SENIORS: The last week of writing for Nanowrimo is approaching; unfortunately, it arrives during Thanksgiving break--that might be a help to some of you as you might have extra time to write. The rest of you will need to find the time. The last day to input your novel into the Nano word validator box is Nov. 30; it shuts down and will not accept any more words starting Dec.1.
SOPHOMORES: Your Expository essay was due at the end of the period today. If you haven't finished it, you have homework over Thanksgiving break. We will begin a new unit when we return from break.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !
Friday, November 21, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
NANO/HIGHLIGHT & EASYBIB
SENIORS: I need to see what you are writing; many of you still haven't shared your work with me. It doesn't have to be finished; share it with me now. Perhaps you think you shared your work, but I didn't receive it. So, try again.
SOPHOMORES: To avoid confusion as to what you should highlight and identify in your Expository essay, here is the list for you to follow:
1. Three types of evidence (Be specific--Is it a statistic? A quote from an authority? What?)
2. Two types of text structure (Just the first few words, not the entire thing)
3. At least one example each of Logos and Ethos.
4. Your hook (What kind?)
Some of you are having problems with creating your Works Cited page. First, my advice is to use Easybib; that will save you many headaches. However, some of you are experiencing problems with the "looks" of the Works Cited page; mainly, that everything is aligned to the left margin and you're not being allowed to indent. Here are some instructions on how to fix that; there are two different sets of instructions--pick the set that works for you.
1. Highlight the line that needs to be indented
2. Control C
3. Delete
4. Tab
5. Control V
OR
1. Click the cursor at the end of the line above the line you want to indent
2. Hit the Enter key (that makes the cursor go to the line you want to indent)
3. Hit the Tab key
SOPHOMORES: To avoid confusion as to what you should highlight and identify in your Expository essay, here is the list for you to follow:
1. Three types of evidence (Be specific--Is it a statistic? A quote from an authority? What?)
2. Two types of text structure (Just the first few words, not the entire thing)
3. At least one example each of Logos and Ethos.
4. Your hook (What kind?)
Some of you are having problems with creating your Works Cited page. First, my advice is to use Easybib; that will save you many headaches. However, some of you are experiencing problems with the "looks" of the Works Cited page; mainly, that everything is aligned to the left margin and you're not being allowed to indent. Here are some instructions on how to fix that; there are two different sets of instructions--pick the set that works for you.
1. Highlight the line that needs to be indented
2. Control C
3. Delete
4. Tab
5. Control V
OR
1. Click the cursor at the end of the line above the line you want to indent
2. Hit the Enter key (that makes the cursor go to the line you want to indent)
3. Hit the Tab key
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
NANO/EXPOSITORY
SENIORS: I know it's tough, but you need to push through! Give yourself time to write every day--don't just rely on class time to reach your word count. Thanksgiving break is coming up; some of you will be able to take advantage of that and some of you won't--plan your time accordingly.
SOPHOMORES: As you look through your notes and craft your essay, make sure you are checking the prompt: remember, there are certain requirements that have to be present in order for you to receive a good grade. Ask yourself these questions: Do I have an example of logos? Do I have an example of ethos? Do I have three different types of evidence? Is my essay written in MLA style? Have I created a Works Cited page? Have I cited my sources correctly? The due date for full credit is this Friday, Nov.21, at the end of the period. Of course, if you need to, you can continue to work on your essay after that time, but it will be late and your score will drop one grade.
For a sample Works Cited page, click on this link.
If you've lost your copy of the prompt, click on this link.
SOPHOMORES: As you look through your notes and craft your essay, make sure you are checking the prompt: remember, there are certain requirements that have to be present in order for you to receive a good grade. Ask yourself these questions: Do I have an example of logos? Do I have an example of ethos? Do I have three different types of evidence? Is my essay written in MLA style? Have I created a Works Cited page? Have I cited my sources correctly? The due date for full credit is this Friday, Nov.21, at the end of the period. Of course, if you need to, you can continue to work on your essay after that time, but it will be late and your score will drop one grade.
For a sample Works Cited page, click on this link.
