self study essay

7/30/2019 Self Study Essay

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Kyle Sankovich

October 12, 2012

Introduction

Researchers have studied the analysis of writing for the past couple of decades. The study

of writing can provide clues as to the differences between skilled and unskilled writers, along

with helping us understand our own writing better. For example, when Carol Berkenkotter

selected Donald Murray so she could study his writing habits. Up to this point Sondra Perl, who

studied college level students, had conducted the most extensive study on how people compose.

She analyzed the composing process of college aged students whom she labeled unskilled

writers. She pointed out what they did incorrectly and suggested that we change the way teachers

teach students to become better writers. Berkenkotters study analyzed Murray, a published

writer, in order to understand a skilled writers composing process. When compared, the two

articles provide an understanding of the general differences between skilled and unskilled

writers.

Even though the researches conducted in-depth studies on their subjects, there are still

holes in their research that need to be filled. In the studies conducted, the writers had to write

about a prompt selected by the researcher. Some of the students may have enjoyed the topic

while others may have dreaded the topic and found it frustrating to complete the task. In the

study I conducted on myself, I was able to write about anything I desired as long as it was at

least 500 words in length. This allowed me to chose a topic I enjoy so I could see where my

inspiration for writing comes from. In essence, my study is focused on where the average writer

draws his/her inspiration from.


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You will read about how I conducted my research from here to the end of this

article. The next section explains how the experiment was carried out and what data was

collected in order to draw conclusions. This is will be followed by an analysis of the four

journals I wrote after they were coded. This will make more sense after reading the

methodology.

Methodology

To begin the study, I attempted to clear my mind of anything going on in my life at the

time in order to explore my actual inspirations of writing, instead of a test I may have had later

that afternoon. Once I was settled into my room with no major outside distractions, I began my

first journal. I had no other applications open on my laptop that were not for the project. I

recorded myself with the program iMovie to keep track of all of the thoughts that ran through my

head. Anything that came to mind I spoke aloud so that the video camera recording me could

save it for analysis later. After about five seconds of thinking, the idea for my first journal

popped into my head and I began to write. Anything and everything I could think of about World

War I was spewed on to a piece of paper, it is labeled asAppendix A. The open-ended topic was

easy to write about, and it led to a lot of thoughts passing through my head. After writing the

500-word journal entry, I replayed the video of myself writing. As the video played, I wrote

down everything I spoke and included sections of silence along with any off topic comments I

made. This is labeled asAppendix B. After transcribing everything from the recording, I began to

code the transcribed copy of my journal. I used a coding system similar to that of Perl and the

codes can be seen in Table 1. The coded, transcribed copy of my first journal can be referenced

inAppendix C. Once this was done, I cleared my head and started working on my second journal.

The same process was carried out for the second journal as was done in the first. The journal


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along with the transcribed and coded copies areAppendices D, E, and Frespectively. This was

repeated two more times for a total of four journals along with four transcribed copies and four

coded copies.

Findings

After coding all of my journals it was time to analyze them. I totaled up the frequency of

each code in my journals and used this to find the percentages of each code. This can be seen in

Table 1 and can help hint at my writing style.

Action Symbol

Frequency

Percentage

Space Fillers/Umms U 6.47%Rereading RR 2.99%

Off Topic OT 12.44%

Asking Questions Q 2.49%

Editing/Grammar ED 5.48%

Silence S 7.46%

Writing Out Loud WL 35.82%

Silently Writing WS 1.50%

Describing What I Am Doing DW 6.91%

Distractions D 2.49%

Encouraging EN 2.99%Revise R 5.49%

Complaining C 1.99%

Frustration FR 3.98%

Discovery DC 1.00%

Fidgeting F 0.50%

The percentages show that an overwhelmingly amount of the time I was writing out loud.

I believe this is due to my focus on the task at hand and the fact that I eliminated a large amount

of possible distractions. However, I also believe that this was due to the nature of the study. By

picking any topic I wished, I most likely chose a topic that I was interested in and wanted to

write about. I was able to focus on my topic without getting bored and losing focus, which is


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why there were few distractions and fidgeting occurrences. Another trend I discovered in my

coded journals dealt with any occasion I did happen to get off track. At some point shortly after

getting off topic I would stop and then there would be a period of silence. I followed this by

rereading what I had already written in order to continue forward. This shows that I understand

what I need to do if I get stuck while writing in the future.

The main point behind the study was to determine where my inspiration came from. Most

of the time it came from my interests or hobbies, however there are sometimes when blocking

out your daily actions is not possible and thats where your inspiration comes from. I just wrote a

paper about wars involving the United States last week and I believe that is where my inspiration

came from when I wrote my first journal.. This was only seen in Journal 1 as the others were all

topics I am interested in.

Another important finding I discovered during this project was where I find my

inspiration to keep writing while in the midst of a journal. I realized that when I began to slow

down and get off topic, I would pause while regrouping myself by rereading what I had

previously written. This was effective as it usually got me started writing again. Also, many

times my best writing came after one of these regrouping periods, which is something to be

considered in the future.

After conducting the study on myself I now know a few things for helping me compose

in the future. Inspiration can be helpful to finishing papers on time if you know where to get it

from. It can also be a major frustration when inspiration is nonexistent. Now that I know where I

can get a small burst of inspiration or and idea, I will enjoy writing essays slightly more while

improving my writing as well.


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Works Cited

Berkenkotter, Carol. Decisions and Revisions: The Planning Strategies of a Publishing Writer.

Writing About Writing. Elizabeth Wardle. Doug Downs. Boston. Bedford St. Martins,2011. 216-230. Print.

Perl, Sondra. The Composing Processes of Unskilled College Writers. Writing About Writing.

Elizabeth Wardle. Doug Downs. Boston. Bedford St. Martins, 2011. 191-214. Print.


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Appendix A

The beginning of the war was started with the Serbian and Austria-Hungary border. World War

was one of the most devastating wars of all time to mankind. The technological advances in war

were the most devastating because they were able to kill massive amounts of people at one time.Germany started a chain reaction which Russia who was allied with Serbians and France. All of

these alliances drew the worlds super powers into the war, however the United States and

England were trying to remain neutral. England got involved though, as they realized withouttheir help, France and Russia would be conquered by Germany and they would be left to fight

Germany on their own. This was not the ideal for them, as they would be crushed as well.

