Tattoo You - Let's Get Started - Freewrite

Here we go! For your convenience and writing pleasure, I provide you with a few steps to begin your "Tattoo You" introductory writing assignment. We're calling this a FREEWRITE. It's FREE. You write what you want to write - 300 words.

Below, I took it upon myself to begin a discussion for my Kobe tattoo.

1. Insert the images of your three tattoo choices at the top of the page

* I used a table - I clicked on the table icon.png icon at the top left-hand corner of the page

* I clicked on 3 columns and 1 row ( you can highlight the boxes in blue )

* I inserted one image in each box - you will have to look for the following icon to click:

images - icon.png - Copying and pasting isn't going to work on CANVAS.

2. What made you select this tattoo? Can you give us some general background?

* Can you provide 4-5 sentences

Jay's Sample: I've been a Kobe fan from the very beginning of his NBA career. At age 17, Kobe was drafted right out of high school, and when he took the court in a Lakers uniform, he found himself playing against men twice his age. This may be something that motivated him to "tat" it up. He didn't want to let anybody think he was just a kid. I thought this was pretty interesting. When I watch Kobe, it's like he's a man playing against boys. His game speaks for itself. In my opinion, he doesn't need any tattoo to impress anyone.

3. Can you summarize the tattoo? Can you list the prominent features. Can you write three or four sentences?

* Can you provide a few specific details?

* Can you share your thoughts?

Jay's Sample: Kobe has inked up his entire right arm. He has a huge crown along his bulging bicep. The crown must represent royalty. Like, when Kobe steps on the court, he's the king. He also has his the name of his wife printed underneath the image of a butterfly. Above all else, Kobe is a fierce competitor. He takes everything so seriously. I think what he's trying to say with his tattoo is that he loves his wife more than you love yours.

4. After studying your tattoo and writing a little bit about it, can you establish a one-sentence general statement that captures your ideas about tattoos?

* It can be your own personal viewpoint. What do you think?

* It could be in general - why do you think people get tattoos?

* Do you see them as a way for people to express themselves?

* As a way to demonstrate their individuality?

* As a form of rebellion?

* As an impulsive act?

* As something else? You decide. (This will statement will make for a great topic sentence or thesis statement.)

Jay's Sample: Often people look to tattoos as a way to boost their street cred(ibility).

5. List several examples that support the general statement you made in step 4.

* Think about it - Read over your general statement. What type of examples do you have that will support it.

Jay's Sample:

In today’s crazy, fast-paced modern world, people don’t have the time to know who you are or what you are about. If you don’t take the time to distinguish yourself, life just might pass you by. That’s why many people opt for tattoos to establish themselves in a visual way. Theyuse their tattoos to announce their arrival and make a statement. Bikers, gangstahs, and porn stars have their own reasons for sending a message with their tattoos. They use their tattoos to remind people who they are.

6. Blog Post Entry: Would you ever get a tattoo? Write a paragraph answering this question.

Although tattoos are often regarded as an expression of individuality, I see many people out there getting tattoos to fit in with a group. I see it all the time in Mexicali. People search all over town for the write artist and perfect tattoo that will help them make a personal statement. When they do make their final decision, chances are they have selected a tattoo that hundreds of people have chosen before them, and hundreds will choose after. I fail to see the individuality in this act. In my opinion, you can't express your indidividuality on the surface of your skin. Everything you are about is enbedded in your heart. I'm an English teacher. I believe if you have something truly important to express, you should write it down.

7. OK. This is FREE. You can copy and paste your work together. (Later, I'll help you revise your writing. We'll make an essay out of it. Here is what mine looks like.

* I started with my general statement

* I went to Kobe

* I finished with my personal viewpoint on tattoos.

Often people look to tattoos as a way to boost their street cred(ibility). I've been a Kobe fan from the very beginning of his NBA career. At age 17, Kobe was drafted right out of high school, and when he took the court in a Lakers uniform, he found himself playing against men twice his age. This may be something that motivated him to "tat" it up. He didn't want to let anybody think he was just a kid. I thought this was pretty interesting. When I watch Kobe, it's like he's a man playing against boys. His game speaks for itself. In my opinion, he doesn't need any tattoo to impress anyone.

Kobe has inked up his entire right arm. He has a huge crown along his bulging bicep. The crown must represent royalty. Like, when Kobe steps on the court, he's the king. He also has his the name of his wife printed underneath the image of a butterfly. Above all else, Kobe is a fierce competitor. He takes everything so seriously. I think what he's trying to say with his tattoo is that he loves his wife more than you love yours.

8. All Right. That's my freewrite. Later, I will arrange my writing for a blog post. Below is a sample of how it might look: