Reminder for Class on W 9/30 and R 10/1

Please bring the rough draft of your Comparison/Contrast Essay with you to class along with your Mosaics textbook. We will be working on revisions throughout the class period, and you will not be able to participate if you do not have your draft!

Week 6 Blog Assignment

For this week's blog post, please read over your Process Analysis Essay with my comments (once I have handed them back to you) and write a paragraph reflecting on how you think you did. Did you meet, exceed, or fall short of your expectations? What were some areas in which you did well? What were some areas where you could improve? What are your goals for the next paper?

*This is not a place for you to vent about your grade. If you have questions/concerns about the grade you received, make an appointment to meet with me to discuss them.

Updated Schedules!

I have updated the schedules for the rest of the semester. If you would like, have a look!

M/W Classes
http://deannadixonsenglish155.blogspot.com/2009/09/finally-mw-tentative-schedule.html

T/R Classes
http://deannadixonsenglish155.blogspot.com/2009/09/finally-tr-tentative-schedule.html

Extra Credit!

For extra credit on the grammar quizzes, please go to the following link to practice with your most commonly misspelled words.

http://www.esldesk.com/spelling/misspelled-words

Go to the dropdown menu where it says "Select List 1-20" and select "Custom." It will then let you choose the words you have the most trouble spelling. When you have finished, click on the "Begin Quiz" tab and you may take a custom-made quiz where you can practice memorizing your own trouble words. Print out your quiz results and bring them to class for extra points on your grammar quizzes.

*Remember, this is for your own benefit. I certainly cannot monitor whether or not you cheat on the quiz. I don't care what percentage you make on the quiz--just that you've spent the time practicing.

Homework for the weekend!

For your homework for this weekend, please read Ch. 12 pgs. 258-267. In addition, decide on a topic for your Comparison and Contrast Essay and begin your prewriting for the paper. Remember some of the techniques that we practiced in class (i.e. brainstorming, listing, freewriting, discussing, etc.) and try one or two of them at home. Also, go ahead and fill out a Comparison and Contrast Web like the one we completed in class for "The Most Dangerous Game." Bring this with you to class on M/T where we will discuss thesis statements, organization, and transitions.

Your final draft will be due on W/R, so make sure that you get a very good start during the weekend.

Comparison and Contrast Essay

For your second paper, you will write a 2 page paper comparing AND contrasting two possible majors that you are/were interested in studying, or you may also do two potential careers. In the body of the paper, you will discuss the similarities and differences between the two, and in the conclusion, you are to determine which one is better for you and say why.

Please follow the same formatting guidelines as the previous paper: 1" margins, double-spaced, heading in the top left-hand corner, and size 12 Times New Roman font.

Next class, we will discuss the thesis statement, organization, and transition words.

The rough draft will be due next Wed/Thurs.

Blog Assignment Week 5 (DUE WED/THURS BEFORE CLASS)

For class on Wednesday 9/23 and Thursday 9/24, please go to the following link and read the short story, "The Most Dangerous Game": http://www.americanliterature.com/Connell/SS/TheMostDangerousGame.html

On your blog, record your impressions of the story, including the major characters with short descriptions, major plot points (what happens in the story), and the themes (main ideas). Make sure that you either write some of them down and bring them to class or are positive you can remember them for our discussion.

Remember, the blog is due by class on Wednesday/Thursday instead of Sunday as usual.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to read the story. It's very interesting, but it could take some time given how fast you read.

Reminder for class on T 9/22 and W 9/23

This is a reminder to bring your final copy of your Process Analysis Essay to class on T 9/22 and W 9/23. Remember that it must include a heading in the top, right-hand corner of the paper with your name, my name, the assignment, and the date. The paper must also be typed, have size 12 Times New Roman font, have 1" margins, and be double-spaced. If you have any questions, email me.

See you in class!

Reminder for class on M 9/21

Don't forget to bring your rough drafts and your Mosaics textbooks with you to class on Monday for the peer review. See you then!

