CLE Lab Assignment

Not a problem! :)

Your assignment for today will be to work MLA format. You'll be writing the introduction to your Definition/Example essay. Here are the instructions for MLA formatting:


Your First Page

Only the first page should include the whole heading and title. All margins--top, bottom, and sides--should be set to one inch (1") throughout the whole paper. Don't add extra spaces between the heading and the title, nor should there be extra spaces between the title and the body of the paragraph.

Use a reasonably-sized font: either 10 characters per inch or a 12 point font. And choose a font that is easy to read rather one that is decorative: "Arial," "Lucida," "Modern," "Palermo" or "Times New Roman" are some good choices. Scripted fonts are hard to read even if they do make your paper "look nice"; it is the content of the paper that is most important, and making it easy for your readers to understand that content is always a good choice.

All Following Pages:

Instead of the full heading, pages that follow the opening page should use a header in the upper right corner: your last name and the page number.
Do not add extra spaces between paragraphs--that is a business format. Instead, make sure to continue indenting paragraphs one-half inch (the usual tab default setting).



So your assignment, for today, will be to turn in a properly formatting MLA page that includes your introduction to your Definition/Example essay. Your introduction needs to have the following elements:

1. The extended definition (term, class, distinguishing characteristics and negation)
2. Your thesis statement (what you term is and why it's important)
3. An attention grabber.

Definition Essay

A definition essay, as outlined in chapter 16/17, is one that gives detailed information on a particular term or concept. Your next assignment will be to write this type of essay.

Definition essays include a standard definition and distinguishing characteristics (this information should be included in your introduction). They also include any background information needed.




Be sure that your essay follows one of the patterns of organization we've been discussing in class. Each body paragraph should have a topic sentence that pertains to a distinguishing characteristic. I'll also be looking for complete intros and conclusions.

For this essay (and all the rest of the year) MLA format is required.

As usual, 2 pages double spaced.

Instead of peer review, you'll be required to get feedback on your essay through either Smartthinking or the CLE. Plan ahead and be sure to do this! It's part of your grade.

Definition Essay Rubric

Here are some possible topics (others at the end of chapter 16/17):

Define your views on parenting
Write an essay defining the characteristics of a "perfect job" you hope to obtain after graduation
Define a term and demonstrate an issue in your community, such as racism or ethnic stereotyping
Define "American Democracy," but with fifth graders as your audience.

If you have another idea, feel free to ask!


DUE DATES:

Rough Draft Due to Smartthinking by 2/27
Revisions Due 3/6

Peer Review II

1.  Reread the Introduction, and label the following characteristics.If they're not present, note that for your partner.
1.  thesis statement.
2. What process is being described
3. Why is the process important
4. What background information is provide

How can the intro be improved? 

1. Reread the conclusion, and label the following characteristics:
1. paraphrased thesis statement
2. positive/ending note

How can the conclusion be improved?

3. What pattern of organization does the essay use? Is it clear/effective?
4. Underline transition words. Are there enough, too many, not enough?
5. Does each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence?Label them for each body paragraph. Does the topic sentence clearly introduce the process?

Process Analysis Assignment

Your next assignment will be to write a Process Analysis Essay.

Process analysis essays are similar to what you may know as a "how-to" paper, but there's a little more to them than that. They explain in a step-by-step fashion how something works or how it is made.

For this assignment, I'll be looking more closely at your essay organization. Of course, you'll need an introduction that includes all necessary elements: attention grabber, topic, thesis (what process you're explaining and why it's important), and gives the reader a sense of how your essay is going to be organized.

Your conclusion will also need to wrap up the essay and tie back into the topic/thesis.

Make sure your essay follows a pattern of organization. Most Process Analysis essays are ordered chronologically, but if yours follows a different pattern, just be sure that it's clear to your reader.

Your essay will also need to provide some background information. Sometimes with process analysis papers, we need to use specialized terms, or jargon, that a general audience may not be familiar with. You'll need to make sure you define them for your readers.

And finally, this essay will need to be a minimum of two pages, double spaced (typed).

As for your topics, there are some suggestions at the end of chapter 13 (14 for the 5th edition). Here are a few:

1. How to find enough time for your children
2. How to remain calm while giving a speech
3. How important it is to exercise every day
4. Describe the strategies used to meet new people and develop friendships
5. How to relax and do nothing



Here's the rubric


Outline Form






Due Dates:


Rough Draft -- 2/18

Revisions -- 2/20

Outlining an Essay

Today in class we'll be discussing how to organize an essay based on several Patterns of Organization. For further information, you might want to check out this resource. 

This evening's assignment will be to analyze the organization of one of the example essays provided in the book. Here are the essays:

How to Use Online Dating Sites (pg 305)
Feed Your Friends (325)
Remote Control (329)
Panacea (333) 

Create an outline that shows how the author organized their essay. You can use this form, or perhaps create your own:

Another example is in your book on page 311.

For next time, read chapter 13. We'll have a quiz!

Descriptive Peer Review

Here are the leading questions to address on each of your partners' papers. 

1. Reread the intro. Label the topic and dominant impression (it can be either stated or implied). Is it clear to you as a reader?

2. Check off the sensory details. Does each one support the dominant impression? If there isn't enough sensory detail, make suggestions as to where he/she can elaborate.

3. Does the author make use of figurative language? Check that off, too! If not, make suggestion as to where he/she can elaborate.

4. Label the intro, body paragraphs, and conclusion. How are the body paragraphs organized?

5. UNDERLINE the topic sentence for each paragraph. Compare the details in that paragraph and make sure they contribute to the topic sentence.

6. Reread the conclusion. Does it restate or indicate the dominant impression? Does it wrap up the essay? How can it be improved?

7. Now, look for grammar, spelling, and usage errors if time permits.

Today's Discussion Questions

Today in class we're going to be looking at an example of a descriptive essay from our book and analyzing it. I like to think that by reading examples of writing, we'll have a better idea as to how to approach our own essays.

We'll be reading "Heatstroke With a Side of Burn Cream" on page 253 of our textbooks.

Here are your group discussion questions:

                                                               i.      What topic is the essay describing? What dominant impression about the topic is the author conveying?

                                                             ii.      What sensory detail does the author include in the essay? What senses do they appeal to? Do you think they contribute to the dominant impression? Why or why not?

                                                            iii.      How is the essay organized? Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence? Are they effective? Why or why not?

                                                           iv.      List examples of figurative language in the essay. Does each comparison add to the dominant impression?

                                                             v.      Reread the introduction. How does the author hook the reader’s attention? Do you think it’s effective?

                                                           vi.      Reread the conclusion. How does the author wrap up the essay? Do you think it’s effective?