Essays

Some of you have asked about the form and content of the essays for the class. Part of the final test is to write three essays on point in 2 hours and 20 minutes. It's the second part of the AP test. Does this sound daunting? Many of you will not be able to do this now, but by the end of the year, you will be relaxed and able to do this with little trouble (note--I did not say this would not annoy you!).

If you are going to go to college, you will need this essay writing skill. And even though it is a necessary evil, the easier and faster you can formulate your thoughts, the less time you will waste and the more successful you will be.

I am taking 15 units of graduate classes this summer. I have four left. I am reading a book every three days and then writing a seven to ten page paper, with MLA citations. This is my choice, but my writing skills have helped immensely. I have only four more classes to go (so that means 11 graduate units in a month and a half--while teaching and coordinating state and federal programs for the school and having a life--what did you say? You have no time? If I have the time and am teaching summer school and enjoying time off, I think you can become more efficient in your use of time for this class. So far, I have gotten A's on all of the writing that I have done. I have no time to complain about the assignments as I want the units and they are a part of my learning objectives for this summer and beyond. I am assuming you will be of the same mindset. I share this as I want you to know that I am a writing teacher who is a writing student,as well. I hope that I am a student all of my life.

Form: Five paragraphs--9-11 sentences in each paragraph. You must have a three point thesis that will address the prompt specifically and not answer any other question. The thesis should be a statement and not a question. Each paragraph should contain examples from the text to support the topic sentence and commentary about how the evidence works within the piece. This should be in third person--not first person.

Content: ANSWER THE QUESTION. Do not interpret another question because you do not understand or do not like the question given to you.

Come by if you have any questions!

Miss D

Summer Homework

I hope that everyone has settled in and read through the main packet of the summer work prior to reading the articles. I also hope that you are finding it interesting.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you need to.

Miss D

Summer Homework!

So, the first day of class has come and gone by. If you are on this site, as I have by now requested that you be, I would like you to sign up and sign in so I can give you your first participation points. You will check back at this site during the year on a weekly or more basis. You will be getting participation points, which are a part of the grade for your timely participation in writing responses to my questions and asking questions about other peoples posts. Some of these will be about character--some will be about theme--other about conflict--some will have you watch a video clip and then respond. You can do the work from home or during lunch at school or after school (30 minutes only so I 'll try to keep it short). When you sign up for this, please use your real name and class period so I can give credit to you. If you use a nickname, I'll never know who you are and will not be able to credit you accordingly.

Sometimes, I will list extra credit on this site or the links to trackstars I want you to use in your notes. It's really important that you check back here frequently.

AS a hint, if I were you , I would have my books with me as I came to class tomorrow, along with a pen or two (no pencils to write with please) and plenty o'paper!

You will not have access to the notes you turned in on the first day of class so make sure to bring those books!

Also, bring in your signed plagiarism, film and MOU sheets for credit.

And don't forget to feed the fish while you are contemplating your responses. (On the right side of the blog at the bottom).