Friday, May 11, 2018

Terms and Multiple Choice Review

Obj: I can annotate multiple choice answers to show my thinking.

1. Teams: Rhetorical Terms Review
2. Multiple choice tips
  • Read the passage first and thoroughly (or at least do questions as you go along--don’t bother to read the questions first)
  • Read the questions thoroughly--and carefully! If the question seems particularly hard or complicated, try answering it in your head first, and then choosing the answer that best matches your response. 
  • Don’t be afraid to reread portions of the text!
  • Use the process of elimination (duh!) to your advantage. Physically mark the answers that are wrong. Make your best guess among the answer left AND if it’s one you’re really unsure of, put a star next to it. Sometimes, by answering other questions on the passage, a previous question becomes clear. 
  • Don't spend too much time on one question. Make your best guess, and move on. Leave no question unanswered. 
3. Passage practice for multiple choice
For this practice time, read the passage thoroughly and mark it up. Then ANNOTATE the answer choices to show your thinking on how you arrive at each answer. Cross out incorrect answers with a few words that explain why they are incorrect, and question answers you're not sure about. This will help to slow down your thinking to show how you're arriving at your answer choices.

Next class: Review, relax, celebrate!

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Child Labor and Nerds

Obj: I can evaluate strengths and weaknesses in sample essays and write a rhetorical analysis on demand.

1. Opener: swap intros

2. Sample essays: Score and discuss strengths and weaknesses

3. Timed essay (last one!): 40 minutes

Friday: Multiple Choice/Rhetorical Terms Review

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Review Rhetoric

Obj: I can review rhetorical terms with my group and develop my skills with writing the rhetorical analysis essay.

1. Rhetorical Terms Review: 15-minute challenge

Using the terms you selected,  you will write a stump speech for a fake political candidate. Each group will project their stump speech, and the other groups will have 2 minutes to find all five terms. 

2. Read Pink Flamingos and Nerds

HW: Read and annotate essays then write an intro for each

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Argument Review and Rhetorical Terms

1. Present Rhetorical Terms
2. Review Arguments
     a. Warm-up: Review scoring rubric and sample essays together--discuss scoring/tips
     b. Self: Underline where you did the following...

A CLEAR, PRECISE POSITION ON THE TOPIC OR ISSUE
CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVE VIEWPOINTS--include a counterargument. Sometimes strong essays are 50/50--don’t be afraid to spend time on this.
DEVELOP EXAMPLES!!!! This is KEY, my friends! It is better to develop two examples at length than to use 3 less developed (more like a list) examples. Examples can come from history, books, news, shows, real life, personal or hypothetical.
This is your chance to STRUT THAT RHETORICAL STUFF!! This essay is the most conducive to developing your own voice, sounding authentic, and showing off your sense of style just a little bit. Try to get into it and “sound” like you’re invested!

c. Partner: score using rubric and leave notes for suggestions

3. Argument Prompt #2: 30 minutes


Upcoming:
Monday, May 7th:
Rhetorical Terms Review Game
Review Rhetorical Analysis

Wednesday, May 9th
More Rhetorical Analysis Review

Friday, May 11th
Rhetorical Terms Quiz (new and old)
MC Review?

Tuesday, May 15th: Last class!

Wednesday, May 16th: Exam 8 a.m.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Argument Prompt Rotation and New Rhetorical Terms

Obj: I can outline ideas for an argumentative essay and choose one to develop. I can research and teach my rhetorical term to the class.

1. Argument Prompt Rotation
2. New Rhetorical Terms
3. Slideshow:
Please include the following information on your slide:

  • Define term
  • Online example
  • Original example
  • Fun fact/image

Friday, April 27, 2018

Multiple Choice and Synthesis Review

Obj: I can review my answers to multiple choice questions and explain why I chose the answers I did. I can evaluate sample synthesis essays and reflect on my own strengths and weaknesses.

1. Review multiple choice

  • "I am Woman" as a group
  • Do next three sections in groups of 4. Discuss answers put and why. Feel free to change the answers on your packet. Make sure you understand why. Keep track of your original thinking.

