English 420Y - Business Writing Online

This week I work with Faheem on the Caring for your pets brochure. I looked for pictures while he worked on the text. He then added pictures into the text. We then rearranged some things according to size. And woala! We have a nice Caring for your pet brochure.

In taking the five minute brochure design trash test. I believe the images that we added does strike a chord with our prospects. Our graphic in our brochure made our brochure look professional. Our brochures were easy to understand when it came to simple communications. I believe that our brochures packed in the most information as possible.

The week got started off with a fast pace group work as we all hurried to learn different softwares to use for the brochure. I had difficulty with the software due the facts that I did not have Microsoft Publisher. The group helped me download it and learn how to use the software. The group worked together to make the first draft of the brochure with picture and text that was well worked together. In chapter 24, I learned that copyrights must be presented on an image if used, so a made sure the group was aware of this.

In chapter 24, Using visuals to inform and persuade, visuals play two roles. The first role is to present information and arguments. The second role visuals play is to include design elements that convey relationships between images and surrounding text. Meaning visuals speak louder than words, but especially help illustrate to the surrounding text. Images as arguments are visuals that can stand alone from text. I found that there were several different forms of visuals including but not limited to photographs, illustrations, charts and graphs, and design and layout elements.

In reading Feuds in Student Groups, I learned that at worst, groups waste time insidiously, accomplish little work, and creat an arena in which interpersonal conflict can rage. A trio of structural aspects set the stage for feuds in groups: interdependence, rewards systems, and the mix of educational backgrounds and demographic characteristics among students.

In The Thomson Handbook Chapter 25, Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design for Writers, I learned the basic principles of graphic design. I thought the brochures used typography effectively.

Week 5

I got in touch with all the members of the group this week. We sent emails to each other. We all agreed through email that the wiki page that was provided for us was a great idea. We completed the Ghantt Chart by Friday July 13th.

I have included my final press release and business letter along the Text Analysis for Jetblue Air carrier.

The sample press releases were very helpful in writing my press release. In chapter 36, Concise sentencing, concise sentencing means making every word count. I learned that cutting empty words and phrases out is a good form of revision. Condensing phrases into single words and elimination redundancy is a good was to clean up one's work. In combining sentences I learned how to reformat sentences to work more smoothly. In chosing strong verbs I was amazed by the process of moving verbs to make them stronger. From the Purdue Owl, the goals were to use the most effective words.

I wrote this very similar to my press release.

Chapter 38, Effective Word Use, was useful to identify why we use the words we use. Regionalism is when people use different words for the same thing. Chapter 38 stated, "when in doubt about a word or usage, consult your dictionary." I especially liked the examples for metaphor, mixed metaphor, and cliche'. "The demon of torture returned to the police station."