Research Topic Blog

Page  18

       Writing a research paper can be quite a daunting task. Not only are you required to write, but you are required to find and study. Thus far I have managed to develop my topic of interest to research as well as various sources to refer too. This journey for me in writing a successful paper developed foremost as the topic of my choosing, followed by gathering resources, and developing an annotated bibliography.
      Although I love the freedom of choice, finding a topic of interest to research in dept has probably been the most difficult thing thus far. What am I interested in enough to explore more readily? I contemplated several issues, but nothing seemed to excite me enough to report a 8 to 10 page paper over it. I finally called random friends and family asking them for potential topic ideals. While talking with my brother who is an avid video game player, I finally wanted to research the billion dollar industry of gaming. I have taken a similar approach before by studying their violent influences, but never have I ever thought to study them in a positive light. Finding a topic of interest is critical or your journey might just take longer.
     Finding credible resources is critical when writing a research paper. Without the proper sources your paper can not be considered reliable which in turn can make it a useless work of fiction. Our class had the opportunity to take advantage of the librarian aid in finding evidences to support our papers. My topic of video games is heavily debated and studied which made it easy to find various sites while in the library. My experience in the library was enjoyable because it took me away from the normal routine of a classroom and made researching easier.
     The annotated bibliography is a new experience for me, but a simple process that involves taking sources and summarizing their intentional use within the paper. I don't find this to be difficult other than making sure that the sources are cited properly in their MLA form. Summarizing these evidences are also helping me sort out my sources, which helps me stay focused and organized. Making an annotated bibliography is a new tool that I am learning to use and plan to use in future endeavors.
     Writing this research paper is a process that involves picking a topic of interest that will be enjoyable to research and effectively using the tools to write a successful paper. I've managed to get my footing down by gathering the necessary material and compiling it, but now it is time to start really running with it by writing. It's a long journey that can be intimidating, but at least i got my base down and now it is time to build a successful paper.

Boyd K. Packer: Wisdom of an Old Crow

Page 19

     The 2011 October General Conference from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was filled with authoritative messages of faith, hope, and love. All stood out as inspirational, but one talk in particular given by Elder Packer, seemed to be most applicable to me. His position as a leader in the church gives him the necessary ethos to appeal to the youth, the ongoing dangers they should avoid, and how to become better.
     Immediately, as he begins his talk he compliments the youth by referring to them as "precious beyond measure". This establishes almost immediate trust from the youth as they feel the warming comfort of his words.  He also appeals to the youth through a humorous poem that not only draws on the emotion of the audience, but also uses logic when he informs us that he is old and experienced with wisdom to impart. In this the youth are called out and drawn into attention. 

     Elder Packer refers to the dangers of the current situation of the world as "enemy territory". This can be a startling way to view things which emotionally can upset many, but it is an inevitable truth that many can logically see. He talks of immodestly and refers to the power of procreation as something not to be abused. He also refers to some of our associations that we can do without. He boldly forewarns which is not always pleasant, but clearly the youth can follow his words because of his age and influence as an apostle.  

     His talk concerns how to be better as we become more aware of our errors as quoted "You will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the spirit".  This is comforting, that the spirit will first warn. He also counsels that all hold a key that can unlock that door that can help us be washed clean through the atonement. This gives the youth a sense of hope, that calls upon pathos. 
    The youth and all can relate to Elder Packer due to his experience and ethos as an apostle as he teaches the youth concerning the danger of the world and how to over come it. He draws a lot of pathos as he expresses the loving opportunity to become better that God has given us. With strong concluding words he advises all to "Hold fast to your life".