Germanys Schefflen Plan was based on the destruction of France first and then they could focus

all of their forces on Russia. Although this was the ideal plan of Germany, they did not encounter

England entering the war as soon as they did. Germany was holding their own against the TripleEntente and slowly advancing their lines. They were still a long way from victory, but they got

greedy. They sent the Zimmerman Note to Mexico to try to get them to attack the United Statesso that they would not enter the war in Europe. This would have allowed Germany to win the

war in Europe and then take the U.S. with Mexicos help. The U.S. discovered the note anddeclared war on Germany. This was detrimental to Germany because they wilted under the force

of the four major super power nations. Once the U.S. entered the war, Germany weakened ratherquickly and fled back into their country. Germany eventually signed a cease-fire with France and

the Allied nations. The next summer the Treaty of Paris was signed by all of the nations except

for the United States. U.S. president Woodrow Wilson was eager to sign the treaty but the Senaterefused to. Wilson created a post-war doctrine of peace that would place sanctions the Axis

countries and established the League of Nations. The League of Nations was to promote world

peace, however, the only Allied nation to not join the League of Nations. The sanctions placed

on Germany were harsh as they destroyed the German economy and abolished a military in

Germany. This was mainly Frances idea because they were the closest to Germany and suffered

the most during the war. Austria-Hungary was split into Austria and Hungary because the Allied

countries thought this was the best way to keep peace. Some historians believe the sanctions onGermany were too harsh and that they are the root cause for WWII. The Germans wantedrevenge so badly against the nations that killed their people and ruined their economy. This was

why they were so desperate to have a strong leader who would return Germany to a world superpower. Which is why the people of Germany followed Hitler. The actions of the Allied nations

after WWI were the reason for WWII.

Appendix B

Alright its time for my first English journal 500 words its about a page so hopefully get this

done. Im gonna start with journal about WWI. Im gonna start with Serbia and Austria. Uhh im

going to backtrack there the beginning of the war. Im gonna start with all the alliances of the

war. Specifically Austria and Serbia. The initial problem was the Serbian and Austrian hungry

border. I cant spell Serbian right. Close to Balkan region. Serbia and Austria hungry. Border.Wwi was one of the most devastating wars eve. Around 17 mil people were killed. I know one of


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the bigger things err the biggest outcomes was the weapons. Like machine guns. Add some of

that to get peoples attention. Technological advances. I can hear my roommate talking tohimself. The advances were important because so many people died from Mgs tanks and barbed

wire. This was the root of the killing. I dont think, as many people would have died. There some

movie I watch about wwi but it was graphic so naa. Germany wrote Austria a blank check and

started a chain reaction. Yea ill add that. Which it brought in Russia who was allied with theSerbs. Im from Serbia. We started a war nice. Wait no thats not a good thing. Now I know whyin the research articles its impossible to write a good essay and say aloud what im thinking its

ridiculous. Lets see if my video is still running. Yes. Lets see font words. Blah blah blah. Allthese alliances drew the world superpowers into the war however; the u.s. and England were

trying to remain neutral at the start spelled that wrong. God. Neutral. I still have 3 more left to do

grr England and us were trying to remain neutral. England got involved. They got in very early.Wait what. Its just started editing the middle of my paragraph and realized without their help

they would get crushed. I hear trucks outside here at lake Claire walls are white. Im s tuck where

am I going here I go Russia and France then they would be conquered and they would be left to

fight Germany on their own. This was obviously no their ideal situation because they would get

crushed. Im having trouble writing and reading at the same time. Ohh Germany had a plantheuhh shefflin plan! Not shefflin its sheiflin plan; was based on the idea they were going. The

destruction of France first, then they could focus all of their forces on Russia. More I talk more Itype. Focus on all of Russia. Ideal plan ofGermany. They didnt encounter england coming into

the war cant use contractions. As soon as they did, I dont even think England was going to enterthe war that war. Germany was holding their own about the triple entente man France England

and Russia. Backtrack holding their own against the triple entente and slowly advancing theirline; still a long way from victory and got too greedy and got the u/s involved. They sent a note

to Mexico, the Zimmerman note. They tried to get them to attack the united states so that they

wouldnt be tempted to enter the war in Europe. I cannot spell. This would have allowed

Germany to I dont know. This would have allowed Germany time to win the war in Europe and

then and they had a chance to take on the us one on one. Chance to take on the u.s. alone. With

Mexicos help. Well the u.s. kinda discovered the note and they ruined their plans. Declared war

on Germany. This was detrimental to Germany because because well Germany wilted theywilted under the force of the four major power nations. Period. Uhhhhhh. Once the u.s. joined

the war was basically over. No not a comma. Someones watching TV loud. Thats like 20

mistakes. I have 3 more of these things left to do. Once the u.s. joined the war Germany fellquickly. They weakened quickly it was four on one they didnt have a chance and they fled backinto their country. Im having a brain block right now. I have a rubber band on my wrist.

Germany eventually signed a cease-fire with France in the back of a train car... thats weird. Anduhh and the uhh allied nations well all of the nations. Lets see yawn. Im gonna take an airborne.

Berry not my favorite. Need to get back on topic and keep on goin. Silence treaty of Pariswas signed months after the ceasefire make sure my video is still rolling and keep on typing I

always wanted to go to Paris never been. Treaty of Paris was signed by all the countries exceptthe united states. That not how you spell united. Untied. Us president wanted to sign. But senate

has power to sign treaties in American government and they never signed it. No it just deleted all

of theat. I got really scared us. President was eager to sign the treaty but the senate refused

to...ahh Wilsons fourteen points created a post war doctrine of peace that would place sanctionsnot just on Germany but on the axis countries in general and establish the league of nations. The

league was all bout. No capitalize that. The reason of the nations was to promote world peace.


