Thursday, Narch 29, 2012

Class Work

1. Finish the discussion of An Inconvenient Truth.
2. Share "charts" for your essay. Decide if you will write first about the problem or the history of the problem. The solution/call to action will be last.
3. Let's take a look at a sample essay. This one is a cause/effect essay, but it does not differ much from the essay you are writing. There are many helpful tips here: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/cause/cause_frames.htm

4. Here is some good advice for getting ready to write and for writing your essay. We will "practice" some of these steps today.
http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-write-problem-solution-essay

5. There are some additional sources you might want to add to your essay to give it life:

• Quotations about the subject - try one of the quotation sites
• Musical lyrics
• Art 
• Poetry
• Of course, current news
• Movies
• Books

We will take some time today for you to locate these. Keep track of your sources . . . add them to your working, annotated bibliography. (How is that coming along?)

Homework

Write your introduction. Bring it to class either electronically or on paper on Tuesday. Please do NOT send it to me via e-mail. I will not be able to print it for you. E-mail it to yourself for easy-finding in class.

Here are some tips:
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/writing-the-paper/introductions

Tuesday - March 27, 2012

Today we will finish the documentary. The questions remain the same. Look at the homework for today's update!

Class Work

A. View An Inconvient Truth . . . be sure you are looking for the answers to the questions. (Handout)

An Inconvenient Truth – Questions

After viewing the documentary, answer the following questions.

1.       Why does the film open and close with serene images of nature: lush green leaves and a gently flowing river on a sunny day, followed by Al Gore’s voice-over about this peaceful place? What is the impact on the viewer?

2.       In this film, Gore narrates a moment in 1989 when his six-year-old son dropped his father’s hand, ran into the street, and was severely injured. How does this personal story relate to Gore’s mission?

3.       Much of the film consists of scientific facts and charts. Think back and answer the following:

·         Why do we have global warming?

·         What is the relationship between carbon dioxide and temperature?

·         How does global warming contribute to an increase in the number and severity of storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and typhoons?

·         How can global warming cause both violent precipitation as well as droughts?

4.       Explain the significance of each of these references from the film:

·         The findings of core drills

·         The thawing of the permafrost, the splitting of the Ward Hunt ice shelf, and the disappearance of the Larson ice shelf

·         The Arctic ice cap disappearing

·         The image of a canary in a coal mine

·         The image of the frog in the cooking pot

5.       Cite three ecological consequences of global warming in the animal and plant communities.

6.       Gore used quotations from several memorable people.  Explain how they apply to the topic of global warming.

·         Mark Twain: “What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know; it’s what we know that just ain’t so.”

·         Upton Sinclair: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” Consider citing specific ways that this statement is illustrated throughout this film.

·         Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow in Science magazine: “Humanity already possesses the fundamental scientific, technical, and industrial know-how to solve the carbon and climate problems.”

7.       Explain the significance of the film’s title An Inconvenient Truth.

B. Discuss the homework questions/article: fishbowl activity.

C. Let's look at the annotated bibliography.

Homework

Continue your research on your topic. Look for:

1. Causes/history of the problem

2. Evidence of the problem today and effects

3. Solutions to the problem

Map out your essay. (Take notes in three columns.)
A. What information from your research will you use in the introduction? How will you capture our attention? What are your sources for the history/causes of the problem?
B. What does the problem look like today? What are the issues - health, environment, economic, ethical, scientific, etc?
C. What solutions do you propose? Reader's want to know, "What's in it for me?" How will your proposed solutions help the common man or woman on the street? How much will your solution cost? People are concerned about money? How will you solution help Mother Nature? What will the world look like if your solutions are put into practice?

Bring your notes to class on Thursday.

         

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Class Work

1. If you need to submit your comparison/contrast essay, please get it to me today. ( It is still "today" until midnight!"
2. If you need to submit your "homework" packet, please get it to me today. ( Reminder - packets may be left in the adjunct office. Kindly ask Mrs. Propes to place it in my folder. I will pick it up later today or tomorrow morning. Send me an e-mail to let me know that you left a packet in the adjunct office if you decide to submit it that way.)
3. Back to Mother Nature . . . What have you discovered about your topic? What are you going to claim? What are your reasons for that claim? What evidence do you have to prove that your reasons are correct? Jot those down on a sheet of paper. Share with the folks at your table. Then, locate someone else in the room and share with that individual.  Add notes based on the comments of the listeners. Submit.
4. Are your arguments logical? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-zG5U0v3gU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VObFc64OnEk&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7udQSHWpL88&feature=relmfu

Your reasons must make sense!


