Monday, 9/29- Thursday, 10/2
Goal: Students will create a rough draft and finalize their essay / college application
Monday and Tuesday- Students will complete their rough drafts
Wednesday- Peer edit day
(Students will peer edit four other essays)
Thursday- College application/ essays are due
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Rough Drafts
Mon.- Wed. - Students will begin rough drafts
1 Take out your essay question
2. Outline your response
3. Create a thesis for the essay
4. Begin to write
1 Take out your essay question
2. Outline your response
3. Create a thesis for the essay
4. Begin to write
Friday, September 19, 2008
Reflection Journal
Today we are going to reflect on our future
1. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
2. What will the state of the world be like in 10 years?
3. What will typical family life be like?
4. What is your opinion on the future of our economy?
1. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
2. What will the state of the world be like in 10 years?
3. What will typical family life be like?
4. What is your opinion on the future of our economy?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Personal Statement/ College Application Essay
Monday, 9/15-Thursday, 9/18
Goal: To gain a more in-depth understanding about themselves, students will complete a reflection exercise
Monday and Tuesday:
1. Students will answer the personal reflection questionnaire
2. Students will interview four people. These people must be well-acquainted with the student: Parent, friend, employer, family member
3. Students will organize their responses and be ready to utilize their data
Wednesday:
1. Select an appropriate essay
2. Brainstorm ideas
3. highlight sections from your research to include in your essay
Thursday:
Begin rough draft
Questionnaire:
Personal Reflection for College Essay
Answer the following questions;
1. Discuss activities or contributions that have benefited others (Personal, local, national or international levels)
2. List ten words that would best describe you.
3. What is your personal philosophy/ motto
4. Do you live your life according to your philosophy? Give an example
5. Who are the most important people in your life? Why
6. Who are the most influential people in your life? Why
7. If you could switch places with one person for a day, who would it be? Why?
8. List 10 of your favorites…food, color, etc.
9. What qualities do you look for in a friend? Why?
10. How does a person become your friend?
11. Describe a typical day
12. Describe a perfect day
13. Hobbies
14. Extra-curricular activities
15. What qualities do you think a successful person should have?
Select one of the following:
16. Discuss an experience that has influenced your life or changed your viewpoint
17. Discuss your dream
Have at least four people answer the following questions:
1. What are my best qualities/ features? Why? List at least 4
2. How would you describe my personality?
3. What are my strengths?
4. List a field of study that I may find interesting
5. What qualities do you think a successful person should have?
6. How do you define true success?
Goal: To gain a more in-depth understanding about themselves, students will complete a reflection exercise
Monday and Tuesday:
1. Students will answer the personal reflection questionnaire
2. Students will interview four people. These people must be well-acquainted with the student: Parent, friend, employer, family member
3. Students will organize their responses and be ready to utilize their data
Wednesday:
1. Select an appropriate essay
2. Brainstorm ideas
3. highlight sections from your research to include in your essay
Thursday:
Begin rough draft
Questionnaire:
Personal Reflection for College Essay
Answer the following questions;
1. Discuss activities or contributions that have benefited others (Personal, local, national or international levels)
2. List ten words that would best describe you.
3. What is your personal philosophy/ motto
4. Do you live your life according to your philosophy? Give an example
5. Who are the most important people in your life? Why
6. Who are the most influential people in your life? Why
7. If you could switch places with one person for a day, who would it be? Why?
8. List 10 of your favorites…food, color, etc.
9. What qualities do you look for in a friend? Why?
10. How does a person become your friend?
11. Describe a typical day
12. Describe a perfect day
13. Hobbies
14. Extra-curricular activities
15. What qualities do you think a successful person should have?
Select one of the following:
16. Discuss an experience that has influenced your life or changed your viewpoint
17. Discuss your dream
Have at least four people answer the following questions:
1. What are my best qualities/ features? Why? List at least 4
2. How would you describe my personality?
3. What are my strengths?
4. List a field of study that I may find interesting
5. What qualities do you think a successful person should have?
6. How do you define true success?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Reflection Journal #2
Friday, 9/12
Goal: Students will reflect on world issues
Recalling the images, voices of 9/11 (Watch video and read short article)
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=5777237 (watch Pentagon Memorial video and read article)
Spend several minutes reflecting on the tragedy that occurred seven years ago.
