Tuesday, April 17, Day 26
Peer Review day.
Please make sure you use a clean version of your essay (without any comments) for peer review. (I named this in your folders PREssay.)
Remember your conference time! If you miss, you can't reschedule and yes, your conference is a part of your grade. Before your conference time, feel free to edit anything in your essay. We'll discuss those changes when we meet.
How to give presentations
Thursday, April 12, Day 25
Today we'll have practice giving oral presentations.
1. Presentation overview
Example 1
Example 2
2. Presentation preparation
2. Practice presentations (start: 7:15)
You'll work with a partner (5 groups of two, 1 group of three) and create a short presentation about one aspect of your home country. These presentations should be less than 5 minutes. Your peers and I will give you feedback afterward.
Today we'll have practice giving oral presentations.
1. Presentation overview
Example 1
Example 2
2. Presentation preparation
2. Practice presentations (start: 7:15)
You'll work with a partner (5 groups of two, 1 group of three) and create a short presentation about one aspect of your home country. These presentations should be less than 5 minutes. Your peers and I will give you feedback afterward.
Essay Analysis & Workshop
Tuesday, April 10, Day 24
Today is good practice reviewing what it takes to write a good argument. We'll look at three substantial essays from last semester's ESL 500 class and critique them in groups.
Refresher:
What are the types of supporting details?
Please write up for each essay and discuss with your group:
1) What are the essay's strengths? Weaknesses?
2) How does the writer establish her argument (through strong thesis, topic sentences, types of supporting details, counter argument refutation, conclusion, and/or tone)? Choose a few of these and explain.
Essay 1: How does the writer introduce then refute each counter argument? Why does she change her focus in the final body paragraph (before conclusion)?
Essay 2: The final three paragraphs in this essay take on a different focus. Do you think this benefits the essay or hurts it?
Essay 3: How does this writer close each body paragraph and how does this benefit each paragraph? Does she bring her topic to a general, educated audience or is some of her language too technical (consider the conclusion especially)? Do you feel the graph is helpful to the writer's argument?
3) Decide whether the essay is ultimately successful. Are you convinced? Do you side with the writer after reading her argument?
Name your document 3EssayAnalysis and save to your Dropbox folder.
Workshop:
Compare what you've seen in these essays to your own essay-in-progress. You'll have the rest of the time in class to work. I will come around and check on your progress.
Presentations Sign-up
These are 5-10 minutes presentations, after which will be a brief time for questions. If you are one of the last presenters and there is not enough time for you to present, you'll roll over to an available slot on the next presentation day. If you miss your presentation slot, you will not be allowed to make it up unless you have a tremendously good reason. :) The third presentation day is for extras only--I don't expect we'll have any to do that day.
Today is good practice reviewing what it takes to write a good argument. We'll look at three substantial essays from last semester's ESL 500 class and critique them in groups.
Refresher:
What are the types of supporting details?
Please write up for each essay and discuss with your group:
1) What are the essay's strengths? Weaknesses?
2) How does the writer establish her argument (through strong thesis, topic sentences, types of supporting details, counter argument refutation, conclusion, and/or tone)? Choose a few of these and explain.
Essay 1: How does the writer introduce then refute each counter argument? Why does she change her focus in the final body paragraph (before conclusion)?
Essay 2: The final three paragraphs in this essay take on a different focus. Do you think this benefits the essay or hurts it?
Essay 3: How does this writer close each body paragraph and how does this benefit each paragraph? Does she bring her topic to a general, educated audience or is some of her language too technical (consider the conclusion especially)? Do you feel the graph is helpful to the writer's argument?
3) Decide whether the essay is ultimately successful. Are you convinced? Do you side with the writer after reading her argument?
Name your document 3EssayAnalysis and save to your Dropbox folder.
Workshop:
Compare what you've seen in these essays to your own essay-in-progress. You'll have the rest of the time in class to work. I will come around and check on your progress.
Presentations Sign-up
These are 5-10 minutes presentations, after which will be a brief time for questions. If you are one of the last presenters and there is not enough time for you to present, you'll roll over to an available slot on the next presentation day. If you miss your presentation slot, you will not be allowed to make it up unless you have a tremendously good reason. :) The third presentation day is for extras only--I don't expect we'll have any to do that day.
