Writing 2 Class Notes -- Week 5 (Sept. 19)

Greetings!

We worked this week and covered a lot of material in class.  As always, we started our day with a Quick Write. Yesterday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day (here is the official website and here is a Wikipedia article and here are the Muppets!)  Most of the students were unaware of this notable event.  As an alternative, they could write about super heroes.  I look forward to reading their responses.

This week's Words of the Day included:

valise-- noun -- fr. French, valigia, of obscure origin-  a small piece of luggage that can be carried by hand

autocratic-- adjective -- fr. Greek, autokratis, ruling by oneself-- characteristic of an absolute rule; tyrannical, despotic

unmollified-- fr. Latin, mollificare , to make soft--  to NOT be pacifed, calmed, or made more temperate.

candid -- fr Latin, candidus, white, shining -- to be open, frank, sincere

IMPORTANT NOTE:  I had told the students that there would be a test at the end of the semester for their words of the day.  Instead, we will have a test at the end of second semester for the second semester words.  The Words of the Day will include unusual foreign words and Latin roots. 

In connection with the returned homework, we discussed their Final Drafts of their Personal Essays.  As I grade the final drafts, I use a rubric for a more holistic look at their work.  (The rubric is attached and is on this blog post.)  For the first essay, I'm a pretty easy grader.  As we progress through the year, we will use these rubrics to set writing goals and students will use them to evaluate their own writing.  For example, in the Focus category, students will be thinking about whether their thesis statements are compelling and thought-provoking or simply a statement that combines the topic and opinion.

We did not take a lot of time for My Antonia this week.  (I wanted to cover a lot of ground with our grammar topics)  I checked in with the class about their book projects that they will complete and present at the end of the semester.  Some students are planning to work in groups, and some have already come up with individual project ideas.  The proposal form is not due until Week 8, so they have time to brainstorm.  When they know what they want to do, they should turn in the proposal (with a parent's initials) so that I can OK it.  There is some great positive energy about these projects, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they produce.

We spent the remainder of the time in Grammar discussion.  I've had the students do work sheets for Parts of Speech review, and we briefly discussed these.  Every word in every sentence falls into one of these categories:  interjections, verbs, adjectives, nouns, conjunctions, adverbs, pronouns, and prepositions.  When we are correcting or revising our own writing, we need to know what parts of speech might be causing problems.  Likewise, many parts of speech do the work of other parts of speech in a sentence, sometimes making grammatical structures more confusing.  (e.g. the verb "swimming" would be doing the work of a noun in this sentence:  Swimming is my favorite sport.)

Following our parts of speech review, we discussed the basic construction of a sentence, and I'm including some photos of "equations" that I use to explain sentence elements. 

 
A common writing error that students make is to think that dependent clauses are independent clauses because they have a noun and a verb.  However, because the clause began with a subordinating conjunction, it loses its sentence status and is not a "complete thought."  Another common error is to omit the comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence.  If you feel confused, it's because grammar can be awfully confusing and is not as straightforward as we would wish. 