5. We will be watching An Inconvenient Truth - a documentary on Global Warming presented by former Vice President Al Gore. Keep track of the claims, reasons, and evidence.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAK8Cd4t0WA
Current comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcd6w2Z9L10&feature=related
(We will watch the entire documentary beginning on Thursday.)

Homework
Refer to p. 98 in Write Now. Create a flow chart for your topic. (The one you started in class is fine. Jus t add the sources to your evidence.) Start with the claim. Provide at least three reasons. Include at least one powerful piece of evidence for each reason and note the source. Bring the chart to class on Thursday either on paper or available electronically.

Let's take a look at "Meltdown: Running Out of Time on Global Warming" p. 92+ in Write Now.  Note the major claim, reasons, and evidence. Rate the evidence. Is it powerful? Do you believe it? Is is from a reliable source? Also, take a look at the questions following the article. We will discuss them on Thursday. Take a few notes so that you can participate in the discussion.










Did the author recognize the opposition? How was that addressed?

Class Work

1. The comparison/contrast essay is due. Place the final copy on top of the draft and peer editing notes. (You may submit this after spring break.)
2. Let's look back at "Saving the Songs of the Sea." What emotionally charged words do you see? To what extent was the use of emotion in the essay persuasive?
3. Read "The Bounty of the Sea." How was this argument developed? Were there any claims? What were the reasons? Is there any evidence?

Note: Effective arguments use claims supported by reasons and backed up by evidence. (Write Now...page: TBA

3.  Working on evidence: Take a look at your topic. What will you claim? Why will you make the claim? What evidence do you need to prove your point?
4. Learn to create a Working Bibliography.

Homework

Finish any outstanding work.

Look for evidence from at least three sources to support your claims and reasons for the Mother Nature topic. Start your Works Cited page. Annotate your sources. This will be a Working Bibliography.

Reminder: EMCC is closed next week.
Happy Spring!

Tuesday - March 6, 2012

Class Work

1. Peer Editing Activity - you need to be at a table of FOUR! (Handout provided)
2. Let's talk about your Mother Nature topics - what's important today?
3. "Saving the Songs of the Sea" (Handout & Group Activity)
4. "The Bounty of the Sea" (Handout & Activity)

Homework
1. Finish your Comparison/Contrast essay. Be sure to follow MLA formatting. See p. 394 + in Write Now for a sample essay.
2. Read http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-write-problem-solution-essay
Follow the directions for the first five steps...see if you like your topic. If not, now is the time to change.



FYI - Your Body Art essays will be returned after the break.

Looking to the future - There is no class next week - Happy Spring!

Thursday

Class Work

First, we will be sharing and commenting on the introductions to the comparison/contrast essay. Remain at your table and read your introduction to the group. (If there are not at least two others at your table, please move.)

Group - listen to the reader. Be honest. Do you want to hear the rest of the essay? If not, what could be added to give interest? If so, what was good? (Assign a recorder to take notes of the conversation. Be sure to record the names of all participants.)

Now, go around the table and read the rest of the essay. Remember, you were to be half way through.

Group - listen and comment. Does the paper flow, or does it sound more like a list? If it sounds like a list, what do you suggest? If it flows, what did the author do to make it flow. Again, the recorder should take notes for the group.

Submit the group responses

Homework: Finish the essay. Make it flow. Have an audience in mind. Who needs to know: friends, strangers, family, etc? Your word choice will depend on your decision.

********************************************************
Moving on to the next unit...Problems with Mother Nature . . .

You will need your cell phone/camera for this activity. We are going outside to take a look at nature? Is there a message? What is it? (Sample photos. . .)

Directions: You may work with a partner or alone.
Take 10 pictures. Think about them. If Mother Nature could speak in words, what would her message be?

Fill in the chart. (Handout)

Homework

Locate one article that focuses on a problem being faced by Mother Nature.  Summarize it. Be sure to identify the problem. Note the location of the issue. Note solutions, if any . Do a proper Works Cited entry  to give credit to your source.

