April 7, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

Today you will learn how to write a definition essay.

You have probably raced to the dictionary, yes, that old dusty relic that is taking up space on a bookshelf, and looked up a word. Usually the definition is short and direct. A definition essay adds layers of meaning and understanding to the simple definition in the unabridged or abridged dictionary. The essay gives examples, provides characteristics, and gives the reader a glimpse into the importance of the term to the author. It might also show how, where, and when the term appeared in history, literature, movies, and songs. By the end of the essay, the reader should clearly understand why the term is important.

Let's get started.

Samples and Instructions: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/definition.htm
We will study the "Yankee" essay.

Here is a video of instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thQToDzKDHs

http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Definition.html

We will study the "Extra Large" essay

Here is one more example: "Bound by Tradition" (This essay would have been terrific with the Body Art unit!)


Next, you need a topic.

1. Generate a list at your table . . . (1 minute and 47 seconds!)
2. Look at these suggestions. Are your topics on the list? http://grammar.about.com/od/developingessays/a/topicsdefinit07.htm

Homework: Select a term to define. Use the chart provided and gather information for your essay. Keep track of your sources! An MLA Works Cited page will be required for this essay.

Bring the paper copy of the chart to class. Feel free to create your own chart and type if you prefer. You can copy/paste the chart below into a Word document and carry on!

The completed chart is due on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

Name: __________________________________________________________________

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

 

Write a personal example here:

April 5, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

Comparison/Contrast
1. Call up your comparison/contrast essay to use in a peer editing activity. (Two readers)
2.Use the peer editing sheet. (handout)
3. Review the comments and revise your essay. Post the final copy by Thursday, April 7, 2016. We are moving on!

Color Showcase
1. Bring your chairs and form a circle.
2. Be sure you have a copy of your color essay.
3. Look over your essay and select your favorite paragraph or paragraphs to share.
4. Audience - comments are welcomed. Offer praise. Give suggestions.
5. Touch up your draft for homework. Post the revision by Thursday, April 7, 2016.

March 31, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Review cluster maps and drafts of the Comparison/Contrast essay -

• Write your topic and you name on a post-it and "post it" on the board.
• Work with a partner of like interests and share your graphic organizer.
• Share drafts if you have yours - date due extended to Tuesday, April 5, 2016.

Homework: Write and post the draft of your comparison/contrast essay.

2. Add research to your essay. Look at either the graphic organizer or at the draft and locate areas that would be stronger if you added some expert evidence. For example, if you are comparing something as simple as two shoes, durability might be one of your points. Where could you go to find out about the durability of the soles of the shores or of the materials in the "uppers"? (Activity)

3. Work on details - pick a color - any color! The pre-writing is an in-class activity.

• In two minutes, list all the things that are ________________. (Fill in your color.)
• If your color were a person, what sort of person would it be? (Describe-Introduce!)
• What are some of the things your color can do?
• What famous people like/wear/use your color?
• If your color threw a party, how would it be decorated?
• What powers does your color possess?
• Why do people like/hate your color?
• Historically, where has your color appeared?
• How does your color rank in the news?
• Is your color serious or silly or somewhere in between?

Sample essay: "Why So Blue?" by Peggy Payne (handout)

Now, write your own color essay. Finish for homework. Be ready to share on Tuesday. Post in CAVAS.

March 29, 2016 - Tuesday

Class Work

1. Make your "Rock" comparison/contrast paper visible.
2. Find a partner.
3. Share your essays - 4 minutes each.
4. Discuss:

• Organizational pattern
• Personal opinions about the "best and worst" rock
• Transitions
• Introductions
• Conclusions

5. Effective use of transitions: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/transitions.htm
Look at:
An Analysis of Coherence - http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/taste/taste2.htm

• Four groups - look at your section of the essay. Determine how the author uses transitions and other writing techniques to "glue" the essay together.

6. Another look at transitions: http://www.smart-words.org/linking-words/transition-words.html Pay attention to the information at the bottom of the page that explains WHERE to use them in writing.

7. Select a topic!  At your table, generate a list of possible topics. (2 minutes!)

• This link offers 40 suggestions. Feel free to use one of those listed. http://grammar.about.com/od/developingessays/a/topicscompcon07.htm
• Here are 50 more! http://homeworktips.about.com/od/essaywriting/a/compare.htm
• Also consider selecting a topic of your own.

8. Look  at two additional examples - handouts -
"The Virtues of Growing Older"
"American Space and Chinese Place"

9. Homework:

• Select your topic of two ___________________.
• Create a chart to use as a visual reminder of the information you plan to include in your essay. The visual should be either point-by-point or topic-by-topic. (See the handout from last Thursday.) You may decide instead to use two mind maps/cluster maps.
• Directions for clustering: http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/cluster.html
• Mind Mapping/clustering examples: https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrTcdRlf_pWHTwAnWknnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTEyMWZzYzY3BGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQjE3NDdfMQRzZWMDc2M-?p=Clustering+Examples&fr=yhs-mozill
• Write the draft of your essay and post in CANVAS by Thursday, March 31.

March 24, 2016 - Thursday

Class Work
Comparison/contrast essay:

• Two ways to organize - handout
• Two rocks . . . go outside and find two rocks. Listen for the instructions and fill in one of the two charts on the handout.
• Examples & Discussion
• http://www.officeinstructor.com/EssayWriting/EssayPDFs/Neat%20vs%20Sloppy.pdf (Neat people vs. Sloppy People)
• http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/comparison.htm (Shoping in America)

Homework:

Write a brief comparison/contrast paper about your two rocks. Use ONE of the two possible ways to organize your paper. (Point by Point or Topic by Topic)  Make it clear which rock you like the best by your word choices and by your phrases. Be sure to introduce both rocks before jumping into the comparison. In addition, add a few concluding lines.

Reminder: The final draft of your persuasive technology essay is due Tuesday!

March 22, 2014 - Tuesday

Class Work

1.  Peer Editing- two others will read your essay. ach will complete a peer editing sheet:

• You need to make your draft visible on your computer screen or have a paper copy at your desk.
• Sign your name in the "author" spot on the red and on the white peer editing sheets.
• Trade places! Your are now editor. Sign in on one of the two sheets.
• You have 15 minutes to read the essay and complete the peer editing sheet.
• After 15 minutes, you will trade places again. Move to a table far from your home space!
• Sign, read, and respond for 15 minutes.
• Return to your desk. Join in the class discussion.

Learn to write conclusions:

• Handout
•  http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/
• http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/sixtrait/organization/conclusions.html (examples)
• http://www.asdk12.org/MiddleLink/LA/writing/StepUp/Writing_Conclusion.pdf (examples)
• http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions

Homework: Revise your draft. Post the FINAL draft by Thursday, March 24, 2016.

2.

March 10, 2016- Thursday

Class Work & Homework
1. Get ready to write the body of the essay. Here are some tips!
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/argument.htm
Look at "Cry Wolf," the sample essay at the link. We will work on this in class . Find the claim, reasons, and evidence/proof. Use the paper chart to write your notes. We will begin in class. Finish reading the example and filling in the chart for homework.  Due: Tuesday, March 22, 2016
2. Using your notes as a guide, begin with your introduction and write the body of your essay. Refer back to the Technology: Friend or Foe? assignment sheet. The draft is due on Tuesday, March 22.

Happy Spring! We do not meet next week. Enjoy the time with family and friends.