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Promote world peace. However, the only uhh Wilson wanted to sign this to cause uhh it was his

plan but the senate didnt want to and Wilson couldnt do anything about it and they were theonly nation not to join the league. The sanctions placed on bracket what the heck is that. On

Germany were harsh ughh I cant spell. As they destroyed the German economy and abolished

the military in Germany period. End of story. Couldnt do to anything they were subject to all the

countries around them. This was the main doing of France. They hated Germany. This wasmainly Frances idea because they were destroyed by Germany. Ummm. Let me think. Imthinking about being recorded its like inception but thinkception. This was mainly Frances idea

because they were the closest to Germany and they suffered the most during the war. Austria

Hungary the werent even a country after the war they were split into Austria and Hungary. Theywere split into Austria and Hungary because the allied countries thought this was this was the

best. Best way to keep the peace. The leader of Austria Hungary was not happy to share his

power. But thats what happens when you lose wars. You kinda lose power. What else do I wantto add? Lets talk bout how it led to wwii. Some historians believe that the results wwi are what

caused wwi cause the restrictions on Germany were so harsh they didnthave any freedom.

What do u expect them to do too harsh. The were the root cause of wwii. I never put that in

the beginning. Schefflin plan. Spell check. Triple entente. Forgot to hyphenate. 451 words letskeep gong. Germans wanted revenge so badly against the nations that killed their people even

thought they started the war and ruined the economy. Their was no security force or military or

power to enforce anything. The economy. Thats why they followed a ruled like Hitler. They

were so desperate to believe someone. Wanted a strong leader that would return Germany to its

glory I dont need to capitalize which is why people of Germany followed Hitler. The direct

actions of the uhh allied nations were the reason I mean the whole reasons for wwii. Wait lets goback here the actions of the allied nations after w w 1 were the reason for were the reason for

war. Too. Thats the end im going to stop recording.

Appendix C

Alright its time for my first English journal 500 words its about a page so hopefully get this

done. Im gonna start with journal about WWI. Im gonna start with Serbia and Austria. Uhh im

going to backtrack there the beginning of the war. Im gonna start with all the alliances of the

war. Specifically Austria and Serbia. The initial problem was the Serbian and Austrian hungry

border. I cant spell Serbian right. Close to Balkan region. Serbia and Austria hungry. Border.

Wwi was one of the most devastating wars eve. Around 17 mil people were killed. I know one of

the bigger things err the biggest outcomes was the weapons. Like machine guns. Add some of

that to get peoples attention. Technological advances. I can hear my roommate talking to

himself. The advances were important because so many people died from Mgs tanks and barbed

wire. This was the root of the killing. I dont think, as many people would have died. There some


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movie I watch about WWI but it was graphic so naa. Germany wrote Austria a blank check and

started a chain reaction. Yea ill add that. Which it brought in Russia who was allied with the

Serbs. Im from Serbia. We started a war nice. Wait no thats not a good thing. Now I know why

in the research articles its impossible to write a good essay and say aloud what im thinking its

ridiculous. Lets see if my video is still running. Yes. Lets see font words. Blah blah blah. All

these alliances drew the world superpowers into the war however; the U.S. and England were

trying to remain neutral at the start spelled that wrong. God. Neutral. I still have 3 more left to do

grr England and us were trying to remain neutral. England got involved. They got in very early.

Wait what. Its just started editing the middle of my paragraph and realized without their help

they would get crushed. I hear trucks outside here at lake Claire walls are white. Im s tuck where

am I going here I go Russia and France then they would be conquered and they would be left to

fight Germany on their own. This was obviously no their ideal situation because they would get

crushed. Im having trouble writing and reading at the same time. Ohh Germany had a planthe

uhh shefflin plan! Not shefflin its sheiflin plan; was based on the idea they were going. The

destruction of France first, then they could focus all of their forces on Russia. More I talk more I

type. Focus on all of Russia. Ideal plan ofGermany. They didnt encounter England coming into

the war cant use contractions. As soon as they did, I dont even think England was going to enter

the war that war. Germany was holding their own about the triple entente man France England

and Russia. Backtrack holding their own against the triple entente and slowly advancing their

line; still a long way from victory and got too greedy and got the u/s involved. They sent a note

to Mexico, the Zimmerman note. They tried to get them to attack the United States so that they

wouldnt be tempted to enter the war in Europe. I cannot spell. This would have allowed

Germany to I dont know. This would have allowed Germany time to win the war in Europe and

then and they had a chance to take on the us one on one. Chance to take on the u.s. alone. With

Mexicos help. Well the u.s. kinda discovered the note and they ruined their plans. Declared war

on Germany. This was detrimental to Germany because because well Germany wilted they

wilted under the force of the four major power nations. Period. Uhhhhhh. Once the u.s. joined


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the war was basically over. No not a comma. Someones watching TV loud. Thats like 20

mistakes. I have 3 more of these things left to do. Once the u.s. joined the war Germany fell

quickly. They weakened quickly it was four on one they didnt have a chance and they fled back

into their country. Im having a brain block right now. I have a rubber band on my wrist.

Germany eventually signed a cease-fire with France in the back of a train car... thats weird. And

uhh and the uhh allied nations well all of the nations. Lets see yawn. Im gonna take an airborne.

Berry not my favorite. Need to get back on topic and keep on goin. Silence treaty of Paris

was signed months after the ceasefire make sure my video is still rolling and keep on typing I

always wanted to go to Paris never been. Treaty of Paris was signed by all the countries except

the united states. That not how you spell united. Untied. Us president wanted to sign. But senate

has power to sign treaties in American government and they never signed it. No it just deleted all

of theat. I got really scared us. President was eager to sign the treaty but the senate refused

to...ahh Wilsons fourteen points created a post war doctrine of peace that would place sanctions

not just on Germany but on the axis countries in general and establish the league of nations. The

league was all bout. No capitalize that. The reason of the nations was to promote world peace.

Promote world peace. However, the only uhh Wilson wanted to sign this to cause uhh it was his

plan but the senate didnt want to and Wilson couldnt do anything about it and they were the

only nation not to join the league. The sanctions placed on bracket what the heck is that. On

Germany were harsh ughh I cant spell. As they destroyed the German economy and abolished

the military in Germany period. End of story. Couldnt do to anything they were subject to all the

countries around them. This was the main doing of France. They hated Germany. This was

mainly Frances idea because they were destroyed by Germany. Ummm. Let me think. Im

thinking about being recorded its like inception but thinkception. This was mainly Frances idea

because they were the closest to Germany and they suffered the most during the war. Austria

Hungary the werent even a country after the war they were split into Austria and Hungary. They

were split into Austria and Hungary because the allied countries thought this was this was the

best. Best way to keep the peace. The leader of Austria Hungary was not happy to share his


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power. But thats what happens when you lose wars. You kinda lose power. What else do I want

to add? Lets talk bout how it led to wwii. Some historians believe that the results wwi are what

caused wwi cause the restrictions on Germany were so harsh they didnthave any freedom.

