September 26, 2013 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Let's share your definition narratives. For homework, you should have written a brief narrative that clearly shows what your chosen term is.

• You will need a paper copy. Print now.
• Gather in a circle as much as is possible in the room while working around the chairs.
• Reading what you have written out loud is a great way to "hear" how you write. You will automatically want to make revisions and corrections.
• If your narrative is very long, you may select the beginning or ending to read and quickly tell us what happens next.
• As listeners, ask questions and make comments. You have two post-its. Write your name on the post-its. You must speak twice during this activity. When you have had a turn to comment, give me one of the post-its. This will make it possible for everybody to comment.
• For homework, revise your narrative and post in Canvas. The revision is worth 15 points. You must show growth! Perhaps you will want to add sentences. You might want to select more vivid vocabulary. Details are important! If others appear in your narrative, add dialogue. Dialogue will make your story come alive. Be sure you note where and when the event took place.

2. News about MyWritingLab.  You will need to complete the pre-test. There is not way to work around this. Once you finish it, do not go any further until I talk to you. You may have the last 15 minutes of class time to work on this.

3. Get registered on EasyBib. Go to www.easybib.com.


3. Writing definitions continued...(handout)

• This graphic organizer will help you to expand your definition. First, find at least two quotations that explain what your term is. Simply go to a search engine and type in "quotations about ____________________." Put your term in the blank and hit "search." You will be directed to quotation sites similar to the ones you used in an earlier essay. Write those quotations in the space provided, or create a Word document and chart like the paper one. Feel free to copy/paste the quotations. Be sure to note the URL and the name of the individual who said the words.
• Next, find a dictionary site on-line and write the dictionary definition of the term. Again, be sure to document your source. Give the name of the dictionary site and include the URL.
• Moving clockwise around the chart, provide a personal definition of what the term is not.
• Find your term in literature/art/film/television/music. Again, the Internet is your friend for this block. If you want to find a work of art, simple search for __________________ in art. Fill in the blank with your term. Many artistic works should pop up. Select one to reference. Include the URL, name of the art selected, and the name of the artist.
• Now it is time to talk to 3 others in the class and find out how they would define your term. Be sure to get the correct spelling of the names and quote them exactly.
• Has your term been in the news recently? Is there a news story that clearly shows what your term is? Remember the example of the fast food worker whose act of kindness toward the blind man clearly demonstrated "kindness." You are looking for something like that. Include the URL if you read the story on-line.
• Now, find an on-line thesaurus. List 3-5 additional words that mean the same as your chosen term. Include the URL and name of the thesaurus site.
• Are there any historical examples of your term in action? Search. Briefly relate the event. Give the source of your information.

For homework, complete the chart and create a Works Cited page. Use www.easybib.com to make your life easier. If you have another citation site that your prefer, feel free to use it. You MUST create a final Word document and post it in Canvas. Bring a paper copy of your notes to class on Tuesday. You will NOT post the notes, but I will check your work in class.

September 24, 2013

Class Work

Today we are going to work on definitions. Of course you are familiar with a dictionary definition. However, there are other ways to show the reader what something means by providing excellent examples.

Consider the following:

• war
• peace
• love
• hate
• kindness
• wickedness
• abandon
• thrill
• a specific animal
• hero
• etc... add to the list until you find a word that brings a specific memory to mind.

For example, you might be touched by the word "kindness" because you can remember when someone did something above-and-beyond the call of duty for you. That story exemplifies "kindness."

Of course, you will want to use organization.

Patterns of organization :
http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/impo.htm
(Handout)

Let's take a look at a couple of examples:
"Cruel Portion"
"Quiet Heroes"

Notice the organizational pattern of each.

What are other strengths in the writing?

What point of view is used?

Notice the length of each essay. To show the reader your definition, you need to elaborate. Make every word count.

For homework, use a narrative example to define a term. This is a draft. Please post in Canvas and be ready to share it on Thursday. (20 pts.)