How has our society changed since this disaster?
Are these changes relative to your life?
Has our society been able to heal since 9/11?
Discuss this disaster in correlation to other disasters that have occurred in the US. How do Americans deal with tragedy?
Remember, your reflections should be at least two written pages....Not 1 page or 1 3/4...2 FULL PAGES!!
1.1.11H Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of nonfiction
Goal: Students will reflect on world issues
Recalling the images, voices of 9/11 (Watch video and read short article)
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=5777237 (watch Pentagon Memorial video and read article)
Spend several minutes reflecting on the tragedy that occurred seven years ago.
How has our society changed since this disaster?
Are these changes relative to your life?
Has our society been able to heal since 9/11?
Discuss this disaster in correlation to other disasters that have occurred in the US. How do Americans deal with tragedy?
Remember, your reflections should be at least two written pages....Not 1 page or 1 3/4...2 FULL PAGES!!
1.1.11H Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of nonfiction
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
College Applications
Wednesday, 9/10 and Thursday, 9/11
College Essay Writing Tips
TIPS:
Write an Effective Application Essay
A great application essay will present a vivid, personal, and compelling view of you to the admissions staff. It will round out the rest of your application and help you stand out from the other applicants. The essay is one of the only parts of your application over which you have complete control, so take the time to do a good job on it. Check out these tips before you begin.
Do
Keep Your Focus Narrow and Personal
Your essay must prove a single point or thesis. The reader must be able to find your main idea and follow it from beginning to end. Try having someone read just your introduction to see what he thinks your essay is about.
Essays that try to be too comprehensive end up sounding watered-down. Remember, it's not about telling the committee what you've done—they can pick that up from your list of activities—instead, it's about showing them who you are.
Prove It
Develop your main idea with vivid and specific facts, events, quotations, examples, and reasons. There's a big difference between simply stating a point of view and letting an idea unfold in the details:
Okay: "I like to be surrounded by people with a variety of backgrounds and interests"
Better: "During that night, I sang the theme song from Casablanca with a baseball coach who thinks he's Bogie, discussed Marxism with a little old lady, and heard more than I ever wanted to know about some woman's gall bladder operation."
Be Specific
Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing by using vivid and specific details.
Okay: "I want to help people. I have gotten so much out of life through the love and guidance of my family, I feel that many individuals have not been as fortunate; therefore, I would like to expand the lives of others."
Better: "My Mom and Dad stood on plenty of sidelines 'til their shoes filled with water or their fingers turned white, or a person's golden retriever signed his name on their coats in mud. I think that kind of commitment is what I'd like to bring to working with fourth-graders."
Don't
Don't Tell Them What You Think They Want to Hear
Most admissions officers read plenty of essays about the charms of their university, the evils of terrorism, and the personal commitment involved in being a doctor. Bring something new to the table, not just what you think they want to hear.
Don't Write a Resume
Don't include information that is found elsewhere in the application. Your essay will end up sounding like an autobiography, travelogue, or laundry list. Yawn.
"During my junior year, I played first singles on the tennis team, served on the student council, maintained a B+ average, traveled to France, and worked at a cheese factory."
Don't Use 50 Words When Five Will Do
Eliminate unnecessary words.
Okay: "Over the years it has been pointed out to me by my parents, friends, and teachers—and I have even noticed this about myself, as well—that I am not the neatest person in the world."
Better: "I'm a slob."
Don't Forget to Proofread
Typos and spelling or grammatical errors can be interpreted as carelessness or just bad writing. Don't rely on your computer's spell check. It can miss spelling errors like the ones below.
"After I graduate form hi school, I plan to work for a nonprofit organization during the summer."
"From that day on, Daniel was my best Fried."
TIPS
http://www.nacacnet.org/MemberPortal/News/StepsNewsletter/tips_college_essay.htm
1. Make sure you fully understand every word used in your essay. A large vocabulary is impressive, but when words are used in the wrong context they have a negative effect on your writing.
2. Use transitions sentences and transition words (furthermore, like, also, additionally, etc) between paragraphs to tie them together. Transitions will help your writing flow.
3. Vary your sentence structure. Use simple, complex, and compound sentences to pace your writing and make it more exciting.
