river oaks [english]

Your next in-class essay is on an issue related to the presidential campaign.  Your task is to pick one issue that will (or would) influence you the most in your decision, and to look at what the candidates have to say.   PRINT out a copy of each candidate's position from their websites: John McCain Barack Obama Bring your printouts (and a highlighter) to school tomorrow, and we'll discuss.  To help you decide which issues are most important to you, try filling out one of the following  "candidate calculators": VAJoe -- allows you to research the pro/con positions Vote Help -- will also tell you how the candidates voted (with sources) Candidate Quiz from WQAD -- again, provides the candidate's positions Remember too that the first in a series of debates is on Friday night.  I'll tape it, and we'll watch it in class next week.

Your next paper, the Solutions to your Problem , requires that you evaluate at least two solutions using a set of at least two criteria.  Note that criteria are the basis for your comparison. STEP ONE Write a memo detailing the following: Your solutions -- brief description of each Your criteria -- explanation of your basis for comparison Due ~ Wednesday, 9/24 STEP TWO Write a three-five page essay, using the following as your outline: I. Introduction -- Restate Problem, and introduce Solutions and Criteria II. Solutions (define each of your solutions) A. Solution One -- define with statistics, examples, etc. B. Solution Two -- define with statistics, examples, etc. III. Evaluation A. Evaluation based on Criterion One -- explain why it's a good basis for comparison, then evaluate specifics of your solutions B. Evaluation based on Criterion Two -- explain why it's a good basis for comparison, then evaluate specifics of your solutions IV. Conclusion -- State your conclusion bas...

We will have a QUIZ on "The Prologue" Monday (9/22) This is also when you will be asked to recite (or write) the first eighteen lines of "The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales " in Middle English. For those interested, here's an example of what it sounds like (with music). And, as promised, Dr. Enelow's rap from Head-Royce School in Berkeley, CA. And here's Harvard University's site on Chaucer and the Tales, for those who are interested.

Yes, I know, some of you are sick of politics already. However, the election's not until November! We are taking a bit of a break next week, but we'll come back to it again and again until the election. It's important for you to have specifics when arguing for or against one of the candidates, and that's why we are spending time on this subject. In a larger sense, we are studying persuasive rhetoric -- making an argument, persuading a specific audience, achieving some particular purpose. This will help you prepare for the ACT, the AP test, and college writing in general. Because I've used these sites several times in class, I thought I'd provide links for you to access from home: FactCheck Politifact Gallup So far, we've written (1) a paper comparing the two VP acceptance speeches, and tomorrow we'll write (2) an essay criticizing one of the speeches from the presidential candidates. Next, we'll write (3) an essay outlining one candidate's ...

OVERVIEW Write a two-three page definition and discussion of a specific problem in your chosen field of interest. The problem you discuss here will form the basis for your analysis in Paper #3. Problems can be “academic” or “work-related.” Remember that when I say "problem" I'm referring to problems you will face (and solve) as a professional in your field. The paper must cite at least three credible sources. Format according to MLA. PROCESS (1) Investigate possible “problems” utilizing the following types of sources: Interview –ask a professional Online Resources INFOTRAC @ River Oaks (password = river) Ouachita Public Library Highwire Press @ Stanford University Find Articles from LookSmart (2) Propose a topic via MEMO . Your memo should include a statement of purpose and show an awareness of audience. The memo's body should include at least two 100-word paragraphs -- one on your problem, and one on your research to date Heading should be double-spaced (To, From,...

Your Interview Letter is due NOW. Use the "full block" format discussed in class (as seen on your handout -- ask if you need another or check here for examples ). Please include the following in your letter: Paragraph #1 - Your interview subject's name and credentials, and the time and location of the interview Paragraph #2 - A summary of the relevant information from your interview -- i.e. info not found in your other sources, advice, personal experience, etc. Paragraph #3 - An assessment of the interview -- how useful the interview was, whether or not you "opened a door," etc. Also, don't forget about the thank you note , which should also use full block format, and which should be addressed to your interview subject. Make your thank you short and specific.