TOW #16: IRB

127 Hours is about Aron Ralston, an average man who decided to hike in the beauty of the natural world. Specifically, into Utah canyon lands. His hike began on Saturday, April 26th, 2003. The supplies in his backpack are enough to get him through his planned day of hiking. Some batteries, water, chocolate, and other camp-like equipment. Not in a million years did he ever imagine the life changing obstacle he were to face -- getting trapped between a canyon wall and an eight-hundred-pound boulder. Aron Ralston, author of his own story, exploits the "adventure" with appealing details that grab the readers' emotions. Throughout the beginning of the book, he introduces the scene, his family, and himself. Eventually he leads into the dramatic and frightening tumble of the large boulder. His right hand and wrist pinned against the canyon wall, Ralston survived off a scarce amount of resources. From a reader's perspective, I believe the Ralston does an excellent job appealing to the audience's emotions. The story itself is astonishing and inspiring, but the details add a whole new level. Throughout the book, Ralston believes that his circumstance will end in death, although, he isn't ready to give up living. A question between the text and the reader may be: what is Aron going to do next? What will be his solution to his situation? From hilucinating to drinking his own urine, his near-death experience is jaw dropping. Ralston's use of first person also keeps the reader engaged, as if the story were happening to them, at that moment. Delivering every important detail as possible, Ralston keeps the reader engaged emotionally and mentally. The audience may vary, from teenagers my age and younger, to older adults. The book can appeal to anyone, for it is a truly astonishing and inspirational book that would keep anyone engaged. As a reader, I believe that Ralston achieved his purpose throughout part 1 to introduce the story and deliver it thoroughly.

TOW #15: 8 Kind Things You Should Tell Yourself Every Day

8 Kind things You Should Tell Yourself Every Day



Sometimes, especially being a teenager, maintaing self confidence can be difficult. People are constantly judging you, looking down upon you, and comparing you to others. Who needs the negativity though? Shouldn't the compliments other people give us be more important? This is why I found this article interesting. As a teenage girl, I know what it can be like to struggle with self confidence and sometimes some insane courage is all you need. This article, "8 Things You Should Tell Yourself Every Day" is sort of a list as well. Hence the "8 Things". Beginning the article, the author really draws in the audience's attention. The audience being basically anyone. By using first and second person, the author establishes an emotional appeal because the reader feels as though the author experiences the same feelings. Also, the tone throughout the article/list is very up lifting and positive; making the reader feel happy and inspired. The author uses the positive tone to achieve a sense of pride in the reader, and to deliver the purpose that you are important and one should not forget to be kind to him/herself. For example, "Today, recognize how capable and wonderful you are on the inside and the outside." Reading that, I, being a part of the audience, wants to keep reading and feel a sense of kindness. Although the list is brief, it gets the point across. "I am enough." "I am beautiful" all 8 things are positive, happy things people should tell themselves everyday. I believe as a reader, the author got the purpose across. By using a positive tone especially, as well as first and second person. Also, by using pictures, the author brings out even more emotions from the reader because the pictures are so sweet and fit the article perfectly. Something great about this article is that I can pass it on to people and hope to make their day a little better as well. Because I know for me, after reading this, I felt great.

TOW #14: Article: "The Pre-Race Meal"

"The Pre-Race Meal"

By: Matt Fitzgerald

Since I am a runner, and I race at least once every week beginning from December and until July, I always have to make sure my body is being fueled properly. Eating healthy is important especially to those who are active and athletic because without the proper nutrition, their ability to perform won't be as strong. "The Pre-Race Meal" is an article that describes and informs the audience the correct way to fuel the body before a race. It includes the importance of timing a pre-race meal, and what exactly that meal should be. Surprisingly, Fitzgerald recommends eating more carbohydrates prior to a race, rather than protein and especially fiber and fat. Following what the meal should contain and the timing, Fitzgerald includes five different foods a runner could consider eating on race day. I was able to connect a lot to this portion of the article because I usually eat a bagel and a banana on race days. As for the author's purpose, Fitzgerald uses facts to inform the reader on important eating habits before running races. Specifically, under the sub section "What To Eat", Fitzgerald includes facts about low-glycemic indexes, blood glucose levels, and other important variables a runner should consider when eating before their workout or race. Also, when the author listed all of the foods a runner could eat, he had facts to back up why they would be logical before a race. By providing facts for the reader, Fitzgerald is also establishing a sense of credibility because the facts prove his article is legitimate. The audience of "The Pre-Race Meal" are clearly runners, and runners who may be running a race or know someone who is competing as well. I think the author achieved his purpose because being a runner myself I learned a lot and am going to consider all of Fitzgerald's recommendations next time I have a track meet.