Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Welcome!

Question: If you could stay eternally young, would you? If you could go back in time and relive your life, would you? If you could travel to your future and stay there, would you?

Here is an article about the world of youth and the world of old age. A paper copy will also be provided.

 "The Virtues of Growing Older" by Carol Siskin

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fecmd.nju.edu.cn%2FUploadFile%2F16%2F7522%2Fgrowing.doc&ei=cGl5UY-NIceWiQLI0oCgDA&usg=AFQjCNFdP4hbXKcjni_zeURc1cTraWG4CA&sig2=mlBJU_K0djZehLCHCD33Eg&bvm=bv.45645796,d.cGE

• What is the message of the essay?
• What specific products are mentioned in the introduction? Why do you think the writer included these? Do you know what they are?
• Note that the author lists benefits of living in both worlds. Underline the benefits of youth and the benefits of being older.
• How do you, the reader, know if the author favors being older or being younger? Circle those lines that make it clear.

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This was the homework. 

Think about the "worlds" in which you live. Pick two. First, make a bulleted list of what is good about each. Then, make a second bulleted list about the challenges of each. End with four or five sentences that explain which "world" you prefer. Post by class on Tuesday. This is worth 25 pts.
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With the homework in mind, let's work on the "Living Between Worlds" chart. If you did the homework and posted it, you may skip the lists and begin the paragraphs. Remember, each paragraph should describe one of your worlds.

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Thinking about the exam...90% of the exam will be in essay format. You will be writing an essay where you compare and contrast the two worlds in which you find yourself. Remember what we discussed for organization of a comparison/contrast essay. Use the Point by Point or the Item by Item format.

Think of a good way to introduce your two worlds to the reader.  How will you capture the attention of the reader? Why did you choose those "worlds?"For homework, write the introduction. You will tell the reader about your two worlds. Post in MyCompLab (15 pts) Due: Thursday, May 2, 3013
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Exam News... Our exam is next Tuesday, May 7, 2013.
Location: Regular Classroom
Time: 11:00-12:50 Note that this is 30 minutes earlier than our usual meeting time. Do not be late.

You must physically attend the exam - no exceptions. This is according to EMCC policy.

Welcome to Class!

1. Let's review the homework...get your answers ready!

The was the homework:
Read "When Words Get in the Way" pp. 557-558 in Wordsmith.

In your book or on a separate sheet of paper,

 

• record the answers to the questions under "Building Vocabulary" on pp. 558-559. 
•  record the answers to the questions under "Understanding the Essay" on pp. 559-560.
• record the answers to questions 8, 9 , and 10 under "Looking at Language" on pp. 560-561. Number nine is a brief paragraph.
• select either 1 or 2 under "Discussing the Essay" on p. 561 and write at least two paragraphs.

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2. Sometimes it is not the words that get in the way. Sometimes "rules" do. Essay: "If Only" (Handout)

Note the use of dialogue and description.

What was the author's message? How do you know?

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3. Let's look at one more reading together.
Group Discussion

• Is there a special person in your life who was your "cheerleader?"
• Is there a task, skill, or talent you mastered even though it was not easy?
• Were your ancestors good at anything in particular?
• Do you know the history of your family? What examples did your ancestors set for you?
• Do the traits of your ancestors have any impact on your life today?
• Do the accomplishments or traits of your ancestors inspire you in any way?

For homework read:

"The Game of My Life" pp. 550-551

Answer the questions that follow. Remember, you can write in your book! Bring the answers to class on Tuesday.

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3. Do you live in "two worlds?" Maybe you are a student and a parent. Perhaps you are the child at home and the grown-up at work. Work and home might be two different worlds. How do you behave in each?

 

Play "Where to Build the Old Folks Home to get a taste of another world. Each group will receive written instructions. Please read and follow accordingly. A "town meeting" will follow.

 

Discussion will follow.

 

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Question: If you could stay eternally young, would you? If you could go back in time and relive your life, would you? If you could travel to your future and stay there, would you?

 

Here is an article about the world of youth and the world of old age. A paper copy will also be provided.

 "The Virtues of Growing Older" by Carol Siskin

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fecmd.nju.edu.cn%2FUploadFile%2F16%2F7522%2Fgrowing.doc&ei=cGl5UY-NIceWiQLI0oCgDA&usg=AFQjCNFdP4hbXKcjni_zeURc1cTraWG4CA&sig2=mlBJU_K0djZehLCHCD33Eg&bvm=bv.45645796,d.cGE

 

• What is the message of the essay?
• What specific products are mentioned in the introduction? Why do you think the writer included these? Do you know what they are?
• Note that the author lists benefits of living in both worlds. Underline the benefits of youth and the benefits of being older.
• How do you, the reader, know if the author favors being older or being younger? Circle those lines that make it clear.

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More homework!

Think about the "worlds" in which you live. Pick two. First, make a bulleted list of what is good about each. Then, make a second bulleted list about the challenges of each. End with four or five sentences that explain which "world" you prefer. Post by class on Tuesday. This is worth 25 pts.

Tuesday

Class Work

Looking at Self and Family...

