Reflection on Paraphrase Practice

Today in history class learned how to directly paraphrase a quote from an author. I learned how to make my paraphrase clear and concise with what the other was trying to say in my own words. Next I learned how to incorporate an authors quote into my text. I also was taught how to go about explaining the main point of the author and how to link it into my own ideas.

"This is what I learned today"

Only use a direct quote when it adds power and style to my writing. - I learned when to use a direct quote.

Always make it clear, from context, that I understand the full meaning of the quote. - I learned to keep it clear and concise and to have it easily understandable.

Whether I quote or paraphrase, I must always be transparent about the source and how I'm using it. - Yes, I understand this.

If I use the author's exact words or phrases, to any extent, I have to use quotation makes and give credit. - Yes I understand that it is important to do this.

If I use another author's presentation or facts or ideas, but their ideas in my own words, (paraphrase) I better have good reasoning for doing so, and I MUST give credit. - Yes I understand that this is important.

Hyperlinking is so easy, there is no excuse for not being transparent about my sources. - Very easy, i understand to do this.

Practicing Incorporating a Quotation

Overall Glory was a good movie. I enjoyed watching the movie as it described how the 54th regiment came to be and the heroic actions they took in battle. During the movie there was an important moment where the black men who were "free" were going to be paid less than the average white soldier. As one film critic said "The “pay crisis” is depicted in that wonderful scene." It was very important when Shaw too tore up his voucher to depict that he has grown closer to the men in his regiment regardless of their color and who he was growing to become.

Paraphrase Practice

Film Review

"As for problems, well, they abound throughout the movie such as the profile of the regiment, which is presented primarily as a unit of fugitive slaves. Most of the men were free blacks from Massachusetts. Other problems include the time frame for the raising and training of the regiment which began in 1863 rather than 1862 as well as the failure to acknowledge Shaw’s marriage at any point in the movie."

My Paraphrase - 

Glory was able to show some of the struggles of the 54th regiment, but not accurately such as the time frame it took place. Glory only consisted of fugitive slaves rather than free blacks from Massachusetts. The movie was able to show some but not all of the struggles of the regiment as they trained for battle. The movie also failed to acknowledge that Col. Shaw was married.

Reflection on the Week

This past week my History class has learned what evidence is, how to provide good evidence for a topic, and how to look at information we are used to in many different ways. We reflected on the dynamics of the cotton economy and the advancements that improved efficiency of cotton production during the late 18th century such as the cotton gin, the automated spinning machines, and weaving machines. I learned how people fill in the blanks of history with false assumptions, prior knowledge, and biased opinions. I also further expanded my knowledge on how to utilize information from primary sources and use them to further show evidence on a topic more clearly. This year I am looking forward to US history and am curious to see what skills and information I can learn from this class.