Transitions Words for Process Analysis Essay

Transition Words

(Indicating Time)


After a few hours,
Immediately following,

Afterwards,
Initially,

At last
In the end,

At the same time,
In the future,

Before
In the meantime,

Before this,
In the meanwhile,

Currently,
Last, Last but not least, Lastly,

During
Later,

Eventually,
Meanwhile,

Finally,
Next, Soon after,

First, Second, Third, etc.
Previously,

First of all,
Simultaneously,

Formerly
Subsequently,

Immediately before,
Then,

Blog Assignment Week 4

For this week's blog assignment, please click on the following link and review the handout on writing effective paragraphs:

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/paragraphs.html

When you have finished reading, answer the following questions:

1) Which of the problems discussed on the handout (under the Troubleshooting Paragraphs section) do you have the most trouble with when writing paragraphs?
2)Discuss a way to fix that problem using some of the information you learned from the handout.
3)Give an example from your own Process Analysis Essay of the problem and how you fixed it.

Reading Assignment for T 9/15 & W 9/16

Please read Ch. pgs 61-82.

Blog Assignment Week 3

For this week's blog assignment (due Sun. by midnight), please write a paragraph describing your own personal composing process for academic papers and/or creative writing. The guiding principle of this assignment is to reflect as thoroughly as possible upon your writing process and explain it. This should include whatever you DO when you write, but also whatever you DO when you are composing (i.e. brainstorming, freewriting, thinking of ideas in shower, before bed, writing journal entries, etc). Include everything that may make a difference including using a certain pen to listening to a type of music to writing in a certain spot.

Reading Assignment for R 9/11 and M 9/15

Please read Ch. 11 pgs. 228-232 and Ch. 6 pgs. 52-61.

The Updated M/W Tentative Schedule

Schedule (subject to change)

Week 1
M 8/24
In Class: Introductions, Course Policies and Syllabus, Class blog
Homework: Set up individual blogs at Blogger.com; Post profile

W 8/26
In Class: Grammar Exercise, Diagnostic Paragraph
Homework:

Week 2
Blog Assignment: Write a post giving directions to your house/favorite restaurant/church/ store, etc.

M 8/31
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discussion of Good Communication; Intro. Process/Analysis Essay; Work in pairs drawing and directing (pg. 222)
Homework: Read Ch. 11 222-227

W 9/2
In Class: Grammar Exercise; In-class groupwork (pg. 224); Introduce the Process Analysis Essay
Homework: Read Ch. 5 Preparing to Write; Pick at least two possible topics for the Process Analysis Essay

Week 3
M 9/7
NO CLASS: LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

W 9/9
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discuss Ch. 5 and the Writing Process; Prepare to write Process/Analysis Essay using techniques from Ch. 5 (e.g. brainstorming, freewriting, etc)
Homework: Read Ch. 11 pgs. 228-232 and Ch. 6 pgs. 53-61

Week 4
M 9/14
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Prepare Outlines for Process/Analysis Essay; Discuss Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences
Homework: Read Ch. 6 pgs. 61-82

W 9/16
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discuss writing introductions and conclusions; In-class writing workshop of introduction and conclusion for the Process/Analysis Essay
Homework: Read Ch. 7 pgs. 83-115

Week 5
Blog Assignment: Prepare to Write Comparison/Contrast Essay
M 9/21
Process/Analysis Essay Rough Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discuss revising and editing techniques; Peer Review
Homework: Revise Process/Analysis Essay

W 9/23
Final Draft Process/Analysis Essay Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; In-class writing compare/contrast book scene and movie scene or 2 songs; Intro. Comparison/Contrast Essay (Topic: comp./contrast two fields of study, or two careers you are interested in pursuing)
Homework: Read Ch. 12 pgs. 258-267

Week 6
M 9/28
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Finish PPT on Comparison and Contrast Writing; Work on thesis statements and outlines; In class work—“Discovering How the Essay Works” and “Revising and Editing the Student Essay”
Homework: Work on rough draft of Comparison/Contrast Essay

W 9/30
Comparison/Contrast Essay Rough Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; In-Class Revisions of Comparison/Contrast Essay
Homework: Revise Comparison/Contrast Essay

