Week #3

Week #3 - Assignment #1 - Review and Revised Draft (100 points)

Last week you wrote a draft of a personal body art narrative. In a face-to-face class, you would have the opportunity to swap papers with another student or two for a peer editing activity.  Instead, you will be self-editing your essay or finding a friend or relative to listen.

 If you have a friend or relative who will listen to you read your essay out loud, read to that individual. As the listener tot ell you two things that were strong in the story. Ask the listener to tell you two things that could be changed for the better. For example, was anything confusing? Did the listener want more information about anything?

If you can't find a friend or relative who has time to listen, record yourself reading the essay out loud. (Cell phones are great for this!  Next, play the recording back and follow along as you listen. Look for areas that are strong. List two. Look for areas that need revision. List two.

In writing,  record either the comments of your listener or your own reflection.

Revise your essay and post it on CANVAS. (Note: The revision comments should appear before your revised essay begins.)   As a reminder, your narrative should include properly punctuated dialogue.

Week #3 - Assignment #2 - Persuasive Techniques

Advertisers want to get you to spend your money of their product or service. Politicians want you to give your vote to them. Writers and speakers want you to believe their words and agree with them and possibly support them with time, energy, and money.  No matter what one is selling, the speaker or writer uses several well known and well used techniques.

• Review the following: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson1166/PersuasiveTechniques.pdf 
• Do watch the 13 slide PowerPoint at the top of this site. The show provides excellent advice: http://www.slideshare.net/16ardmanc/persuasive-techniques-23100937
•  If you are into games, try this site: https://quizlet.com/17906359/persuasive-techniques-flash-cards/

 After reviewing the information about persuasive techniques, you are now ready to watch and review some ads. Super Bowl 2017 is a week later than usual this year, but several ads have been leaked.You will see the most expensive advertising on television. Your assignment is to select any three ads from any year. Sometimes those voted the worst are actually quite entertaining!

Here is a link: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2017-super-bowl-commercials-watch-the-latest-leaked-ads-best-and-worst-of-all-time/

1) Identify the product
2) In a sentence or two, describe the ad.
3) Identify the persuasive techniques used.
4) Identify the target audience. A target audience can be identified by, among other items, age, health, and wealth. Also, is the ad geared to people who already use the product or service, or is it aimed at new customers?
5) Explain if you think the ad was effective and tell why or why not. The bottom line is: Will this ad make people spend their money?

Post in Canvas. (30 points)

Week #3 - Assignment #3 - Politics

Read an inauguration address from any president of your choosing.

• What persuasive techniques are used?
• Use the lists from the links at Assignment #2. 
• Write a brief essay, up to two pages but no shorter than one, and identify the techniques. Explain if the techniques are effective. (This is your opinion. Justify with evidence from the address.)  Be sure to identify the president, date, and note if this was the first term or second term address. It makes a difference! Did the President seem to be speaking to a friendly audience, or was he speaking to the voters who supported the other candidate? Perhaps he was addressing both audiences? How could you tell? What did he say that convinced you of the audience?

This will be a challenge, but do not use first person point of view in this essay. That means to avoid phrases such as "I think. I feel. I know. I believe." Your writing will be more powerful in third person.

Here is a link to the addresses: http://homeofheroes.com/presidents/inaugural/index.html

If you don't see your favorite, Google it.  In addition, some of the later speeches are on YouTube. Watch and listen if you like.

(60 points)

Week #3 - Assignment #4 - Readings
. "With These Words, I Can Sell Anything" by William Lutz
https://12ap.wikispaces.com/file/view/with+these+words.pdf

This essay explains the use of "weasel words" in advertising. Read the essay and answer questions 1, 2, and 4.

"The World of Doublespeak" by William Lutz

 http://www.cusd80.com/cms/lib6/AZ01001175/Centricity/Domain/318/The%20World%20of%20Doublespeak-William%20Lutz.pdf Answer the following questions:

• Questions on meaning: 1, 2, 3, 4
• Questions on writing strategy: 1 & 2
• Questions on language 1 & 3
• Read "William Lutz on Writing" Answer question #1 OR #2.

