Skip to main content

For Those About to Freak

A note to those of you who are freaking out:

First of all, your reaction to the assignment is a natural, normal, common response. And everyone who has said this somehow manages to pull it together.... That said, STOP FREAKING OUT.

The first thing you need to think of is your first paper. What points did you make in support of your thesis? Those points of support will all be expanded in this second version. As you are reading your sources (that is what you're doing, right?), look for information/ideas/points that support YOUR ideas. As you come to something in a source, highlight it, making a note about where it fits into your argument -- just like you did for paper #1.

As for integrating those points, that's what we discussed on Monday -- using bits and pieces from your sources, and explaining the connection (between your ideas and theirs) for the reader. If the author agrees with you, then you say something like, "Smith agrees" or "According to Smith..." when introducing the information. Then you explain it and cite it. Again, the handout I gave you suggests several different ways to do this.

As for beginning, you start with the file you saved for paper #1. Pull it up on the computer, with your *marked* sources around you, and start integrating them into your original paper. Once you have my comments on paper #1 you'll have more to go on. Right now, you should be reading the sources you have.

Don't freak out. Rough draft is due Friday, final draft Monday.

Popular posts from this blog

Gun Control Debate

In light of recent mass shootings , some have argued that we need stricter laws regarding the sale and ownership of guns and ammunition, while others believe that the current laws are sufficient or too restrictive, some arguing for less regulation.   The debate centers around the second amendment and its interpretation: THE SECOND AMENDMENT A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.   What is your opinion? Consider our discussion of the language of the amendment itself, along with issues such as the assault weapons ban, open carry laws, licensing, and background checks. What amount of "gun control" is necessary, if any, to ensure public safety? You were supposed to bring a relevant article to class on Thursday. In addition, you might also want to look at the following links discussed in class: NRA President Wayne LaPierre's response to the Newtown traged...
Read more

Seniors ~ Three (Small) Writing Assignments

As you work on your memory books this week and next, you should also be working on the end-of-year writing assignments.  I've given you a handout (if you were on class): A letter to your future self -- imagine yourself four years from now...where will you be, and what will you be doing?  Is it what you planned?  What do you hope to remember about NOW?  What's important?  Address your future self in a letter (standard form), and enclose it in a self-address envelope.  I won't read it, but I do need to know you've done it, so don't seal it. A reflective paragraph that will serve as the introduction to your memory book.  What is your overall impression of your high school years?  What do you want to remember most? Finally, write a poem about your senior class.  The form and tone of the poem is up to you: funny, serious or sad; rhyming couplets, ballad, or free verse.  However you write it, though, please take it seriously.  A copy of this poem should go in your memory ...
Read more

Seniors ~ Macbeth Project (Redux)

This is just a reminder that your 250-word papers are due with the projects. This paper is required for all of those students who either completed an art project or participated in a group video. Remember: I'm not grading you on how great an artist you are, or how well you can act. I'm grading on your participation and effort, as well as your attention to detail and focus on Macbeth . The paper is your opportunity to make your case for receiving full marks on the project. As discussed in class, the paper should include the following: If in a video, tell me what you did and why ; what was your process in completing the project? Again, please be specific in detailing your participation, as this is the only way for you to defend your work, other than what I see on the video. If you created a piece of artwork, then tell me why you decided to choose your subject and medium. What guided your vision? What lead to the artistic (and practical) choices you made? Defend your work of...
Read more