In Class Assignment at the CLE Monday, Sept. 30th

We're meeting in the CLE mini-lab on Monday! But you already knew that, didn't you?

Your assignment for today will be to work MLA format. You'll be writing the introduction to your Definition/Example essay. Here are the instructions for MLA formatting:


Your First Page

Only the first page should include the whole heading and title. All margins--top, bottom, and sides--should be set to one inch (1") throughout the whole paper. Don't add extra spaces between the heading and the title, nor should there be extra spaces between the title and the body of the paragraph.

Use a reasonably-sized font: either 10 characters per inch or a 12 point font. And choose a font that is easy to read rather one that is decorative: "Arial," "Lucida," "Modern," "Palermo" or "Times New Roman" are some good choices. Scripted fonts are hard to read even if they do make your paper "look nice"; it is the content of the paper that is most important, and making it easy for your readers to understand that content is always a good choice.

All Following Pages:

Instead of the full heading, pages that follow the opening page should use a header in the upper right corner: your last name and the page number.
Do not add extra spaces between paragraphs--that is a business format. Instead, make sure to continue indenting paragraphs one-half inch (the usual tab default setting).






So your assignment, for today, will be to turn in a properly formatting MLA page that includes your introduction to your Definition/Example essay. Your introduction needs to have the following elements:

1. The extended definition (term, class, distinguishing characteristics and negation)
2. Your thesis statement (what you term is and why it's important)
3. An attention grabber.

Definition Essay

A definition essay, as outlined in chapter 16/17, is one that gives detailed information on a particular term or concept. Your next assignment will be to write this type of essay.

Definition essays include a standard definition and distinguishing characteristics (this information should be included in your introduction). They also include any background information needed.


Be sure that your essay follows one of the patterns of organization we've been discussing in class. Each body paragraph should have a topic sentence that pertains to a distinguishing characteristic. I'll also be looking for complete intros and conclusions.

For this essay (and all the rest of the year) MLA format is required.

As usual, 2 pages double spaced.

Instead of peer review, you'll be required to get feedback on your essay through either Smartthinking or the CLE. Plan ahead and be sure to do this! It's part of your grade.

Definition Essay Rubric

Here are some possible topics (others at the end of chapter 16/17):

Define your views on parenting
Write an essay defining the characteristics of a "perfect job" you hope to obtain after graduation
Define a term and demonstrate an issue in your community, such as racism or ethnic stereotyping
Define "American Democracy," but with fifth graders as your audience.

If you have another idea, feel free to ask!


DUE DATES:

Rough Draft Due to Smartthinking/CLE by
Revisions Due

Process Analysis Peer Review

NOT a good example of constructive feedback

1. Reread the Introduction, and label the following characteristics.If they're not present, note that for your partner.
1.  thesis statement.
2. What process is being described
3. Why is the process important
4. What background information is provide

How can the intro be improved? 

1. Reread the conclusion, and label the following characteristics:
1. paraphrased thesis statement
2. positive/ending note

How can the conclusion be improved?

3. What pattern of organization does the essay use? Is it clear/effective?
4. Underline transition words. Are there enough, too many, not enough?
5. Does each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence?Label them for each body paragraph. Does the topic sentence clearly introduce the process?

Process Analysis Essay Assignment

Your next assignment will be to write a Process Analysis Essay.

Process analysis essays are similar to what you may know as a "how-to" paper, but there's a little more to them than that. They explain in a step-by-step fashion how something works or how it is made.

For this assignment, I'll be looking more closely at your essay organization. Of course, you'll need an introduction that includes all necessary elements: attention grabber, topic, thesis (what process you're explaining and why it's important), and gives the reader a sense of how your essay is going to be organized.

Your conclusion will also need to wrap up the essay and tie back into the topic/thesis.

Make sure your essay follows a pattern of organization. Most Process Analysis essays are ordered chronologically, but if yours follows a different pattern, just be sure that it's clear to your reader.

Your essay will also need to provide some background information. Sometimes with process analysis papers, we need to use specialized terms, or jargon, that a general audience may not be familiar with. You'll need to make sure you define them for your readers.

And finally, this essay will need to be a minimum of two pages, double spaced (typed).