Plagiarism part 2 and Tone
Thursday, April 4, Day 23
Plagiarism part 2: Final review of plagiarism rules.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6glagcLVP-E
1. "Investigating plagiarism"
Tone: How do we develop tone? Tone is a key element in persuasive/argumentative essays. If you're using tone effectively, you will be more trustworthy and persuasive to readers.
1. Read Argument essay is not nasty
-What are the key differences in a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay?
-Is an argumentative essay emotional? In what way? Is it factual? How?
-What is the difference between being able to argue and being argumentative? Which are we using in our essay?
-Based on this essay, what are some words to describe the tone an argumentative essay should have?
2. Identifying tone
poetry: Walt Whitman, e.e. cummings
sample introductions
-Highlight portions of the text that reveal tone. This tone will be more complex than simply positive or negative.
-Identify the structure of each introduction. Where is the hook? The thesis? Is there background information? How does the writer present information?
-What works or does not work in this introduction?
-Note if the writers use informal language.
Please sign up for a slot for conferences:
Conferences Sign Up Sheet
These are ~15 minutes of one-on-one time with me to talk about your final paper and anything else relevant to you and the class. I'll have times open both Wednesday 4/18 and Thursday 4/19. Sign up as soon as possible in case there is a conflict and you're able to switch slots with someone to accommodate them.
Plagiarism part 2: Final review of plagiarism rules.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6glagcLVP-E
1. "Investigating plagiarism"
Tone: How do we develop tone? Tone is a key element in persuasive/argumentative essays. If you're using tone effectively, you will be more trustworthy and persuasive to readers.
1. Read Argument essay is not nasty
-What are the key differences in a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay?
-Is an argumentative essay emotional? In what way? Is it factual? How?
-What is the difference between being able to argue and being argumentative? Which are we using in our essay?
-Based on this essay, what are some words to describe the tone an argumentative essay should have?
2. Identifying tone
poetry: Walt Whitman, e.e. cummings
sample introductions
-Highlight portions of the text that reveal tone. This tone will be more complex than simply positive or negative.
-Identify the structure of each introduction. Where is the hook? The thesis? Is there background information? How does the writer present information?
-What works or does not work in this introduction?
-Note if the writers use informal language.
Please sign up for a slot for conferences:
Conferences Sign Up Sheet
These are ~15 minutes of one-on-one time with me to talk about your final paper and anything else relevant to you and the class. I'll have times open both Wednesday 4/18 and Thursday 4/19. Sign up as soon as possible in case there is a conflict and you're able to switch slots with someone to accommodate them.
Formal Language
Tuesday, April 2, Day 22
Today's focus is formal language. You'll also have a chance to share your outlines with a partner for some feedback, and we'll look at an essay to critique according to what we've learned so far about effective argumentative writing (including formal language).
(debate comments & oral presentations)
for fun, a little clip on vague language: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P_hKcZgQhY
1. Share outlines
2. Formal language warm-up: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/general/academic/3.1.xml
3. Formal language ppt
4. Formal language exercises
5. Essay critique (introductions, complete essay)
Today's focus is formal language. You'll also have a chance to share your outlines with a partner for some feedback, and we'll look at an essay to critique according to what we've learned so far about effective argumentative writing (including formal language).
(debate comments & oral presentations)
for fun, a little clip on vague language: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P_hKcZgQhY
1. Share outlines
2. Formal language warm-up: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/general/academic/3.1.xml
3. Formal language ppt
4. Formal language exercises
5. Essay critique (introductions, complete essay)
Debate Day!
Thursday, March 29, Day 21
Today is our debate on drinking age- Should the US lower the drinking age from 21?
1. Reminders
Summary revisions due 4/1 by midnight.
(Bare bones) outlines for argumentative
2. Debate Rules
3. Debate!
Pro team: Mohammad, King, Jienan, Dianelys
Con team: Faraz, Bojana, Xueman, Fei
Jury: Sergio, Qionglei, Claire, Ming, Lei
4. Debate Reflection
What do you need so far for the argumentative?
thesis
topic sentences
one counter argument (con) that you will address
5 sources
DEFINITELY have your thesis, topic sentences, and several sources and create an outline with this information by Tuesday (4/3). I have been super lenient about this, but this time we'll do work with what you have in class, so it's a serious deadline! You don't need the entire outline done, but the more the better.
