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.

Class Work
What did you learn about comparison/contrast essays in Write Now? (Share lists)

Read pp. 452-459 in Write Now. Make a bulleted list of 7-10 important points.
***************
What company has the best web site? What was your criteria?

This was the assignment:
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.

*************
Think about a topic for research and writing. Decide by Tuesday what your topic will be. We will look at more sample essays on Tuesday.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/compare-and-contrast-essay-examples.html Look here if you are still searching for the perfect topic.

Let's take a look at some sample essays.
http://www.eslbee.com/compcont.htm  Two sample essays - following the organizational pattarns - but missing smooth transitions.

You probably noticed that the transitions are missing or weak. The first essay reads more like a list than an essay. Take a look at the transitions below. Working with a partner, rewrite either the first two paragraphs or the last two paragraphs. Make the sentences flow. Get rid of any first person statements like," I think, I feel, or I believe." Combine sentences for better flow.
http://www.bestessaytips.com/some_userful.php (Transitions)

Here are some additional tips for using effective transitions:
http://www.everythingenglishblog.com/?p=294

The second essay flows better, but does not fully explain each point. With a partner, read through the essay and note lines that could benefit from additional research. Look at the third paragraph. You might ask:

• What are the conservatives and chemical factors that prolong shelf life?
• How much longer is the shelf life prolonged?
• What happens if the food becomes toxic?" 

The answers to these questions will help the writer elaborate!

Also take a look at the last paragraph. Rewrite it without using we, you, or your.

Homework
Write the draft of your comparison/contrast essay. The paper needs to flow. Follow one of the two organizational patterns. Think about the introduction and the conclusion. Both should do more than tell the reader that you are going to write about "X" and "Y".

Thursday

Class Work

Comparison/Contrast Essays

How to organize:

 A. Two Shoes - in-class information

B. See Write Now: pp. 452-459. Focus on 454 and 455 for helpful charts.

C. Also see:

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/comparison.htm

Sample essay: "Shopping in America"

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html

Groups - Let's practice.

Directions: Join the group  assigned. Assign a recorder. Brainstorm

• Day/night
• Summer/winter
• Electronic communication/face-to-face communication
• Childhood/Adult Life
• Fast Food/Sit Down Restaurant

Big idea possibilities: (Brainstorm)
Relationships
Communication
Transportation
Art
Music
Entertainment
Vacations
Electronic communication/Face-to-face communication
Etc.

Homework

Read pp. 452-459 in Write Now. Make a bulleted list of 7-10 important points. Bring the list to class on Tuesday either as a paper copy or an attachment you can locate on the computer.

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.
Think about a topic for research and writing. Decide by Tuesday what your topic will be. We will look at more sample essays on Tuesday.

Tuesday

Class Work

Submit your Body Art essay.

• Place the final copy on top
• Check to be sure you followed MLA formatting
• www.dianahacker.com/pdfs/hacker-Daly-MLA.pdf
• Check your Works Cited page one more time. Is the formatting correct?
• Place the draft(s) under the final copy
• Include peer editing notes
• Reflections ( We will do this in class today.) Consider the following when writing a reflection.

What did you like about this assignment? What was easy?What was difficult? What would you, the writer, do differently on the next assignment? Suggestions?

*********************************************************************************
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.)

Homework

Write a one page memoir explaining a first crush, first date, unrequited love, or paying for a date when you did not intend to do so. If you prefer to write about the experience of a friend, that is OK. Does your experience teach a life-lesson or lesson learned?

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?

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)

Thursday

Class Work

1. Please get ready to share your conclusion. What technique(s) did you use? (Listen for the directions.)
2. Let's review MLA guidelines for formatting:

• Write Now - pp. 394-395 - sample essay
• http://www.dianahacker.com/pdfs/hacker-daly-mla.pdf
• http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/02/ (in-text citations) Also see pp. 384-386 in Write Now
• Works Cited pages: http://www.easybib.com/ (If you use this, your formatting issues are taken care of for you.)

3. Remember - you must give credit to the original source when you borrow information. There are no exceptions.

4. Let's discuss the article

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?

Homework

1. Finish your Body Art paper. The final copy is due on Tuesday.
2. Read "Who's Cheap? by Adair Lara. Summarize the article in one paragraph of no more than six sentences. (Search for the article on-line by typing in the title and author. There is a PDF file with the text. It was not available via URL.) A handout is available in class.
3. 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.

Tuesday - Happy Valentine's Day!

Class Work

1. We will be working with your draft. Either print a copy or find your paper on-line. (Directions to be given in class.)
2. Let's AVOID run-on sentences-

• Review the rules
• Complete the practice sheet

3. Conclusion - how do you bring an excellent essay to an end?

http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html (This is a short and sweet list of what to do and what not to do.)
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html (Good tips with examples. . .)
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/writing-the-paper/conclusions (Tips for what NOT to do.)
Let's look at a few more sample conclusions: Write Now - pp. 65-66, pp. 72 and74, pp. 101 and 103, 163 and 166,pp. 250 and 253. (Group Activity)
A. You will be assigned to a group -
B. As a group, read the first two paragraphs of the assigned essay.
C. Decide what the author did to capture the attention of you, the readers. Was the technique successful? Did you want to continue reading? Explain. (One paper per group. Be sure you all sign your names.)
D. Now, jump to the last two paragraphs. What did the author do to leave you with a powerful memory? What techniques were used? Were they effective? Did you want to go our and support the cause of the author? Explain.

Homework
Finish your essay. Write the conclusion. Bring it to class on Thursday - paper or electronic. You need to have it as a stand-alone for Thursday's class. You will be adding it to your essay. Your entire essay in one piece will be submitted next Tuesday.

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?


Preview of coming attractions:
On Thursday, we will learn to give proper credit to all of the quoted sources in your essay. We will also go over the Works Cited guidelines.

Thursday

Class Work

1. Let's share the introductions -

•  Find a partner.
• Read to the partner.
• Partner - listen to the introduction. Can you identify the main point? Check with the author to be sure you are correct.
• Switch -

2. What's next in the paper? You want at least three strong examples as to why your point of view is correct. These examples need support. Now is a good time to cite sources. Let's look back at the Cry Wolf essay for examples. http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

Let's take a look at the sample in Write Now as well: pp. 216+

3. Map your approach. What will you write first, next, and then, ...You can do this with a Mind Map and number the order. You can "chunk" this and draw arrows or use numbers. You can do a formal outline if that is your favorite thing to do. Look back at your research before deciding the best order:
p. 215 in Write Now.
4. Fit your personal example or interview into the selection somewhere. Where will it work the best?
5. Stop before you write the conclusion. That will be an activity for another day.
*********************************************************************************
6. Can you identify the FANBOYS?
7. Learn to avoid run-on sentences and comma splices: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
(PowerPoint)
8. Let's try a few in-class activities - do this on your computer. E-mail the "answers" to me.

• Compound sentence punctuated with a FANBOY and a comma
• Compound sentence punctuated with a "snob word", semi-colon, and comma.
• Compound sentence punctuated with a semi-colon.

9. Correct the sentences - partner activity.

Homework
1. Write the body of your draft. Carefully consider the order. Use your chart to guide your writing.
Bring the draft to class on Tuesday. Begin to think about the best way to end your essay.