1. Do you speak more than one language?
2. If not, why not?
3. If so, how did you come to be bilingual?
4. What are the advantages of speaking more than one language?
5. What are the challenges of speaking more than one language?
6. What are the disadvantages of only speaking one language?
7. What are the advantages of only speaking on language?

Read:
"Growing Up Bilingual" pp. 544-545 in Wordsmith
Pay attention to the word choices. The "right" word makes a big difference.

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Grammar Moment... Word Choice

List as many testspeak or txtspk words or phrases as you can in 1 minute.
See p. 477 for examples if you need help getting started.

After you create your list, look at this one!
http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php

Is textspeak ruining the ability to write correctly? This article says, "No."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/9966117/Text-speak-language-evolution-or-just-laziness.html

Now, back to an earlier question, are you bilingual?

Slang, textspeak, and cliches should be avoided. pp. 477-480
Cliche finder: http://www.westegg.com/cliche/
Alphabetical list of cliches: http://clichesite.com/alpha_list.asp?which=lett+1

Also avoid these plague words and phrases:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/plague.htm

We will complete the group assignment on p. 477.

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Is there a special person in your life who was your "cheerleader?"
Is there a task, skill, or talent you mastered even though it was not easy?
Were your ancestors good at anything in particular?
Do you know the history of your family? What examples did your ancestors set for you?
Do the traits of your ancestors have any impact on your life today?
Do the accomplishments or traits of your ancestors inspire you in any way?

Read:
"The Game of My Life" pp. 550-551 in Wordsmith
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Homework
Read "When Words Get in the Way" pp. 557-558 in Wordsmith.
In your book or on a separate sheet of paper,

• record the answers to the questions under "Building Vocabulary" on pp. 558-559. 
•  record the answers to the questions under "Understanding the Essay" on pp. 559-560.
• record the answers to questions 8, 9 , and 10 under "Looking at Language" on pp. 560-561. Number nine is a brief paragraph.
• select either 1 or 2 under "Discussing the Essay" on p. 561 and write at least two paragraphs.

Bring a paper copy to class on Thursday.

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EXAM NEWS
When: Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Time: 11:00-11:55
Location: Regular Classroom - Octillio 109

Class Work

1. We will be peer editing. Make sure you have a paper copy of your technology essay. Print now if you have not already sone so.

Before we peer edit, let's review:

Avoiding comma splices:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm

Tips to avoid run-on sentences:
http://www.myenglishteacher.net/runonsentences.html

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/fragments-and-run-ons/
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/run-on-sentences.aspx

Remember the FANBOYS!
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

Remember the conjunctive adverbs...snob words.
http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/conjadv.html

Repairing run-on sentences:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/runons_quiz.htm

Worksheet...(handout. Please sent me an e-mail if you are not here today. I will send you this activity as an attachment.

Now, let's edit your essays. You will have three readers. Listen for instructions.

Homework

Revise your essay. Post the final copy in MyCompLab. It is due before class on Tuesday. It is worth 100 points.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Class Work

Do you have any predictions for the future of technology? Where will we go from here? What is the next "I can't live without it" thing?

Science fiction writers have made predictions that have come true. Consider Jules Verne in 20 Leagues Under the Sea. We now have nuclear powered submarines. He also predicted that man would go to the moon. We did that in the 1960s.

Ray Bradbury wrote "There Will Come Soft Rains" in the 1950s. In the short story, Bradbury describes many technological wonders that are common today. As you read the story, make a list of all of the technology that is in use today. Submit your list in MyCompLab by Tuesday. In addition, dream a bit and write down three "predictions" for our future. (15 pts.) 

http://www.ou.edu/cls/online/lstd1233/pdf/bradbury.pdf

Bradbury’s Predictions	What we have in use today…

Predictions for the future…What will we have 10 year from now? What will be invented 50 + years from now?

Back to your essay...introductions...

   Introduction –

a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, etc.

b.     

c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)

 

Here are some helpful tips...

http://mnemonist.hubpages.com/hub/Essay-Introduction-Examples

http://www.ashland-city.k12.oh.us/staff/jurawson/catchyintros.pdf

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/

 

Also see pp. 55-66 in Wordsmith.

 

Homework

 

1. Now, write your introduction. Post it in MyCompLab. (25 pts.) It is due Thursday.

 

2. In addition, print copy of your entire Technology essay. Bring a paper copy to class on Thursday. You will need it for a peer editing activity. If you do not have it for the activity, 10 points will be deducted from your final essay grade.

 

 

Thursday

Technology – Friend or Foe?

For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition.  Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.

I.                    Introduction –

a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, etc.

b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.

c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)

II.                  The body of the paper will do several things –

a.       Convince the reader that their either need or do not need the technology.

b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?   This was the homework last week. What did you discover?

c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from

                                                               i.      At least three experts.

                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.

                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.

                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.

v. Lines from literature - poem, short story, or novel

                                                            vi.      Strong statistics from an expert source.

The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length. Items highlighted in blue were due today and should be posted in MyCompLab

III.                Conclusion –

Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:

a.       Convenience

b.      Cost

c.       Safety

d.      Environmental impact

e.      Impact on society This is your homework for today and is due Tuesday. You need to write the conclusion to your essay and post it in MyCompLab. (25 Pts.)

