Conflict Issues and Special Topics of Invention in English Teaching

     Katie J's post about English teaching focused on the battle between a teacher and a principal about teaching a certain Shakespeare play. While principals backed by the state core curriculum standards are difficult to argue against, I think students with strong opinions will be even tougher to persuade. Convincing teenagers to seriously study literature--such as the works of Shakespeare--creates a daily conflict in the classroom.

     Consider the following conversation between a teacher and her class of tenth graders. She is introducing the year's unit on Shakespeare, and while the young people argue against the need to read, she employs various common topics of invention to combat their complaints, which constitute to the overall special topic of invention, advantageous/disadvantageous:

     "Mrs. Richards, Shakespeare is an old dead guy. Why do we care about what he wrote?" Billy rang out after the English teacher had expressed her enthusiasm to begin King Lear.
     "Well," she replied, "aren't the majority of the books we read written by 'old, dead guys'?" She retorted Billie's argument with a similarity/difference comparison that made his point ineffective.

     "But Shakespeare's language is sooo old that none of us can understand it!" Sally chimed in.
Mrs. Richards jokingly asked her, "Have you ever said, 'tongue-tied,' 'lie low,' or 'in a pickle'? How about 'dead as a door-nail' or 'laughing stock' etc.? Shakespeare made up these and many more phrases that we use all the time. So you understand more than you think!" The familiar maxims showed Sally she really could comprehend the age-old language.

     Jimmy offered another grievance, "Okay, Mrs. R, so maybe it doesn't matter if he's old and his words are old. Give me a reason why we young people have to read his plays." Mrs. Richards was prepared to supply a thousand reasons, but focused on those that related to past and future facts, as well as cause and effect relationships.    
     "Class," she said, "reading Shakespeare is extremely advantageous. Just as I know you've read him in eighth and ninth grade, I know you'll read him in eleventh and twelfth! Familiarizing yourselves with his work will not only help you interpret numberless cultural allusions to it, but will also teach you how to tell better stories, like him! He was the world's greatest story-teller. And if you unravel a character in a Shakespeare play, you will begin to make sense of human nature in general, which in turn will help you come to understand yourselves in the time that you are trying to find out who you really are."
     The students were still for a moment, and Jimmy finally concluded, "Those are good reasons..."
     Mrs. Richards smiled, "Now. Let's open to Act I."

Conflict Issues and Special Topics of Invention in Psychology Professoring

A Point of Conflict in College Psychology Professoring:

              It seems like college students are always trying to boost their grades and they often do this by trying to talk the professor into giving them extra credit or being more lenient on a current score. Of course the professor can’t be too liberal with giving good grades or the class will not accurately reflect the effort and learning that respective students put into the class. However, the professor also wants to help his or her students achieve what they can in the class.

Topics of Invention in Professoring:

              The typical situation is that the student comes into a professor’s office and talks to him/her one-on-one. Let’s say that the student did absolutely miserably on the last test and is worried about losing a scholarship due to the failing grade (just to up the stakes a little). The professor wants to help, but also has to make the situation fair to other students.

              “I did notice that your test score was very low, much lower than I would expect given your attendance and participation. I notice that you usually sit in the front of class and, according to your grades, it seems like you always turn your homework in on time and well done. I can’t give you any additional points since that wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the class. However, I think I will offer an optional extra credit assignment and allow students to write up a case study analyzing the psychiatric condition of other students as they enter and exit the testing center. Based on the length and quality of your reports I will offer appropriate points of extra credit. How does that sound?”

Analysis:

Rebellious and rude students are less likely to
win their professors' sympathy. Good thing I'm neither...right?

              When professors are approached by students they have to use a variety of topics of invention to seem both fair and just. Worthiness/Unworthiness of the student is a big point because a professor won’t help a student who doesn’t deserve the help. This is often based on past fact/future fact because the professor must account for how the student has worked before and how they are likely to act in the future. The Degree of help has to be decided because the balance of fairness and Justice must be maintained. Often the gradebook acts as a testimony of being both a document and a witness against/for the student.

Conflict Issues and Topics of Invention in Investment Banking

A Point of Conflict in Investment Banking
One point of conflict in Investment Banking is compensation. If a team member is upset about the year-end bonus awarded her, she will need to tactfully communicate about the issue in order to resolve it.

