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Monday, March 30, 2015

REVIEW


Here are some videos to help you review some of your skills.  They may be a bit rusty.


Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences




How to Write a Thesis Statement






What Not to Do in an Introduction



SHMOOP and It's Amazing Resources


Don't know Shmoop?  Well, let me introduce you.  This website is great not only for English, but also for Math and catching up on literature.  Bookmark this on your computer!  You'll thank me later.  Below are some links from the site I think you'll find helpful.








Monday, March 23, 2015

Get Ready for Long Comp!


MCAS Long Composition is April 2nd!


Brush up on your writing skills using these resources:

If you're having trouble with grammar (run-on sentences, fragments, capitalization, and so on), use these sites to help: 


PARENTS:  Here are some resources to help you identify where your child needs the most assistance and guides you through the steps.

Monday, March 16, 2015

How to Write an Objective Summary


Your homework on Tuesday night is to write an Objective Summary of the events of Chapter 6 in Catching Fire.  Here is the information from the PowerPoint I showed you on Tuesday in class.


If this isn't doing it for your, here's a YouTube video that may help:
Objective Summary Video


Definitions

Summary: brief retelling of the main ideasžž
Objective: not influenced by feelings or opinions

žžObjective Summary: the main points of a story without your feelings or interpretation.  


Why?

It gives important information in a short amount of time.
        It’s a quick way to pass on information
It shows you have a DEEP understanding of the text.
žIt can help set up an argument or point you’re trying to make

What goes into the summary?

žUse just the facts, man.
     Main ideas
     Main characters
     Setting
     Important plot points: Conflict!


What stays out?

Your interpretation of what happened
Your opinions
žYour feelings





Saturday, March 14, 2015

A notice to all Parents

To All Parents and Guardians:

Please note that my night back, the night that I am available to all students for extra help, test make-ups, or clarifications, is Monday.  However, I will make myself available any night during the week in order to accommodate all students. Please feel free to contact me through the guidance office if you have any questions or concerns.

Best,

Mrs. Smith

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Revised Statement!



Let me begin by saying, I had all intentions of keeping to the previous schedule.  However, there are times that it becomes abundantly clear that you need to revise and move forward. During Thursday and Friday classes, we will NOT be rewriting.  We will be working on silent, close reading.



UPDATE!  We are currently working on a practice Long Composition test.  Monday was our pre-writing session and Tuesday and Wednesday are dedicated to making our five paragraphs happen on our final draft paper.  This task is all about discipline, time management, and focus.  Please make sure you're putting in the effort in the room to make this a successful exercise.



My night back is Monday, but I'm happy to make myself available to you on any other night.



HOMEWORK: Wordly Wise Lesson 8 A-D are due WEDNESDAY!!

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Long Comp Practice


We are working on our first rough draft for the Long Composition.  Make sure you have yours finished by FRIDAY March 6, 2015.  We'll be moving on to the next prompt on MONDAY!  

Next Thursday and Friday we will be choosing one of the two prompts that you would like to turn into your final draft.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Writing Your Long Composition

LONG COMPOSITION PROMPT
Imagine that for one day you could trade places with anyone you choose. The person could be real or imaginary, from the past or from the present. In a well-developed composition, identify the person you would want to trade places with, explain why you would like to trade places with this person, and describe how your day would be different as this person.

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN
WRITING YOUR ESSAY


HOOK – Get your reader interested in what you have to say.  Expand the moment.  Become that person for 60 seconds and tell your reader everything about it.

INTRODUCTION – Tell your reader who it is you’re going to be.  Give background information to help them understand who this person is.

BODY PARAGRAPH – Tell your reader WHY you want to be this person.  What’s so great about him or her?

BODY PARAGRAPHS – What is it you’ll be doing all day?  How is this different from what you do already?  TELL A STORY!

CONCLUSION – Come to a natural ending.  NEVER say “This was my story about…” NEVER EVER EVER!!!  DO remind your reader of the highlights of your story.  DO remind your reader about why this person is great.

THINGS TO PAY ATTENTION TO:
1. Audience – your audience is a bunch of older teachers.

2. Voice – These teachers want to hear your personality come through.

3. Creativity – These teachers don’t want to be bored.  Entertain them using creativity.