Things to know for this last week....

Due Wednesday, by noon: Your third paper, emailed to me (so that I receive it by the due time).

Due Thursday, in class:

* The pre-work for your third paper.

* If you did one, the revision of your second paper (along with the original and grade sheet).

* For extra-credit, a copy of your best essay, with no name on it (just your perm #), and the Starting Lines entry form (from the back of the book).

It is very important to be in class, so you can get the reading for the Common Final, as well. I cannot email the reading--you have to be in class to get it...

Also, in class, we will discuss tips for taking the common final, based on your practice exams.

Important Paper TWO Information

(PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST CAREFULLY)

Nice work Thursday in the workshop--I hope that getting some comments from your classmates helped you all take a step toward the completion of the paper. Please remember that on Tuesday, I will be holding more extended office hours, from 1-2, in our classroom. Cordero will be joining me, so we will be able to help as many people as possible. Remember--my goal is for everyone to jump up a grade on this third paper!

I'd also like to take a moment here to address something that has come to my attention. Through talking with some of you, I have learned that there was some confusion on the second paper, in terms of what I was expecting from you as writers. As you know, the paper was a Comparison/Contrast, where you were to analyze the similarities and differences between two of the Reader articles. However, it seems that there may have been some confusion as time went on.

Now, part of me feels that I did give directions, and repeatedly asked if anyone had questions or was unclear on them, so I assumed that everyone knew what to expect. Also, I hope that everyone remembers--not just for my class, but for all of your classes--that you can always see me with any questions as you work on your drafts. (This is why I offer the "extended" office hours and such). However, I also believe it is the teacher's responsibility to express goals and lessons clearly. If one person gets confused, that's one thing...but if more than two do, say, well, then that's on the teacher.

Therefore, I am doing something highly unusual. I am offering the opportunity to revise your second paper, based on the comments I wrote on the final draft. Please read them carefully, see me (or Cordero) with any questions, and revise appropriately. I will average the grade on the revision with the original grade to create your new grade. For those of you who did very well on the paper already (in the B to A range), you are welcome to revise, as well, to shoot for a "full A."

If you choose to revise, you must turn in the revision, along with the original final draft (with my comments) by the last day of class (12/6), no later. Late revisions will not be accepted.

I am committed to do your success, and don't want there to be any confusion on the goals/requirements of a project. Because of any confusion, I am offering this option--I hope you will take it as an earnest gesture to maximize the potential of your work. Also, I hope this draws attention to the importance of talking with me--or any of your teachers--when there is any confusion. I am here to help, after all!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Field Research

Please post your "field research" exercise information here. Thanks!

Third Paper--Please Comment!

As you know, for this third paper, you will be taking a position on an issue--one which is discussed in one of the course readings (either from the Reader or Starting Lines). You will explain, and support, your position following the "Basic Features" we discussed in class (and that are in the Reader).

You can take one of two approaches to this paper. They are:

1) Take a position on the AUTHOR'S VIEWPOINT. Do you agree, disagree, or something between, with the author? Why?

2) Take a position on the ISSUE ITSELF. Are you for, against, or in the middle, on this issue? Why? If you choose this option, you must use the reading to either SUPPORT your points, or to act as the "opposing view," which you will respond to in counterargument.

With that in mind, please write in the comment area here to say which of the options you will use, and which reading you will use, as well. Thanks!

For Tuesday...

Hi Everyone...

I just want to draw your attention to two items you will need to have for Tuesday's class:

1. A reading response for the homework readings
2. Your copy of Starting Lines

Thanks! See you then...

Class Tomorrow

Hi Everyone...

I've been moving through, and enjoying, your papers throughout the weekend (they'll be ready to hand back on Thursday)...I just wanted let everyone know that tomorrow we begin our final paper of the quarter--taking a position on an issue...

Be ready to dive in with a creative activity tomorrow, and share some of your views...see you then!

Don't Forget...

...that you need to have two copies of your Rough Draft in class on Tuesday for workshop...

See you then!

After today's (Thursday) class...

Please post your first paragraph (rough draft, of course) in the "comments" section here no later than Friday (11/2) at noon...thanks!

Please remember...

...to come to class tomorrow knowing which essays you plan on using for your second paper...

Thanks!

Please post...

...your one-paragraph response to the readings for Thursday here. Thanks!

("What did you think? Did you agree/disagree? Why?)

Portfolio #1 (Personal Narrative) Checklist

For Thursday, please have the following:

1. Final draft, stapled on its own.

2. Pre-work, all stapled together, including...
a. A representative rough draft (one of the copies from workshop)
b. The "nature" writing you did when we left class early
c. The in-class detail work from last week.
d. An informal, one page assessment of your essay (not yet written...you will write it to turn in with these other materials).

Thanks!

Don't Forget...

The rough draft of the first essay is due tomorrow, and we will workshop them in class.

Please remember:

* It should be complete (but, of course, in a rough draft state, open to revision)
* Typed, double-spaced
* Titled
* ...and please do not forget to bring two copies.

See you then!

First Paragraphs...

As discussed in class, please post the first (rough draft) paragraphs of your essay here in the comments.

Also, please don't forget to bring two typed (double-spaced) copies of your rough draft to class on Tuesday. Thanks!

Blog Prompt--Please Comment

So, for Tuesday, you will have read a number of essays from the beginning of the Reader. Please use the comment feature here to tell us which one you enjoyed the most, and why. Please try to be as specific as you can--try to stay away from "I liked it because it was good" sort of statements. Did you enjoy the details? What happens in the piece? How the writer explains the significance? The subject matter?

Please remember two other items:

1. To complete the survey in the previous post on this blog.

2. To write a "proper" Reading Response and bring it in on Tuesday.

Thanks!

Please take this survey....

Hi...

So, as we are beginning to use this blog, I would like to take a moment for you to complete a survey about computer use. Please go to this site: http://www.createsurvey.com/c/57997-8DSO7b/ and take the brief survey (be sure to hit "submit" at the end!)....

Thanks!

Welcome...

As discussed in class, this blog will be a place to share additional information about class...and, importantly, to share our ideas and thoughts on the readings.

Please take a moment to register with Blogger so you can comment on this site. Thanks!