and relevant sources faster. This strategy improves the quality of research by saving time, reducing confusion, and leading to more accurate information. Summary - Today in class, we went over how to research for our research project. Reflection - Today, we thought about our research project.

Prompt Response - This topic is difficult to answer because digital connectivity affects people in different ways depending on how they use it. One perspective is that it can harm mental health by increasing anxiety and unhealthy comparisons on social media, while another shows it can help by providing support and access to helpful resources. Because these effects can be both positive and negative, understanding multiple viewpoints is important to fully understand the issue and find balanced solutions. Summary - Today in class, we started our research project. Reflection - Today, we thought about our research project.

Prompt Response - In past research projects, I struggled with time management and staying organized, especially when working alone. In group work, unequal effort from the team was also a challenge, so I had to communicate more and sometimes take on extra duties. I handled these issues by setting deadlines and making simple plans. These experiences will help me stay more organized, start earlier, and communicate better in this project. Summary - Today in class, I wasn't here, but we did a CommonLit assignment. Reflection - Today, we thought about the assignment.

Prompt Response - If I could plan the perfect spring break with no limits, I would probably travel across Europe with some of my friends, visiting countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. We would explore big cities, try new foods, see famous landmarks, and enjoy places like the Swiss Alps. I’d like to do some Lego related things in Denmark and climb the Alps in Switzerland. Summary - Today in class, we didn't have class. Reflection - Today, we thought about spring break.

Prompt Response - Alex’s desire for independence contributed to his death because he refused help from others and underestimated the dangers of living alone in the wild. His isolation left him unprepared when things went wrong. One time, I tried to handle a group project entirely on my own, thinking it would be easier, but I became overwhelmed and struggled to finish. Summary - Today in class, we finished watching the movie Into the Wild as well as the book. Reflection - Today, we thought about the movie Into the Wild.

Prompt Response - Watching the movie changed my understanding of Alex because we got to see his emotions instead of just having them described like in the book. One difference is how his loneliness/isolation is shown, with the movie using quiet scenes and his expressions, while the book explains it through narration. This is similar to when I watched a documentary after reading about a topic, and doing so helped deepen my understanding. Summary - Today in class, we watched the movie Into the Wild. Reflection - Today, we thought about the movie Into the Wild.

Prompt Response - One relationship in my life where I feel truly understood is with one of my friends, because I can talk to them about anything. They listen and understand, even when I can’t explain it well. What makes our relationship strong is the trust and connection, which allows us to be open. This is similar to the bond between Alex and Carine because they also understood each other deeply. Summary - Today in class, we read chapter 13 of Into the Wild and started an assignment. Reflection - Today, we thought about the book Into the Wild.