2. Synthesis Review
  • Read and score sample essays
  • Re-read your own and give it a score (use the rubric and defend your score)
HW: Peace Action Essay Contest submission is due May 1st. Review feedback on your essay and revise as necessary. Here are the instructions for submitting (please cc me on your submission):

Entries should be submitted to MaineEssayContest@gmail.com by May first.
Please include the name of your high school, your year, indicate in the subject line if this is an
“Essay Contest Submission” or an “Essay Contest Question.”
Please attach your letter or op-ed as a Word or PDF attachment.


Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Synthesis Review: 8 classes to go!

Obj: Review rhetorical analysis (quick) and write a synthesis essay.

1. Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address: hand back essays and review tips

  1. What are big ideas in Lincoln’s speech?
    1. Meaning: what is his purpose?
    2. Method: what are the most important things he does in the speech?
  2. Paragraphs: each paragraph needs to FOCUS on a particular strategy or subtopic in his purpose.
    1. Parallelism compares then and now--in order to ___________________
    2. Parallelism unites them in effects of war-- in order to ___________________
    3. Religious allusions remind both sides believe in same God-- in order to __________________
    4. Religious allusions remind that war is in God’s hands -- in order to ____________________
    5. Positive diction creates hopeful tone at the end -- in order to ______________________
3. Include appropriate evidence to really illustrate your points: refer back to the text consistently in your body paragraphs

2. Synthesis In-class Essay

Upcoming:
Friday: review multiple choice and synthesis
Tuesday: new (and old) rhetorical terms for MC and argument prompt rotation


Thursday, April 5, 2018

Death of a Soldier

I can read and analyze Loisa May Alcott's "Death of a Soldier" for rhetorical techniques.

1. Eero's YLNT
2. Review essay contest: 800-word limit
3. Read and annotate "Death of a Soldier." What do you notice?
4. Write introduction and first body paragraph
5. Review samples: how do the writers weave in evidence? What transitional words do you notice?

HW: Finish rhetorical analysis of "Death of a Soldier"
Next class: In-class rhetorical analysis essay




Friday, March 30, 2018

MacArthur's Commencement Address


Obj:  I  can analyze a text for rhetorical strategies and devices (structure, appeals, logic, and language) to understand how an author conveys his meaning.

War Unit: Pulling it all together
On Tuesday during afternoon advisory, we will be discussing the necessity of war in small groups with Ms. Chalmer's class. Discussion prompt: Develop a position on the following question: is war an inevitable element of human existence?
To prepare: Review Macarthur's speech that we will look at today and compare it with Eisenhower's Farewell address and Margaret Mead's essay that you will be reading for homework. Create an outline of your ideas that includes relevant evidence from all three of your sources. This outline will be collected as evidence of your preparation for the discussion.

1. Hannah's YLNT
2. Peace Action Maine Essay Contest
3. Boswell MC Questions
4. Macarthur's Commencement Address

HW: Read and annotate Margaret Mead's Essay and complete First Reading Questions.




Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Boswell's "On War" and Structure


Obj: I  can analyze the structure of a text and how this structure contributes to the text as a whole by tracing the focus of each paragraph.

1. Peace Action Maine Essay Contest

2. Discuss "Farewell Address": HW Questions
  • What do you think of his speech? Does his message still resonate today?

3. Read and annotate Boswell's "On War"
  • Review Arrangement-- the structure of an argument
  • Structure Analysis
4. Take the multiple choice "quiz" at the end of the article. Then, we'll discuss!

HW: How does Boswell deliberately structure his essay "On War"? Is this structure effective in conveying his position on war? Explain.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Eisenhower and Cataline

Inquiry: How can I analyze texts by reading closely and answering questions on rhetoric and style? How can I draw comparisons between these texts?

Last class, we talked about war and its necessity. Whether you are pro, anti, or somewhere in between, war has been a reality throughout history. We will continue to examine war and people’s ideologies about war.  