(60 points)

Week #3 - Assignment #5 - Discussion Board

First, read "YouTube This!" by Joe Queenan http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jul/08/opinion/op-queenan8

Do you agree or disagree with Queenan? Share your thoughts about YouTube and its many uses. Would the world be better off without YouTube, or is YouTube shaping society in positive ways.

Your first post should be made by midnight on Friday, February 3. (Earlier is better!) Post reactions to the posts of at least three others. Due by Midnight on Sunday, February 5.

(25 points)

Week #2 - Body art and beyond!

Week #2
Activity #1: Readings

Readings – 50 Points – 25 for answering the first five questions. 25 for composing the brief letter.

“Under My Skin” by Jon Bowen

http://www.salon.com/1999/06/23/tattoo/

Questions:

1.       This article begins and ends with a brief personal narrative. What do these personal experiences add to the essay? (Answer in complete sentences.)

2.       Locate and list three examples of the use of humor in this essay. You might find humor in a name, action, or language use.  In your opinion did the use of humor add to or detract from the effectiveness of the essay. Explain.

3.       Look back at the author’s use of direct quotations to create conversation. Explain the punctuation and paragraphing. Explain the “rules” for punctuating dialogue based on your observation.

“On Teenagers and Tattoos”
 by Andres Martin

https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/sampada.chavan/engl1301-1/articles-for-summary-strong-response/on-teenagers-and-tattoos

Questions:

1.       What is Martin’s thesis? In other words, what point is he trying to make? Did that point surprise you? Explain.

2.       Martin originally wrote this article for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. What is his message to his fellow physicians? What other audiences might benefit from reading this article? Explain.

3.       Compose a brief letter to a person who is trying to decide if he or she should or should not get a tattoo or piercing. Use lines from reading to support or to advise against the pending decision. Please include your personal reasons as well when writing to advise another. Limit your letter to one page.)

Activity #2
Mini Research Project (60 points)

Body art is much more than tattoos and piercings. It also includes hair design, nail design, make up, clothing to include shoes and hats, and a variety of body modification techniques.  Sometimes body art is a way to improve one's appearance. Other forms create a history on the skin of honors earned. 

1. tattoos
2. hair design
3. piercings
4. body modifications
5. clothing/fashion design/shoes/hats
6. make-up.( War paint counts!)

Select one of the topics listed above.

Conduct a quick Internet search and look for the history and progression of your topic.
 

 

Answer these questions. They will guide your research.

     A. Where did it begin?
     B. Why was it done?
     C. Did age have anything to do with the "ritual?" Was it a ritual? Was it just for entertainment or fun?
     D. How was it done? What were the materials/tools that were used?
     E. What did it look in the past and what does it like today?  How has it changed over the years? (Consider using  a time-line for this.)

Prepare one or two slides or bubbles for each question.

• Prepare a brief document  in PowerPoint or Prezi format. If you don't know how to use either, I suggest PowerPoint. It is like a coloring book for adults. Here is a link to instructions, but I think you can just play with it a bit and figure it out. If you prefer Prezi, that is fine with me, but I can't offer much in the way of instructions as I rarely create with it.  However, feel free if that is your thing. https://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/powerpoint-101-everything-you-need-to-make-a-basic-presentation--cms-19541 or  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjcO2ExtHso
• Keep track of your sources. Create a Works Cited page in MLA style. This will be your final slide or bubble.  What sources did you use? You may use a citation product if you wish. I have success with EasyBib. http://www.easybib.com/ 

Do create a user name and sign in. The site does NOT send anything to you. Do remember the user name and password that you create. You do not have to give your real name. You do have to provide a real e-mail address.