What do u expect them to do too harsh. The were the root cause of wwii. I never put that in

the beginning. Schefflin plan. Spell check. Triple entente. Forgot to hyphenate. 451 words lets

keep gong. Germans wanted revenge so badly against the nations that killed their people even

thought they started the war and ruined the economy. Their was no security force or military or

power to enforce anything. The economy. Thats why they followed a ruled like Hitler. They

were so desperate to believe someone. Wanted a strong leader that would return Germany to its

glory I dont need to capitalize which is why people of Germany followed Hitler. The direct

actions of the uhh allied nations were the reason I mean the whole reasons for WWII. Wait lets

go back here the actions of the allied nations after WW1 were the reason for were the reason for

war. Too. Thats the end im going to stop recording.

Appendix D

A perfect vacation for me would be in the Caribbean with my friends and family. My ideal

vacation would be on a cruise. This is because there is unlimited amount of food on cruises inaddition to the stops. The islands I would stop at would be: St. Maarten, Aruba, the Bahamas,

Jamaica, Cozumel, and Miami. So far I have only been on one cruise with my friends and thatwas last Spring Break. That cruise only stopped two islands; Aruba and Curacao. Every day we

would hang out and chill under the sun. I enjoyed listening to my IPod because it let me escape

from everything else in the world that actually mattered. It was good to have a week where I hadno responsibilities on the cruise and I enjoyed moving at my own pace. It was hot on the cruise,

as we were down near Venezuela, which is near the equator. We would hang out in the hot tub at

night under the stars and listen to music. The sunsets I saw on the ship were some of the best I

have ever witnessed. The ship was huge. There were three pools on the ship and close to 10 hottubs. Every morning I helped myself to all the fresh fruit I could eat. The food was always

excellent and I always went to the fancy dinners because some of the most delicious andinteresting foods were served. I tried everything from lobster to escargot. My favorite dish wasthe orange roughy. The flavors were bold and appealing to me, a person who has extreme disdain

for seafood! At night I would have trouble sleeping because the ship kept rocking in all

directions. The wind did not help either as it rocked the ship as well. In Aruba, I went snorkeling

with my friends. We saw a shipwreck of the U.S.S. Antilla. It was used in WWII and there wasall kinds of fish at the shipwreck along with sharks. I also went to Senor Frogs after going

snorkeling and my friends along with myself had a great time. We had to take a bus from the


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ship to the resort so that we could lounge out on the beach for a little bit and not be worried

about getting robbed. The beaches in Aruba were only ones I have seen in movies. They werebeautiful white sandy beaches and the water was a clear blue aqua colored. We were all sad to

leave because it was probably the best day of the cruise. When we got back to the ship we all

waved goodbye as we sailed off into the sunset away from paradise. The next day we arrived in

Curacao. This was not as fun as Aruba because it was kind of cold and is mainly a shoppingisland. The buildings were based on Dutch architecture and filled with happy vendors. This was

the last day of our cruise as we packed our bags and headed back to states.

Appendix E

Ok here is my second journal Im going to be writing it on a perfect vacation. A perfect vacation

for me would be in the Caribbean with my friends and family. I cant spell Caribbean right so Illspell check that. My ideal vacation would be on a cruise actually. This is because there is

unlimited amount of food. There is unlimited amount of food on cruises in addition to the stops.

My cruise last year had three stops. Yea it was only three stops. Yea three. See the islands Iwould stop at aredefinitely St. marten, my roommate is very loud and annoying, Aruba, the

Bahamas, and also the home of Usain Bolt Jamaica. Umm Cozumel Mexico and lets see onemore stop here. Lets go with the great city of Miami. Umm so far I have only been on one cruise

in my life that was last spring with my friends. Only been on one cruise with my friends. And my

roommates annoying me cause hes being very loud like he always is. Whoa what just happened?

And that was last spring break. That cruise only stopped at two islands. It was more of a days at

sea kind of cruise. It was Aruba and curacao. Wow that doesnt need spell check surprisingly.

Im talking slower this time cause when I write my uhh whole document or whatever later it is

hard to keep up with myself when I talk fast but oh well Ill still get my 500 words in. everyday Iwould lay out on my chair and just try and chill out I guess. My head itches. Its not that late itsonly 9:30. 27% battery. Oh my iPod let me escape from everything. Yea. From everything. Else

in the world that actually mattered. It was good to have a week doing absolutely nothing. Kind of

hot right now. The other good part was no responsibilities. My head itches again. On the cruise.

And I liked moving at my own pace. It was hot on the cruise. Thats not how you spell cruise. Imean we were in the Caribbean. We were down near Venezuela. Where Hugo Chavez is the

leader it think. Umm. Lets see. All right Im gonna comma that and backtrack a bit. Theequator, throw a space in there. Oh the hot tub at night was fun too. Listened to music. The

sunsets I saw on the ship those were some of the best sunsets I have ever seen. I think witnessed

is a better word. 187 lets keep going. Uhh the ship was huge. There were 3 pools on the ship it

was ridiculous. Like there were people in them 24/7 so we didnt really go in them cause it waskind of crowded they had ping-pong tables but we didnt really play. Umm. Keep going 300words Im not doing bad. Every morning, I loved the fruit on the cruise ship it was so fresh.

Starting to get bored here but thats alright Im scratching my and again. Food was alwaysexcellent and I always went to the fancy dinners because it was the most delicious and interesting

was served that is for sure. I even tried escargot and Im not a seafood person or an animal reallyat all thats slimy and crawls. Lets see. From. Finish this sentence. This isn't how you spell

lobster. Dont need to capitalize that. I didnt want to type orange roughy there, I wanted to typein escargot. My favorite dish was easily the orange roughy. It was amazing. It was the greatest

fish Ive ever had. I dont eat fish at all and this was the first piece of fish I have sat down and


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enjoyed. Im going to use the word disdain here. My friend tried to use it the other day and it was

just terrible. I dont know what got me to try it but Im glad I did. I had a terrible time trying tosleep on that stupid ship it kept rocking. Oh I cannot spell rocking does not have an x in it. We

slept on the inside of the ship so we didnt have a problem with the sun waking us up. 299 words.