Topics of Invention in Investment Banking
A typical persuasion scenario for an investment banker is when she attempts to persuade her boss that she deserves a larger bonus. Here is a fictional case study to illustrate. Let's say a year-end bonuses are distributed and a female team member finds out that she has received less of a bonus than the male team member at her same level. The female team member could approach her boss and say something like the following:

"I am grateful to be a part of this team, I know that we have accomplished amazing deals this past year and we have all contributed a lot to that. You and the other VPs have done a great job setting up deals for us analysts to work on, but I know that all the analysts, even Joe and me, the first year analysts, have enjoyed working together. The Associates can attest to my timeliness and quality contributions to the deal work. I want to ask for an explanation for the amount of my bonus. I understand that Joe received a larger bonus than I did.  Joe and I started working here at the same time and received the same signing bonuses and first-year base salaries. We have both worked hard and contributed, taking the same number of vacation days and time off. Therefore, we should both receive the same amount for our year-end bonuses."

Analysis
This investment banker emphasized the structure of the office team, highlighting the whole/parts aspect of the topic of division. She also referred to witnesses as part of her testimony, and finished her thoughts on the circumstance by referring to the past fact of her and Joe's equality, and the future fact that said equality should be the foundation for compensation distribution.

Conflict Issues and Special Topics of Invention in Speech Pathology

A Point of Conflict in Speech Pathology

The main point of conflict I foresee as a speech pathologist is the argument over "necessary and proper". While many of us are familiar with this phrase in terms of our government, I'm using it to identify the cases speech therapists make throughout  their careers in regards to whether or not therapy is necessary and will be effective for individuals struggling to communicate in any way. 

Topics of Invention in Law

There are many opportunities for persuasion when dealing with communication disorders. I want to quickly describe two different scenarios that will in one way or another affect each of us. 

Scenario One: 

Imagine sometime in the near future. You're graduated, working, and you have one beautiful child. They are three years old and what you would describe as "extremely shy" Usual communication consists of pointing and making noises rather than word formation. The preschool teacher has noted that your child has a hard time joining other kids and often paces the room and simply watches. You're the parent and need to decide, is this behavior normal or is there an underlying problem?  

Scenario Two:

It is much further into the future. Your parent or grandparent is aging and activities of daily living are becoming more laborious for them. They require extra care now, but the decline you are most concerned with is their ability to chew and swallow. What do you do? 

Analysis

My field deals with highly charged, emotional situations such as these. Health of loved ones is something that is sensitive and dear to all of us. You want to do what is beneficial for those who are in your charge, you feel responsible. As a speech pathologist, I would take your concerns and do a little research. In order to identify the problem, I need to know the composition of the situation. For example, does the child have hearing loss or have an intellectual disability? Is the parent/ grandparent losing their teeth or had a stroke? Identifying these little parts help expose the whole problem. I would need to then compare these observations to what I know is standard or expected from someone in this age group. (You need to have a knowledge of what is "regular" in order to identify atypical behaviors.) Finally, I would help you see how therapy would be advantageous in improving the quality of life for the individual (helping your child eventually be able to interact with other children, or how therapy will help your parent/ grandparent safely be able to maintain independence and avoid a potentially harmful situation). The special topics of invention (parts/ whole, similarities and differences, and advantageous vs disadvantageous), will also then be used to help persuade your insurance that such interventions are necessary and proper. Those are the three topics of invention that are very common in my field.   

Conflict Issues and Special Topics of Medicine

Many think that a Doctor is free to do whatever they want. While many Doctors seem to be the ultimate authority, they are in fact, restrained by many rules and regulations. The violation of which can result in termination of their license. While dealing with medications doctors also face many ethical situations. The following is a conversation that I overheard today in the clinic.

Patient: “I don’t understand why you can’t just give me the generic for Suboxone! It’s a lot cheaper and my insurance doesn’t want to cover it anymore.”

Doctor: “This is an addiction clinic. The reason why I don’t just prescribe you the generic is because it can be abused easier. The generic does not come with the naloxone inhibitor, meaning it can be used inappropriately. As your doctor I cannot ethically give you a drug that can potentially be abused.”