1. Matt YLNT
2. Turn in Vocab Packets
3. Discuss Cataline's speech (q's from last class)
  • Image analysis and quote: How do they inform your reading of the speech?
4. General Eisenhower's Letter to Allied Forces: Read the text silently and annotate for persuasive techniques

Remember SOAPStone:
  • Subject
  • Audience
  • Occasion
  • Purpose 
  • Speaker 
  • Tone


a)What is your initial response to the letter? Be specific. (First Reading Questions)
c) Second Reading Questions: (orally and mark text)
d) Comparing the 2 motivational speeches (Cataline and Eisenhower)
  • Together on board
  • 15-minute essay: which speech is more persuasive and why?
5. Introduction to Eisenhower's "Farewell Address"


Homework: Finish reading this address. Answer the “Second Reading” Questions on separate paper.


Thursday, March 22, 2018

War and Politics (but mostly war)

Obj 1: analyze texts by reading closely and answering questions on rhetoric and style
Obj 2: draw comparisons between texts


1. Alex YLNT
2. Turn in final drafts (phew!) and complete self-assessment
3. Writing prompt: What is your position on war? (We must, we will! We will not! We shouldn’t, but…) Write a paragraph explanation.
4. Cicero: Roman Philosopher
Group Read: Why fight?
5. Intro to Cataline: Image Analysis and Quote
Group read/questions/discussion

Remember Friday: Advisory Presentations!

Monday: Vocab Unit 4
Advisory Tuesday: Presentations



Monday, March 19, 2018

Synthesis Essay Worshop

IQ: How can I give effective, actionable feedback, and how can I act on the feedback I receive?

Today in class you will be working on your final drafts of your research essay. Please choose a partner to work with who also has a completed rough draft, and do the following:

1. Read the following essay about what a synthesis essay is (and isn't).

https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/learning-commons/documents/writing/synthesis/teaching-synthesis-anti-synthesis.pdf

2. Share your essay with your partner, and vice versa

3. Read your partner's essay through the lense of these questions:


1. Is the relationship between sources made clear?
2. Are synthesis words or phrases (agrees, disagrees, contradicts, confirms, goes even further, etc.) used to link two or more different sources? If so, highlight them! 
3. Does the synthesis word or phrase accurately summarize the relationship between/among sources?
4. Does synthesized source material overwhelm the writer's voice?
5. Is one source synthesized or otherwise used more than the other sources on the Works Cited page? 

4. As you're reading, make comments or suggestions on the document to help your partner improve. 

HW: Final Drafts Due Thursday
Be working on your poster style presentations for Friday!
Vocab Unit 4 due Monday

Friday, March 16, 2018

Lit Circle Meeting #3


1. Poster Presentations
  • Explain assignment
  • Choose advisory date: 3/21, 3/23, 3/28
2. Reading Check #3
3. Literature circle meetings
  1. Try to get through everyone’s questions and passages
  2. Include everyone in the group
  3. Spend some time discussing the film, especially as it compares to the book--
    1. What was similar? What was different? What do you make of that?
  4. Ask tough questions, especially about purpose and effect of book
  5. Stay on topic and focused




Friday, March 9, 2018

Lit Circle Supplement: Documentaries

3/12/18

How can viewing a documentary influence the reading of my lit circle book?

1. Rough draft check-in
2. Documentary Films

Next class (Wednesday):
Literature Circle Meeting #3
  • Select 2 Passages and create a question for your group to consider related to your passage
  • Discuss Documentary
YLNT Response #15

Final Drafts of Research Essay due Tuesday, 3/20 (or Wednesday if there is a snow day!)

Monday, March 5, 2018

Practice with Synthesis


How can I analyze sources and work collaboratively to write a group synthesis essay?

1. Check-in on rough drafts: due Friday
2. Group work: Synthesis Essay Sources
Procedure:

  • Read prompt together.
  • Write for five minutes: do you agree or disagree? Why?
  • Each person gets a source. It is your job to "teach" the main points of your source to your group. Read the source closely and be able to answer the following:
    • Is your source for or against marketing goods and services to children?
    • How would you sum up your article in one or two sentences?
    • What supporting data does it provide? (if informative)
    • If you're looking at an image: what stands out to you and why?
    • What conclusions can you draw from your source?
  • Each group member shares their source. Allow time for follow-up questions from group members.
3. Group Essay
  • Create a google doc that is shared with all group members
  • Decide what your group's position is
  • Decide which 3 sources you will use and why (defend your use of these sources!)
  • Now, you will work together as a group to write the essay. It may be beneficial to outline the essay together and then break up the writing by paragraph
We will look at all groups' essays during Friday's class and compare approaches!

