Thursday - March 20, 2014

Class Work

When last we met, we had taken a look at the two ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Let's practice.

How to write a comparison/contrast essay:

Two __________________________. (Whole Class Activity)
Two  _________________________. (Table activity)

Determine if you will use the  point-by-point or item-by item method of organization.

Topics:
Two sports teams
Two types of cars
Two restaurants
Two hamburgers or pizzas
Two types of sandwiches
Two types of dessert
Two vacation spots
Two classes
Two hobbies
Two pets
Etc.

Select one of the organizational charts and fill it in with the information from your table's topic.
Post on the board when you are done.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/comparison.htm  (View examples)
See the topic/topic example about hazelnuts.
Also look at the Shopping in America essay.

Have an opinion about the topics. Share that opinion in your writing. Which do you prefer in technology - then or now!



http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/comparing-and-contrasting/ (Great instructions)

http://eslbee.com/writing_comparison_contrast_essays.htm ( Simple and clear short examples)

This was your homework from Tuesday. Please take out or call up your charts now.
Look back at your Past/Present/Future chart and decide how you will organize to compare the use of technology past/present. Prepare your chart for homework. Bring in a paper copy on Thursday. 30 Points

This is your homework:
Homework:

Write the draft of the comparison/contrast essay.
Introduction:  Be sure to introduce both topics and note the three points you intend to address in the essay. 
Body: Use one of the two patterns of organization. Do not mix and match! Be sure to address all points in the same order for each topic if you are using the topic vs. topic pattern.

If you are using the point by point method, be sure to address each topic in order. (See notes.)

For the conclusion, look into the future. What is your best guess. Feel free to use information from the presentations.

Post in CANVAS. ( 50 pts.) Bring a PAPER copy to class on Tuesday. 

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We will save this for Tuesday . . . Writing Tips and practice:
Gender Neutral Writing: "Their" used as a singular pronoun . . . it's OK, and it has been used that way for centuries! 
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/unbiased.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/pronouns.htm
 #5

http://www.crossmyt.com/hc/linghebr/austheir.html


Sticking with one point of view by using the correct pronoun
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/pronouns.htm

Consider who/whom! Also consider that/which/who.
http://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/who_whom.htm
Practice: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/which_quiz.htm

Let's practice: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/cgi-shl/quiz.pl/who_quiz.htm


Tone - The comparison/contrast essay will be written in a formal tone.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/tone.htm


Being objective also helps with tone:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/subject_object.htm


Avoiding run-on sentences
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm

 

Tuesday - March 18

This was the homework. Please get your charts ready to share.

Homework:  Getting ready to write . . .

5. Use your topic as a spring-board. We will be writing a comparison/contrast essay. You will compare life before your gadget existed and compare it to life as it exists now or compare what life is like now as compared to what life might be like in the future. Over the break, dream a bit. Create a Past/Present/Future chart and jot down notes. This is a brainstorm on paper. Feel free to talk to others and quote them in your brainstorm. Bring the paper copy of the chart to class when we return.

In addition, locate three articles. One should address your "topic" as it was in the past. One should address your "topic" as it currently exists. The third should address your topic as it might be in the future. (Note: you should have a past and present article at your fingertips. You consulted sources for the timeline. Feel free to use those two sources.) Summarize each article and note the source with a URL. 
Pause . . .

We will be going outside to walk around and look at the Humannequin Project as part of Women's History Month 2014.

Please complete the activity sheet. You will submit it when we return to class. It is worth 25 points - 5 points per question. Be thoughtful. Respond in complete sentences and form one outstanding paragraph for each bulleted point. (20 minutes to walk around - 10 minutes in class to organize/polish. If you wish to convert the assignment to a Word document, that will be fine. However, hand-written assignments are also grand!

Back to the regularly scheduled activity.

How to write a comparison/contrast essay:

Two __________________________. (Whole Class Activity)
Two  _________________________. (Table activity)

Determine if you will use the  point-by-point or item-by item method of organization.

Topics:
Two sports teams
Two types of cars
Two restaurants
Two hamburgers or pizzas
Two types of sandwiches
Two types of dessert
Two vacation spots
Two classes
Two hobbies
Two pets
Etc.

Select one of the organizational charts and fill it in with the information from your table's topic.
Post on the board when you are done.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/comparison.htm  (View examples)
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/comparing-and-contrasting/ (Great instructions)

http://eslbee.com/writing_comparison_contrast_essays.htm ( Simple and clear short examples)

Homework:
Look back at your Past/Present/Future chart and decide how you will organize to compare the use of technology past/present. Prepare your chart for homework. Bring in a paper copy on Thursday. 30 Points

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Class Work

1. Presentations / Notes - Take notes on each presentation. Close your computers. Write in pen or ink on paper. Let me know if you need paper.
2. "There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury.

