Thurs. May 29, 2014: Essay Discussion (Part II)

Today, I continued on with the discussion on essays. We examined more student work (again, anonymous) and students made notes on ways to improve. After this, I handed back their essays from last week. Their task now is to mark their own papers (based on my notes and the rubrics which were provided again last class). On Monday, once these are turned in, I will give them my marking sheet so they can see how accurate they are (the goal is to ensure they understand what is expected of them).

Tues. May 27, 2014: Essay Discussion

Today, I handed you a copy of the marking rubrics. You already have received this, but I want to discuss it further prior to returning your latest essay.
On the board, we examined some pieces of writing from this essay assignment (anonymous). These were chosen randomly.
We examined the patterns presented and how they matched up to the expectations provided and focused a great deal on what a thesis/main point is and what is acceptable evidence (too many of you are missing this crucial piece).
We will finish this discussion on Thursday.

Fri. May 23, 2014: Short Story Essay

Today, you wrote an in class essay on the short story "The Possibility of Evil". If you were not here, you will have to make arrangements to complete an alternate.

Wed. May 21, 2014: Essay Prep

Today, you were provided with two possible essay questions, one of which you will be instructed to write an essay on. This essay writing will be in-class and will be written during Friday's class. I am allowing you to make a jot form sheet of notes but I am only allowing this to be done in class or under my direct supervision (if you were not here today, you will have to come in at lunch, during RTI, or in the morning to create it). You will have to see me for the question as well.

Mon. May 12, 2014: Questions for Short Story

Today, you handed in the worksheets on verbs and passive sentence structures which were due today. You then wrote a timed summary of the short story "The Possibility of Evil." I then gave you questions for this story, as well as additional explanation of expectations. Question One might still be confusing. Either try it or skip it. Make sure you have the rest completed for Next Tuesday's class.

Thurs. May 8, 2014

Today, I gave you the definition of passive sentences as well as active sentences and provided you with an exercise to complete to ensure you understand the difference (you are discouraged from writing in passive voice). I then gave you an activity to complete on strong vs. weak verbs (which ties to the active sentence activity). Both of these need to be completed for Monday.

I then gave you the short story "The Possibility of Evil", written by Shirley Jackson. This must be read (and highlighted) for the start of Monday's class. If you were not here, it can be located as a PDF by doing a Google search (type in the title and the word "reading").

Tues. May 5, 2014: Letter Writing Workshop

Today, the students typed in their rough drafts of their letter, which they wrote from Luke's perspective. It is due by the end of the day (I want a printed copy as well as the letter placed in their student file).

Friday, May 2, 2014: Letter Assignment

Today, I handed out a major assignment that is due at the end of class on Tuesday. I will put the basic instructions here; however, you need to see me at lunch on Monday for further clarification if you were absent on Friday:

Imagine that you are Luke and that you have just spoken to your neighbour about what to do to get your uncle to keep Dan. Instead of talking to him, you have decided to write him a letter.

In a business latter format (it is in your portfolio), write a letter to your uncle proposing what you are willing to do to keep Dan. In this letter, you must explain the situation, make your proposal, and explain how such an arrangement will benefit everyone (be specific). I expect this to be a three paragraph letter:

* Paragraph One: introduction and explanation about why you are writing to your uncle (purpose)
* Paragraph Two: body explaining what the benefits would be
* Paragraph Three: the conclusion and wrap up reminding the uncle of the benefits of accepting your proposal as well as a thank-you for considering it.

See me for other details regarding layout as it will impact your mark. You will have the computers on Tuesday to type this letter in. If you were not here, create a rough copy in advance.