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Homework

Seniors
Today we wrote the initial draft of the Problem paper in class. Hopefully, that made it clear what exactly you need to know and will give you a more specific focus for your research. Bring all research that you find to class every day, and feel free to check the quality of those sources with me. Generally speaking, you want to find sources written by professionals in the field, those who are qualified through degrees and licensure to have informed opinions. Remember that part of the ongoing assignment is to establish the credibility of your sources through an annotated bibliography.

You will ALL write the "This I Believe" essay in class on Friday. The assignment, as outlined on the site, follows: 
  • Tell a story: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching—it can even be funny—but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs. 
  • Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words. That’s about three minutes when read aloud at your natural pace. 
  • Name your belief: If you can’t name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on one core belief, because three minutes is a very short time. 
  • Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us what you do believe, not what you don’t believe. Avoid speaking in the editorial “we.” Make your essay about you; speak in the first person. 
  • Be personal: Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone, and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.

Sophomores
Read "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," and answer #1-5 on p98. Your EXAM on Historical Narratives is on Monday, September 10th. We will review Friday in class.

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