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!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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.
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.
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?
*******
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?
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.
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/__
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.)
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¬Found=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)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A22952-2004Apr18¬Found=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.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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:
*************
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:
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".
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
*************
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?"
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, February 23, 2012
Thursday
Class Work
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
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:
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.
Comparison/Contrast Essays
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
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
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, February 21, 2012
Tuesday
Class Work
Submit your Body Art essay.
*********************************************************************************
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/__
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¬Found=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)
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.
*********************************************************************************
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/__
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¬Found=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, February 16, 2012
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:
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.
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.)
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.
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