Today is our debate on drinking age- Should the US lower the drinking age from 21?
1. Reminders
Summary revisions due 4/1 by midnight.
(Bare bones) outlines for argumentative
2. Debate Rules
3. Debate!
Pro team: Mohammad, King, Jienan, Dianelys
Con team: Faraz, Bojana, Xueman, Fei
Jury: Sergio, Qionglei, Claire, Ming, Lei
4. Debate Reflection
What do you need so far for the argumentative?
thesis
topic sentences
one counter argument (con) that you will address
5 sources
DEFINITELY have your thesis, topic sentences, and several sources and create an outline with this information by Tuesday (4/3). I have been super lenient about this, but this time we'll do work with what you have in class, so it's a serious deadline! You don't need the entire outline done, but the more the better.
Argumentative Part III
Tuesday, March 27, Day 19
Welcome back after Spring Break!
Today we'll do some hands-on work with argumentative essays. We'll look over short sample essays in light of what we discuss about refutation strategies and the two patterns typical to argumentative writing. We'll end by deciding on a debate topic for our class on Thursday.
1. Quick Review & Refutation Strategies
Discuss with a partner your topic and argument. Ask them whether they can think of a reasonable counter argument for your claim. Flesh our your ideas. Is it a narrow enough thesis? Is it truly debatable?
2. Two Patterns
3. Sample Essays (1 or 2 depending on time)
4. Debate Decision
Quick notes about final summaries: Did you turn in your synthesis chart? Did you include a references list? Did you properly cite everything you quoted? What about paraphrases?
Resubmit these by Sunday 4/1 at midnight.
Once we reach a decision on what to debate, I will assign you to a team via email. Once you know your side, pro or con, do some light research on the topic so you can prepare some arguments to use in class. The more prepared team will probably win!
Don't forget about our second reflective essay! (due tonight 3/27 by midnight)
Welcome back after Spring Break!
Today we'll do some hands-on work with argumentative essays. We'll look over short sample essays in light of what we discuss about refutation strategies and the two patterns typical to argumentative writing. We'll end by deciding on a debate topic for our class on Thursday.
1. Quick Review & Refutation Strategies
Discuss with a partner your topic and argument. Ask them whether they can think of a reasonable counter argument for your claim. Flesh our your ideas. Is it a narrow enough thesis? Is it truly debatable?
2. Two Patterns
3. Sample Essays (1 or 2 depending on time)
4. Debate Decision
Quick notes about final summaries: Did you turn in your synthesis chart? Did you include a references list? Did you properly cite everything you quoted? What about paraphrases?
Resubmit these by Sunday 4/1 at midnight.
Once we reach a decision on what to debate, I will assign you to a team via email. Once you know your side, pro or con, do some light research on the topic so you can prepare some arguments to use in class. The more prepared team will probably win!
Don't forget about our second reflective essay! (due tonight 3/27 by midnight)
Argumentative Part II & Trivia
Thursday, March 15, Day 18
1. Argumentative Writing, cont.
2. Mid-semester Trivia - review of what we've covered so far
Please contribute a topic to debate on this Google doc:
Debate Topics
1. Argumentative Writing, cont.
2. Mid-semester Trivia - review of what we've covered so far
Please contribute a topic to debate on this Google doc:
Debate Topics
Introduction to Argumentative Writing
Tuesday, March 13, Day 17
Today I'll introduce our next paper, a source-based argumentative essay.We look again at the kinds of supporting evidence you can use and the structure of an essay. We'll talk about what it means to write a debatable thesis statement.
The assignment is as follows:
Debatable and non-debatable thesis statements
Topics due Tuesday (3/27) after Spring Break. Have your debatable thesis statement prepared and think about your three (or more!) topic sentences (arguments).
Also, consider: what is a reasonable counter argument someone could make against my thesis?
REFLECTION 2 due Tuesday 3/27 by midnight
Our second reflective essay is about plagiarism. Consider the following questions when you answer, but you don't have to answer them all. This is your essay--write about whatever you like as long as it is related to the class (and in this case, with at least some of the focus on plagiarism). I recommend finishing this over spring break while you have plenty of time!