Patient: “I don’t believe this! I’ve been clean for 5 years. You can’t treat me like a druggie.”

Doctor: “In addition to these legal standards, many patients do not do well on the generic versions of this drug. Many patients experience nausea, headaches, and are more prone to experience withdrawal symptoms. Unless I have a letter from your insurance, stating that they will not cover the Suboxone I will not switch you onto a generic. Suboxone is a controlled drug, and as such I cannot legally switch you to the generic brand simply because it is more affordable.”

Many physicians are forced to make decisions between things that are legally right and morally right in respect to their patients. Many issues that are controversial are really a part of something bigger. Once the big picture is achieved it can be easier to understand, which could be definition or genus and species. Cause and Effect are also powerful. Stating laws and Authorities (usually themselves or the findings of other doctors) are very persuasive. Special topics include what is ethically right and what is advantageous to the patient.

Conflict Issues and Special Topics of Invention in English Teaching

English Teaching can often be quite stressful!

            Every day of the week, English teachers are constantly in some sort of conflict where they must convince others.  An extremely common point of conflict, or stasis, in English teaching is how to best teach the students.  Disagreements often arise between English teachers and other English teachers or, more likely, between English teachers and administrators on how to best teach and engage the children. 

           

Take this common scenario of conflict.  

Principal Collins, fuming, burst into Mr. Rice’s classroom early last Friday.  In a rage, she demanded to know why he refused to teach Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to his 9^th grade class this semester and taught them the more “mature” Othello instead.  “This violates the state and the board’s educational laws and outlines!  There will be a standardized test at the end of this year, and you haven’t taught them the necessary material!” she seethed.  Mr. Rice sighed.  He hated teaching Romeo and Juliet.  The class consistently became much more engaged in Othello than in Romeo and Juliet, and he had looked at the test objectives.  They required perhaps a small summary of the play and nothing more.  Why, he wondered, did he have to teach his class anything but what he wanted to teach them?  They would get everything covered that they needed to cover.  Grammar, essay writing, literature, everything needed would be taught.  Mr. Rice stated slowly, “Ms. Collins, I take great pride in teaching my class and helping them learn and grow in English.  My students’ standardized test results consistently have been 20% higher than the state’s average, and I see no reason to deviate from my proven method no matter how much the state or board changes the requirements or curriculum.”  “Your job is a good reason, Mr. Rice,” Ms. Collins simpered. 

English teachers may not want to teach the
standardized curriculum for their class.

            Here we see a special topic of invention common to public school English teachers.  The idea of the law vs. personal desire occurs quite a bit.  Mr. Rice wants to teach what he wants to teach in English.  However, the state dictates that he teach a certain curriculum to his students.  Mr. Rice might be a better English teacher without the restrictions of the curriculum, but he, by law, must teach a certain way or he will lose his job.  The common topics of invention of law and cause and effect also occur with this special topic.  Law or at least school board doctrine must always be taken into account in Mr. Rice’s teaching.  Furthermore,  Principal  

Collins thinks that if Mr. Rice fails to teach his students the proper curriculum, the students will fail the standardized tests.

Another special topic of invention seen in this scenario is learning vs. curriculum.  Sometimes learning does not occur even with approved curriculum.  Mr. Rice must struggle between teaching approved curriculum and teaching what he feels is best conducive to learning.  Reconciliation can occur with the style he teaches.

Engagement’s relationship to learning is yet an additional special topic.  Mr. Rice thinks that the more engaged a class is in a topic, the more they will learn.  I do not think anyone doubts this fact, but trying to engage students is a classic problem for all teachers everywhere.

Drum Relaxation

         

        There are hundreds of different ways to make yourself relaxed throughout stressful periods of time in your life. Many drummers would argue that drumming is the best way to do that. Instead of relieving stress through beating a punching bag or squeezing a stress ball, [similarity/ difference] drumming is a way to push force downwards and let gravity move a wooden stick upwards to make beautiful music. [definition]. Although many people may not agree that drumming is a great way to relieve stress, they won’t know until they try it for themselves. [antecedent/ consequence]. For example, I drummed all throughout high school and it benefited me in such a way that I know with a surety that I will continue to utilize drumming to help me relax and unwind. [past fact/future fact]. Even my own mother could distinguish the difference in me from when I did and did not drum. [witness].