September 19, 2013 - Thursday

Class Work

1. You need to have a paper copy of your comparison/contrast draft, or you need to have a Word document copy showing on your computer screen.
2. Find a partner. You will only be reading one paper today.
3. Answer all questions on the Peer Editing Checklist. Highlight as asked using markers for paper and the "highlighter" in Word for electronic copies.
4. In addition to the questions on the sheet, take a look at the formatting. Did the author use MLA formatting? If so, draw a star in the upper left corner of the Peer Editing Checklist.
Contrast Tags

• but
• however
• in contrast
• on  the other hand
• on the contrary
• while
• yet
• despite
• still
• conversely
• otherwise
• unlike

Comparison Tags

• like
• likewise
• much lie
• equally
• similarly
• comparably
• correspondingly
• analogously
• just as
• as well
• too
• also

This list is from Write Now by Daniel Anderson, p. 456.
MLA Formatting Information
http://mlaformat.org/mla-format-sample-paper/

Revise and post the final copy in Canvas. It is due Tuesday.

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Activity #2 - Using Vivid Vocabulary - The right word is not the same as the "almost" right word.

First: Look at the wall to your right. Look hard and long. Describe that wall as completely as possible. You may walk over to that wall if you want a close-up.

Second: Look at the table in front of you.

• Describe it close up
• Describe it from across the room
• Pretend you have a magnifying lens and describe a small detail of the desk.

Sharing...

Third activity:
Take a five minute walk outside of our classroom. Be quiet. You are to write five one-sentence snap shots of things you see. Look for the extraordinary as well as the ordinary. Use vivid language. For example, if you were describing the block outside of your home, it might read something like this...Halfway along the block is a mustard-yellow house with filmy windows and a sagging door. Notice the use of colors and actions to describe that house. Your five sentences should use imagery and motion words. Be precise!

Sharing . . .

Homework
Pick one of the following to describe:
1. cup
2. paper clip
3. box
4. shoe
5. clock
6. phone
7. bottle
8. book
9. light fixture
10. chair
11. Candle
12. Something else you might find at home.

Use vivid details. Write at least a paragraph. Include a long shot and a close up. Word choice matters. Post in Canvas.

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Take a few minutes to explore MyWritingLab. What do you find there that might be useful to you? Do you have any questions? Bring 10 comments/questions to class on Tuesday. Thanks!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Class Work


Back to MyWritingLab one more time.

After consulting with Mr. Robinson,  the company representative, he thought we should try the following:

1. Register for a different section for this class.
 Use:  eaton04717
Enter your student code when asked to do so.

Keep your fingers crossed!

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Return to the Comparison/Contrast topic...review the two ways to organize

a." Shopping in America" - http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/comparison.htm

How is this paper organized? How do you know which type of shopping the author prefers? What words, lines, phrases, and examples tell you the authors opinion. Highlight those as we look at the model.

b. What two topics are you comparing and contrasting? Share at your table. For homework, all you had to do was describe each.

C. Now, you need a point - a message if you will. Which is better? What will you use for examples?

D.  You will need to use from transitions and tags for comparing and contrasting. Consider the following.

Contrast Tags

• but
• however
• in contrast
• on  the other hand
• on the contrary
• while
• yet
• despite
• still
• conversely
• otherwise
• unlike

Comparison Tags

• like
• likewise
• much lie
• equally
• similarly
• comparably
• correspondingly
• analogously
• just as
• as well
• too
• also

This list is from Write Now by Daniel Anderson, p. 456.

Your homework is to write the draft of your comparison/contrast essay.

• Provide an introductory paragraph where you introduce both items and note what points will be discussed in your essay.
• Move through the essay using either point-by-point or item-by-item organization. Do NOT mix these!
• Provide a conclusion. Wrap it up with a few lines that clearly remind the reader why one item is better than the other, at least according to you!
• Use comparison/contrast tags and transitions. This should be in conversational paragraph form. It should NOT read like a bulleted list.
• Post your draft in Canvas.
• Consider bringing a paper copy of the draft to class on Thursday or be able to call up the document in a Word document. Either will be fine for a peer editing activity on Thursday.

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How to get that professional look!

1. All you need to know about MLA formatting but were afraid to ask.

When submitting an essay, you want the first glance to clearly show that you are a proficient. Even across a room, the reader should be able to glance at your paper and see that you know what you are doing.

For English class, you need to use MLA Style when formatting an essay.

Take a look at these sites:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
http://mlaformat.org/mla-format-sample-paper/
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-122-s&va=mla+format

Using Word, create a "practice" first page of your comparison/contrast essay. You do not need to write the actual paper. Just write something for the first two or three lines. The formatting is the assignment. Show me when you finish.

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That's it for today! Go forth and write your comparison/contrast draft!