List of Homework Assignments

Here you go!  Be sure you have the following assignments finished. We did them along the way.
Place them all in a folder to submit next week - Tuesday or Thursday. This is a class participation/homework grade. All were previously posted on the blog.

Strength Building Assignments

Read "Under My Skin" by Jon Bowen
http://www.salon.com/1999/06/23/tattoo/

Answer the following questions for "Under My Skin." Be prepared to discuss in class.

1. How do the anecdotes about himself and his tattoo artist ("Flash Gordon") enrich this essay?

2. Bowen deliberately shifts from first person "I" to second person "you" as he describes the process of getting a tattoo and reconsidering the tattoo. Find three examples of the second person perspective as you evaluate this strategy.

3. Find three examples of Bowen's use of humor, catchy phrases or lively tone to keep this informative essay from becoming tedious or predictable.

4. The author uses allusions that may be familiar to many readers. Do you know the origin of "Flash Gordon", "tabula rasa" or "to undo or not to undo - that's the question?" How do references to familiar characters or phrases help or hinder an essay?

5. Evaluate Bowen's inclusion of direct quotations from tattoo technicians and medical specialists to describe the reasons for removal, the degree of pain, and the results. How does Bowen keep this research from making his essay too technical or inaccessible for the readers?

New thoughts . . .Why are tattoos, piercings, and unique hair designs so prevalent today? What has caused these forms of body art to enter mainstream American culture?

If you watch the Super Bowl, pay special attention to the ads. We will be discussing persuasive techniques. Sponsors of the Super Bowl want to convince you to give them your money. As a persuasive writer, you want to convince the reader to agree with your opinion. There are many commonalities.
1. What is your favorite ad? Why?
2.Which ad was most persuasive? Why?
3. Which ad was the worst? Why?
4. Identify the target audience for each. How did you know? Are you part of the target audience?

If you do not watch the Super Bowl, watch at least three ads on TV any time between now and the next class. Answer the same questions.

Locate two articles on the topic of on-line dating. What do the experts say? What does the man or woman on the street say? What are the dangers? What are the advantages? Be sure to start a new Works Cited page on EasyBib.

Defining Relationships - getting ready to write a definition essay.

Reading - getting reading for the next unit: http://www.readersdigest.com.au/fantasy-love" Fantasy Love" by Celeste Biever
1. Why do you think Biever opened the essay with description? What facts do the readers learn?
2. What statistics are provided? Were they interesting or surprising? Explain.
3. What are the advantages of on-line "dating" prior to face-to-face dating? Do you agree?
4. What are the "hyperpersonal" effects of on-line dating? What problems arise when the relationship is taken off line?
*******

"Who's Cheap? by Adair Lara www.fultonschools.org/.../cooney/__multi/Whos%20Cheap.pdf What do you think? When dating, who should pay? Why?
What other double standards exist in American culture?
Response to the Text
1. What evidence of humor did you find in the essay?( Underline the lines.) How does humor add to or detract from the topic?
2. What is the "point" of this essay? What message is the author sending to readers? What reasons does she give? What evidence does she provide? (See p. 96 in Write Now for an example of claims, reasons, and evidence.)

Read:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A22952-2004Apr18&notFound=true
("Boy Friend: Between Those Two Words, a Guy Can Get Crushed" by Libby Copeland)
Think and Respond
1. Do a quick online search and read the Greek myth of Tantalus. Explain how this story is a good opener for the essay. If you don't like it, explain as well.

2. Are "friend crushes" common? Think about a relationship you had or one of a friend that supports the line thought that love goes "unrevealed, unrecognized and unrequited."
(Questions modified from Between Worlds pp. 50-51)

Locate one article about the topic of paying for dates. Write a one paragraph reaction to the article. Summarize in one or two sentences the content of the article. Then explain if you agree or disagree with the claim/point of the article and tell why. What are your reasons?

Compare and contrast two web sites. Consider items such as:

·         Two soft drink companies

·         Two soap companies

·         Two candy companies

·         Two shoe companies

·         Two car brands

·         Two shoe brands

Organize your observations of these web sites by block- by-block or item-by-item style.