DRAFT DUE 9/23, REVISIONS DUE 9/25

As for your topics, there are some suggestions at the end of chapter 13 (14 for the 5th edition). Here are a few:

1. How to find enough time for your children
2. How to remain calm while giving a speech
3. How important it is to exercise every day
4. Describe the strategies used to meet new people and develop friendships
5. How to relax and do nothing





Here's the rubric

Outline Form

Descriptive Peer Review

Be the most interesting student in class!

Today we'll be conducting peer review in class. Before we jump into peer review, let's watch this video.

In your groups, read your partner's essay out loud. Then, focus your discussions on the following topics.
  1. Reread the intro. Label the topic and dominant impression (it can be either stated or implied). Is it clear to you as a reader?
2. Check off the sensory details. Does each one support the dominant impression? If there isn't enough sensory detail, make suggestions as to where he/she can elaborate.
3. Does the author make use of figurative language? Check that off, too! If not, make suggestion as to where he/she can elaborate.
4. Label the intro, body paragraphs, and conclusion. How are the body paragraphs organized?
5. UNDERLINE the topic sentence for each paragraph. Compare the details in that paragraph and make sure they contribute to the topic sentence.
6. Reread the conclusion. Does it restate or indicate the dominant impression? Does it wrap up the essay? How can it be improved?
7. Now, look for grammar, spelling, and usage errors if time permits.

 You should take at least 10 minutes per paper.

Before you leave today, please turn in these 3 questions:

1. What did you learn were the strengths of your essay?
2. What areas need improvement or revision?
3. What revisions do you plan to make and why?

Your revised draft is due to me on MONDAY. 

In-class Assignment for 9/9

It only ends when you do it...

Today in class we'll be looking at an example of a descriptive essay and analyzing it. We'll be on the lookout for all the characteristics you'll need to have in YOUR essays, so by the end of class, you should have a good idea as to what to expect.

On page 253 (in the old book -- for the new book, it'll be towards the end of chapter 12), "Heatstroke with a Side of Burn Cream"

This essay DESCRIBES someone's first job. You can choose to write about this as well if you'd like.

Here are the discussion questions:

                                                              i.      What topic is the essay describing? What dominant impression about the topic is the author conveying?

                                                             ii.      What sensory detail does the author include in the essay? What senses do they appeal to? Do you think they contribute to the dominant impression? Why or why not?

                                                            iii.      How is the essay organized? Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence? Are they effective? Why or why not?

                                                           iv.      List examples of figurative language in the essay. Does each comparison add to the dominant impression?

                                                             v.      Reread the introduction. How does the author hook the reader’s attention? Do you think it’s effective?

                                                           vi.      Reread the conclusion. How does the author wrap up the essay? Do you think it’s effective?

Descriptive Essay Assignment Details

So you've made it through two weeks of class! I hope everyone is enjoying the course so far; I know I am.

Our next essay assignment will be to write a descriptive essay. I hope you're familiar with what that is -- if not, then you haven't read through chapter 11 (12, if you have the new edition).

Successful descriptive essays have a dominant impression, so you'll need to decide what impression you want to convey about your subject. Let's say, using the example we discussed in class about the hailstorm earlier this year, that your dominant impression is that the storm was frightening. Each of the details you use in your essay should contribute to that specific impression. Don't forget to title your essay, too.

You'll also need to make use of sensory details. What sounds/smells/sights about this object could you describe that might contribute to the dominant impression? A successful essay will make good use of this.

 Your essay will need to be organized, have an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence that ties into the dominant impression.

Of course, your final draft will need to be free of error. So don't forget to get editing assistance at the CLE!

Possible topics are listed at the end of chapter 11 (12 for the 6th edition), but here are a few to consider:

1. In "Eating Chilli Peppers," the author describes the love that some people have for eating peppers. Write an essay for your classmates describing a food that a family member or close friend enjoys but that you dislike.

2. Write an essay describing destruction or devastation you have observed as a result of a natural disaster, an accident, or a form of violence. 

3. Write a report for your local newspaper on a local sporting event you recently observed or participated in.

4. Write a letter to persuade your parents to loan you money. The loan may be to purchase a used car or rent a more expensive apartment, for example. Include a description of your current car or apartment.

5. Write a description of your ideal internship (or job, perhaps?).

The specifics: 

Minimum of 2 pages
Double spaced
Times New Roman font (or something similar)

Due Dates:

Rough Draft: Wednesday, September 11th (please bring 3 copies to class for peer review!)
Revised Rough Draft to instructor: Monday, September 16th

Here's the rubric I'm using to grade this essay

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm here to help!