      

Class Work

1. You need either a paper copy of your process essay or you need to have a Word document copy showing on the computer screen.
2. Take the paper rubric and sign your name at the top as the author.
3. Find someone in the room who is NOT at your table to read for Content. You will read that person's paper for content. Make comments. Highlight if necessary.
4. Find another reader who is not at your table. Ask that person to read for Clarity. You will read that person's essay for Clarity. Highlight as needed and make comments.
5. Find a third person who is not at your table and ask that person to read for Mechanics Issues. You will read that person's paper for GUM issues. Highlight as needed and make comments.

Take your rubric and essay and return to your seat. Use the comments to make revisions as you write the final copy. The final copy is due in Canvas before class on Tuesday. You will hand in the Writing Rubric on Tuesday.

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Activity #2
 Back to MyWritingLab one more time.

After consulting with Mr. Robinson,  the company representative, he thought we should try the following:

1. Register for a different section for this class.
 Use:  eaton04717
Enter your student code when asked to do so.

Keep your fingers crossed!

**************************************************************
Activity #3

Comparing and contrasting two ______________________________.

Let's brainstorm a bit. What two things, places, events, or people can be compared and contrasted?

How does one go about organizing all of that information?

Point by Point
or
Item by Item
Take notes!
 Here are some sample essays.
For homework, read the entire "Hazelnut" essay by clicking on the link. Look for words and phrases that clearly show which hazelnut the author prefers.  Be ready to discuss in class on Tuesday.

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

In class, we will look at three sample essays.
"Shopping in America"
"Neat People vs. Sloppy People"

Note how the author organizes. Also note how the author clearly shares his or her preference for one topic over another.

For homework - Find two "somethings" to compare and contrast. Conduct research. Talk to people and look on the Internet. (Give credit to your sources.) Write a summary paragraph about each topic. Clearly show which you prefer. Just describe each for now. Also, credit your sources.

Day 7 - Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013

Class Work

1. One-line wonders! What is the first line of your essay? We will share! Be ready.

2. Those of you who submitted the description of your audience did a nice job. Focus on that audience as you write the rest of your essay.
3. If you decided to change topics, that is fine. Just remember to focus on a specific audience throughout.
4. Let's take a look at a student written model essay. (handout) Look for:

• Vocabulary choices
• Process steps
• Point of view
• Introduction
• Conclusion

We will also review a short essay that contains some problems to avoid. See if you can spot the problems. (handout) Now, how can you avoid those problems?

For homework, you will be writing the complete draft of your process essay. Post in Canvas. Don't forget the title! We will be peer editing in class on Thursday. Be able to call up the essay on the computer. A WORD document is needed for this. (25 pts.)

5. How important are titles????? Work through the following at your table.

• Name at least 10 famous titles. Consider book, song, and movies when creating the list.Did the titles have anything to do with the story or show?
• What are the hallmarks of great titles?

Here are some tips for writing titles:
http://www.gooddocuments.com/techniques/titleexample.htm

6. Let's work on fluency and tone. I will read a prompt to the class. You are to write freely for 10 minutes. Then, you will take the same topic and write freely for another 10 minutes. This time you will be changing your tone. Then, you will tell me which piece of writing is stronger and explain.

Listen for the instructions.

Day 6 - Thursday

Class Work

1. Quiz...It is time to prove that you know how to avoid run-on sentences and comma splices.
2. Log into MyWritingLab - you need your own pass code!

• Course Name: ENG091 1:00pm
• Course ID: eaton8873

Let's get started.

3. More news about introductions...
You need to:

• Introduce your topic
• Engage your readers with:
• Startling statistics
• Interesting quotations
• News events
• Song lyrics
• Poetry lines
• Personal stories
• Useful facts
• "Stuff" from popular culture
• Link the topic to the reader. Why does the reader need to know this? How will the information be useful?
• Orient them to the organization of your essay - in this case, the chronological approach works best.
• Here are some additional tips: http://itdc.lbcc.edu/oer/esl/esl33xal/presentations/introductoryparagraphs/introductoryparagraphs-notes.html

Let's take a look at some introductions:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm
http://students.berkeley.edu/apa/personalstatement/introductions.html You be the judge.

4. The first sentence is critical. Let's take a look at some sample first lines. Again, judge the writer! Is the sentence strong enough for you to want to read the rest of the essay? Discuss your assigned sentence at your table. Agree on the effectiveness of the sentence. Be ready to share with the class. What makes the first line strong or weak? If it is not a strong sentence, what is needed to make it so? If it is strong, what makes it so?