Week 7
M 10/5
Comparison/Contrast Essay Final Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Intro. Cause/Effect Essay; Analyze pictures to determine possible causes and effects
Homework: Read Ch. Ch. 15 pgs. 357-364

W 10/7
In Class: Grammar Exercise; “What if…” Organizer
Homework: Complete your own “What if…” scenarios and choose one as your topic for the Cause/Effect Essay

Week 8
M 10/12
In Class: Grammar Exercise; TBA
Homework: Work on Rough Draft of Cause/Effect Essay

W 10/14
Cause/Effect Essay Rough Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Peer Review of Cause/Effect Essay
Homework: Revise Cause/Effect Essay

Week 9
M 10/19
Cause/Effect Essay Final Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Career Services Workshop on Resumes and Cover Letters
Homework:

W 10/21
In Class: Timed in-class essay; Introduce Process Speech; Discussion of basic oral communication theory and listening theory; The Six Steps of Speech Preparation
Homework: Decide on a topic for your Process Speech

Week 10
M 10/26
NO CLASS: FALL BREAK

W 10/28
In Class: Library Workshop

Week 11
M 11/2
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Tips on Visual Aids; Types of Supporting Materials; TBA
Homework: TBA

W 11/4
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Gallery Walk
Homework: Finish preparing Process Speech

Week 12
M 11/9
Process Speech Due
In Class: In-class presentations of process speeches
Homework: TBA

W 11/11
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Intro. Informative Speech; see Informative Speech Outline Format
Homework: TBA

Week 13
M 11/16
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Gallery Walk
Homework: Finish preparing Informative Speech

W 11/17
Informative Speech Due
In Class: In-class presentations of informative speeches
Homework:

Week 14
M 11/23
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Introduce Team Presentation Assignment; discussion of problem-solving concepts and team exercises
Homework: TBA

W 11/25
NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 15
M 11/30
In class: Grammar Exercise; Group Work on Team Presentation
Homework: TBA

W 12/2
In class: Grammar Exercise; Group Work on Team Presentation
Homework: TBA

Week 16
M 12/7
In Class: Grammar Test; Group Work on Team Presentation
Final Exam: Team Presentations

The Updated T/R Tentative Schedule

Schedule (subject to change)

Week 1
T 8/25
In Class: Introductions, Course Policies and Syllabus, Class blog
Homework: Set up individual blogs at Blogger.com; Post profile

R 8/27
In Class: Grammar Exercise, Diagnostic Paragraph
Homework:

Week 2
Blog Assignment: Write a post giving directions to your house/favorite restaurant/church/ store, etc.

T 9/1
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discussion of Good Communication; Intro. Process/Analysis Essay; Work in pairs drawing and directing (pg. 222)
Homework: Read Ch. 11 222-227

R 9/3
In Class: Grammar Exercise; In-class groupwork (pg. 224); Introduce the Process Analysis Essay
Homework: Read Ch. 5 Preparing to Write; Pick at least two possible topics for the Process Analysis Essay

Week 3
Blog Assignment: Composing Process
T 9/8
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discuss Ch. 5 and the Writing Process; Prepare to write Process/Analysis Essay using techniques from Ch. 5 (e.g. brainstorming, freewriting, etc)
Homework: Read Ch. 11 pgs. 228-232 and Ch. 6 pgs. 53-61

R 9/10
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Prepare Outlines for Process/Analysis Essay; Discuss Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences
Homework: Read Ch. 6 pgs. 61-82

Week 4
T 9/15
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discuss writing introductions and conclusions; In-class writing workshop of introduction and conclusion for the Process/Analysis Essay
Homework: Read Ch. 7 pgs. 83-115

R 9/17
Process/Analysis Essay Rough Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Discuss revising and editing techniques; Peer Review
Homework: Revise Process/Analysis Essay

Week 5
Blog Assignment: Prepare to Write Comparison/Contrast Essay
T 9/22
Final Draft Process/Analysis Essay Due

