Unit 1 - The Writing Process
Overview: In this Unit you will follow the writing process for 2 weeks and produce mulitple drafts of an essay by following the step - by - step writing process. This is not like your typical essay; you will be writing a personal essay whereby you choose from a vareity of topics and no research is required. We are focusing on the writing process and structure, not research.
Personal Essay Assignment (15%) |
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Unit 1.1: Step 1 - Pre - Writing
A) Brainstorming & Mind Mapping
Below are some Pre - Writing Mind Mapping Examples. For a Mind Map to be useful, it is mostly not done on the computer, but done by hand, in the moments of your reading or research. That is how it will assist you best. Therefore, you must hand write your mind maps. Also, these will be judged on content and usability, not on beauty; this is not an art project; it is meant to help you write.
B) Thesis & Introduction Writing |
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Thesis Success Criteria:
1. Three Arguments 2. One Sentence 3. Opinion 4. Element of Fact 5. End of the Introduction |
Introduction Success Criteria:
1. Hook or Grabber 2. Connecting Sentences 3. Thesis |
Thesis Example: Students at J. Addison School should be required to wear school uniforms as they promote equality, a positive school image and save parents money on clothes.
C) Gathering Information + Graphic Organizer
Supporting details and using quotations. Using proper supporting details and examples in your essay will help improve its quality and help you win the argument you are trying to win.
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Find your graphic organizer here. You should use an organizer like this whenever you write an essay. Organizers, like other parts of the essay process are useful for other writing tasks and we will revisit and change how they are used throughout the course.
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D) Conclusion Writing |
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Remember your conclusions should be powerful, strong and thought provoking. They are the last thing your reader will read of what you have written. Make it count!
Essay Tips & Grammar
Essay Writing Tips/Rules
1. No QUESTIONS in essays...Ever.
2. No contractions (can't, won't, don't) in essays. Instead use cannot, will not, do not.
3. No CAPS or Exclamation Marks in essays.
4. No Personal Pronouns (except in this essay - a personal essay)
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1. No QUESTIONS in essays...Ever.
2. No contractions (can't, won't, don't) in essays. Instead use cannot, will not, do not.
3. No CAPS or Exclamation Marks in essays.
4. No Personal Pronouns (except in this essay - a personal essay)
5.
NO RED INK Assignments
Sign up for the grammar program No Red Ink by following this link. Complete all the registration steps and use this class code: right poster 86, to register for our class. You will then see tasks you must complete. Complete each task, screen shot your completion (I also know on my teacher end) and it can be submitted as a portion of your process work. You will have No Red Ink grammar tasks to complete throughout the course.
Unit 1.2: Step 2 - Drafting & Revising
1. Drafting: Drafting is the writing of your essay, but as the name implies its where you sit down, use your organizer and write the 1st draft of your essay. It should not and will not be perfect. You will have 1 period to do this.
2. Revising: Watch the following videos and make a list of the types of things you can look for in doing revision.
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Further Questions:
1. Do they meet the Thesis Success Criteria?
2. Do they meet the Introduction Success Criteria?
3. Have they followed the Essay Tips?
2. Do they meet the Introduction Success Criteria?
3. Have they followed the Essay Tips?
Peer Edit Checklist |
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Complete the Peer Edit Checklist for at least 2 classmates. Below the checklist leave at least 2 constructive comments. Constructive comments are NOT "Good Job" Or "You can do better" They provide the reader with information. For example: "Your thesis does not meet the success criteria. You need to add an argument." See how that helps the person improve?
Step 1: Read their paper.
Step 2: Read their paper again and make corrections where you see fit.
Step 3: Complete the Peer Edit Checklist and leave 2 constructive comments.
Step 1: Read their paper.
Step 2: Read their paper again and make corrections where you see fit.
Step 3: Complete the Peer Edit Checklist and leave 2 constructive comments.
Each time you have a new student read your paper it must be corrected from the last student who read it. It must be a fresh paper.
Unit 1.3: Step 3 - Publishing
After you have had your work edited and you have revised it multiple times you must publish your paper. You need to include a title page, page numbers, and if necessary a Works Cited Page. Here is an example of a title page. Also, your title should not be boring, but also not be silly and should have something to do with the purpose of your paper.
You will then hand in your Published Essay and all of your process work together with the rubrics. |
Writing Portfolio Assignment (30%)
Throughout the course you will keep a portfolio of your writing. Some of it will be kept in class in a folder that I provide for you. However, I realize with things like online journals and cloud storage that some of the writing you do in class you will keep online as well. At the end of the course you will compile a minimum of 10 of your written pieces and submit them chronologically in a written portfolio. They will demonstrate your progression thus far in the course. You will submit this along with a written refection of your growth as a creator throughout the course. This will serve as your Final Exam and be worth 30% (20% Portfolio and 10% Reflection) of your overall grade.
You are getting this assignment now as you have just went through the writing process and may have things you would like to keep for the portfolio.
You are getting this assignment now as you have just went through the writing process and may have things you would like to keep for the portfolio.
Unit 1.4: Blog / Vlog Assignment (15%)
Throughout the course you will produce a series of Vlogs on a topic of your choosing. You will have a minimum of 10 entries (1 per week) and must send me the link to where you are posting your media so that I can share them with the class. You will also view other student's Vlogs and post comments on them. Lastly, you will keep an online journal of reflections on the website Evernote, which you can find linked here. We will go through the assignment together so you know exactly what you are to do and when you are to do it.
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