Writing 2 Class Notes -- November 1

Greetings!

A brief recap of our class today --

Quick Write:  Write sentences with alliteration (repetition of beginning sounds)

Vocabulary: Write as many synonyms as you can for the following words:  wealth, conversation, little, big.

I left the room for a moment, leaving Korie, Daniel, and Josh O. in charge.  While I was out, the students chose to write their sentences with alliteration on the board.  This class is a creative group!

Extended Definition and Classification Essay Rough Drafts
I handed back the rough drafts for the current assignment.  As I usually do, we went over common problems.
Some notable items:
-- numbers:  write out in words numbers 100 or under; use figures for larger numbers, dollar amounts, decimals, or to be consistent in form
-- 1 inch paragraphs and indent 1/2 inch for first lines of the paragraphs
-- parallel constructions (see link 1 or link 2)
-- avoid using the generic word "things;" find a more accurate word
-- no contractions
-- commas with dates
-- the difference between then (an adverb) and than (a conjunction used in comparisons)
-- conclusions:  sum up and reassert the thesis in the conclusion; don't add extra information
-- introductions:  lead your readers into your topic, state your opinion about the topic, give a road map for the body

Gulliver's Travels
We are now in the last adventure of the book in which Gulliver finds himself in a land of talking horses who rule human-like characters called "Yahoos."  I have the 1996 version of the movie which stays pretty close to the book.  We watched a short portion that pertains to this week's reading assignment.  We are on the home stretch with this book, and I think the students have mixed feelings about this piece of literature.  Parts have been great fun; others have been more challenging.

Assignments for Next Week:
-- Read Chapters 5 - 8 of Part IV
-- Look over the study questions for this section; you don't need to write
-- Write 2 - 3 baseball questions for this section
-- Finish the final copy of the assigned essays

They say it might snow this weekend.  Time to find that box of boots, hats, and mittens.
Mrs. Prichard