If you've lost your copy of the prompt, click on this link.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
NANO/IN-TEXT CITATIONS
SENIORS: I know you've probably "hit a wall" with your writing, but you must persevere. I've looked at a lot of advice from professional writers, and the one piece of advice that keeps coming up is to take your characters somewhere else, or put them in a different time of their lives. It doesn't have to have anything to do with the plot that you have established. The purpose is to shake things up in your mind now so that you can continue with your novel later.
Remember to always do two things every time you write: 1) Share what you've written with me on Google Docs, and 2) Copy and paste what you've written into Nano's word validator box.
SOPHOMORES: Many of you are using information from websites. Click on this link for examples of how to write in-text citations from the internet. For all other examples, go to the November 7 blog and click on the link.
Remember to always do two things every time you write: 1) Share what you've written with me on Google Docs, and 2) Copy and paste what you've written into Nano's word validator box.
SOPHOMORES: Many of you are using information from websites. Click on this link for examples of how to write in-text citations from the internet. For all other examples, go to the November 7 blog and click on the link.
Monday, November 17, 2014
NANO/HOOKS & STRUCTURE
SENIORS: Continue writing your novel. You should try to write more than you normally would, as next week is Thanksgiving break and you might not have the time then. Of course, some of you might be able to use the break to really "take off" with your writing; just be aware of this big chunk of time coming up and how might be able to use it to your advantage.
I'm still checking Nano packets, so bring yours tomorrow.
SOPHOMORES: At this point, you should have most, if not all, of your research done. Now is the time to start crafting your Expository essay. There are a couple of ways to go about this. Some people like to begin at the beginning, so click on this link for the list of "hooks" authors use to introduce their topics.
If you're having trouble thinking of a start to your essay, think about how you are going to organize your information: look at your evidence and appeals to see if you can figure out which text structures to use. Find the text structure handout you received at the beginning of this unit to help you.
Remember, the due date for this essay is Friday, Nov. 21.
I'm still checking Nano packets, so bring yours tomorrow.
SOPHOMORES: At this point, you should have most, if not all, of your research done. Now is the time to start crafting your Expository essay. There are a couple of ways to go about this. Some people like to begin at the beginning, so click on this link for the list of "hooks" authors use to introduce their topics.
If you're having trouble thinking of a start to your essay, think about how you are going to organize your information: look at your evidence and appeals to see if you can figure out which text structures to use. Find the text structure handout you received at the beginning of this unit to help you.
Remember, the due date for this essay is Friday, Nov. 21.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
NANO/EXPOSITORY ESSAY
SENIORS: Keep writing! If you get stuck, look through your Nano character packet and your notebook (you did several short writing assignments that you might be able to rework into your novel). I'm still checking Nano character packets; so if I haven't seen yours, remember to bring it to class tomorrow.
SOPHOMORES: Keep working on the research for your Expository Essay. I am still checking notebooks; so if I haven't seen yours, remember to bring it to class tomorrow.
SOPHOMORES: Keep working on the research for your Expository Essay. I am still checking notebooks; so if I haven't seen yours, remember to bring it to class tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
NANO/EXPOSITORY RESEARCH
SENIORS: Continue working on your word count goal of 10,000 words by Saturday, Nov. 15, 3 pm. In order for you to receive credit (or at least partial credit) for that goal, you must also share your work with me. Remember, when you share, the title must be: 1 Last name First name, Nano.
SOPHOMORES: I spoke with many of you during class about your topics; some of you are in good shape, while some of you need to clarify what you're trying to accomplish. Remember, this essay is about the importance of your topic, not just random facts or a "how to" paper.
I also started a Notebook Check which will continue all this week, so remember to bring your notebook to class every day.
SOPHOMORES: I spoke with many of you during class about your topics; some of you are in good shape, while some of you need to clarify what you're trying to accomplish. Remember, this essay is about the importance of your topic, not just random facts or a "how to" paper.
I also started a Notebook Check which will continue all this week, so remember to bring your notebook to class every day.
Monday, November 10, 2014
BENCHMARK #2/EASYBIB
SENIORS: You are now moving on to the 2nd benchmark of creating 50% of your novel by 3pm on Saturday, Nov. 15. Many of you are way behind with your word count; you must give yourself time to write! Even if you don't have any ideas, look at the assignments you've done--try using something from them. Look at the List of Lists at the back of your Nano packet and use some of those suggestions. The bottom line is you must keep writing!