200 more to go. Lets talk about Aruba that was fun. I went snorkeling. Well no with my friends

actually. Uhhhh. We saw a shipwreck of a WWII ship. No theres no x in shipwreck U.S.S.antilla. Brain just blanked out completely dont know where to go. Oh there were sharks at theshipwreck to. That was the best part. Our guide said the sharks werent dangerous but I didnt

take any chances. Also we went to senor frogs and going snorkeling oh wait no. Along with myfriends had a great time. 350 words.150 to go. Lets finish this. My roommates talking about

alcohol now thats kind of weird but its not my business. Back to typing now. From the ship to

resort so that we took a bus from the ship to the resort so that we could lounge out on thebeach for a little bit so that be worried about getting robbed because it was very sketchy. There

was a lot of poverty. Umm. The beaches in Aruba were the best. The white sandy beaches. Iv bee

to Hawaii twice and these beaches were way better than any beaches in Hawaii. Except for the

black sand beaches those were pretty sweet. I have to go back in here and add a y to that word.

The water was a clear blue. Not yet. Hold on. There were white sandy beaches and the water wasclear blue. Oh lets add aqua colored in there that works better. We were all sad to leave at the

end of the day because Im gonna go back there for vacation one day. Because of the cruise. Wegot back on the ship and we all waved back at the island. That was the saddest moment of the

cruise. And we sailed off into the sunset away from paradise. That sounds legit. The next day we

arrived in curacao. This was not as fun. This was not as fun as Aruba because there wasnt really

any beaches and it was kind of cold too. And there were a lot of shops. The buildings thoughwere nice. They were modeled off of Dutch architecture looked like we were in a little

neighborhood in the Netherlands or something. It was kind of funny. Should capitalize Dutch.

Architecture. And full of happy vendors. Err thats not what I want. Yea happy vendors. Thiswas the last day of our cruise and we packed our bags and headed back to the states. This was

probably the greatest vacation I have ever been on. I totally want to go on another cruise again

someday. The end. Right there.

Appendix F

Ok here is my second journal Im going to be writing it on a perfect vacation. A perfect vacation

for me would be in the Caribbean with my friends and family. I cant spell Caribbean right so Ill

spell check that. My ideal vacation would be on a cruise actually. This is because there is

unlimited amount of food. There is unlimited amount of food on cruises in addition to the stops.

My cruise last year had three stops. Yea it was only three stops. Yea three. See the islands I

would stop at aredefinitely St. marten, my roommate is very loud and anno ying, Aruba, the

Bahamas, and also the home of Usain Bolt Jamaica. Umm Cozumel Mexico and lets see one

more stop here. Lets go with the great city of Miami. Umm so far I have only been on one cruise


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lobster. Dont need to capitalize that. I didnt want to type orange roughy there, I wanted to type

in escargot. My favorite dish was easily the orange roughy. It was amazing. It was the greatest

fish Ive ever had. I dont eat fish at all and this was the first piece of fish I have sat down and

enjoyed. Im going to use the word disdain here. My friend tried to use it the other day and it was

just terrible. I dont know what got me to try it but Im glad I did. I had a terrible time trying to

sleep on that stupid ship it kept rocking. Oh I cannot spell rocking does not have an x in it. We

slept on the inside of the ship so we didnt have a problem with the sun waking us up. 299 words.

200 more to go. Lets talk about Aruba that was fun. I went snorkeling. Well no with my friends

actually. Uhhhh. We saw a shipwreck of a WWII ship. No theres no x in shipwreck U.S.S.

antilla. Brain just blanked out completely dont know where to go. Oh there were sharks at the

shipwreck to. That was the best part. Our guide said the sharks werent dangerous but I didnt

take any chances. Also we went to senor frogs and going snorkeling oh wait no. Along with my

friends had a great time. 350 words.150 to go. Lets finish this. My roommates talking about

alcohol now thats kind of weird but its not my business. Back to typing now. From the ship to

resort so that we took a bus from the ship to the resort so that we could lounge out on the

beach for a little bit so that be worried about getting robbed because it was very sketchy. There

was a lot of poverty. Umm. The beaches in Aruba were the best. The white sandy beaches. Iv bee

to Hawaii twice and these beaches were way better than any beaches in Hawaii. Except for the

black sand beaches those were pretty sweet. I have to go back in here and add a y to that word.

The water was a clear blue. Not yet. Hold on. There were white sandy beaches and the water was

clear blue. Oh lets add aqua colored in there that works better. We were all sad to leave at the

end of the day because Im gonna go back there for vacation one day. Because of the cruise. We

got back on the ship and we all waved back at the island. That was the saddest moment of the


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cruise. And we sailed off into the sunset away from paradise. That sounds legit. The next day we

arrived in curacao. This was not as fun. This was not as fun as Aruba because there wasnt really

any beaches and it was kind of cold too. And there were a lot of shops. The buildings though

were nice. They were modeled off of Dutch architecture looked like we were in a little

neighborhood in the Netherlands or something. It was kind of funny. Should capitalize Dutch.

Architecture. And full of happy vendors. Err thats not what I want. Yea happy vendors. This

was the last day of our cruise and we packed our bags and headed back to the states. This was

probably the greatest vacation I have ever been on. I totally want to go on another cruise again

someday. The end. Right there.

Appendix G

Basketball is an athletic sport. In order to succeed you must be in peak physical shape. This is

why many people who do play start at a young age. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need

to be tall to play the game. On my high school team, we had a kid that was not even five feet talland he was still pretty good. Last year our team did not do to well because of our inexperience.

Since we only had four seniors, we had a lot of underclassman to help build the program for the

future. We also did not have much height either. We had four players of at least 6 foot 3 inchestall but no one was over 6 foot five inches. This is rare in high school basketball because

normally today there is at least one kid on every team that is at least 6 foot 8 inches. This put us

at a major disadvantage but we still fought through it and had a decent season with the height we

had. One of the kids on my team was going to play football for the University of Iowa andanother kid went to lacrosse at Towson University. They were both focused on their sports after

high school which led to them performing poorly. I sprained my ankle in one of the games over

the season against the best team in the state. We only lost by seven points to them and althoughwe were upset, we were proud of the way we played. I had to sit out for two games because of

my ankle, which was disappointing because no one wants to sit out and watch their team play.