• When finished, post the PowerPoint or Prezi in CANVAS. You should have up to 11 slides including the Works Cited slide.
• The last slide will be a Works Cited slide (Three to five sources are required. Do not use Wikipedia.)

Week #2 - Activity #3 - Conduct an Interview (50 points)
Find someone to interview on the topic of Body Art. You may focus on the topic you selected for your PowerPoint or Prezi, or you may talk about body art in general.

Here is some information about conducting interviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eOynrI2eTM Tips for Interviewing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RjxqXAT9Jc Writing Questions


1.Create five questions to ask. Avoid "yes/no" questions. Avoid leading questions. Do use open-ended questions.  
2. . Ask for permission to use the person's name in your presentation.
3. . Get the correct spelling of the name.
4.. Note the date and location of the interview. If you decide to conduct an interview via text, e-mail, or phone, please note that. (EasyBib gives you those choices.)
5.. Post your interview results in CANVAS. (25 points for composing excellent questions/25 points for posting the answers to the questions. Do your best to get the interviewee to talk. Feel free to rephrase the question is you are not getting elaborated answers. )

Week #2 - Activity #4 Grammar/Usage/Mechanics moment - Writing dialogue in a personal narrative.
1. Study the rules for writing dialogue
 https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/577/01/

and http://theeditorsblog.net/2010/12/08/punctuation-in-dialogue/

You will need to include dialogue in the personal narrative you will write.

2. Now, think of a a personal Body Art story. Perhaps you have a tattoo or piercing. If so, you could write about the getting it. If you don't have tattoos or piercings, you have probably done something "interesting" with your hair. Perhaps you tried a new style or color that was either wonderful or was just plain awful. Share that experience. Maybe you designed an awesome Halloween costume. Maybe you showed up to a party in formal attire only to discover that it was an informal event. Whatever it is, share the story.

• Identify the characters
• Explain the before and after of the event
• Quote people- what was said?
• Create the setting. Where did the event occur?
• Explain the reactions of those who saw the result.
• Be a good story teller!

Tips for writing:

• Write in past tense. This has already happened. http://www.grammar.cl/english/past-tense.htm
• Write in first person. You are the star of the story.
• Write in third person if you are telling of an event that happened to someone else.
• Helpful information: http://www.mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/PointofView.html
• Be descriptive. https://litreactor.com/columns/writing-powerful-descriptions
• Use direct quotations.
• https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/577/01/

 3. Write the draft. It should be about two pages long.

Week #2: Activity #5 - Discussion Board (50 points - 20 for the original post - 10 for each of the three responses.

This week you will be writing and responding to the general topic of body art. Are you a fan? Do you oppose it? Is there anything good about it? Have you ever run into problems because of your own body art? Where do you think society is going with this? What's next? These are just some questions to consider when posting.

You must have an original post by midnight on Thursday, January 26, 2017.
You must respond to at least three others by midnight on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

 

 

English 101 Winter Semester - January 17, 2017

Week #1

Welcome to English 101 - an on-line experience!

Tips for success:
1. Start early in the week!. Most assignments will be due by 6:00 am on the Monday following the post for the week. Exceptions will be clearly noted.  New assignments for each week will be posted by noon on Monday.
2. Discussion board topics are due at various times throughout the week. You must post early in the week  to give others time to react to your post and to give you time to react to the posts of others. Do NOT skip the discussion boards!
3. Keep up. There is NO late work. Once an assignment is closed, you may not post. I do NOT accept assignments via e-mail. All assignments must be posted in the assignment spot on CANVAS.
4. Compose all work in Microsoft Word. Copy/paste into CANVAS. For some assignments, you will be asked to use PowerPoint or Prezi when completing an assignment.
5. Ask questions. Post your questions to me in a message in CANVAS. It works like regular e-mail.

Each Monday by noon you will find an outline of all assignments for the week listed here along with links to readings and visuals. Post finished assignments on CANVAS.

Assignment #1: (20 possible points.)