Prompt:
We have spent a good amount of time discussing plagiarism in class. What is plagiarism? Why is it important to avoid it? How can you avoid plagiarism? Explain the difference between quoting, paraphrasing. and summarizing. What is the difference between quoting and citing? Do you think that learning about plagiarism and how to avoid it was useful? Why or why not? What are the plagiarism policies in your home country? Are they similar or different from the ones you have learned in this class? Is there anything about plagiarism that you would like to discuss more in class? What?
Write at least 300 words. If you use any sources to answer any of these questions, give them proper credit.
Today I'll introduce our next paper, a source-based argumentative essay.We look again at the kinds of supporting evidence you can use and the structure of an essay. We'll talk about what it means to write a debatable thesis statement.
The assignment is as follows:
- You should use at least 5 sources in your essay. This means that you have to do extensive research on your topic. We will spend some class time to decide on your topics for the argumentative essays, but please begin to think now about what you would like to write about. You may change your topic but before doing this, please discuss your new topic with me. I suggest that you choose a topic that relates directly to your current course work in your major field, but with a few constraints:
- You will be writing for a general, educated audience, not for professional peers.
- You may NOT revise a paper you have already written. It is vital that you go through the entire writing process in this class in order to practice what you are learning.
- You may NOT use a paper that you are writing for another class (see Student Code, §I-402(a)).
Debatable and non-debatable thesis statements
Topics due Tuesday (3/27) after Spring Break. Have your debatable thesis statement prepared and think about your three (or more!) topic sentences (arguments).
Also, consider: what is a reasonable counter argument someone could make against my thesis?
REFLECTION 2 due Tuesday 3/27 by midnight
Our second reflective essay is about plagiarism. Consider the following questions when you answer, but you don't have to answer them all. This is your essay--write about whatever you like as long as it is related to the class (and in this case, with at least some of the focus on plagiarism). I recommend finishing this over spring break while you have plenty of time!
Prompt:
We have spent a good amount of time discussing plagiarism in class. What is plagiarism? Why is it important to avoid it? How can you avoid plagiarism? Explain the difference between quoting, paraphrasing. and summarizing. What is the difference between quoting and citing? Do you think that learning about plagiarism and how to avoid it was useful? Why or why not? What are the plagiarism policies in your home country? Are they similar or different from the ones you have learned in this class? Is there anything about plagiarism that you would like to discuss more in class? What?
Write at least 300 words. If you use any sources to answer any of these questions, give them proper credit.
Peer Review of Summaries
Thursday, March 8, Day 16
Peer Review day! Also, informal early feedback forms.
1. IEFs
2. Peer Review
Don't forget--your summaries & synthesis charts are due Tuesday 3/13 by midnight! Have both of them in your dropbox folder, named FinalSynthesisChart and FinalSummary.
Peer Review day! Also, informal early feedback forms.
1. IEFs
2. Peer Review
Don't forget--your summaries & synthesis charts are due Tuesday 3/13 by midnight! Have both of them in your dropbox folder, named FinalSynthesisChart and FinalSummary.
How to Peer Review
Tuesday, March 6, Day 15
Today is a little break from summarizing. We'll go over how to do a good peer review. We'll also go through the Writing Style powerpoint we didn't get to last time.
1. How to Peer Review
2. Writing Style
Use this is a guide for writing your final summary:
Sample Final Summary
Today is a little break from summarizing. We'll go over how to do a good peer review. We'll also go through the Writing Style powerpoint we didn't get to last time.
1. How to Peer Review
2. Writing Style
Use this is a guide for writing your final summary:
Sample Final Summary
Synthesis Chart
Thursday, March 1, Day 14
Today we'll begin our synthesis charts. We'll start with a practice chart and then move on to a synthesis of our three articles. You should have plenty of time to work on this chart today and plenty of information to fill it, as you've already summarized all three articles by now. Depending on time (and the mood of the class), we'll also look at some stylistic elements of writing academically.
1. Powerpoint: Synthesis Chart
2. Writing Style (optional)
The final synthesis chart and summary won't be due until 3/13, right before Spring Break. Before you turn in your final chart and summary, we will do a peer review of it.
Today we'll begin our synthesis charts. We'll start with a practice chart and then move on to a synthesis of our three articles. You should have plenty of time to work on this chart today and plenty of information to fill it, as you've already summarized all three articles by now. Depending on time (and the mood of the class), we'll also look at some stylistic elements of writing academically.
