Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Class Work

1. Let's look at the homework. What topics are of interest: at school, in the neighborhood, in the valley, in the state, across the nation, around the world? At your table, create a list of at least five for each of the categories listed. Check the magazines. What are the "big" topics?

2. Did you find a topic of interest to you? Why did you select that topic? Why is it important? What do you hope to change?

3.  Look for a topic - see pp. 206-207 in Write Now. Select a topic to support or refute. Complete the "Ask Question & Make Decisions" questions with your topic in mind.
4. This was the homework: #1 Read the editorials for at least two days. Make a list of the topics of interest. Select one letter and discuss its success or failure to convince. What topic did you select? Why?#2. Complete this question as written in the book. What was your favorite t-shirt, bumper sticker, or billboard "argument?" What made it effective?#3. Instead of writing a paragraph, make a +/- list. What are the arguments for your selected topic? What are the arguments against your selected topic? Take out your +/- list and share it with your group. #4 Complete #4 as written in the book. What did you find? What arguments are effective?

Let's discuss.

5. Let's take a look at "Let's Talk About Sex" by Anna Quindlen. 9Write Now, pp. 203-205
Look for: claims, reasons, and evidence. (See p. 202 in Write Now.) Is the topic arguable? Are there two sides? What is Quindlen's main point? Where is it stated?

6. How did Quindlen handle opposing points of view? Is she likely to convince the opposition? Explain.

7. Visual arguments - what do you see? p. 211

8. Group Activity: p. 212 - #2. Convince us. Select one of the broad topics listed or select an agreed up topic for your group. Develop a claim. What evidence is available? (Search the Internet. Search the sources available in My Comp Lab. Search what is available in the library resources. You may NOT include Wikipedia as a source.) Is there enough information?

Homework
1. Follow the guidelines on pp. 213-214 to help you study your topic. Your job is to become an instant expert on the topic of your choice. You must have at least five good sources. You need to identify the opposition and know what they believe and know.

2. Determine if you will be writing for a friendly or hostile audience. Write a paragraph describing that audience. How old are they? What is their experience with the topic? Why do they need your information? What do they know about your topic already? Is age a factor? What do they need to know to be convinced?

3. Read the student sample on pp. 216-129. Look for claims, reasons, and evidenc. Make a list of each.