Assignments for Next Week

-- Read pages 94 - 118 of My Antonia

-- 3 Reader Responses

-- 5 Vocabulary Words

-- My Antonia book project -- proposal due Week 8

-- FANBOYS worksheet

Links for This Week

Class Notes

Essay Rubric

International Talk Like a Pirate

Talk Like a Pirate Wikipedia

Muppets Talk Like a Pirate

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Mrs. Prichard

Writing 2 Final Draft Rubric

Criterion	Incomplete (0)	Beginning (1 – 2)	Developing (3 – 5)	Proficient (6 – 7)	Advanced   (8 - 9)	Exceptional (10)
Focus:  Thesis, Intro, Concl.	Specific topic is unclear and no statement of an opinion or a stand. No introduction No conclusion	Specific topic is clear but no statement of an opinion or a stand. Brief introduction that doesn’t state the topic or subtopics Brief conclusion; abrupt ending	Thesis statement expresses the topic but not an opinion or a stand. Weak introduction that states the topic but is missing a clear thesis. The focus of the paper is unclear. Conclusion does not fully summarize the main points nor restates the thesis statement.	Thesis statement includes the topic and expresses a stand or opinion. Introduction states topic and thesis and gives direction to the paper. Conclusion reiterates main points and restates the thesis statement.	Clearly-stated topic and thoughtful thesis statement. Strong introduction with a thesis statement that grabs attention and directs the course of the essay. Strong conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the thesis statement.  Satisfactorily wraps up the essay.	Clearly-stated, thought-provoking topic and compelling thesis statement. Excellent introduction with a thesis statement that grabs attention and directs the course of the essay. Excellent conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the thesis statement.  Skillfully wraps up the essay.
Content	Contains mostly unrelated information No specific details, only generalities.	No major points to support the thesis are included.  No details related to the topic have been used; ideas are disconnected.	Some of the major points are covered. Some specific details are included. Lacks sufficient material to fully support thesis.	Many of the major points are covered. Many of the appropriate details are included with each point.	All major points are discussed. All points include some details.	All major points are thoroughly and insightfully discussed. All points are fully supported with strong details.
Organization	Ideas are arranged randomly.  There may be no division of paragraphs.	Ideas are slightly random with occasional orderly sections.  Inconsistent division of paragraphs.	Like ideas are grouped together, and paragraphs are present, but ideas within may not be organized logically.  Transitions may be lacking.	An apparent progression of ideas that allows the reader to move through the text without confusion. Sentences with paragraphs are organized and flow smoothly	A coherent progression of ideas that allows the reader to move through the text without confusion. Sentences within paragraphs flow smoothly with good use of transitions.	Expresses a clear, logical sequence of ideas within paragraphs and throughout the paper. Sentences within paragraphs flow effortlessly with excellent use of transitions.
Mechanics	Numerous errors; meaning of paper unclear	Frequent errors, seriously impairs flow & meaning of paper	Errors noticeable and occasionally detract from flow or meaning of paper	Some errors that are minor in nature and don’t detract from overall meaning of paper	Very few errors that are minor in nature and don’t detract from overall meaning of paper	Essentially faultless; errors may result from risk-taking and do not detract from the paper

Total Score – 40 possible points

Process Essay

Process Analysis Essay

Definition

            In the process analysis essay, the writer describes how to do something or how something happens by describing the steps or stages in the process.  The writer breaks down the process into steps and describes them in detail in order to inform or persuade the reader about the process.  Process analysis by be used to describe a simple process such as how to bake a cake or change the oil in a car, or it may be used to describe a complex process such as scientific experiments or works of Congress.

Organization of a Process Essay

            The process you are analyzing will dictate the structure of your essay.  Break the process down into its component parts (or steps) and structure your writing around logical divisions in the process you are analyzing.

Thesis Statements

            The thesis or topic statement names the process that will be described or analyzed.  Often the thesis contains an attitude or opinion about the process.

            Examples:

– Changing a tire is easy if you follow the right steps.

– Anyone can fail a class if he tries hard enough.

– It is important for citizens to know how ideas become laws.

Tips on Planning

1.    First, divide the process into logical parts.  Decide what actions you would take and in what order they would happen.

2.    Next, list the individual steps or stages in the process, making sure not to leave out any steps, including any preparation that might be necessary.

3.    Describe each step in detail.  Try not to leave anything out.  Remember that your readers may not be familiar with the process you are describing, so your directions will have to be explicit and complete. 

4.    Anticipate any problems that might arise at each step in the process, and tell the reader how to avoid or remedy the problem.

5.    Avoid incomplete details.

Essay Guidelines

– Due dates:  Rough Draft due September 19; Final Draft due October 3

– Essay length:  500 – 700 words (between 2 and 4 pages)

– Rough drafts can be typed or hand-written, but must be double-spaced.

– Final draft format:

– Typed (if this is not possible, please let me know)

– 1 inch margins

– Name and date on the upper right hand corner

– Number the pages on the lower right hand corner

– Title centered above the text of the essay

Extended Definition Essay

Definition

            In an essay of definition, you clarify a complex concept, an abstract idea, or a complicated ideal. (Ex.:  inflation, hope, democracy) As a writer, you will put boundaries around a term, concept, or idea.  To develop and extend a definition, you can give a dictionary definition, make a comparison, provide a fitting quotation, offer a negative definition (tell what it is not), and so on.  The effectiveness of your essay depends upon your ability to understand your subject, to know what really sets it apart from all other members (related ideas) in its class.  In an extended definition, your explanation will limit, distinguish, or clarify a topic.