Mongolians and West Africans have used drumming for centuries as therapeutical techniques to help maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health. [testimony]. Michael Winkleman, an author for the American Journal of Public Health, even said that drumming is a superb way to combat drug addictions because it takes your minds off of things and helps one refocus. [authority]. Even if we aren’t fighting addictions, we know that drumming is a way to build muscle memory and self confidence and release pressure and energy simultaneously. [contraries]. The greatest musicians argue that music comes directly from God, hence the reason why we sing hymns in church, and this goes hand in hand with the divine nature of drumming - no pun intended. [The Supernatural]. Now that drumming is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, millions of people will have the opportunity to test this drum relaxation method for themselves. [possible/impossible]. 

Learn an Instrument

Music can have an incredible effect on the mind, in a brief essay posted about two hours ago on this blog Spencer Muir talks about some of the specific positive effects that listening to music has on the human mind. (Authority) Similarly, when one learns the art of performing music his or her mind is enriched. (Similarity) Performing music is incredibly complex; one must learn to read music which involves training the brain to associate symbols with tones, pitches, dynamics, timing, and style, one must develop muscle memory that aligns with all of the tones, pitches, dynamics etc., (whole/parts) after all of this, a musician must develop musicality, or the ability to feel music and translate that feeling through all of the technicalities that he/she has worked to develop. (Definition)

My favorite piece to perform,
you've probably heard it, here is a link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwHpDOWhkGk

Just think of it! Imagine you are a parent, (possible/impossible) what would you do to help your child develop? Imagine watching them learning and honing all of those skills required by a musician to perform. Imagine how greater their capacity would expand by exercising their mind (cause and effect) rather than mindlessly watching T.V for hours on end. (Contradiction) Learning to perform an instrument provides life long benefits in the health and capacity of the brain. (Antecedent/Consequence) In her article from National Geographic magazine Diane Cole sites several scientific studies and tests that have been performed that show higher levels of grey and white matter in the brains of adults who have played musical instruments since childhood. (Documents)

Post-Concert with one of my stand partners, I
recommend Mark Olson's post, we were
definitely dressed for success.

I personally have seen the benefits of learning to perform a musical instrument. I play the cello, I love it. It is one of my favorite hobbies, it has increased my ability to memorize and the motor skills of my body and brain. (Testimony) Whenever I pick up my cello and play its as though some imaginary wind blows through my mind and clears everything away. (Supernatural) 

Feast Upon the Words of Christ

         Every member of the Church should study the scriptures daily. The scriptures consist of canonized works as well as words of modern-day prophets [Definition]. Seriously studying the scriptures is not simply scanning a few verses and skipping on one’s way; it is focusing in on details, patterns, and real-life applications [Contraries]. Surely the more time and attention that one gives to the scriptures, the more spiritual revelations he or she will receive. Conversely, if scripture study is neglected, the Spirit will be unable to communicate to the individual [Cause/Effect][Degree]. Prophets from all ages have urged us to study the revelations [Authority]; furthermore, God Himself has promised power to those who search and ponder His word [Supernatural].  The very scriptures command us to “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3) [Documents]. Studying the scriptures is one part of the larger goal to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ [Genus/Species]. I know from personal experience that consistently studying the scriptures invites divine guidance into my life [Witness]. If members study in a dedicated and diligent way they will be blessed with happiness and peace [Antecedent/Consequence].

Just do it

Running is more mental than it is physical [degree]. For many the hardest part is just getting out the door. If you can get your feet onto the pavement then the whole world opens up before you. [Antecedents/Consequence]

Many people dislike running because it is painful, difficult or uncomfortable.  It pushes you to limits, both physical and mental.  Just as under-going surgery is painful and taxing, we know that it is beneficial as well as sometimes very necessary. [Comparison]  A child learning to walk cannot do so without falling down, getting scrapes and bruises.  But the outcome of those painful circumstances serves a greater purpose.  Unlike basketball, tennis or skiing that require specific venues, equipment or seasons, running can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and without specialty equipment. [Possible/impossible] There are other elements to running that make it beneficial.  It teaches will power, consistency, vision, and effort. [Whole/parts]  In spite of, or perhaps because of, these many elements of running, it also makes up something more. 

