Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Class Work
1. Peer Editing Activity for the Comparison/Contrast essay
2. Sample Definition Papers:
A. "A Few of My Favorite Things"
B. "I Know It's an Object, But Is It D'Art?"
C. "What Is a Yankee?"
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/definition.htm

Discuss how to write a definition paper. (Class discussion)
http://www.northland.cc.mn.us/owl/Doing%20the%20definition%20essay.htm

Pick a word or concept and complete the chart. (Paper copy provided)

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Quotations:	Dictionary Definition	What it is NOT: (Negative definition)
The word in history:	Word/Concept to be defined: Personal Definition:	The word in literature/art/media:
Synonyms:	The word in the news:	How classmates define the word:

 Prepare to write a definition paper in class. Use the form below to help you organize your essay.

Definition Paper – What’s the Word?

(This is a suggestion only. There are many ways to organize a paper. DO NOT attempt to simply go through this list of questions and answer them. You will NOT end up with an excellent essay. It will just be a list.)

Part I:  Introduce your “word”. Capture the attention of the reader. You might consider the using one of the following: an amazing quotation, a startling statistic, a brief vignette, something from the news, lines from one or more pieces of literature, something from history, or a unique definition that introduces a new way of seeing things.

Part II:  Discuss the past as it relates to your word. Why was your word so important?

Part III: Transition to the here and now. What is going on today that is either similar to or different from the past.  How does your word apply today? What literature today links to your word? What musical lyrics are out there? What is happening on TV, in movies, and in video games?

Part IV:  End your paper with power! You need a memorable conclusion that answers the ever-popular question, “What’s your point?”

Post your essay draft in MyCompLab - Class Assignment/Definition.

Homework
1D: Post the final copy of your comparison/contrast essay in the space provided in MyCompLab. Pay attention to:

the introduction

the thesis

the organization (Use one either point by point or item by item to organize.)

the conclusion

transitions

elaboration . . . this is not a list!

2D: Our next essay will focus on a problem to which there is a solution. Watch video 19 in MyCompLab. Summarize the five most important points and post the list in MyCompLab under 2D - Identifying a Problem.
3D: Read Chapter 9 - Understanding Proposals, p. 222 + in Write Now.
Complete the following and post in MyCompLab under 3D - Proposals.
a. Define

• proposals,
• justification,
• alternative solutions,
• causes and effects.

These definitions must be in your own words.

b. On p. 227, answer questions 1, 2, 3, and 4 about "Taxing Sugared Beverages". This is a sample problem/solution essay.

c. Generate a list of five possible topics for a proposal essay. See p. 237 bullet 2 under Invention Strategies for Proposals for ideas.  In one sentence, explain why the topic is important and needs a solution. Also, note what people might be interested in the topic or need to know.

4D Read p. 239 in Write Now. This is an overview of the next writing assignment. In MyCompLab, list any questions or concerns you have.