First - make a list of all of the technological wonders available in homes today. You might now own them all, but add the items to your list if you know someone who does own the item. (Ex: 3D Television)

Follow along - https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzbtlcAsIeTnTlNmSnhOV010bHM/edit?pli=1

We will stop along the way. You need to annotate your paper copy and note what items exits today that were just a dream 60 years ago.

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0SO8zAX5xVTgggABGel87UF;_ylc=X1MDMjE0MjQ3ODk0OARfcgMyBGZyA3NmcC15ZmYyNQRmcjIDc2EtZ3AEZ3ByaWQDBG5fZ3BzAzEwBG9yaWdpbgNzeWMEcG9zAzIEcHFzdHIDBHF1ZXJ5A3RoZXJlIHdpbGwgY29tZSBzb2Z0IHJhaW5zIHJheSBicmFkYnVyeQRzYWMDMQRzYW8DMQ--?p=there%20will%20come%20soft%20rains%20ray%20bradbury&fr=sfp-yff25&fr2=sa-gp


Homework:  Getting ready to write . . .

5. Use your topic as a spring-board. We will be writing a comparison/contrast essay. You will compare life before your gadget existed and compare it to life as it exists now or compare what life is like now as compared to what life might be like in the future. Over the break, dream a bit. Create a Past/Present/Future chart and jot down notes. This is a brainstorm on paper. Feel free to talk to others and quote them in your brainstorm. Bring the paper copy of the chart to class when we return.

In addition, locate three articles. One should address your "topic" as it was in the past. One should address your "topic" as it currently exists. The third should address your topic as it might be in the future. (Note: you should have a past and present article at your fingertips. You consulted sources for the timeline. Feel free to use those two sources.) Summarize each article and note the source with a URL. 
Post in CANVAS. (30 pts.)

There are no classes next week. 

Enjoy your spring break!

• 
• 

Tuesday - March 4, 2014

Class Work

1. Return to your "Technology Time-line" group.
2. You have up to 30 minutes to work on this. Prepare to share the time-line with the class.
Here are the directions:
Conduct research and create a timeline that explains how the use of technology for your topic has changed from 1814-2014. Do not use Wikipedia as your source. Go to WORD and search for timeline templates. Follow the sample and you should end up with a wonderful timeline!  Post the timeline in CANVAS. Be sure that the names of all group members appear on the post. Only one person needs to post. (25 points for creating the time line. 10 points for presenting to the class. Total: 35
3. Be ready to share the time-line. Break the presentation into three parts. Each group member must share a portion of the timeline. Since the visual is posted in CANVAS, you will be able to show it to the class. If you prefer, save the presentation to a jump-drive and use that to call it up to share with the class.
4. As a member of the class, you need to pay attention and take notes on each group's presentation. You will earn up to 25 points for your notes. This will be submitted on paper. No electronic submissions will be accepted. Remember to be courteous to one another. Do not talk or use electronics during the presentations. You will have points deducted if you do so



5. Homework:  Write a one-page personal experience paper and tell of a time when you either had success with your chosen technology or met with failure. Your topic must relate to your time-line topic. (35 pts.)

Thursday

Class Work

A. Let's share the conclusions. Share at your table. Nominate one reader from your table to share with the class.
Class: Take 8 sticky notes - number from 1-8. Listen to each reader. Write a comment about the conclusion. Send one person from your table to post the comment by the # of the reader. We will do this after each reader.

New Activity

How did we define technology?

B. Walk around the campus for 10 minutes and list everything technological that you see. 

C. Group Activity = No more than THREE individuals may be in a group. If you can't select a group in the next 30 seconds, a group will be selected for you! 

These are the topics. Write your group topic and the names of the members of your group on a Post-it. Do not select the same topic you used on the "Hot Topic" essay!  Each group must have a different topic. Post in the space provided on the small board.