1. Powerpoint: Synthesis Chart
2. Writing Style (optional)
The final synthesis chart and summary won't be due until 3/13, right before Spring Break. Before you turn in your final chart and summary, we will do a peer review of it.
APA Style Citation
Tuesday, February 28, Day 13
This class period will be spent discussing APA citation in more depth (bibliography) and the proper formatting of an essay, important things for both this unit and the next (argumentative source-based writing). Before that, though, I'll give you a quick example of what using your own words really means.
1. In Your Own Words
2. APA Citation, formatting
3. Free work (if time)
***Instead of writing full-length summaries, you can write summary paragraphs. I will grade the summaries I have for you based on our first criteria, but if you haven't yet finished summary 2 or 3, write it as a paragraph. Our final summary, which will combine all of these summaries/articles, will be a total of 2 pages, double-spaced. This will save us time--both you and me--during this short unit. If you've already finished writing summary 2 or 3 at the full-length, I will give you extra points for the time and effort you put in.
All three summaries are due Thursday 3/1. We'll start our Synthesis Chart then, which is pretty fun. :) Before class, think about how each of our articles relates to each other. What are their main ideas? Which are the same? Which are different?
Numbers rule! Link
This class period will be spent discussing APA citation in more depth (bibliography) and the proper formatting of an essay, important things for both this unit and the next (argumentative source-based writing). Before that, though, I'll give you a quick example of what using your own words really means.
1. In Your Own Words
2. APA Citation, formatting
3. Free work (if time)
***Instead of writing full-length summaries, you can write summary paragraphs. I will grade the summaries I have for you based on our first criteria, but if you haven't yet finished summary 2 or 3, write it as a paragraph. Our final summary, which will combine all of these summaries/articles, will be a total of 2 pages, double-spaced. This will save us time--both you and me--during this short unit. If you've already finished writing summary 2 or 3 at the full-length, I will give you extra points for the time and effort you put in.
All three summaries are due Thursday 3/1. We'll start our Synthesis Chart then, which is pretty fun. :) Before class, think about how each of our articles relates to each other. What are their main ideas? Which are the same? Which are different?
Numbers rule! Link
Summary, Cont.
Thursday, February 23, Day 12
1. Hedging
2. Grammar
3. Article 2 Overview
Article 3: Helping Your Child Make Better Friends
Please have Summary 2 finished by Tuesday 2/28. Read Article 3 by 2/28 and have Summary 3 started.
1. Hedging
2. Grammar
3. Article 2 Overview
Article 3: Helping Your Child Make Better Friends
Please have Summary 2 finished by Tuesday 2/28. Read Article 3 by 2/28 and have Summary 3 started.
Summary, Continued
Tuesday, February 21, Day 11
We'll continue with our summary unit today. We'll look at how to avoid bias and as a class we'll figure out the main points and author's tone in our first summary article.
1. Review: Dos & Don'ts of Summary Writing
2. Powerpoint
Bias in report writing: Fox News Obama Article
3. Summary of Article 1
Article 2: Bullying Prevention & Intervention
Extra summary tips: www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/write/handouts/summary.html
Article 1 Summary is due Thursday, February 23, before class.
If you're feeling ambitious, start on your summary of Article 2 for the next class period. It will save you time next week.
We'll continue with our summary unit today. We'll look at how to avoid bias and as a class we'll figure out the main points and author's tone in our first summary article.
1. Review: Dos & Don'ts of Summary Writing
2. Powerpoint
Bias in report writing: Fox News Obama Article
3. Summary of Article 1
Article 2: Bullying Prevention & Intervention
Extra summary tips: www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/write/handouts/summary.html
Article 1 Summary is due Thursday, February 23, before class.
If you're feeling ambitious, start on your summary of Article 2 for the next class period. It will save you time next week.
Summary Writing
Thursday, February 16, Day 10
Today we'll review paraphrasing briefly and then focus on summary writing. I'll introduce the first of our three articles for the summary project on bullying today. Please have it read by next Tuesday. Your diagnostic assignment will be graded by next Tuesday as well.
1. Paraphrase Review
2. Powerpoint
3. Video Summary
4. Practice Summary: Heart Attack Grill
5. Article 1: Bullying at school: tackling the problem
Today we'll review paraphrasing briefly and then focus on summary writing. I'll introduce the first of our three articles for the summary project on bullying today. Please have it read by next Tuesday. Your diagnostic assignment will be graded by next Tuesday as well.