However, when I came back from my injury I was more than ready to play. I scored fifteenpoints my first game back and we lost by three. I did not care about the loss that night but I was

happy that I was back to playing the game I love. We played the number one team in the state

again in February. This time it was in the state playoffs. We played hard and had a lot fans show

up to the game, but we were not successful yet again. If my life was a Hollywood movie, wewould have won but I am stuck in reality. The team we lost to went on to win the state

championship, and they coincidently were the same school that won the state football

championship. Even though my competitive basketball career is over, I still enjoy playing

intramural basketball. A couple of my friends and I started a team and we were undefeated untilFriday. At this point I could care less about winning and losing but rather having fun playing the


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game I have always known. I hope I never have to stop playing this game because it would be

one of the saddest days of my life. That is why basketball is my life

Appendix H

Alright this is my third English journal and Im going to be writing about basketball. Basketballis a very athletic sport that requires you to be in very good physical shape. O I forgot to keep

talking. Uhh many people start playing basketball at a young age. Silence That is why you very

rarely see many people who grow up not playing basketball and then make it playing college or

pros it doesnt happen very often. ... Uuhhhhmm. Yea many people who do playstart at ayoung agecontrary to popular belief. You dont need to be tall to play the game. . As long I

go back and edit this. And edit this too. Spellinguhhhon my high school team we had a kidthat was not even five feet tall and he was still pretty good. Uh Nate was his name like 4 foot 8

he was a sophomore lets seeuhmm last year our team didnt do so good lets see what elsecan I do here. We had a platoon system last year for a little bit. That worked great and we were

actually doing well with that but then our coach changed itwe didnt do too well thats

alrightwe had a lot of underclassman helped build the program for the future. No thats notright edit thatanduhh lets here I just got distracteduhh oh we did not have much height.

The tallest person on our team was like 6 foot 5 inches, which is small. We had at least fourplayers five feet three inches tall but no one was over six foot five inches. Umm. Lets see uhh

what else did I want to do. ... Its still recording my video ok... six foot five inches. rare in high

school. Basketball because not only today on most teams theres at least a kid who is a complete

monster in height8 inches. Uhh lets think here where can I go with this now. Im drawing a

blank here I dont know what Im thinking about. My roommate is talking on his phone againreally loudly. Lets just keep going with this. Ill edit thatwe had a decent season with the

height we had. No one was expecting us to win any games at all but we actually did, we won

about 40% of our games Umm even though we were all focused on basketball, one of the kids

of the kids on my team, he was going to play football at Iowa and could probably care less about

basketball at this pointso that was kinda bad and another kid who iv known forever went to go

play lacrosse in Maryland at Towson. uhhmm. Lets see hereummmlets thinkgod

dangthey were both focused on their sports and. Not and after. High school. School.Whichthey kinda performed bad. Because they focused on their sports they were excited to get

out of state be at college and thinking about the future instead of the current moment. Which

what are you going to do about it I would be excited too. ...Lets see no I dont want to talk aboutthat oh is sprained my ankle in one of the games over the season against the best team. Best

team in the state. Pic Central. Pickerington Central. Uhhmm. This was Ohio so nobody here is

going to know where that is. Lets go on from here. We only lost by seven pointsby seven

points to them and although we were upset, we were happy about the way we playedwaitthats not howyou spell upset. I had to sit our one or two more games I cant rememberI cant

even rememberhmm I dont knowsprained my ankle my roommates talking about how he

got a C on his test hahagames because of my ankle which was disappointing because no onewants to sit out and watch their teamuhmmmIm messing around with this wrist band, itsdistracting me so Im going to throw it over herhowever, back in thewait no thats not what

I wanted to sayI came back from my injury...I came back from my injury...oh no dont need acomma there. I was more than ready too play because I was tired of sitting and watching my

team. 15 points my first game back. And we lost by 3I did not careI didnt really care about


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losing that night I just cared about getting back to playinghmmwhere do I want to go with

this nextoh we played the number one team in the state againwe played them a second

time...thats not how you spell Februarythis time it was in the state playoffsuhh wee playedhard and we had a lot of people show up for the gamebut we were not successful yet again.

In a Hollywood movie we would have won but not in realitybut Im stuck in reality. Wait I

gotta go back and change that not Im but I amrealitythe team we lost to they went on towin a state championship. Thats twice that the team we lost to they went on to win the statechampionship. Thats twice in the last four years that the team we lost to went on to win the state

championship so you cant really blame us for losing when everybody loses to them And

coincidently they were the same school that won the high school football championshipeventhough my competitive career competitive career is over. I still enjoy playing intramural

basketball here at UCF. Me and a couple of friends we started a team and we were undefeated

until Friday it was a heartbreakeran although is nice and its fun. Its more about having fun

and being carefree cause its a lot more fun not going to practice and everything. At the sametime I still like going out and shooting some tooI hope I never have to give...I hope I

neverstop playing this game because it would be one of the saddest days of my life. That is

why basketball is my life and Im done. Appendix I

Alright this is my third English journal and Im going to be writing about basketball. Basketball

is a very athletic sport that requires you to be in very good physical shape. O I forgot to keep

talking. Uhh many people start playing basketball at a young age. Silence That is why you very

rarely see many people who grow up not playing basketball and then make it playing college or

pros it doesnt happen very often. ... Uuhhhhmm. Yea many people who do playstart at a

young agecontrary to popular belief. You dont need to be tall to play the game. . As long I

go backand edit this. And edit this too. Spellinguhhhon my high school team we had a kid

that was not even five feet tall and he was still pretty good. Uh Nate was his name like 4 foot 8

he was a sophomore lets see uhmm last year our team didnt do so good lets see what else

can I do here. We had a platoon system last year for a little bit. That worked great and we were

actually doing well with that but then our coach changed itwe didnt do too well thats

alrightwe had a lot of underclassman helped build the program for the future. No thats not

right edit thatanduhh lets here I just got distracteduhh oh we did not have much height.

