Mrs. Stevenson Smith’s English

As we review and analyze the Rhetorical Situation, consider the experiences you have with ‘argument’ every day! Continue to collect your visual arguments for the Weekly Homework assignments – DUE EVERY FRIDAY!(through Feb. 11th)

Our discussion about Aristotle’s Three Appeals will continue through next week (1/25). Do yourself a favor: Keep up with the reading!

Do you agree with the statement (and title of the text) “everything’s an argument”? What are your thoughts on the idea? Answer the question with clear evidence to support your viewpoint.

In English 2b, we continue with weekly vocabuly. Quizzes are every Friday. Be sure to study!!

As we look at the differences between fiction and nonfiction, consider how much fiction you read and how much nonfiction you read during an average day. . .

Which type do you have more experience with? Fiction or nonfiction?

What types of fiction do you experience in a day?

What types of nonfiction do you experience in a day?

Tell me what you think. Write a comment that answers these questions above!

Due date for the comparison essays will NOT change due the AIMS test schedule. The classes will be long enough as to not interfere with our production of the essay. Comparison essays are DUE – Wednesday, October 28th. Come to class with the typed final draft ready to complete the reflection.

It’s done! The blog is updated! Now let’s get down to business . . .

In all classes we are steadily working on improving writing skills. In English 101, this is the main focus of the course, and students are revising  comparison essays for sentence style. In English 2a, students are working drafting the Speak essay, which is due Friday, October 30th – or how I like to say, “Octoboo!”

AIMS testing is this week and students who are NOT true sophomores who need to make up a test or retake a test are testing. The different schedule  reflects a 2-hour later starting time on TUESDAY and a 3-hour later starting time on WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY.

Please direct any questions, concerns, or comments to my new email address: mstevensonsmith@kusd.org.

Have a great week!

Welcome to KUSD Blogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

After spending time “on the edge,” we will be exploring what it takes to “strive for success” in the next thematic unit.

What are you currently “striving for success” in at this time in your life? To get good grades? To be a better person? To get a job? To get a scholarship? To stay in school?

For this Theme Paper, you will read about characters who face many challenges while striving for success even though “success” means something different to each of them. Focus on the characterization of each protagonist. What qualities do they each have that will aid them in striving for success? See your assignment paper for more details.

This Theme Paper will be finished Feb. 17th. Your essay will be due on the same day!

As we finish Chapters 1-5, “thinking rhetorically” should be a habit. As you watch every commercial, TV show, YouTube video,  or read a blog, a Myspace page, or even a book, Aristotle’s Trinity should automatically come to mind as you ask the question, “What is the argument?”

Read carefully the ‘yellow pages’ in the book which includes step-by-step instructions to writing a rhetorical analysis. Continually consider what your Human Experience Argument might be. In the next couple of weeks, you can expect to be doing more writing.

Any questions? Don’t forget you can comment here or email me.

English 2a students are reading Running Loose by Chris Crutcher now and until December 16th. Take note of the following due dates:

Read Chapters 1-4 by 11/25 /Graffiti Gram due 12/1

Read Chapters 5-10 by 12/3 /Graffiti Gram due 12/4

Read Chapters 11-15 by 12/10 /Graffiti Gram due 12/11

Read Chapters 16-19 by 12/15 /Graffiti Gram due 12/16

Graffiti Journal due 12/16 also

STUDENTS SHOULD BE SURE TO GET ALL MAKE UP WORK IN BY DECEMBER 12. NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED PAST THAT DATE!

1.  Shirts update & $ collection

2.  Set up for Lemonade stand on FRIDAY.

3.  Discuss time line for first 08-09 publication of The Publication formerly known as Students Speak Out.

4.  SHARE.

5. Adjourn

This week the focus is to study and analyze samples of persuasive writing. We will look at model writings with assessment and the rubrics used. Students will write a “letter to the Editor.” There are many credit checks along the writing process. Students should be careful to note the due dates.

Also, don’t forget Vocab Quiz #3 which will be given on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH. STUDY. STUDY. STUDY.

Letter to the Editor

Writing Assignment #2

SCHEDULE

Day 1:  Read and analyze “Education through Application” sample essay. Read and discuss “Nuclear Nightmare” and “Teen ‘Zines Need a Reality Check.”

Discuss models assessed with rubric. Review “Writing Guidelines” and “Assessment Rubric.” SELECT TOPIC.

Day 2:  Plan writing using “Writing Guidelines” and “Framing Questions.” DRAFT. FOCUS DUE – on a note card write your focus. (25 pts).

Day 3:  Letter Format. DRAFT.

Day 4: DRAFT DUE (25 pts). Revise drafts. PQP ROTATIONS. PQP FORMS DUE (25pts)

Day 5: FINAL DRAFT DUE (25pts + grade)

FRAMING QUESTIONS

• What issues or topics really concern me?
• Do I have specific positions on these issues?
• Is my opinion based on emotion, facts, or a combination?
• What do I really know about the issue and about possible opposing arguments?
• Can I collect evidence and defend my position?
• HOW CAN I PRESENT MY CASE?

WRITING GUIDELINES

In an editorial, you present a brief essay of opinion about a timely and important topic.

An effective editorial presents an informed argument that suggests a new course of action or a possible solution to a problem. When developing an editorial, make sure to state your position and provide solid evidence to support your point of view.

Prewriting

1.                  Choosing a Subject. Review newspapers, blogs, etc. Brain vomit all the topics you are really concerned about. Select the top two topics that you have enough support or the one that “gets your gut” – that makes you feel fired up!

2.                  Gather Details. Jot down everything you know and feel about your topic. Check out other sources of information if necessary.

3.                  Focusing Your Efforts.  Review what you have gathered to see if you have sufficient evidence to support your opinion. (To help clarify your thinking, put your opinion in writing.) Also consider the opposing arguments that you may need to counter.

Writing and Revising

4.                  Connecting Your Ideas- DRAFT. Build your argument in the most logical way. (You may want to save your best point for last.) Remember that editorials are usually published in the newspaper, so use a strong, to-the-point style and write brief paragraphs.

5.                  Improving Your Writing. PEER REVIEW. Review your draft carefully, paying special attention to any “loose ends” in your argument. Have three other students review your draft and complete PQP forms for feedback.

Editing & Proofreading for FINAL DRAFT

6.                  Checking for Style and Accuracy. Review your revised writing for style, making sure that all of your sentences read smoothly and clearly and that you have used the best words to express your ideas. Then check for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.

7.                  Preparing a FINAL COPY. Write in blue or black ink or keyboard a neat final copy of your editorial, and proofread your copy carefully before turning in. Be sure it is FRONT ONLY, has an appropriate heading for a business letter, and has your CLASS # in the top right-hand corner.

resource, Writer’s Inc., 2001.