4. Stay away from empty sentences. Every sentence should be well thought out and packed with new information.
5. Avoid using the same words repeatedly. If necessary, use a thesaurus to find synonyms.
Know the rules of punctuation and grammar. If you are unsure about anything, look it up.
6. Read your essay aloud and proofread as you write. Listen carefully to how it sounds and correct problems as you go.
SAMPLES
http://www.accepted.com/college/sampleessays.aspx
http://www.internationalstudent.com/essay_writing/college_essay.shtml
http://www.college-admission-essay.com/essays.html
College Essay Writing Tips
TIPS:
Write an Effective Application Essay
A great application essay will present a vivid, personal, and compelling view of you to the admissions staff. It will round out the rest of your application and help you stand out from the other applicants. The essay is one of the only parts of your application over which you have complete control, so take the time to do a good job on it. Check out these tips before you begin.
Do
Keep Your Focus Narrow and Personal
Your essay must prove a single point or thesis. The reader must be able to find your main idea and follow it from beginning to end. Try having someone read just your introduction to see what he thinks your essay is about.
Essays that try to be too comprehensive end up sounding watered-down. Remember, it's not about telling the committee what you've done—they can pick that up from your list of activities—instead, it's about showing them who you are.
Prove It
Develop your main idea with vivid and specific facts, events, quotations, examples, and reasons. There's a big difference between simply stating a point of view and letting an idea unfold in the details:
Okay: "I like to be surrounded by people with a variety of backgrounds and interests"
Better: "During that night, I sang the theme song from Casablanca with a baseball coach who thinks he's Bogie, discussed Marxism with a little old lady, and heard more than I ever wanted to know about some woman's gall bladder operation."
Be Specific
Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing by using vivid and specific details.
Okay: "I want to help people. I have gotten so much out of life through the love and guidance of my family, I feel that many individuals have not been as fortunate; therefore, I would like to expand the lives of others."
Better: "My Mom and Dad stood on plenty of sidelines 'til their shoes filled with water or their fingers turned white, or a person's golden retriever signed his name on their coats in mud. I think that kind of commitment is what I'd like to bring to working with fourth-graders."
Don't
Don't Tell Them What You Think They Want to Hear
Most admissions officers read plenty of essays about the charms of their university, the evils of terrorism, and the personal commitment involved in being a doctor. Bring something new to the table, not just what you think they want to hear.
Don't Write a Resume
Don't include information that is found elsewhere in the application. Your essay will end up sounding like an autobiography, travelogue, or laundry list. Yawn.
"During my junior year, I played first singles on the tennis team, served on the student council, maintained a B+ average, traveled to France, and worked at a cheese factory."
Don't Use 50 Words When Five Will Do
Eliminate unnecessary words.
Okay: "Over the years it has been pointed out to me by my parents, friends, and teachers—and I have even noticed this about myself, as well—that I am not the neatest person in the world."
Better: "I'm a slob."
Don't Forget to Proofread
Typos and spelling or grammatical errors can be interpreted as carelessness or just bad writing. Don't rely on your computer's spell check. It can miss spelling errors like the ones below.
"After I graduate form hi school, I plan to work for a nonprofit organization during the summer."
"From that day on, Daniel was my best Fried."
TIPS
http://www.nacacnet.org/MemberPortal/News/StepsNewsletter/tips_college_essay.htm
1. Make sure you fully understand every word used in your essay. A large vocabulary is impressive, but when words are used in the wrong context they have a negative effect on your writing.
2. Use transitions sentences and transition words (furthermore, like, also, additionally, etc) between paragraphs to tie them together. Transitions will help your writing flow.
3. Vary your sentence structure. Use simple, complex, and compound sentences to pace your writing and make it more exciting.
4. Stay away from empty sentences. Every sentence should be well thought out and packed with new information.
5. Avoid using the same words repeatedly. If necessary, use a thesaurus to find synonyms.
Know the rules of punctuation and grammar. If you are unsure about anything, look it up.
6. Read your essay aloud and proofread as you write. Listen carefully to how it sounds and correct problems as you go.
SAMPLES
http://www.accepted.com/college/sampleessays.aspx
http://www.internationalstudent.com/essay_writing/college_essay.shtml
http://www.college-admission-essay.com/essays.html
Monday, September 8, 2008
Complete 5 paragraph essay
Monday and Tuesday - 9/8 - 9/9
Finish proofing the 5 paragraph essays
Have your paper read by three other students in the class.