There will be a Notebook Check on Wednesday, Nov. 12; there will be a check of your Nano packet on Thursday, Nov. 13. I won't get through all of the notebooks and packets, but everyone needs to be ready just in case I collect yours on that day.
SOPHOMORES: Creating a Works Cited page can be difficult and confusing. There are websites that can help you with that; the one I would try first is called Easybib. Here is the link; give it a try. If that one doesn't work for you, there are other websites, many of them free of charge.
There will be a Notebook Check on Wednesday, Nov. 12. I won't get through all the notebooks on Wednesday, but everyone needs to be ready just in case I collect yours on that day.
There will be a Notebook Check on Wednesday, Nov. 12; there will be a check of your Nano packet on Thursday, Nov. 13. I won't get through all of the notebooks and packets, but everyone needs to be ready just in case I collect yours on that day.
SOPHOMORES: Creating a Works Cited page can be difficult and confusing. There are websites that can help you with that; the one I would try first is called Easybib. Here is the link; give it a try. If that one doesn't work for you, there are other websites, many of them free of charge.
There will be a Notebook Check on Wednesday, Nov. 12. I won't get through all the notebooks on Wednesday, but everyone needs to be ready just in case I collect yours on that day.
Friday, November 7, 2014
POSTING YOUR NOVEL ON NANO/IN-TEXT CITATIONS, WORKS CITED PAGE
SENIORS: After every writing session, you should post your novel from Google Docs into Nanowrimo. Here is a link on how to do that. I will be checking your word count starting at 3 pm tomorrow (Saturday). I also need to read what you are writing, so share what you have with me. Remember to title it: 1 Last name First name, Nano.
There will be a Notebook Check starting on Wednesday, Nov.12. Here is a link to the titles of the assignments.
SOPHOMORES: When writing an Expository essay, it is important to cite your sources; this prevents plagiarism. It doesn't matter if you are using a direct quote or you are paraphrasing, you must cite your source. Here is a link to help you. Another requirement is the creation of a Works Cited page. Here are some links to show you what that looks like: Link #1; Link #2.
Sometimes, it is helpful to summarize an article in order to understand it and find out if it will be useful to you. Pick any of the articles we've read so far (Green Day, Baseball Palaces, Hospital Hand Washing, Peta Sues Seaworld, Fast Food), reread it and share with me a summary. Use this template to write your summary. Remember to title your work correctly when sharing with me: Period Last name First name, Summary (2 Jones Joe, Summary). The due date for this assignment is tonight at 6pm.
Lastly, there will be a Notebook Check starting on Wednesday, Nov.12. Here is a link to the titles of the assignments.
There will be a Notebook Check starting on Wednesday, Nov.12. Here is a link to the titles of the assignments.
SOPHOMORES: When writing an Expository essay, it is important to cite your sources; this prevents plagiarism. It doesn't matter if you are using a direct quote or you are paraphrasing, you must cite your source. Here is a link to help you. Another requirement is the creation of a Works Cited page. Here are some links to show you what that looks like: Link #1; Link #2.
Sometimes, it is helpful to summarize an article in order to understand it and find out if it will be useful to you. Pick any of the articles we've read so far (Green Day, Baseball Palaces, Hospital Hand Washing, Peta Sues Seaworld, Fast Food), reread it and share with me a summary. Use this template to write your summary. Remember to title your work correctly when sharing with me: Period Last name First name, Summary (2 Jones Joe, Summary). The due date for this assignment is tonight at 6pm.
Lastly, there will be a Notebook Check starting on Wednesday, Nov.12. Here is a link to the titles of the assignments.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
NANO/EXPOSITORY PROMPT
SENIORS: Keep those fingers flying! I'll be checking for that first benchmark this coming Saturday at 3pm.
SOPHOMORES: You received the prompt for the Expository Essay; you can click on this link for an overview, but see me ASAP for your own hard copy as there is information on the back of the handout that you need to fill out.
Start thinking about a topic for your essay; your topic choice is due Monday, November 10.
Here is the link to introductory hooks.
