October 8th, 2013

10/8/13

In Class:
Journal--  Identify a habit that a loved one has which is damaging to his or her physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual wellbeing. Then, explain why he or she should break this habit.

GMX--  Parts of Speech
Write a sentence that uses at least one action verb.
Write a sentence that uses at least one linking verb.
Write a sentence that uses at least one helping verb.

Lecture on thesis statements-- "The Wool Sweater Lesson"
thesis: a statement which conveys your main point, message, or argument.
--> If your essay was the human body, the thesis would be the backbone. The rest of the essay can still function and work, but not to its full potential. The thesis provides structure and strength.
One method for creating a good thesis statement is called the T3 Method.
T: State your main topic, position, idea, or argument.
3: Lay out three separate but related dimensions that support your ideas.
Example: 
Topic: Wool sweaters. -- So what?
T: Wool sweaters are the best. 
3: fuzzy, warm, and super hip.
T3: Wool sweaters are the best because they are fuzzy, warm, and super hip.
Alternatively, you can consider different formats, like Wool sweaters are the best because they make me look good and feel good.

Students worked independently on their final projects for the remainder of the class period.

Exit ticket: What is your thesis statement for your final essay?

Homework:
Finish your final project by Thursday at 4:00 PM!

October 3rd, 2013

10/3/13

In Class:
Journal--  Respond to the following quote: "We are always getting ready to live and never living." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

GMX-- Parts of Speech
Review of the definition and purpose of helping verbs--remember, shades of meaning:
  He marries you.
  He can marry you.
  He will marry you.
  He should marry you.
  He must marry you.
  He didn't marry you.
*All of these sentences use the same action verb but convey slightly (or completely) different meanings.

Next, we read "Why Can't I Own a Canadian?" and further discussed techniques of persuasive style.

Students worked independently on their final projects.

Exit ticket: Set one academic goal for yourself for this weekend.

Homework:
Work on your final project.
Catch up on any missing work!

October 1st, 2013

10/1/13

In Class:
Journal--  Reflect on September: what happened? What did you accomplish? Make a New Month's Resolution for October. What will you do better?

GMX-- Parts of Speech
Reviewed action and linking verbs, and then introduced helping verbs.
helping verb: a verb that works with an action verb to create a verbal phrase. Helping verbs allow us to create shades of meaning. (More info. on October 3rd, 2013)

Introduced final project and brainstormed potential topics. Students worked independently on their projects.

Exit ticket: Identify a song as the soundtrack to your past weekend.

Homework:
Work on your final.
Catch up on any missing work!

Final Project -- Writing Fundamentals

Writing Fundamentals – Final Project

Due October 10^th, 2013 at 4:00 PM

In order to demonstrate your progress in writing, you will write a persuasive writing piece on an issue of your choice related to your academic community. This writing assignment will showcase your competence with persuasive style and ability to use writing for constructive communication.

Assignment: Your task in this composition is to address an arguable issue, take a stance, present your ideas, and refute contradictory ideas.

First, identify a change you would like to see at Boulder Preparatory High School. Consider the way the school works, the services it offers, its culture, and its policies. Whatever change you propose should be debatable and reasonable. State your position as a statement, e.g., “Boulder Prep should invest in a new van.”

Next, you should create a pro and con T-chart outlining both sides of the issue. Use your friends, your teachers, and any other BPHS experts to help fill out the arguments, details, and evidence. Be sure to consider ethos, logos, and pathos, and provide as much information on both sides as possible.

Finally, compose an essay which a) presents the issue, b) presents the arguments on both sides of the issue, and c) arrives at an ultimate conclusion based on evidence/arguments in the writing. See the back side of this sheet for the suggested organization of this essay.

Your composition should be typed in 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. It should be no fewer than two pages.

Tips for success on this project:

·      Start early. The more time you allow yourself, the better your argument will be.

·      Ask questions. I’m here to support you throughout this project—you are absolutely welcome to ask for help, to bounce ideas off me, or to just chat.

·      Choose an issue that really matters to you; not only will it be easier for you to write about it, but the writing will have much more life.

·      Be sure to consider all sides and counterarguments; be open-minded enough to understand the opposition’s viewpoint.

Suggested Organization for a Persuasive Essay

I. Introduction             A. What is the topic?             B. Thesis statement: What is your stance? II. Argument In Favor             A. Argument                         i. Evidence/details             B. Tie back to thesis III. Argument Against             A. Argument                         i. Evidence/details             B. Counterargument                         i. Evidence/details             C. Tie back to thesis IV. Conclusion A.   Restate thesis

I. Introduction             A. What is the topic?             B. Thesis statement: What is your stance? II. Point #1             A. Argument in favor                         i. Evidence/details             B. Argument against                         i. Evidence/details             C. Argument in favor                         i. Why it wins III. Point #2             A. Argument in favor                         i. Evidence/details             B. Argument against                         i. Evidence/details             C. Argument in favor                         i. Why it wins IV. Point #3             A. Argument in favor                         i. Evidence/details             B. Argument against                         i. Evidence/details             C. Argument in favor                         i. Why it wins V. Conclusion             A. Restate thesis