The tallest person on our team was like 6 foot 5 inches, which is small. We had at least four


19/24

players five feet three inches tall but no one was over six foot five inches. Umm. Lets see uhh

what else did I want to do. ... Its still recording my video ok... six foot five inches. rare in high

school. Basketball because not only today on most teams theres at least a kid who is a complete

monster in height8 inches. Uhh lets think here where can I go with this now. Im drawing a

blank here I dont know what Im thinking about. My roommate is talking on his phone again

really loudly. Lets just keep going with this. Ill edit thatwe had a decent season with the

height we had. No one was expecting us to win any games at all but we actually did, we won

about 40% of our games Umm even though we were all focused on basketball, one of the kids

of the kids on my team, he was going to play football at Iowa and could probably care less about

basketball at this pointso that was kinda bad and another kid who iv known forever went to go

play lacrosse in Maryland at Towson. uhhmm. Lets see hereummmlets thinkgod

dangthey were both focused on their sports and. Not and after. High school. School.

Whichthey kinda performed bad. Because they focused on their sports they were excited to get

out of state be at college and thinking about the future instead of the current moment. Which

what are you going to do about it I would be excited too. ...Lets see no I dont want to talk about

that oh is sprained my ankle in one of the games over the season against the best team. Best

team in the state. Pic Central. Pickerington Central. Uhhmm. This was Ohio so nobody here is

going to know where that is. Lets go on from here. We only lost by seven pointsby seven

points to them and although we were upset, we were happy about the way we playedwait

thats not how you spell upset. I had to sit our one or two more games I cant rememberI cant

even rememberhmm I dont knowsprained my ankle my roommates talking about how he

got a C on his test hahagames because of my ankle which was disappointing because no one

wants to sit out and watch their teamuhmmmIm messing around with this wrist band, its


20/24

distracting me so Im going to throw it over herhowever, back in thewait no thats not what

I wanted to sayI came back from my injury...I came back from my injury...oh no dont need a

comma there. I was more than ready too play because I was tired of sitting and watching my

team. 15 points my first game back. And we lost by 3I did not careI didnt really care about

losing that night I just cared about getting back to playinghmmwhere do I want to go with

this nextoh we played the number one team in the state againwe played them a second

time...thats not how you spell Februarythis time it was in the state playoffsuhh wee played

hard and we had a lot of people show up for the gamebut we were not successful yet again.

In a Hollywood movie we would have won but not in realitybut Im stuck in reality. Wait I

gotta go back and change that not Im but I amrealitythe team we lost to they went on to

win a state championship. Thats twice that the team we lost to they went on to win the state

championship. Thats twice in the last four years that the team we lost to went on to win the state

championship so you cant really blame us for losing when everybody loses to them And

coincidently they were the same school that won the high school football championshipeven

though my competitive career competitive career is over. I still enjoy playing intramural

basketball here at UCF. Me and a couple of friends we started a team and we were undefeated

until Friday it wasa heartbreakeran although is nice and its fun. Its more about having fun

and being carefree cause its a lot more fun not going to practice and everything. At the same

time I still like going out and shooting some tooI hope I never have to give...I hope I

neverstop playing this game because it would be one of the saddest days of my life. That is

why basketball is my life and Im done.

Appendix J

Formula One is the top racing league in the world currently. With speeds over 200 mph only a

select group of drivers can actually race in this league. Most people do not have the reaction time


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or natural ability to race in this league because it requires a decent amount of natural talent to

race in this league. Formula One consists of 24 drivers split into twelve teams of two.Throughout the course of the year there are twenty-four races that take place on every continent

except Antarctica. The top teams in Formula One are Scuderia Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, and

McLaren Mercedes. Currently the top driver in the league is Fernando Alonso for Ferrari.

However, Michael Schumacher is the greatest Formula One driver ever winning 13 straight racesback in the early 2000s. My favorite track is in Bahrain because the layout promotes highspeeds around the entire track. My least favorite track is the where they race at night in

Singapore. Formula One races in all weather conditions rain or shine, and this ensures that thebest drivers in the world are the ones who will lift the cup at the end of the season. There are four

types of tires that the teams use on the cars. The prime tires promote the fastest speeds but

provide the least traction. The option tires must be replaced sooner as they wear out fasterbecause they are softer to promote handling. There are intermediate tires, which are used for

when it is slightly raining and then the wet tires are used in absolute downpours. The weather

makes the races more interesting because you never know who is going to crash at any moment.

Last years winner was Sebastian Vettel from Red Bull Racing. However, this year Formula One

made all teams follow specific car regulations and Red Bull is suffering greatly due to these rulechanges. The rules are in the best interest of the drivers as they lower speeds to help protect the

drivers as much as possible from higher speed crashes. The most well known race in FormulaOne takes place in Monaco, a city that is basically its own country because of how small the

country is. This race usually results in little to no passing at all because the road is so narrow

through out the entire course. In order to win at Monaco the driver must start on the pole and

then they can play defense for the entire race relatively easy. However, this year the pole sitterhad problems with his car and this allowed Fernando Alonso to win. Currently there are about

six to seven races left in the season. The next one is at Singapore and this will be a real test for

Fernando Alonso because if he wins then he will probably end up finishing the rest of the seasonin first place. The United States for the first time ever will host a Formula One race in Texas this

November and will hopefully start a tradition.