Running has long been an avenue of physical fitness, mental strength, and character building. [Definition]  The Ancient Greeks included it in their pursuits of becoming “citius, altius, fortius” or swifter, higher, and stronger. [Maxim/Proverb] In our day it continues to help us in these pursuits. [Past/Future fact]  In my opinion becoming “higher” makes running a spiritual matter, as it helps me to gain mastery over the natural man and strengthens my soul. [Supernatural]

"Happiness is a Warm Puppy"

As you can see, my handicapped brother is very happy with his dog.

As one can see in the picture shown, a dog is a serious source of joy for my brother. He would claim that his “Daisy Pooch” as he calls her, is “his best friend” [witness]. It’s not just my brother, though that gets this kind of joy from a dog! I know I feel a sense of peace when I can just cuddle up with a possible/impossible]. But, it’s simply not possible for someone to just rent a puppy anytime they feel like it. It’s inconvenient and with many apartments restricting animals from their premises, it also isn't probable that every student would be willing to take the risk.

puppy pal. I’m not the only one, either- if this weren't true, “Rent-a-puppy” couldn't possibly have thrived so well in Provo! [

Here are some compelling reasons that off-campus housing should include more dog-friendly apartments:

1)      Other campuses allow it! [comparison] A ton of my high school friends are happy at their colleges with a cute little doggie by their side. Obviously it can work on other campuses.

Aren't  my doggies cute?

2)      Just because we allow dogs, doesn't mean we have to bend all the rules put in place by off-campus housing [whole/parts]. Some people believe that we’d have to do it for every apartment, but that simply isn't true [contradiction]. We can keep some sanctioned for “no-pet” housing, but allowing more dog-friendly apartments would be great! This is a minor rule that would greatly improve so many peoples’ lives! Why do you think people have “therapy dogs”?

3)      Along those lines, we don’t have to open it up to all animals, either [genus, species]. Forget stinky ferrets, mice, and even some cats. Let’s just start with loveable dogs.

4)      If we increased puppies around campus, we’d increase happiness, and decrease stress. This could completely improve test scores and overall well-being of students at BYU! [cause/effect].

5)      Clearly God approves of dogs [supernatural], or he wouldn't have put them on Earth for our enjoyment. We should honor His creations.

Okay- maybe that last point is a poor argument, since there are a lot of things on earth that we don’t allow in BYU approved housing…. But it was worth a try.

I can't say no to this cute puppy, either :)

Anyway, I know that could be a great addition to any apartment. I, for one, will definitely be getting a dog as soon as I can [future fact]; after all, as Charlie Brown says, “Happiness is a warm puppy” [maxim/proverb].

Music & The Mind

               Over the last few semesters of my college career I have come to notice that if I listen to peaceful music as I study I am able to focus for longer periods of time [Cause/Effect]. While some of my friends and acquaintances have mentioned they agree that music helps them study in their study experience [Witnesses] others have found no such correlation [Contradictions].

Many people wear these; few people listen to him.

                According to studies done at Oxford University [Authorities] there is evidence supporting the idea that music helps to create an enhanced experience while studying. This enhanced experience was shown while subjects listened to Mozart and studied, which led to improvement of certain types of mental procedures referred to as “spatial-temporal reasoning” [Definition]. Although this seems to be a little different than what I have experienced [Division], I agree that the overall study experience is improved with music. I wonder if it was more common knowledge that by listening to music during studying you could achieve better marks in school if more people would listen to study enhancing music during their studies. Dr. Charles Eloit’s (former Harvard University president) famous saying that "Music rightly is the best mind trainer"[Maxims and Proverbs] might be enough evidence for some to be sold on the effects of music on the mind. 

                As for myself I have now found that when I don’t listen to music it actually hinders my studying ability. Because of this I plan to make music a regular part of all my studies from here on out [Past Fact/Future Fact]. Even though my love for music can almost be distracting at times [Contraries], overall music helps me in my learning process. For those reading this that might have never tried listening to some mind enhancing music, I would invite you to try it out. If you don’t you may be missing out on some better scores on exams, and more invigorating personal studies [Antecedent/Consequence].

