thesis paragraph

Tailgating on college campuses’ has come to represent a part of college life that shows student’s and alumni’s increased willingness to participate and support an institution that has played a major impact on their life. It is more than just having a good time. It is an event where the school unites as a whole to celebrate what it is to be a “UCF Knight,” (in the case of the University of Central Florida) and to cheer on our school’s athletic teams on to victory and spreading the glory of the Knights! They do all of this while eating food and having a good time.

commentary outline

Commentary Outline
1. Tailgating (intro)
a. UCF fight song to introduce topic
b. Thesis
c. American tradition and past time
d. Time for family, food, friends, and fun
e. Occurs before sports game across the nation, but mainly football
f. People grill out, drink alcohol, play games, show support
g. Takes place at UCF on Memory Mall and around the stadium
h. Involves large amounts of students, alumni and locals including their friends
i. Happens every Saturday for home games
2. Rules (body)
a. Tailgating is restricted by time allowed for open containers of alcohol
b. Can setup whenever you want
c. Open Container Waiver starts
i. At 12:00 Noon on game days where games start after 6:00 pm
ii. At 8:00 am on game days with games earlier than 6:00 pm
d. Drinking Age is enforced
e. Can only use grills 10 feet from buildings and tents
f. All other campus rules apply other than these exceptions
3. Purpose (body)
a. Show support for school/team
b. Drink and eat food while its outside of the stadium
c. Meet people and socialize with other fans and rivals
d. Enjoy the football game experience
e. Input of friends I choose to interview
4. Concerns
a. Underage Drinking
b. Fighting amongst participants
c. Traffic and Parking problems
d. Lots of people, lots of drunk people
e.
5. Conclusion
a.
b. My personal input
c. Restate thesis

A letter to my friend Will

Dear Will,
So UCF is a lot of fun and one of the reasons why is cause everyone tailgates before the football games in a big field on campus. It’s insane. There are so many people out there and everyone is yelling and screaming. They play loud music and everyone is drinking for the most part. It sounds like fun and I have only gone once but I’m worried. At orientation they don’t stop telling you about strict alcohol policies on campus and all that. When you show up to the tailgate though, the beer is flowing in rivers in the grass! People left and right have open containers and the cops walk around and don’t say anything. I hope that none of my friends are dumb and get arrested for underage drinking or get too drunk and get lost in the crowd. I could see it being a dangerous place and having situations go bad very easily. I am not sure I should associate myself with all the drinking and revelry but I feel like I am not supporting my school if I don’t. Do you think participating is worth the risk of getting in trouble? There are so many people there the chances of me getting in trouble are slim, but if I were to get hurt or get into trouble it would be that much harder to find me. In your opinion do you think they should allow tailgating? It is college so I expected all of this but I am surprised and almost happy to see the lack of control over what goes on for the tailgating. The students have worked hard to get this event how they want it to be. I heard there is legislation working to get tailgating times made to open up earlier on game days with early games! I think that is really cool that my school functions so well with Student Government and everything. I have school pride and I am proud to go here so I think I will participate in the tailgate. Why not? I can look after myself and I don’t have to drink. It’s not worth getting kicked out of college. I would like it if you would come visit me and maybe come to a game with me. We can go to the tailgating and you can see for yourself and then give me your opinion. I know we will have a good time because there is an air of excitement that makes you feel alive and a part of the university and student body. There is nothing else like it! Well it was nice talking to you. Call me when you feel like coming up for a weekend and we can make plans then. It will be a good weekend. I promise!

Best Regards,
Brendan Rhoney

Analyzing a Commentary

Brendan Rhoney

1. The trend present in this article is that men are becoming more and more involved in the planning process of marriage.
2. Yes the introduction is interesting, because the author talks about a man spending a large amount of money on a nice suit and him being picky over his wedding outfit.
3. The author uses multiple examples of different people, occasions, and places where this trend is so quickly spreading and occurring. I think she is potentially trying to promote this trend.
4. She talks about how new reality shows and the changing of gender roles and cultural expectations have led to a redefining of the groom’s jobs.
5. Well the quotes from all the people she has interviewed are there to present examples. Pasquelle and his metrosexual wedding with his fancy suit and manicured hands.
6. The author tries to stay neutral but she seems to come off as excited and happy about this trend.
7. Well marriage has always been very traditional sometimes to an extreme degree, but now things are changing and that is a big deal because we are a traditional society at heart.

My 5 questions and the interview answers

1. How long has tailgating been allowed on campus? He didn't know.
2. What regulations are in place for tailgating? He had no idea.
3. How many people participate in this event? A lot of people.
4. How long does this event last? Until the football game starts.
5. Can anyone participate in tailgating? Yes, he thinks so.

a. How do you know what you know? I really don't really know much. I don't go to the tailgating and none of my close friends really go.
b. Who are you to the subject? Doesn't participate, but has a couple friends who go.
c. How is this event connected to other events? Underage drinking, fighting, other illegal activities.
d. What if things were different? People may have less fun but more safety, no drinking.
e. Why is this important? deals with underage drinking and breaking the law.

3 College Phenomena

1. Long Boards - tons of students use long boards to get around

2. Free Stuff - everyone is low on money and there is so much free stuff that is given out on campus

3. Tailgating and the football games - so many people participate, show school pride