Appendix K

Ok this is my fourth journal and it will be about racing. Formula one is the top racing league in

the worldedits that. uhm with speeds over 200 mph only a select few drivers in the world can

actually drive it. In this league.cause most people dont have the reaction time and they would

probably die. Especially at these speeds Im not talking as much because Im kind of sick andmy throat is sore so Ill be doing a little less talking on this oneit requires a decent amount of

talent to race in this leagueuhmformula one consists of twelve teams of two driversnot

four, twelvethroughout the course of the year. Of the year. There are 24 races I think. And

they occur all over the world in every single like country. Theres one in the U.S., a ton in


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Europe, theres some in the Middle East, Australia, Japan, and China, Indiathe top drivers well

the top teams are Ferrari, Red Bull and McLarenuhm currently the number one driver in the

standings is Fernando Alonso for Ferrarihes from Spainuhm right now there actually thereactually there are no drivers from the United States in Formula One and there havent been for

the last couple years at least and Michael Schumacher is the greatest Formula One driver ever

after winning 12 straight races which is unheard ofIm gonna edit thatMichael Schumacherstill races today but hes not as he was back in the day. Im gonna go aback and editthis*mumbles*my favorite track is in Bahrain, because the track layout promotes high

speeds and a lot of passing and crashing. My least favorite track is where they race. The only

night race is in Singapore thats the only time they race at nightits not fun because its just abunch of walls and they dont go very fast and theres not much passingFormula One races in

all weather. It doesnt matter what the conditions are they still raceedit thisensures

thatbest drivers in the world will be victorious at the end of the season. There are four types of

tires that the teams use on the cars. The prime tires promote high speeds and are best used in dry

conditionsthe option tires are good at handling in dry weather but they wear out really

quickly not quickly, soonerthere are also intermediate and wet tires for when there is a little

bit of rain and then when its an absolute downpour... Ahh crap I cant writedownpourstheweather makes races more interesting because you dont know whats going to happen and

whos going to crash whereno I dont need two spacesuhm last years winner was Sebastian

Vettle. How do you spell Vettle I dont know. Hes from Red Bull Racing. This year FormulaOne made all the cars have to follow new standards and their team isnt doing very good becauseof these standards. But the changes are for the good as they make the cars safer for the drivers

because many Formula One Drivers have died because the cars are going so fast and theres little

protection, and the cars so smallmy roommates are playing video games and there yelling atthe TV now, thats always greathmm343 words Im almost done. The most well known race in

Formula One takes place in MonacoMonaco its like this little city in uhm and ahh shoot and

Ill say in a small country next to Italy. Very beautiful and very rich tooI just had a major brain

blank out and I dont know why. This race usually results in little to no passingat all becausetheres no room really to pass. Its almost like a one and a half lane road almost the entire

courseno wait what am I typing, Im just typing nonsensein order to win at Monaco, thedriver must win, have the best lap in qualifying and usually there the one that wins. However this

year, the pole sitter had problems with his car uhm thats not what I wanted and this allowed

Fernando Alonso to wincurrently there are about six to seven races left I actually lost

countthe next one is at ahh shoot wheres the next one at. Oh the next ones at Singapore and

this will be a real test for Fernando Alonso because if he wins he will probably end up finishing

out the rest of the season in first placethe United States for the first time ever will have a track

in Formula One. And thats in Texas and thatll take place over Thanksgiving Weekend and yea

and it was just built this summer and Im really excited that I may have to opportunity to gowatch this race. It will be incredible. Alright thats not what I want. No not the first. Hopefully it

will start a tradition.

Appendix L

Ok this is my fourth journal and it will be about racing. Formula one is the top racing league in

the worldedits that. uhm with speeds over 200 mph only a select few drivers in the world can


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actually drive it. In this league.cause mostpeople dont have the reaction time and they would

probably die. Especially at these speeds Im not talking as much because Im kind of sick and

my throat is sore so Ill be doing a little less talking on this oneit requires a decent amount of

talent to race in this leagueuhmformula one consists of twelve teams of two driversnot

four, twelvethroughout the course of the year. Of the year. There are 24 races I think. And

they occur all over the world in every single like country. Theres one in the U.S., a ton in

Europe, theres some in the Middle East, Australia, Japan, and China, Indiathe top drivers well

the top teams are Ferrari, Red Bull and McLarenuhm currently the number one driver in the

standings is Fernando Alonso for Ferrarihes from Spainuhm right now there actually there

actually there are no drivers from the United States in Formula One and there havent been for

the last couple years at least and Michael Schumacher is the greatest Formula One driver ever

after winning 12 straight races which is unheard ofIm gonna edit thatMichael Schumacher

still races today but hes not as he was back in the day. Im gonna go aback and edit

this*mumbles*my favorite track is in Bahrain, because the track layout promotes high

speeds and a lot of passing and crashing. My least favorite track is where they race. The only

night race is in Singapore thats the only time they race at nightits not fun because its just a

bunch of walls and they dont go very fast and theres not much passingFormula One races in

all weather. It doesnt matter what the conditions are they still raceedit thisensures

thatbest drivers in the world will be victorious at the end of the season. There are four types of

tires that the teams use on the cars. The prime tires promote high speeds and are best used in dry

conditionsthe option tires are good at handling in dry weather but they wear out really

quickly not quickly, soonerthere are also intermediate and wet tires for when there is a little

bit of rain and then when its an absolute downpour... Ahh crap I cant writedownpoursthe


24/24

weather makes races more interesting because you dont know whats going to happen and

whos going to crash whereno I dont need two spacesuhm last years winner was Sebastian

Vettle. How do you spell Vettle I dont know. Hes from Red Bull Racing. This year Formula

One made all the cars have to follow new standards and their team isnt doing very good because

of these standards. But the changes are for the good as they make the cars safer for the drivers

because many Formula One Drivers have died because the cars are going so fast and theres little

protection, and the cars so smallmy roommates are playing video games and there yelling at

the TV now, thats always greathmm343 words Im almost done. The most well known race in

Formula One takes place in MonacoMonaco its like this little city in uhm and ahh shoot and

Ill say in a small country next to Italy. Very beautiful and very rich tooI just had a major brain

blank out and I dont know why.This race usually results in little to no passingat all because

theres no room really to pass. Its almost like a one and a half lane road almost the entire

courseno wait what am I typing, Im just typing nonsensein order to win at Monaco, the

driver must win, have the best lap in qualifying and usually there the one that wins. However this

year, the pole sitter had problems with his car uhm thats not what I wanted and this allowed

Fernando Alonso to wincurrently there are about six to seven races left I actually lost

countthe next one is at ahh shoot wheres the next one at. Oh the next ones at Singapore and

this will be a real test for Fernando Alonso because if he wins he will probably end up finishing

out the rest of the season in first placethe United States for the first time ever will have a track

in Formula One. And thats in Texas and thatll take place over Thanksgiving Weekend and yea

and it was just built this summer and Im really excited that I may have to opportunity to go

watch this race. It will be incredible. Alright thats not what I want. No not the first. Hopefully it

will start a tradition.

self study essay

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