1. There always seems to be some sort of controversy or skepticism when a newcomer pops up in the medical field, especially if that newcomer offers methods that differ from conventional practice.
2. One of the first lessons you'll learn if you spend any time with Trace Waters is that it's never a good idea to judge people based on stereotypes.
3. At first, it wasn't even an argument.
4. On weekend graveyard shifts at St. Joseph's Hospital I worked the emergency room, mopping up pools of blood and carting plastic bags stuffed with arms, legs, and hands to the outdoor incinerator.
5. "The point of books is to combat loneliness, David Foster Wallace observes near the beginning of "Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself," David Lipsky's recently published, book-length interview with him.
6. America's "boy crisis" has been canceled.
7. It's been muttered for some time now in feminist academic circles that the "boy crisis" - the near-ubiquitous belief that our nation's boys are being academically neglected and emotionally persecuted by teachers whose training, style and temperament favor girls - is little more than a myth."
8. Stuck in horrible traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike last weekend, I didn't have much to look at other than the other slowly moving cars.

(All sentences come from sample essays in Write Now by Daniel Anderson.)

5. Revisiting your introductory paragraph - REVISE it. Bring the sentence to class on Tuesday.
6. Map out the rest of the essay. What are the steps? Create an informal outline of the rest of your paper leading up to the conclusion. You may create a flow chart. (20 pts.)(Class activity on flow charts.) http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-122-s&va=flow+charts+examples

Remember, you must select a topic that is appropriate for the general college reading audience. We are a public institution that receives public money. Topics that share information about how to drink, take drugs, or engage in other dangerous or illegal activities are not appropriate topics.

Welcome to Tuesday

Class Work

1. Let's look at Canvas. You need to submit your work in the correct space on Canvas. If you see that an assignment has been submitted on your side of Canvas, then I have that paper or other assignment on mine.

You do not need to attach your work to an e-mail or Canvas message. It will be waiting in my Speed Grading box. Please check. If you do not know how to submit a paper, now is the time to find out. I assure you that you are not the only person in the room who needs a bit of help!

2. Reminder: You DO need to purchase the access code to MyWritingLab. Please bring it to class with you on Thursday. You will need it to register on the site. You cannot share codes or use a code that belongs to someone else. You need to be the owner of the code.

3. Back to the FANBOYS, SNOBS (conjunctive adverbs), and the ever popular and down-right strong semi-colon!

Let's see how all of these work.

 

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

 

Work with a partner to complete the practice quiz:

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/runons_quiz.htm

4. Process papers - did you think of something you know how to do? Can you explain in clear steps how to do it? You might consider something that happened to you and explain how that event came to be.That will be the challenge for our next writing assignment.

According to the book Wordsmith, process writing surrounds you. Consider recipes, instruction manuals, and the many titles of self help books that line bookstore shelves.

Here is some additional information: http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/process.html

Let's brainstorm some possible topics. For the next two minutes, create a list at your table. Assign one person to write your responses on the board.

How to ...

***

All of these are possible topics.

 Introduction: You must let the reader know what you will be discussing. It is also a good idea to consider using a personal example, a famous quotation, a startling statistic, or a clear description. Your job is to capture the attention of the reader.

Here are some additional tips: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm

Let's consider the following possible topics:

• How to select a good day-care facility
• How to pick a bank
• How to have an enjoyable vacation
• How to fix a flat tire (or anything else that might be broken)
• How to deal with stress
• How to be a good employee
• How to get physically fit
• How to mend a broken heart
• How to live on a tight budget
• How to lose or gain weight (pick one)
• How to save money
• How to dine correctly

(Really, the list is endless. At your table, select ONE of the above or come up with a topic of interest to all of you. Talk about the best way to introduce the topic. What experiences do you bring? )

For homework, you are to select your own topic and write the introduction.
 
Also, tell me a little bit about your audience. Who needs to know how to do this? What is the age? Is gender important? Is the audience experienced or new to the topic?
 
Post both paragraphs in Canvas. You earn up to 10 points for each paragraph for a total of 20 points.

B. Also, read a sample process essay: http://jhuniverse.jhu.edu/~jhumag/0298web/baby.html It is about how humans learn to talk.
In a bulleted list, provide 10 points of interest from the essay. What did the author do to capture your attention and keep it? (Post in Canvas)

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If you need more information about process papers, click the following link: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/process.htm

If time permits, we will learn how to banish fragments! That is a topic of interest to writers!