R 9/24
In Class: Grammar Exercise; In-class writing compare/contrast book scene and movie scene or 2 songs; Intro. Comparison/Contrast Essay (Topic: comp./contrast two fields of study, or two careers you are interested in pursuing)
Homework: Read Ch. 12 pgs. 258-267

Week 6
T 9/29
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Finish C/C PPT on thesis statements and organization; Prepare outline; In class work—“Discovering How the Essay Works” and “Revising and Editing the Student Essay”
Homework: Work on rough draft of Comparison/Contrast Essay

R 10/1
Comparison/Contrast Essay Rough Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Peer Review of Comparison/Contrast Essay
Homework: Revise Comparison/Contrast Essay

Week 7
T 10/6
Comparison/Contrast Essay Final Draft Due
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Intro. Cause/Effect Essay; Analyze pictures to determine possible causes and effects
Homework: Read Ch. Ch. 15 pgs. 357-364

R 10/8
In Class: Grammar Exercise; “What if…” Organizer
Homework: Complete your own “What if…” scenarios and choose one as your topic for the Cause/Effect Essay

Week 8
T 10/13
In Class: Grammar Exercise; TBA
Homework: Work on Rough Draft of Cause/Effect Essay

R 10/15
In Class: Library Workshop
Homework: Revise Cause/Effect Essay

Week 9
T 10/20
Cause/Effect Essay Final Draft Due
In Class: Career Service Workshop on Resumes and Cover Letters
Homework:

R 10/22
In Class: Timed in-class essay; Introduce Process Speech; Discussion of basic oral communication theory and listening theory; The Six Steps of Speech Preparation
Homework: Decide on a topic for your Process Speech

Week 10
T 10/27
NO CLASS: FALL BREAK

R 10/29
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Tips on Visual Aids; Types of Supporting Materials; TBA
Homework: TBA

Week 11
T 11/3
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Gallery Walk
Homework: Finish preparing Process Speech

R 11/5
Process Speech Due
In Class: In-class presentations of process speeches
Homework: TBA

Week 12
T 11/10
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Intro. Informative Speech; see Informative Speech Outline Format
Homework: TBA

R 11/12
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Gallery Walk
Homework: Finish preparing Informative Speech

Week 13
T 11/17
Informative Speech Due
In Class: In-class presentations of informative speeches
Homework:

R 11/19
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Introduce Team Presentation Assignment; discussion of problem-solving concepts and team exercises

Homework: TBA

Week 14
T 11/24
In Class: Grammar Exercise; Group Work on Team Presentations
Homework: Work on Team Presentation

R 11/26
NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 15
T 12/1
In class: Grammar Exercise; Group Work on Team Presentation
Homework: TBA

R 12/3
In class: Grammar Exercise; Group Work on Team Presentation
Homework: TBA


Final Exam: Team Presentations

Process Analysis Essay Assignment Sheet

What to consider when writing a process analysis essay:
A process analysis paper either tells the reader how to do something (giving directions), such as how to write a research paper or change the oil in your car or how something works or how something happened (giving information).
The explanation starts at the beginning and moves step-by-step, usually in chronological order, to the end result.
Each step, or stage, will have at least one paragraph devoted to it. If the stage is really broad, then 2 paragraphs might be required to develop it.
Once you figure out the major stages in your process, next you will need to sketch out the steps within each stage. These steps are equivalent to the details that make up different kinds of essay paragraphs.
You just have to remember to be very specific, to not omit any essential steps, and to present the steps in sequence.

Your Assignment:
“Think of some advice you would like to give to a friend or classmate—for example, how to survive your first year of college, how to buy a used car, or how to find a good day care for your child” (Mosaics 227).
For your first paper, you will compose a Process Analysis Essay of no shorter than two pages (typed and double-spaced) and no longer than three pages giving directions or information in the form of advice to a friend or classmate on a topic of your choosing.
You are required to use size 12, Times New Roman font and include a heading in the top, left-hand of the paper listing your name, my name, the assignment, and the date.

Guidelines and Reminders:
Be sure to include all steps and arrange them in sequence.
Explain why each step is necessary, and include warnings where appropriate.
Define any terms that your readers may not be familiar with.
Offer clear descriptions of any tools or materials needed to carry out the process.
Provide your readers with a way of determining whether or not the process has been carried out successfully.