1.       Entertainment

2.       Dating/Friendship

3.       Communication

4.       Education

5.       Health/Fitness

6.       Travel/Transportation

7.       Religion

8.       Politics/Government/Law

9.       Family/Home

10.   Food/Dining out/Cooking in

 A. Talk about your topic and discuss what technologies are used today.
B.  Conduct research and create a timeline that explains how the use of technology for your topic has changed from 1814-2014. Do not use Wikipedia as your source. Go to WORD and search for timeline templates. Follow the sample and you should end up with a wonderful timeline!  Post the timeline in CANVAS. Be sure that the names of all group members appear on the post. Only one person needs to post. (25 points for creating the time line. 10 points for presenting to the class. Total: 35

C. Generate questions to ask someone who is at least 40. You need to find out how their life has changed because of technology. Create at 5-10 common questions that each member of your group will ask his or her interviewee.   Interview someone who is at least 40 and ask them to tell you how their life has changed because of technology. What is better? What is worse? Let’s generate some questions…l

Let's learn how to conduct effective interviews:
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KIo9SomgxT.zgAQKn7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTB2bWx0ZzE4BHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDVjExNgRncG9zAzQ-?p=how+to+conduct+an+interview&vid=2250322eed6ab2338d6bf78f0a58fbe4&l=5%3A08&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608014687374606440%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4eOynrI2eTM&tit=Katie+Couric+on+how+to+conduct+a+good+interview&c=3&sigr=11ar3qobr&sigt=11fgdtn0e&pstcat=arts+culture+and+entertainment&age=0&&tt=b

Here are some tips in writing:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/how-conduct-interview

1. Homework: You have until Tuesday, March 4, 2014,  to conduct the interview. You may conduct a person-to-person interview, a phone interview, a text-message interview, a Facebook interview, or an e-mail interview. Post a Q/A report of your interview in Canvas by Tuesday. (30 pts.)


2. Homework: Select any three of the following to read. Follow up with a summary of each article. Include a personal reaction to the technological information presented. Are you for it or against it? Post in Canvas - due Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Smart Watches - Something new! https://www.yahoo.com/tech/pebble-steel-best-smartwatch-so-far-76486495620.html

Office Exercise Equipment
http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/innovative-workout-gadgets-you-can-use-in-the-office-225741700.html

Talking Dogs: http://gma.yahoo.com/talking-dog-device-ready-hit-m

Designer Babies: http://www.inquisitr.com/1149885/designer-babies-fda-to-decide-if-dna-from-three-parents-can-be-used-to-create-the-perfect-bundle-of-joy/

Fitness Apps: http://greatist.com/health/best-health-fitness-apps

On-line dating article: http://www.readersdigest.com.au/fantasy-lovearket-soon-163302793--abc-news-topstories.html

Gaming hits everything!: http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/everyones-gamer-ieee-experts-predict-181800372.html

Tuesday - February 25, 2014

Class Work

1. Print a paper copy of your "hot topic" draft.

Peer editing activity - You will be given a handout. Be sure there are four people at your table. Move if necessary.

Writing Conclusions . . .
http://web.gccaz.edu/~mdinchak/101online_new/conclusions.htm
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/endings.htm
http://www.time4writing.com/uncategorized/writing-a-good-conclusion-paragraph/

Homework: Write the final draft of your essay and include a dynamic conclusion! You also need to include the Works Cited page and use in-text citations correctly. Post in CANVAS. It needs to be posted by next Tuesday - yes, I am giving you the weekend! This is worth 100 points!



Define "technology" in your own words.
Give a dictionary definition of "technology."
Tell what technology is not.

A.  How many technological "gadgets" do you own? Make a list.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Class Work

1. Share opening paragraphs.
2. Now, from your claim, answer the question "why?" That is your reason. You may have up to three reasons to support your claim. For each reason, you need at least two pieces of evidence.

In other words, write the body of your essay. Prove to the readers that your claim is true! Prove your point. There is nothing to do but to jump in and write. You have conducted research. Just write. (Take notes from the board.) 

We will work on conclusions on Tuesday.

Post the revised introduction and the body of the paper in MyCompLab by Tuesday. (40 pts.) Remember, if you "borrow" information, you must give credit to your sources by using in-text citations and a Works Cited page. 



Basic MLA instructions:
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/res5e_ch08_s1-0001.html

Sample essay using MLA formatting and documentation: http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/RES5e_ch08_s1-0014.html

Homework: Read this sample Hot Topic essay and answer the questions. Post in Canvas. You do not need to rewrite the questions. Just provide the numbers and the answers. (40 pts.)
http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/state_budget_report_-_sugar_tax.pdf

1. What groups have the ability to act on the proposal offered in the essay?
2. How effective is the essay in bringing the problem of sugary drinks to light? What additional strategies would you suggest for demonstrating the problem?
3. How does the essay address opposing points of view? How effective is the use of evidence in the article? Explain.
4. What solution does the essay propose to the problem it outlines? Do you find that the solution proposed is presented effectively? What parts are most convincing? Explain.


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