Expository Writing 4/8 – 4/12

 

Monday

 

1. Journal: 10 minute open write.

2. Language of the Day #33: Vocabulary – Special note: begin inserting new notes into your notes according to your categories; make new categories as needed.
3. Portfolio Workshop: First Nine Weeks Review
    a. Your task is to write an informal but polished review of what you individually have learned or improved upon in our class.

    b. You will PW, OL, Draft, Revise, and Edit this on your own.  PW now by simply organizing and browsing through your portfolio.

    c. Write a short (4 to 6 paragraph) narrative of how you’ve grown as a writer in this class.  This should include three different skills you have learned about and tried, improved upon, or mastered.  To support yourself, use examples from your portfolio – if you want an A or a B, you’ll have to quote your own writing to prove your point.  Of course, your narrative should also include a good intro and conclusion.  Good luck and can use the scoring guide at this LINK to guide you.

    d. Keep in mind that I already know much of what you’ve improved upon or didn’t.

    e. Final copy due next Monday, but the prewriting, outlining, and rough draft should be in the front of your portfolio throughout the portfolio checks this week, starting tomorrow.

4. Begin Portfolio checks.

5. Reminders:

    a. Read Classification Essay chapter 9 by tomorrow.

    b. Your grammar classification and reorganization of notes should be in your portfolio.

 

Tuesday

 

1. Journal: Do you categorize or classify things in your everyday life?  Like what?  Why do you do this? What advantages does it have?  What limitations does it bring?  (For example, I am able to categorize my 3000+ mp3s in any way I wish: rock, classic rock, metal, alternative, alternative rock, pop, ambient, and so on.  I love to do this for a variety of reasons . . .)  On the other hand, if you don’t categorize or classify things much, why don’t you? Do you see some advantages in classifying things?  What advantages have you found in not classifying things much?  Either way, conclude by stating why it is considered such a crucial skill in today’s world.

2. Language of the Day #34: Vocabulary
3. Writer Workshop: Prewriting the Classification Essay
    a. Discuss journal: what are some things you classify?  How do you classify them?

    b. Practice categorizing and classifying.

       1) Choose a topic to classify.

            a) This is the thing you will break into classifications or types; can be done by fact or opinion – as always, opinion is more fun.

            b) Brainstorm a few possibilities right now: Cool classes to take – creative, analytical, affective OR relaxed, fun, easy OR boring, somewhat interesting, exciting.  Now, you do one.

       2) Prewriting: Finding a way to break it down in to classifications.

            a) Read Prewriting Strategy: Find a Single Organizing Principle, pp. 139-140.

            b) Mimic the process described for your own topic or two.  Focus on trying to find unique or unusual classifications.

            c) This prewriting activity is due tomorrow.

4. Portfolio checks throughout the period – draft of First Nine Weeks Review and Grammar Note Organization are featured.

5. Reminder: First Nine Weeks Review Essay due next Monday.

 

Wednesday

 

End Third Nine Weeks

 

1. Journal: Consider the general category: types of dates.  Whip up some classifications and describe each.  If dates aren’t your thing, feel free to change the topic – but date classifications can be pretty funny even if you are making them up!
2. Language of the Day #35: Vocabulary
3. Writer Workshop: Understanding the Classification Essay
    a. Read or review the Student Model, pp. 133-135.

    b. Complete Activity 1: Analyze the Model, q’s 1-5, p. 136 – turn in when done.

    c. Review Guidelines for a Successful Classification Essay, pp. 136-138.

    d. Now, use your prewriting to focus and begin developing your essay.  You are required to submit an informal outline sometime during the next two days as you begin to create your rough draft.

    e. Try to finish outline and begin draft today.

4. Portfolio checks throughout the period – draft of First Nine Weeks Review and Grammar Note Organization are featured.

5. Reminder: First Nine Weeks Review Essay due next Monday.

 

Thursday

 

1. Journal: none
2. Language of the Day #36: Vocabulary
3. Writer Workshop
    a. Finish OL of Classification Essay and have checked.

    b. Work on RD of Classification Essay: finish at least the introduction.

4. Reminder: First Nine Weeks Review Essay due next Monday.  We are working on the Classification Essay in class so this is your only homework.

 

Friday

 

1. Journal: Describe the different types of friends and acquaintances you have.

2. Language of the Day #37: Vocabulary

3. Writer Workshop
    a. Possible Workshop grade today.

    b. Read the sample introduction based on book’s prewriting example. (141)

    c. Check first to make sure your introduction has its thesis at the end of the intro, just like the one in the book: “As I look back on my childhood, the three that particularly had those qualities were my dog Papilion, my cat Funny Face, and my parakeet Chirpy.”

    d. Then check to make sure you intro and/or thesis has a single organizing principle.  For example, the book’s sample has as its organizing principle that “the best animals are those that can be kept inside as pets, especially those that provide company and don’t require much care.”

    e. Once you are sure you have those two concepts in your intro, write your RD.   Finish today or for Monday.

4. Reminder: First Nine Weeks Review Essay due Monday.