Additional sample topics:
How to choose a major, How to housebreak your dog, How to break a bad habit, How to make the perfect brownies
Feel free to pick a topic that is unusual. It will make the essay more interesting to both read and write!


As you write your Process Analysis Essay, consider the following:
What process are you trying to explain? Why is it important?
Who or what does the process affect?
Are there different ways of doing the process? If so, what are they?
Who are the readers? What knowledge do they need to understand this process?
What skills/equipment are needed for this?
How long does the process take? Is the outcome always the same?
How many steps are there in the process?
Why is each step important?
What difficulties are involved in each step? How can they be overcome?
Do any cautions need to be given?
Does the process have definitions that need to be clarified?
Are there other processes that are similar and could help illustrate the process that you are writing about?
If needed, tell what should not be done or why something should be done.
Process papers are often written in the second person (you), but some teacher prefer that you avoid this. Check with your teacher.
Your responses to these questions and statements should enable you to write an effective process essay.




A Sample Process Essay
Kool-Aid, Oh yeah!
It has been said that Kool-Aid makes the world go 'round. Let it be advised, however, that without the proper tools and directions, the great American beverage is nothing more than an envelope of unsweetened powder. There are five simple steps to create this candy-tasting concoction.
Picking the proper packet of flavoring is the first step in making Kool-Aid. Check the grocer's shelf for a wide variety, ranging from Mountain Berry Punch to Tropical Blue Hawaiian. If it is a difficult decision for you, knock yourself out and buy two. The packets usually run under 65 cents.
After choosing the flavor that best suits your taste buds, the second step is making sure that your kitchen houses some necessary equipment for making the Kool-Aid. Find a two-quart pitcher. Plastic is nice, but glass pitchers allow the liquid to shine through and add festive coloration to any refrigerator shelf. Next, find a long-handled wooden spoon, a one-cup measuring cup, a water faucet that spouts drinkable water, usable white sugar, and an ice cube tray full of ice. Then, you are ready to mix.
Third, grab the left edge of the Kool-Aid packet between your thumb and index finger. With your other hand, begin peeling the upper-left corner until the entire top of the envelope is removed. Next, dump the contents of the envelope into the pitcher. Notice how the powder floats before settling on the bottom of the pitcher. Then, take the measuring cup and scoop two cups of sugar into the pitcher as well. At this point, adding the water is a crucial step. Place the pitcher under the water faucet and slowly turn on the cold water. If the water is turned on too quickly, powder will fly all over when the initial gusts of water hit. After the pitcher is filled within two inches of the top, turn the water off and get prepared to stir. With the wooden spoon submersed three-quarters of the way in the liquid, vigorously stir in a clockwise motion until all of the powder is dissolved. Taste it. If the Kool-Aid is not sweet enough, feel free to add more sugar.
Fourth, when you are finished seasoning the Kool-Aid to your liking, rinse off the spoon and the measuring cup. Take a glass from the cupboard. An eight-ounce glass is usually sufficient. But stronger thirsts might prefer a 32-ounce mug. Add ice and then fill the glass with Kool-Aid. Find a comfortable chair, put your feet up, and drink away. After all, Kool-Aid makes the world go 'round.


This handout was written by Heidi Everett and Judith Kilborn, for the Write Place, St. Cloud State University and was revised by Deanna Dixon for Tri-County Technical College.

Reading Assignment for 9/8 & 9/9

Please read Ch. 5 Preparing to Write and come to class with at least two possible topics for the Process Analysis Essay

Blog Assignment Week 2

For the Week 2 blog post, please write a paragraph giving step-by-step directions on how to get to your favorite restaurant, store, church, etc. This should get you thinking about your Process Analysis Essay, which we will discuss Wednesday/Thursday in class.

Reading Assignment for 9/2 & 9/3

For those of you who were able to get a copy of the textbook, please read the beginning of Chapter 11, pgs. 222-227. We will discuss in class on Wednesday/Thursday.