1. Paraphrase Review
2. Powerpoint
3. Video Summary
4. Practice Summary: Heart Attack Grill
5. Article 1: Bullying at school: tackling the problem
Paraphrasing
Tuesday, February 14, Day 9
Focus on paraphrasing.
1. Powerpoint: Paraphrasing
2. Activities
Reminder: Diagnostic Essay & Outline due tonight.
Focus on paraphrasing.
1. Powerpoint: Paraphrasing
2. Activities
Reminder: Diagnostic Essay & Outline due tonight.
Avoiding Plagiarism, Part 1
Thursday, February 9, Day 8
Today is the first day of our plagiarism unit, which also means it's the last day we'll work on the diagnostic essay. The next major writing we'll work on is summary writing. Knowing how to cite sources correctly (quote, paraphrase, and summarize) is key to writing an effective summary. We'll go over each type of citation briefly, focusing today on quoting.
Knowing how to cite sources correctly means that you won't be plagiarizing unintentionally--that's something we'll be sure you understand by the end of the course.
1. Powerpoint: Avoiding Plagiarism
2. Finding Plagiarism
3. Quoting
Today is the first day of our plagiarism unit, which also means it's the last day we'll work on the diagnostic essay. The next major writing we'll work on is summary writing. Knowing how to cite sources correctly (quote, paraphrase, and summarize) is key to writing an effective summary. We'll go over each type of citation briefly, focusing today on quoting.
Knowing how to cite sources correctly means that you won't be plagiarizing unintentionally--that's something we'll be sure you understand by the end of the course.
1. Powerpoint: Avoiding Plagiarism
2. Finding Plagiarism
3. Quoting
Coherence & Unity
Tuesday, February 7, Day 7
We'll focus today on how to create unity & coherence in your essays, particularly in the body paragraphs.
1. Powerpoint: Coherence & Unity
2. Wordiness
3. Irrelevant Details
4. Revision
The second version of your diagnostic essay is due Tuesday 2/14 before midnight. You should turn into your dropbox both a revised essay and an outline to match.
We'll focus today on how to create unity & coherence in your essays, particularly in the body paragraphs.
1. Powerpoint: Coherence & Unity
2. Wordiness
3. Irrelevant Details
4. Revision
The second version of your diagnostic essay is due Tuesday 2/14 before midnight. You should turn into your dropbox both a revised essay and an outline to match.
Body Paragraphs: Supporting Details
Thursday, February 2, Day 6
Today we'll look at body paragraphs, topic sentences, and supporting details. Once you have established your topic sentences, you'll need to be sure each of your supporting details relates to its topic sentence. There are several kinds of support you can use, and we'll go over each today, discussing which are stronger and weaker, and how different kinds work together for the benefit of your essay.
We'll also discuss transition phrases and how the use of these can make your sentences flow together better.
1. Powerpoint: Supporting Details & transition phrases
2. Paragraph study
3. Revision
Each day we're building on a specific part of your essay. Your outline should reflect the changes we make. By the end of this unit, you should have an outline and an essay that match and include all the criteria for an introduction, 3 body paragraphs with supporting details, and a conclusion.
Website for transitional phrases: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/02/
Today we'll look at body paragraphs, topic sentences, and supporting details. Once you have established your topic sentences, you'll need to be sure each of your supporting details relates to its topic sentence. There are several kinds of support you can use, and we'll go over each today, discussing which are stronger and weaker, and how different kinds work together for the benefit of your essay.
We'll also discuss transition phrases and how the use of these can make your sentences flow together better.
1. Powerpoint: Supporting Details & transition phrases
2. Paragraph study
3. Revision
Each day we're building on a specific part of your essay. Your outline should reflect the changes we make. By the end of this unit, you should have an outline and an essay that match and include all the criteria for an introduction, 3 body paragraphs with supporting details, and a conclusion.
Website for transitional phrases: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/02/
Introductions & Conclusions
Tuesday, January 31, Day 5
Today is all about introductions & conclusions--the two "buns" of our hamburger (haha). In all honesty, they are what hold your body paragraphs together. So we'll make sure you have a good idea of how to write strong ones. We'll also be doing a short peer review with the outlines you wrote for the second drafts of your diagnostic essays. Peer review will be a big part of this class--this will be the first of many, so enjoy!