Thesis Development

            The thesis statement names the subject of the definition and makes it apparent that the term will be defined.  Sometimes a thesis names the class to which the subject belongs and gives the particular features or categories that sets it apart.  In addition, a thesis may reflect the writer’s purpose or attitude forward the term, concept, idea, or ideal.

Organization

            In your introduction, you will set up the order for your paper.  In your brainstorming and pre-writing, you should come up with distinguishing characteristics for your topic.  Do these fall neatly into categories?  Consider giving examples or opinions (quotes) by experts.  The extended definition essay does not require a specific organizational structure.  You may find yourself incorporating a variety of organizational patterns.

Tips on Writing

– Consider giving examples, including those of what your subject is not.  Is it similar but different to something else?

– Can your find concrete ways to explain abstract ideas?  Analogies or object lessons work well.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid giving only the dictionary definition.  Consider including the denotations (objective perceptions) and the connotations (emotional associations) with your subject.  These can be both positive and negative.

Avoid circular definitions.  Don’t use the term to define it.  For example, you wouldn’t define a mystery novel as something mysterious.

Avoid oversimplification.  Dig deep into your topic.

Essay Guidelines

– Due dates:  Pre-Write due October 12; Rough Draft due October 26; Final due November 9

– Essay length:  700 – 900 words (about 2 – 3 pages)

– Rough drafts can be typed or hand-written, but must be double-spaced.

– Final draft format:

– Typed (if this is not possible, please let me know)

– 1 inch margins

– Name and date on the upper right hand corner

– Number the pages on the lower right hand corner

– Title centered above the text of the essay

Classification Essay

Definition

            Classification has to do with sorting things into groups.  When you classify, you generally break a subject down into the most meaningful parts.  Think categories or varieties.  You may also classify a subject by explaining how it fits into a larger category or grouping.  When writing an essay of classification, your goal is to help readers better understand the whole (your topic) by presenting the parts.  Your goal may also be to show how your subject fits into the larger scheme of things. 

Thesis Development

            The thesis statement should name the subject (what is being classified), the mode of classification (classify, group, kinds), and the categories.  The thesis often includes the differentiating characteristics.

            Examples:

– Electricians are classified as foremen, journeymen, and apprentices based on their education experience, and salary.

– Nurses can be classified as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or nurse assistants.  These nurses can be differentiated based on their education, salary, and duties.

– Tennis enthusiasts are aware of the three types of racquets:  wood, graphite, and steel.  These racquets differ in price, flexibility, size, and durability.

Organization

            Classification is a rather easy pattern to use because it is so structured. Once you’ve decided on your topic, its categories, and their differentiating characteristics, it is a matter of plugging in the differentiating characteristics in the same order for each category.  You must be careful to keep everything in the same order that you listed in your thesis.  When you do this, the essay almost writes itself.

            Classification essays are structured first by category (classes or types you have divided your subject into), and then by differentiating characteristics (the ways your categories can be distinguished from one another).

            Examples:

I. Introduction with Topic Sentence or Thesis

II.  Category #1

            A.  Characteristic #1

            B.  Characteristic #2

            C.  Characteristic ##

            D.  Characteristic #4

III.  Category #2

            A.  Characteristic #1

            B.  Characteristic #2

            C.  Characteristic ##

            D.  Characteristic #4

IV.  Category #3

            A.  Characteristic #1

            B.  Characteristic #2

            C.  Characteristic ##

            D.  Characteristic #4

V.  Conclusion

Tips on Writing

– Determine the purpose of your classification.  Are you intending to inform your reader about the differences or to persuade him that on category is superior to the rest?

– Determine the categories of your classification, making sure that there is no overlap in the categories.

– Determine the differentiating characteristics.

– Outline your essay and make sure you present the characteristics in the same order.

Pitfalls to Avoid

– Avoid oversimplification, stereotypes, or misrepresentation.

– Avoid overlapping categories.  Make sure the categories are clearly different from each other and that your types fit into only one category.

– Avoid missing categories.  Make sure your categories account for all the types in your subject.

Essay Guidelines

– Due dates:  Pre-Write due October 12; Rough Draft due October 26; Final due November 9

– Essay length:  700 – 900 words (about 2 – 3 pages)

– Rough drafts can be typed or hand-written, but must be double-spaced.

– Final draft format:

– Typed (if this is not possible, please let me know)

– 1 inch margins

– Name and date on the upper right hand corner

– Number the pages on the lower right hand corner

– Title centered above the text of the essay