Students should work on making final changes
All final drafts, rough drafts and outlines are due by the end of the period on Tuesday, 9/9
Finish proofing the 5 paragraph essays
Have your paper read by three other students in the class.
Students should work on making final changes
All final drafts, rough drafts and outlines are due by the end of the period on Tuesday, 9/9
Friday, September 5, 2008
Reflection
Reflection Journal Assignment
Cindy, Michelle Defy First Lady Stereotypes
Read this article....ALL PAGES.
1. Write a summary of the article.
2. Discuss both women, their backgrounds, education and political goals
3. Who will be the best "First Lady"?
Cindy, Michelle Defy First Lady Stereotypes
Read this article....ALL PAGES.
1. Write a summary of the article.
2. Discuss both women, their backgrounds, education and political goals
3. Who will be the best "First Lady"?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
5 Paragraph Essay
Goal: Students will organize ideas for their 5 paragraph essay
1. After reviewing outlines, students will create a thesis statement and blueprint.
2. Students will begin writing their essays (rough drafts)
Thursday, 9/4
Students will peer edit their essays
-All students must have their essays proofed and signed by three students
Monday, 9/8
Final drafts are due
1. After reviewing outlines, students will create a thesis statement and blueprint.
2. Students will begin writing their essays (rough drafts)
Thursday, 9/4
Students will peer edit their essays
-All students must have their essays proofed and signed by three students
Monday, 9/8
Final drafts are due
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
5 paragraph essay form
1. Students will review the form and technique for writing a 5 paragraph essay.
2. Students will become familiar with the various parts of the 5 paragraph essay
The five paragraph essay follows a defined format.
The first paragraph introduces us to the thesis of the essay and directs us to the three main supporting subtopics.
The second through fourth paragraphs are all similar in format. They individually restate the subtopics, and are developed by giving supporting information.
The fifth and last paragraph restates the main thesis idea and reminds the reader of the three main supporting ideas that were developed. All of these paragraphs are important.
The introductory paragraph is the place in which the writer introduces the reader to the topic. It is important to make this a clear and limited statement. This is where the writer grabs the reader's attention. Because of its purpose, it is often the first sentence of the paragraph. It is followed by three subtopics that develop the thesis. Between this paragraph and all paragraphs of the essay, there needs to be some kind of a transition word, phrase, or sentence.
Next, the body of the essay contains paragraphs two through four. They are all similarly constructed. Their topic sentences are restatements, often in original form, of the three supporting ideas presented in the first paragraph. The subtopic of each of the body paragraphs is again supported by three or more supporting sentences. These cement, in the reader's mind, the relevancy and relationship of each of the subtopics to the thesis statement.
Finally, the fifth paragraph is the summary paragraph. It is important to restate the thesis and three supporting ideas in an original and powerful manner as this is the last chance the writer has to convince the reader of the validity of the information presented. Because the purposes of the first and fifth paragraph are so similar that some writers construct them at the same time. They will edit them, as necessary, as they do with each and every part of the essay.
It is important to reiterate that each of the paragraphs is joined together by a transition word, phrase or sentence. Transitions help the reader to follow the flow of the logic and sequencing. All of the essay types follow this basic transition format. However, there is more latitude with the narrative essay because of its nature.
To put it more visually, the structure model has been color coded and looks like this:
A. Opening paragraph:
Motivator
Brief Expansion of topic
Thesis Statement
Blueprint (*This contains subtopic 1, subtopic 2, and subtopic 3)
Transition
Introduction
http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/intro.html
B. Three Body Paragraphs
*The body paragraphs will follow the order of the three blueprint ideas
Topic sentence (Each body paragraph will restate subtopics 1,2, &3)
Specific detail /Example (Several specific examples must be used for each body paragraph)
Restate concept of each paragraph's point
(TRI Paragraphs)
Transition
*Example of body paragraph 1:
Restate Subtopic One
First Supporting Detail or Example
Second Supporting Detail or Example
Third Supporting Detail or Example
Transition
Supporting Paragraphs
http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/paragraph_development.htm
C. Conclusion / Summary Paragraph
Make final points to sum up the essay. Restate / rephrase the thesis statement to stress the main topic of the essay.