•  Read and respond to the syllabus. It is posted on CANVAS.
• Write three sentences that note items of interest.
• Write up to three questions or concerns you might have regarding this course.
• Write three sentences explaining what you think you will or will not like about an on-line writing course. Also, let me know if you have ever taken an on-line class.
• DUE: By11:59 PM on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. This counts as the official entrance to the course. (20 points)

Assignment #2: (Discussion board - 50 possible points)
 Getting to know you activity - you need the camera; the one on our phone will do.

A. Look around your home or yard or neighborhood. Take a picture of an object or space that is representative of you as a writer. For example,  perhaps you get frustrated when writing. A cactus just might represent that aspect of your writing! 

B.Write a well developed paragraph or two that explains why you are like the photo. What characteristics do you share with the item in the photo? What does it say about you as a writer?  

C. Share the picture on the discussion board and explain to the group why the picture is a great representation of you. Also explain what you do or do not like about writing. If you have trouble posting the picture, share a brief description of the object or space.

You must post this by Friday, January 20, 2017, at 11:59PM. (25 points.)
FYI: Canvas gives me the date and time that you post. Be prompt!

D. React to at least five student posts. Your reactions must be positive. The discussion board is NOT the place to be rude. You may make statements or ask questions. All remarks must be made by 6:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2017. (25 points)

Assignment #3: Reading - Getting ready for the first major writing assignment! (40 points)
This assignment is due by 6:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2017.

Let's talk about body art. How would you define body art? Is body art limited to piercings or tattoos? Perhaps it is a bit more.

A. To begin, read and respond to this article about tattoos. 

"History of Tattoos"

http://www.thetattoocollection.com/history_of_tattoos.htm

What did you learn that was new or interesting? The article is divided into the following sections:

1. Primitive Tattoos
2. Funereal Art
3. Branding
4. Clan Markings
5. Rites of Passage
6. Love Charms
7. Physical Health
8. Good Luck
9. Celtic Tattoos
10. Pilgrim Tattoos
11. Oriental Tattoos
12. Sailor and Military Tattoos
13. Electronic Tattoo Machines
14. Modern Tattoos

B. List two new or interesting pieces of information from each section (28 pts.)

C. Share your thoughts about tattoos and piercings. This should be a quick-write paragraph or two that simply and quickly notes your reaction to the topic. Perhaps you or someone you know has piercings or tattoos. Consider sharing an experience.  There are no right or wrong answers. Just set a timer. Give yourself 10 minutes, and write! Quick-writes help to develop fluency in writing. I will be grading on content, not on accuracy. However, do your best to write complete sentences!  (12 points)

Assignment 4: Grammar Moment - Sentence Fragments (35 points) Due by 6:00 AM on Monday, January 23, 2017.



A. View the video that explains what sentence fragments are and how to avoid them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_loC2XMeqxc

After viewing the video, in your own words, explain what a sentence fragment is. (10 points)

B. Practice: Complete the three practice exercises on Sentence Fragments. Read and follow the instructions for each quiz. Find the quizzes at this site. Simply click on Sentence Fragment Quizzes #1, #2, and #3. After you complete a quiz, be sure to find out your score by clicking on the appropriate box at the bottom of the quiz.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm

Report your scores for Practice #1, Practice #2, and Practice #3. Tell me how you are doing. Ask questions if you are having trouble understanding. Your score will not determine your grade.If you take each quiz and report your progress, you will earn full credit. I need to know if you need additional help. (15 points. )

C. The following sentences are fragments. Rewrite each as a complete sentence. (10 points)

1). Going to the store
2). After twenty hours of fishing
3) Finally, running through the river
4). Late one afternoon, sunning by the pool
5) Before the break but after the class

Assignment #5: Post a picture of YOU so that it shows by your name and posts on CANVAS. (10 points) Due by 6:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2017.

Believe it or not, an on-line class can be fun. I look forward to teaching you.