For those of you who received a low grade on your Narrative, here is how you can improve it: 1) Look on the Oct.13 blog; on it is a link to all the elements of a story that should be present and identified. 2) Look on the Sept. 19 blog; on it are two links that list or illustrate MLA style. 3) Look at my comments on your narrative and make your corrections. 4) Since I delete work after I grade it, you will need to reshare your story with me, and you will need to put a new title on it. Here is what that title should look like: 2 (your period) Jones (last name) Joe (first name) Revision (what are you sharing with me)---
2 Jones Joe Revision
Revisions must be shared by November 14; I will not look at any revisions after that date.
SOPHOMORES: You received the prompt for the Expository Essay; you can click on this link for an overview, but see me ASAP for your own hard copy as there is information on the back of the handout that you need to fill out.
Start thinking about a topic for your essay; your topic choice is due Monday, November 10.
Here is the link to introductory hooks.
For those of you who received a low grade on your Narrative, here is how you can improve it: 1) Look on the Oct.13 blog; on it is a link to all the elements of a story that should be present and identified. 2) Look on the Sept. 19 blog; on it are two links that list or illustrate MLA style. 3) Look at my comments on your narrative and make your corrections. 4) Since I delete work after I grade it, you will need to reshare your story with me, and you will need to put a new title on it. Here is what that title should look like: 2 (your period) Jones (last name) Joe (first name) Revision (what are you sharing with me)---
2 Jones Joe Revision
Revisions must be shared by November 14; I will not look at any revisions after that date.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
NANO/COUNSELOR PRESENTATIONS
SENIORS: Stay focused on your novel writing; if you get stuck, look through your Nano packet--the list of lists at the back of the packet can help you conquer your writer's block. The Nanowrimo website also has some good advice.
SOPHOMORES: The counselors were in the classroom today with helpful information on what you need to do to be successful in high school and beyond.
SOPHOMORES: The counselors were in the classroom today with helpful information on what you need to do to be successful in high school and beyond.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
NANO/TEXT STRUCTURE: CAUSE-EFFECT; FAST FOOD
SENIORS: Keep writing! Don't let your "inner editor" tell you that what you're writing is no good; you'll fix it in December when we get into revising and editing. The important thing now is to get those ideas out of your head and into your novel.
SOPHOMORES: The class worked on the last of the text structures: Cause-Effect. All of the following work goes into your notebook under the title Fast Food. Look at the graphic organizer for Cause-Effect on the Five Expository Text Structures handout. Using that graphic organizer (draw it in your notebook), read this article (here is the link; don't forget to read the information in the side box) and transfer the information from the article into the graphic organizer. After that is complete, go over the article again, reading for appeals and evidence. Write down examples and label them.
Examples: "It's like something a mad scientist would come up with." Pathos
"McDonald's is the largest purchaser of potatoes in the United States." Fact
Try to find at least one example for each type of appeal and each type of evidence; if an example isn't there, don't worry about it.
SOPHOMORES: The class worked on the last of the text structures: Cause-Effect. All of the following work goes into your notebook under the title Fast Food. Look at the graphic organizer for Cause-Effect on the Five Expository Text Structures handout. Using that graphic organizer (draw it in your notebook), read this article (here is the link; don't forget to read the information in the side box) and transfer the information from the article into the graphic organizer. After that is complete, go over the article again, reading for appeals and evidence. Write down examples and label them.
Examples: "It's like something a mad scientist would come up with." Pathos
"McDonald's is the largest purchaser of potatoes in the United States." Fact
Try to find at least one example for each type of appeal and each type of evidence; if an example isn't there, don't worry about it.
Monday, November 3, 2014
NANO 25% GOAL/TEXT STRUCTURE: DESCRIPTION--PETA
SENIORS: You're working on your novel for Nanowrimo, shooting for the goal of having 25% of your word count goal (5,000) by this Saturday. Remember, it's not important to start at the beginning of your story; start at any point that is vivid in your mind. You can puts events in their proper order later. Just keep writing!
SOPHOMORES: The focus was on the text structure of description. You will need to get a copy of the article from me ASAP so that you can do the annotations that I require.
SOPHOMORES: The focus was on the text structure of description. You will need to get a copy of the article from me ASAP so that you can do the annotations that I require.
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