Lazy Student

As compared to the motivated student, the Lazy Student is one who, via errors of omission, seeks to actually receive less value out of the money spent on education (Similarity/ Difference &Contradiction). Why would a person pay money and then drag his feet along, begrudgingly doing the minimum amount of work possible? Perhaps, his funds are not his own (Cause/Effect). People who purchase things on the funds of another rarely value the purchased item (Genus/Species). Even worse, perhaps laziness has been eingrainedinto his character, as evidence by examples of a childhood filled with countless hours in front of the TV with minimal intellectual engagement (Past Fact/Future). Can we help him? Can we save the lazy student? Yes, after we identify him. First, we must approach his professors (Authority). As experts in the fields of education, they will be able to differentiate the lazy from inept. Second, with a list of viable candidates, we can poll the friends (witnesses). Those closest will be able to give accurate account of his character and disposition. Finally, we can study his work (Documents). A review of his fruits will confirm or deny the validity of the claims made by his teachers and friends. As countless cases of past students have proven, little effort combined with above average work denotes genius, while little effort combined with expected mediocre output indicates laziness (Precedent). With the Lazy Student identified, we can now help him. The approach is two-fold. Firstly, we motivate him to exert himself and see the fruits of the results, then repeat the process until it becomes self-perpetuating. As the Russians say, повторение мать учения (repetition is the mother of learning)(Maxims/Proverbs). Secondly, we appeal to heaven for divine intervention because at the end of the day some Lazy Students will only change by an act of God (Supernatural).

Words

Picture this: a cute little baby looking up at you. What is the first thing young parents try to teach this little person? It comes before walking or potty training . . . the answer is words. Babies start the process of word formation with phonation, then cooing and gooing, which leads to babbling, and finally morphemes and lexicons (words) [whole/ parts]. Why is it that such an emphasis is put on learning words? Words are really just a combination of sounds that carry meaning only to those familiar with the sound combination [definition]. But these unique sound combinations make possible the expression of an infinite amount of topics via various different modes of transmission [possible/ Impossible]. Some words are just unforgettable, like: "I love you," "I do," "It's a boy," "mama," "I hate you," or any degree of name calling. The point is, words can be used to reach positive, uplifting ends . . . or not so positive and destructive ends [Contradictions]. But ultimately, words are going to be learned from reliable sources like dictionaries and teachers, or not such trustworthy sources such as friends and T.V. shows [Contradictions]. Therefore, if a parent understands that "the pen is mightier than the sword" [Maxims and Proverbs], then, they recognize their superior role in helping their children learn to effectively and properly use words [Antecedent and Consequences]. The most important understanding we can reach in regards to words are their varying degrees of permanence. Those words whispered to oneself in a reflection or absentmindedly written on a misplaced sticky note may not last a lifetime; but, others that are shouted into a camera, thrust onto the internet, or tattooed on the body itself can last just that long [Degree]. The emotion that charges those words can lead to enhancing its permanence [Cause and Effect]. The moral of the story is, regardless of how effectively or ineffectively you have used your words in the past, you can choose to use them more purposefully and knowledgeably looking forward [Past Fact/ Future Fact].

That darn pet peeve!

We all have them, that one little thing that sets you off and makes you go practically insane! Pet peeves are minor annoyances that people do that really seem to bother you [definition]. We have no idea why we have them and to others, your pet peeve seems completely irrational; its as though we have been cursed with a hatred towards something [supernatural]. For some reason those little acts that others do just seem to push you over the edge, and yet the person standing right next to you won't even notice the act; it only bothers you [degree]! Mine is when people harmonize the song Happy Birthday, and for some reason it happens mainly here at BYU [witness]. Right at the end of the song where the last happy birthday is sung, everyone harmonizes trying to make the simple nursery song sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is performing, and it causes me to cringe and get very bitter towards everyone singing the song [cause and effect].

My sister's pet peeve is when people scrape their silverware on their plate while picking up food. Every time without fail that the scratching noise is made at the dinner table she cringes and plugs her ears. When I want to bug her a little bit I can always count on this pet peeve to get the job done [past fact / future fact]. She has tried countless times to make this gut-wrenching sound not bother her, but their is no use of trying to shake it [precedent].

