Monday, February 17, 2014

Learning Objectives:
I can...

• Preview the format of the Writing Benchmark
• Clarify the difference between a Narrative and Expository Composition
• Discuss Revision strategies
• Discuss Editing strategies
• Review Brush Strokes we've learned and practiced

• Turn in Reading Log #22
• Hand out Reading Log #23 and Article of the Week

Opening:

1. In your class notebook, warm up by creating a double-bubble that clarifies the key differences between narrative and expository writing.

2. Respond to the following questions:

• How does the prompt indicate which essay you'll be writing?
• Write a sample prompt for each type of essay:
• Expository
• Narrative

Work Period:

3. Review Brushstrokes:

With the image I show you, try one or two of the following brushstrokes:

• appositive
• absolute
• participle and/or participial phrase

4. Return essays and discuss adding "life" and interest to your writing.

• When you are addressing a prompt and brainstorm, choose a topic of your essay that you are an "expert" on.  
• Tone matters.  Your writing needs to reflect an interest in the topic you've chosen.
• Sentence variety matters.  Why? Because if you don't change up what each sentence sounds like, the reader  stops reading every sentence because they already know what to expect.  So, use interesting transitions, and try not to repeat yourself too often because repeating yourself too often can be repetitious and repetitiousness can... be... really... tiring!
• Details win the day.  So your examples must be carefully chosen and well thought out.  PLANNING earns the 3 or 4.  A first draft usually earns a 2 if it is on topic.
• If you don't have anything to say, try a different part of the test.  
• You can't go into the materials that are for a different day, however.
• The dictionaries we provide have a thesaurus for a reason.

4. How do you eliminate a run on sentence or a poorly formed sentence?

• "Internet can also help you with fun and relaxation when you are stressed out you can listen to music or watch videos." (What's the error and how do we correct it?)
• "In all, the internet is a great way to help you to succeed in education and have fun and relax." What's the error and how do we correct it?)

Closing:

5. Write a reflection in your class notebook about the writing process you will follow when you develop and write your essay tomorrow.