Let's talk about conclusions.

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

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/ Pay attention to the "what not to do" tips.

http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html

http://www.asdk12.org/middlelink/la/writing/stepup/writing_conclusion.pdf

Now, let's look at some conclusions. You will be working with a partner or partners to study the concluding paragraphs. All essays are in Wordsmith. Consider the following:

• What techniques are used?
• Is the conclusion effective?
• Do you know what point the author is trying to make?
• Was the author successful in making the point?
• Did the author avoid the "what not to do" issues?

Your group will:

• Read the conclusion to the class
• Share the answers to the questions.
• Explain if the conclusion is effective or not.

1. p. 571
2. p. 578
3. p. 586
4. pp. 592-593
5. p. 599
6. p. 233
7. p. 152 
8. p. 128

 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Technology – Friend or Foe?

For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition.  Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.

I.                    Introduction –

a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, etc.

b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.

c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)

II.                  The body of the paper will do several things –

a.       Convince the reader that their either need or do not need the technology.

b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?   This was the homework. What did you discover?

c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from

                                                               i.      At least three experts.

                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.

                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.

                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.

v. Lines from literature - poem, short story, or novel

                                                            vi.      Strong statistics from an expert source.

The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length.

III.                Conclusion –

Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:

a.       Convenience

b.      Cost

c.       Safety

d.      Environmental impact

e.      Impact on society

Get busy with your research. By Tuesday, know the history of your item. Paraphrase the information in MyCompLab. Cite your source there as well. (15 pts.) If you had trouble posting, please try again. MyCompLab was not working yesterday or early this morning. You will not be counted as late.

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With the assignment in mind, let's take a look at a sample essay "Has the Internet Killed Privacy" on pp. 536-537 of Wordsmith.

A. Before we begin:

• Do you have an account on a social networking site such as Facebook, Flickr, Linkedin, MySpace, etc? Do you have an account on more than one?
• What can people find out about you by doing a simple Google search?
• Are you worried about identity theft or discovery? Should you be?
• Is there information you think twice about posting?
• Should employers have the right to view your Facebook account?
• What are the advantages of social networking sites?
• What are the dangers?

B. Let's read. You have 10 minutes to read the essay.

C. Let's go over the questions on pp. 441-542. (1-10)

D. In MyCompLab, post your responses to #1 or #2 from p. 542 - Discussing the Essay. This is due on Thursday. (25 pts.)

E. Look at the information highlighted in blue above. You need to write the body of your paper and include the information noted in blue. Remember, you are writing to convince the reader that the item should be either avoided or used. You need proof. Post two or three paragraphs in MyCompLab by Thursday. (25 pts.)

Class Work

Here is where we left off last week:
Homework Pt. 1

• Think about how your life would be different without the item. Record your thoughts in MyCompLab. Write in paragraph form. First, explain what the item is and tell why you selected it. Second, explain how often you use the item. Now show how your life would differ without the item. (25 pts.)

Homework Pt. 2

• Get some numbers. How many people of households have/use your item?
• How much money is typically spent on the item either to purchase it or to keep it up and running?
• What are the ages of the typical users? Does it matter?
• Are there places in the world that do not have the item? How is life there different from life in the United States?
• Are there dangers associated with the item? What are they?
• Would you be willing to give up the item? Explain.
• Write a summary paragraph of your research. How is it going? What are you finding? Are you surprised by anything? Post in MyCompLab. (25 pts.)

(Many of you still need to get started!)

1. Let's tell stories.
Working with the people at your table, discuss things that have happened when you used the item. Who was there? What was said? Tell what happened! Think of anything exciting, unusual, or unique. Was there something frustrating?  Why were you using the item?  Turn this into a two or three paragraph story.  Recreate the event with your words. Paint the picture. 

2. For homework, write and post the story in MyCompLab. It is due Tuesday.

3. Locate a work of art that features your item. Consider the following:

Looking at Art

• What is the title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What is the message?
• What is the most obvious image in the work. To where is your eye drawn?
• Look at the colors. Are they symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different? Explain.
• Study the shading and shadowing. How do these elements impact the overall message?
• Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is the artist's message about a specific event in history? What was going on in the world when the work was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created.
• How does the work relate to technological advances in  21st century America?
• How does the work relate you?

Write your responses on paper. It is due before you leave the room today. Add the source information to your EasyBib project.

4. Get ready to write. This is where we are headed. :

Technology – Friend or Foe?

For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition.  Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.

I.                    Introduction –

a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, etc.

b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.

c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)

II.                  The body of the paper will do several things –

a.       Convince the reader that their either need or do not need the technology.

b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?

c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from

                                                               i.      At least three experts.

                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.

                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.

                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.

v. Lines from literature - poem, short story, or novel

                                                            vi.      Strong statistics from an expert source.

The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length.

III.                Conclusion –

Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:

a.       Convenience

b.      Cost

c.       Safety

d.      Environmental impact

e.      Impact on society

Get busy with your research. By Tuesday, know the history of your item. Paraphrase the information in MyCompLab. Cite your source there as well. (15 pts.)