Greetings!
Again, I had another enjoyable time with this class. It's a pleasure teaching students eager to learn. Our Quick Write was to discuss what person (real, famous, or fictional) with whom they'd like to have lunch. They could include what they might eat, where they might go, and anything else they might do.
I called our word building activity "Vocabulary Fun." I listed 5 Latin words and their meanings; from these we discussed derivatives. [circum (around), dens, dentis (tooth), cogito (to think), diabolus (devil), dominus (master)] We thought of many words for circum (circumvent, circumnavigate, circumscribe, circumference, circus, circle) and dominus (dominate, domineering, domocile, domino, domestic).
The students handed in their Final Copies of their Process Essays. A few students were planning to hand in their essays via e-mail. For our next essay, the students may choose between an Extended Definition or a Classification Essay. (More on these types of essays later.) We discussed at length the difference between a report and an essay. In a report, they restate facts and details they've discovered about a topic. In an essay, they write a thesis in which they take a position or take a stand. The rest of the essay contains information that supports the assertions of the thesis. This assignment will be completed in 3 parts: pre-writing, rough draft, and final copy. During the pre-writing stage, the students will brainstorm, organize, and research their topic. Pre-writing information is due next week; rough drafts are due the following week.
I must apologize again to the class. I brought the wrong teacher's writing handbook to use in explaining the Extended Definition and the Classification essays. The book I had with me was more confusing than helpful. I'll briefly explain the types here and will have more information on the blog.
An extended definition essay is one which expands a concept by giving specific descriptions, examples, analogies, or comparisons. You might include information that tells what it is and what it isn't. Think about the difference between an entry in a dictionary and an entry in an encyclopedia. Sometimes a complex subject can be broken into parts. The end goal of this type of essay is a more complete understanding of the topic. Possible topics for this type of essay include abstract entities (freedom, love, friendship, family, compassion, courage, etc.) and specific items. I once read a creative extended definition essay about a pencil and eraser. On the blog you will find links to some helpful sites, including one that gives topic suggestions.
In writing a classification essay, the student sorts and organizes a topic into useful categories using a single organizing principle. If a student were to write about sports cars, he would define the different types/categories and give examples. A paper on significant historical events in America might include the categories of wars, economic developments, and social movements with examples for each category.n In other words, the topic must be broad enough to break into sections that can be further explained. According to one website, "The aim of classification essay is to categorize a number of items and sort them into few groups in order to be able to investigate the subject further. When writing an essay the students will have to find characteristics of different objects which belong in the same category and write their essays accordingly." On the blog, you will find another page with more information and links to more helpful sites, including one that gives topic suggestions.
In our reading of Gulliver's Travels, we are half-way through our third adventure. Gulliver has just left the floating island and is about to visit the Academy where they promote all kinds of innovative projects. I divided the class into four groups to discuss the following analytical questions: 1) Proverbs 16:18 states that "pride goes before a fall." How is this illustrated in the book? 2) For Swift, "everything is a matter of proportion and balance, of keeping proper perspective." Explain the idea of proportions and perspectives. 3) Swift holds up a magnifying mirror to show us our faults. What faults does Swift point out and how does he do it? and 4) Ironic juxtaposition is a technique that puts something really important next to something trivial and seemingly gives them equal weight. Give examples. The four groups discussed these questions among themselves and shared their insights with the class. These were very challenging questions -- ones you would find in a college class -- and I was quite proud of the students for tackling them.
Next Week's Assignments:
-- Read Part III, Chapters 5 - 8 of Gulliver's Travel's
-- Pre-Writing for Extended Definition or Classification essay
Have a great week! Enjoy the fall colors!
Mrs. Prichard
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