1. Outline peer review
2. Introductions
3. Conclusions
4. Revision
Powerpoint: Introductions & Conclusion PowerPoint
Today is all about introductions & conclusions--the two "buns" of our hamburger (haha). In all honesty, they are what hold your body paragraphs together. So we'll make sure you have a good idea of how to write strong ones. We'll also be doing a short peer review with the outlines you wrote for the second drafts of your diagnostic essays. Peer review will be a big part of this class--this will be the first of many, so enjoy!
1. Outline peer review
2. Introductions
3. Conclusions
4. Revision
Powerpoint: Introductions & Conclusion PowerPoint
Outlines & Thesis Statements
Thursday, January 26, Day 4
(Please remember: If you have not registered, do it ASAP!)
Today we're talking about outlines & thesis statements--two very big deals. You'll revise the organization of your diagnostic essays based on what we learn today.
1. Outlines
2. Thesis Statements
3. Revising Diagnostics
Your outlines should be based on the Standard Outline Format. This is in your shared Dropbox folder in the Diagnostics folder. Make an outline for what your diagnostic essay could potentially be--you do not have to create an outline of your current diagnostic, but for the improved version.
Remember the 3 traits of a strong thesis statement:
1. explainable/discussable
2. arguable
3. one-sided
Outlines due Monday, January 30 at 11:59 p.m.
I'll have comments on your Reflections before class on Tuesday 1-31.
Powerpoint: Outlines & Thesis Statements
(Please remember: If you have not registered, do it ASAP!)
Today we're talking about outlines & thesis statements--two very big deals. You'll revise the organization of your diagnostic essays based on what we learn today.
1. Outlines
2. Thesis Statements
3. Revising Diagnostics
Your outlines should be based on the Standard Outline Format. This is in your shared Dropbox folder in the Diagnostics folder. Make an outline for what your diagnostic essay could potentially be--you do not have to create an outline of your current diagnostic, but for the improved version.
Remember the 3 traits of a strong thesis statement:
1. explainable/discussable
2. arguable
3. one-sided
Outlines due Monday, January 30 at 11:59 p.m.
I'll have comments on your Reflections before class on Tuesday 1-31.
Powerpoint: Outlines & Thesis Statements
Writing Across Borders
Tuesday, January 24, Day 3
We'll explore different writing styles based on culture. Different countries put value on different aspects of an academic essay. We'll talk about the styles of several different countries and then discuss what makes the American academic style distinct.
You'll also be assigned your first Reflection Paper. This will be an informal paper of about 300 words. There should be time at the end of the class to begin this.
1. Paragraphs
2. Diagrams
3. Reflection 1
Also, please consider passing this on to a friend/spouse in the Champaign-Urbana area who might be interested: Special English Class 2012
We'll explore different writing styles based on culture. Different countries put value on different aspects of an academic essay. We'll talk about the styles of several different countries and then discuss what makes the American academic style distinct.
You'll also be assigned your first Reflection Paper. This will be an informal paper of about 300 words. There should be time at the end of the class to begin this.
1. Paragraphs
2. Diagrams
3. Reflection 1
Also, please consider passing this on to a friend/spouse in the Champaign-Urbana area who might be interested: Special English Class 2012
Diagnostic Exam
Thursday, January 19, Day 2
Today we'll have the 50-minute diagnostic exam. You won't be graded on this first draft, but this is your chance to showcase your writing (and possibly proficiency into 501!), so do you best.
Focus on the structure of your essay, the content of the article, and be sure to answer the question adequately.
After the 50 minutes are up, you'll submit your essay to our shared folder in Dropbox. Please don't open your essay after class. If I see that you've opened it, I will think that you edited it, which is not allowed after our 50 minutes.
Good luck!
Today we'll have the 50-minute diagnostic exam. You won't be graded on this first draft, but this is your chance to showcase your writing (and possibly proficiency into 501!), so do you best.
Focus on the structure of your essay, the content of the article, and be sure to answer the question adequately.
After the 50 minutes are up, you'll submit your essay to our shared folder in Dropbox. Please don't open your essay after class. If I see that you've opened it, I will think that you edited it, which is not allowed after our 50 minutes.
Good luck!
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