Monday, June 10, 2013

Writing Final

Hi students. We are getting close to the end of the semester. I have greatly enjoyed having you in my class and I hope you have learned a lot.

The final will be on Monday, the 17th. The final will consist of 3 parts:

  • Standard Test-- In this section there will be some multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions about basic information in the book. There will also be a fill-in-the-blank section on articles and a paragraph where you must proofread and correct the mistakes. 
  • First Paragraph--You may choose to write either a definition paragraph or an opinion paragraph. 
  • Second Paragraph--You may choose to write either a descriptive paragraph or a process-analysis paragraph. 
You may bring a notecard to the final. You may use one side of this notecard for any information that will help you write the paragraphs. 

Wednesday the 12th will be a self study day. Study hard and write well. 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Unit 10, Homework 1-- Due: 6/10

For this homework, please write a narrative paragraph. This paragraph can be about any experience that you have had. Remember, the purpose of this paragraph is to entertain and inform. Use adjectives and strong verbs to add description. Use the following information to proofread your paragraph.

Content and Organization

Directions—The student has followed the directions and included the necessary items.
Format—The paragraph is indented, written in 12 point font and double spaced with all appropriate information.
Title—The paragraph has an appropriate title. P.21
Topic—The topic is interesting for the reader. The idea is neither too general nor too specific. P. 47
Organization—The paragraph is logically organized. The writer uses words that helps the organization.
Topic Sentence—The topic sentence is clear and has good controlling idea.
Supporting Details—All sentence relate to the topic and support the topic. Many of the readers’ questions are answered.
Concluding Sentence—The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to a logical conclusion.
Length—The paragraph is the appropriate length, not too short and not too long.

Grammar and Mechanics

?—All sentences and phrases are understood.
Articles—Articles are properly used.
Capitalization—All appropriate letters are capitalized. P.228
Conjunctions—All conjunctions are used appropriately.
Missing Words—There are no missing words in the text.
Person Agreement—The writer uses a consistent person and rarely changes.
Plurals—Student uses singular or plural form for count and non-count nouns.
Pronouns—All pronouns are clearly understood and not overused.
Punctuation—Every sentence has correct punctuation (periods, commas, etc.).
Unnecessary Words—All words are necessary and contribute to the understand of the text.
Verb Form—The correct verb form is used.
Word Choice—The correct word is used.
Word Form—The correct form of the word is used.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Unit 9, Homework 1 (Due: 6/3)

Please write an opinion paragraph for next class. This will be your final draft so make sure to proofread and edit your work at home. When you write, keep these points in mind:

  • Choose a topic you are interested in or a topic you want to know more about. 
  • You can have any opinion you want, but you must use facts and examples to back up your opinion
  • Do not copy from the internet. You can use the internet for research, but you should take general notes and then use these notes when you write your paragraph. 
  • Try to have three points to support your opinion. 
  • Try to include a counterpoint (other side's opinion) and a refutation. 
When you proofread, look for the following things: 


Content and Organization

Directions—The student has followed the directions and included the necessary items.
Format—The paragraph is indented, written in 12 point font and double spaced with all appropriate information.
Title—The paragraph has an appropriate title. P.21
Topic—The topic is interesting for the reader. The idea is neither too general nor too specific. P. 47
Organization—The paragraph is logically organized. The writer uses words that helps the organization.
Topic Sentence—The topic sentence is clear and has good controlling idea.
Supporting Details—All sentence relate to the topic and support the topic. Many of the readers’ questions are answered.
Concluding Sentence—The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to a logical conclusion.
Length—The paragraph is the appropriate length, not too short and not too long.

Grammar and Mechanics

?—All sentences and phrases are understood.
Articles—Articles are properly used.
Capitalization—All appropriate letters are capitalized. P.228
Conjunctions—All conjunctions are used appropriately.
Missing Words—There are no missing words in the text.
Person Agreement—The writer uses a consistent person and rarely changes.
Plurals—Student uses singular or plural form for count and non-count nouns.
Pronouns—All pronouns are clearly understood and not overused.
Punctuation—Every sentence has correct punctuation (periods, commas, etc.).
Unnecessary Words—All words are necessary and contribute to the understand of the text.
Verb Form—The correct verb form is used.
Word Choice—The correct word is used.
Word Form—The correct form of the word is used.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Unit 8, Homework 1 (Due: 5/22)

Please do the following homework for next time:

  • P.145 Activity 5
  • P.146 Activity 6
  • P.150 Activity 8 and 9
  • P.153 Activity 10 

Monday, May 13, 2013

Unit 7, Homework 1-- Due 5/15

For this homework, please write a process analysis paragraph. Remember, in a process analysis paragraph we tell people how to do or make things in chronological order. Please refer to your book to help you with this assignment.

We will not peer review or revise this paragraph so make sure that you proofread and edit your own work.
Check for the following things:

Content and Organization

Directions—The student has followed the directions and included the necessary items.
Format—The paragraph is indented, written in 12 point font and double spaced with all appropriate information.
Title—The paragraph has an appropriate title. P.21
Topic—The topic is interesting for the reader. The idea is neither too general nor too specific. P. 47
Organization—The paragraph is logically organized. The writer uses words that helps the organization.
Topic Sentence—The topic sentence is clear and has good controlling idea.
Supporting Details—All sentence relate to the topic and support the topic. Many of the readers’ questions are answered.
Concluding Sentence—The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to a logical conclusion.
Length—The paragraph is the appropriate length, not too short and not too long.

Grammar and Mechanics

?—All sentences and phrases are understood.
Articles—Articles are properly used.
Capitalization—All appropriate letters are capitalized. P.228
Conjunctions—All conjunctions are used appropriately.
Missing Words—There are no missing words in the text.
Person Agreement—The writer uses a consistent person and rarely changes.
Plurals—Student uses singular or plural form for count and non-count nouns.
Pronouns—All pronouns are clearly understood and not overused.
Punctuation—Every sentence has correct punctuation (periods, commas, etc.).
Unnecessary Words—All words are necessary and contribute to the understand of the text.
Verb Form—The correct verb form is used.
Word Choice—The correct word is used.
Word Form—The correct form of the word is used.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Unit 6, Homework 3--Due: 5/13

For this homework, please write a final draft of your definition paragraph. When you come to class on Monday, please bring your rough draft, the peer edit sheet, and a final draft.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Unit 6, Homework 2-- Due: 5/6

For this homework, please write one paragraph describing a word or phrase. Make sure your word or phrase is unique and interesting. Use facts, research, stories, and examples to add details to your writing.

Please use the proper format (12 point font, double spaced, indented, with a title) and bring this paragraph to class on Monday.

Also, proofread your paragraph. Below are some of the things to look for when you proofread:

Articles—Articles are properly used.
Capitalization—All appropriate letters are capitalized. P.228
Conjunctions—All conjunctions are used appropriately.
Missing Words—There are no missing words in the text.
Person Agreement—The writer uses a consistent person and rarely changes.
Plurals—Student uses singular or plural form for count and non-count nouns.
Pronouns—All pronouns are clearly understood and not overused.
Punctuation—Every sentence has correct punctuation (periods, commas, etc.).
Unnecessary Words—All words are necessary and contribute to the understand of the text.
Verb Form—The correct verb form is used.
Word Choice—The correct word is used.
Word Form—The correct form of the word is used.