Synthesis of main topic
Synthesis of Subtopic One
Synthesis of Subtopic Two
Synthesis of Subtopic Three
Summary Paragraph
http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/intro.html
Sample 5 paragraph essay:
http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/English/essay/
The Five Paragraph Essay - Here is a sample to show you hot it all fits together. (Graphic organizer)
http://www.taftcollege.edu/newTC/Academic/LiberalArts/OWL/SAMPFIVE.HTML
TIP:
-Remember, the thesis statement must be consistent throughout the paper. Each paragraph must reflect one aspect of the thesis statement. This allows for strong focus, content development, organization and adds to the style of the paper.
ASSIGNMENT:
Write a 5- Write a five paragraph essay about yourself.
**Be sure to use third person
***Point of view may vary
****Have fun!
1. Students will review the form and technique for writing a 5 paragraph essay.
2. Students will become familiar with the various parts of the 5 paragraph essay
The five paragraph essay follows a defined format.
The first paragraph introduces us to the thesis of the essay and directs us to the three main supporting subtopics.
The second through fourth paragraphs are all similar in format. They individually restate the subtopics, and are developed by giving supporting information.
The fifth and last paragraph restates the main thesis idea and reminds the reader of the three main supporting ideas that were developed. All of these paragraphs are important.
The introductory paragraph is the place in which the writer introduces the reader to the topic. It is important to make this a clear and limited statement. This is where the writer grabs the reader's attention. Because of its purpose, it is often the first sentence of the paragraph. It is followed by three subtopics that develop the thesis. Between this paragraph and all paragraphs of the essay, there needs to be some kind of a transition word, phrase, or sentence.
Next, the body of the essay contains paragraphs two through four. They are all similarly constructed. Their topic sentences are restatements, often in original form, of the three supporting ideas presented in the first paragraph. The subtopic of each of the body paragraphs is again supported by three or more supporting sentences. These cement, in the reader's mind, the relevancy and relationship of each of the subtopics to the thesis statement.
Finally, the fifth paragraph is the summary paragraph. It is important to restate the thesis and three supporting ideas in an original and powerful manner as this is the last chance the writer has to convince the reader of the validity of the information presented. Because the purposes of the first and fifth paragraph are so similar that some writers construct them at the same time. They will edit them, as necessary, as they do with each and every part of the essay.
It is important to reiterate that each of the paragraphs is joined together by a transition word, phrase or sentence. Transitions help the reader to follow the flow of the logic and sequencing. All of the essay types follow this basic transition format. However, there is more latitude with the narrative essay because of its nature.
To put it more visually, the structure model has been color coded and looks like this:
A. Opening paragraph:
Motivator
Brief Expansion of topic
Thesis Statement
Blueprint (*This contains subtopic 1, subtopic 2, and subtopic 3)
Transition
Introduction
http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/intro.html
B. Three Body Paragraphs
*The body paragraphs will follow the order of the three blueprint ideas
Topic sentence (Each body paragraph will restate subtopics 1,2, &3)
Specific detail /Example (Several specific examples must be used for each body paragraph)
Restate concept of each paragraph's point
(TRI Paragraphs)
Transition
*Example of body paragraph 1:
Restate Subtopic One
First Supporting Detail or Example
Second Supporting Detail or Example
Third Supporting Detail or Example
Transition
Supporting Paragraphs
http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/paragraph_development.htm
C. Conclusion / Summary Paragraph
Make final points to sum up the essay. Restate / rephrase the thesis statement to stress the main topic of the essay.
Synthesis of main topic
Synthesis of Subtopic One
Synthesis of Subtopic Two
Synthesis of Subtopic Three
Summary Paragraph
http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/intro.html
Sample 5 paragraph essay:
http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/English/essay/
The Five Paragraph Essay - Here is a sample to show you hot it all fits together. (Graphic organizer)
http://www.taftcollege.edu/newTC/Academic/LiberalArts/OWL/SAMPFIVE.HTML
TIP:
-Remember, the thesis statement must be consistent throughout the paper. Each paragraph must reflect one aspect of the thesis statement. This allows for strong focus, content development, organization and adds to the style of the paper.
ASSIGNMENT:
Write a 5- Write a five paragraph essay about yourself.
**Be sure to use third person
***Point of view may vary
****Have fun!
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