HW: Rough draft is due Friday

Thursday, March 1, 2018

1. YLNT: Beverly
2. Vocab Quiz
3. Check-in on research: what challenges did you face?
4. Bibliography--do you have 8-10 sources? Are 2 of them books?
5. Begin outlining essay

First, let's look at another sample prompt:
A recent Supreme Court decision has provoked much debate about private property rights. In it, the court ruled that the city of New London was within the bounds of the U.S. Constitution when it condemned private property for use in a redevelopment plan. This ruling is an example of the classic debate between individual rights versus the greater good.

Carefully read the following sources, including any introductory information. Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources for support, take a position that supports, opposes, or qualifies the claim that the governmental taking of property from one private owner to give to another to further economic development constitutes a permissible “public use” under the Fifth Amendment.
What do you notice about the structure of the prompt? What information does the intro give? What is the student being asked to do in the essay?
Rough Draft Due March 9th

Monday, February 26, 2018

Literature Circle Meeting #2

How can I have an in-depth discussion about my book and make connections to current event issues or arguments that are relevant today?

1. Reading Check #2
2. Literature Circle Meeting
3. Source Notes: due next class

HW: Study vocab 1-3 (quiz next class) and complete They Say/I Say

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Review Annotations and Multiple Choice Strategies

IQ: How do I write an annotated bibliography? 

1. Sample annotation: Citation + Gist + Validity

Davidson, Hilda Ellis. Roles of the Northern Goddess, Routledge, 1998.

Davidson's book provides a thorough examination of the major roles filled by the numerous pagan goddesses of Northern Europe in everyday life, including their roles in hunting, agriculture, domestic arts like weaving, the household, and death. The author discusses relevant archaeological evidence, patterns of symbol and ritual, and previous research. The book includes a number of black and white photographs of relevant artifacts. The source is valid because Routledge is a leading academic publishing company in London.


  1. **MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PROPER HEADING ON THE TOP OF YOUR ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY (so if we were to print it, it would be there)
  2. You may use easybib.com--you will need to space it out properly (and alphabetize) on your final document. Please get rid of the highlighted background, too!
  3. You should cite the source correctly and according to MLA 8.
  4. You should have three parts to your paragraph entry:
    1. The “gist” of the source (brief summary)
    2. How you believe the source will benefit your paper (what side, background, point of view, authorship, etc)
    3. The validity of the source--how you know it’s reliable

2. Faulkner: "On Ice"
Answer questions
Debrief answers in groups
Go over answers together

Next class:
Vocab 1-3 Review Game
Annotated Bibliography due

Homework over break

  1. Lit Circles Meeting--first class back from break is meeting #2!! (2/27)
  2. They Say/I Say of all your sources the second class you get back (2/29)
    1. This is a hugely important step in the research process and will be graded!!
  3. Continue practicing your vocab words from Units 1-3
    1. We will have a quiz on Thursday the first week you return

Monday, February 12, 2018

Literature Circle Meeting #1

IQ: How can I show that I am listening to others by asking clarifying questions and building off of their points?

1. Alec YLNT
2. Question on Classroom
3. Literature Circle Meeting
Protocol:
  • Share one passage: "Save the Last Word" 
  • Discuss QAR Questions
4. Self-Reflection
5. Faulkner "On Ice" Multiple Choice Practice

HW: Annotated Bibliography due Friday
Respond to Alec's news thread
Literature Circle Meeting #2: Tuesday, February 27th




Terms and Multiple Choice Review

Obj: I can annotate multiple choice answers to show my thinking. 1. Teams: Rhetorical Terms Review 2. Multiple choice tips Read the pas...