ATOTC: Ch. 20-24 Analysis Post

Try to teach us SOMETHING.

ATOTC: Part 2, Ch. 10-16 Response

Blog Post Advice

1. "Periods go inside closing quotation marks." "They go AFTER parenthetical citations" (22).
2. Analyze, don't summarize. Try to teach us something about the text.
3. You must look closely at the text. Use the text to support your arguments.
4. Avoid this wording: "On page 19, it says..." What is "it"? Don't word sentences like this.
5. Check spelling!
6. Top Ten rules apply.

Make these posts thoughtful in both content and wording!

ATOTC: Part 2, Chapters 1-6

Remember: you are NOT summarizing! You are ANALYZING an element of your reading so that we can think about the text in new and interesting ways. Push us! Draw some conclusions!

A Tale of Two Cities: Post 1

A few reminders:

1.) Analyze, not summarize. You must have something to say! Make a point--stick your neck out! Say something new and original...
2.) Develop develop develop. I am looking for depth in one topic, not breadth, so don't try to discuss everything--go into depth about one thing and explore it as fully as you can!
3.) Where appropriate, respond to and build on your classmates' postings. Your posting should not occur in isolation--this forum is meant to facilitate discussion outside of the classroom, so be sure to read the entries posted before yours and check the discussion board before class to read the entries posted after yours.
4.) Proofread your posting before you post it--I will be grading diction, syntax, and grammatical elements the same way I do papers. The tone can be conversational, but that doesn't mean that the writing can be sloppy.
5.) Include at least direct quotation from the text to support your argument. Don't forget to cite.
6.) Minimum length (unless otherwise noted): at least 8 well-developed sentences.

TEACH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE TOPIC! HAVE FUN WITH THIS! Practice analyzing.

Remind you of anything you have read?

Check out this review of a new memoir :)

Subculture Proposal

This post should be at least one significant paragraph in length. It should include, at the very least, the following information:

1. A brief description of the subculture.

2. A brief rationale for why you are choosing this subculture. Why is it interesting to you?

3. Details regarding when, where, how often, and for how long this subculture meets. You also need to state exactly when (dates and times) you plan on observing this group.

4. Reassurance that you have received your parents' permission to observe this group. If your observation of the subculture will be conspicuous, you also need permission from at least one member of the subculture.

5. Questions you have about the subculture that you will attempt to answer. You should aim to have at least 7 insightful, thoughtful questions.

This assignment will be due Monday. It will be worth 20 points. 10 points will be awarded if all of the above information is provided thoroughly and thoughtfully. 10 points will be awarded for how well it is written (accurate diction, clear and concise writing, correct grammar, attention to top ten items, etc.).

List of 10 Possible Subculture Subjects

A few suggestions...

1. The more specific and regimented and personalized the subculture, the better. The more material your observations garner, the better.

2. Read over the lists of your classmates. Choose subjects they haven't come up with. Be original.

3. Choose subcultures you genuinely want to learn about. Your interest will come through in your writing.

This post is due by the beginning of class on Day 3 this week.

John Grisham on Writing

In today's NYTimes, John Grisham reflects back on the jobs that preceded his fame as an author. I found the entire OpEd interesting, but I especially appreciated his closing paragraph:

I had never worked so hard in my life, nor imagined that writing could be such an effort. It was more difficult than laying asphalt, and at times more frustrating than selling underwear. But it paid off. Eventually, I was able to leave the law and quit politics. Writing’s still the most difficult job I’ve ever had — but it’s worth it.

To check out the entire essay, go here.

Object Poems

Post your descriptions of an object poems as a comment to this post.

Remember that poetry is both auditory and visual--make sure your poem both sounds and looks exactly as you want it to before you publish your comment. Structure matters.

Do not reveal your object in your comment (keep it a secret!)

Posts due by the beginning of class. They are time marked on the blog, so make sure you get it up BEFORE the class bell rings!

Poems on Places

Post a poem about a place that you found (know?) and LIKE. After you have copied the poem into the comment box, write "DI=" and state the dominant impression of the place as suggested by the diction and tone of the poem.

Posts due by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday for A period, 7:30 a.m. on Thursday for C period.

Successful posting of poem and DI by deadline will earn you 10/10 points. Late posts will earn 8/10 points.

6 word memoir

Ernest Hemingway deemed the following his greatest work: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." This "6 word story" form has become very popular as of late, for like Twitter, it challenges writers to say a lot but in a concise way.

For your first response, I would like for you to describe yourself in a 6 word statement. I know there will be much more I need to learn about you as the year progresses, but this will serve as our foundation!

For more on 6 word memoirs, check out this book and this NYTimes article.