No matter how much we try to suppress these little irritants, they sometimes can't be shaken; it's as though they are in our DNA [possible / impossible]. Don't be discouraged though! Remember that everyone has them. The great Whoopi Goldberg even stated, "I don't have pet peeves; I have whole kennels of irritation" [authority].  Maybe one day the pet peeves could possibly grow on you and develop into something delightful and full of pleasure [similarity / difference].

Those darn exams

Exams are not fun [Contradictions].  If I have an exam on my weekly schedule, then I am going to be stressed out [Antecedent/Consequence].  Exams are just one part of how my instructors evaluate my learning, [Whole/Parts] but they are more ominous than any other kind of assignment I have [Degree]. I nearly failed my last Food Commodity Processing Exam, so I doubt that I will get a good grade on my next exam [Past Fact/Future Fact].  My classmate Tracey said that the exam that we have this week is long and very difficult [Witness]. She said that her experience taking the exam was like being locked in a dungeon without a way to escape [Similarity/Difference]. I just don't think it is possible for me to do well on this exam, so I am not going to study [Possible/Impossible].  The BYU Testing Center website says, "Please note the time the Testing Center closes. You will not be allowed to stay and finish your test after the Testing Center closes" [Documents].  I guess I will just have to pray that I remember information from class and can write fast enough so I don't run out of time [The Supernatural]!

Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!

We have heard many times that “Trix are for kids” but how exactly would you define what a kid is?  A man is as old as he feels and a woman is as old as she looks, they say.  So is age relevant?  [Maxims and Proverbs]  Age is difficult to understand, but can be comprehended. [Contradiction]

According to dictionary.com [Authority], a kid is a young person or child and a child is a person between birth and full growth.  [Definition]  Every adult was once a kid so we can be assured that every kid will become an adult [Past Fact/Future Fact] and by doing so grown out of Trix. [Enthymeme]  However much an adult or rabbit desires to eat Trix, we know that it is impossible because it would be “silly” to do such a thing thus making an adult childish. [Possible/Impossible]  The only adult that would eat Trix would be acting as if he were a child and not an adult.

Many adults go through a middle-aged crisis in which they try to trick themselves into feeling younger, but are Trix really the answer? [Notation and Conjugates]  If adults eat highly sugared treats, then their health will suffer. [Antecedent and Consequence]  A doctor would not advice the elderly to eat a cereal with more than 46% sugar, so if you are elderly you should avoid Trix at all costs. [Degree] And if you are rabbit you should avoid Trix even more so, as veterinarians would not encourage this behavior even if all the kids you know are eating Trix. [Degree]

When it all comes down to it, we should let kids, who need energy and sugars to grow, eat Trix.  If you are not a kid and want to eat Trix, take a second thought and remember “Trix are for kids.”

Down With Facebook!

The world would be better without Facebook. Just look at how many hours people spend gazing at their feed. If so much time is invested here, then it can’t be invested in more productive pursuits [Antecedent and Consequence]. “But you are throwing out the baby with the bathwater!” [Maxim/Proverb] some protest. Yes, I am. The bathwater has become as dirty as a sewer, filled with the waste of others [Similarity]. Just look at your Facebook wall. I know someone who had a post on their wall that said that they ran out of toilet paper [Witness], making the sewage analogy quite fitting. Not all aspects of it are bad [Contradiction], you can keep in touch with those who are important to you even when you live miles away. But this has become a small part of what Facebook is today. Most of it is aimless ramblings [Whole/Parts]. It would be impossible to find a way to filter only those things that keep us in touch, without going overboard [Possible/Impossible]. 

This poor guy spent all
his time on Facebook.

This phenomenon has even attracted the attention of the leaders of the LDS church. “I invite us to identify the time-wasting distractions in our lives that may need to be figuratively ground into dust” came the call from General Conference recently [Authority]. Perhaps if we put our “face” in a “book” [Notation and Conjugates] we could make more of ourselves, and humanity as a whole. Just like when the phone gave us new ways to communicate and has stuck around, Facebook will likely stick around for a long while [Genus/Species]. But for us as individuals, just as we swore off that bad habit before, we can swear off endlessly Facebooking! [Past Fact/ Future Fact]