Tuesday, October 3rd

Descriptive "place" paragraphs are due today.

We have also started on the techniques of narrative writing reading the chapter on Narrative Writing in College Writers book.

For today, we are going to look at a professional example of narrative writing.

1. You need to read "Revolt of Mother". 

http://wilkinsfreeman.info/Short/RevoltOfMotherNEN.htm 

2. In your notes, as you read, take notes on Freeman's use of narrative techniques and descriptive techniques. Be ready to discuss these on Thursday- Socratic seminar. 

3. Also answer the following questions in your notes:

- what do you think is Freeman's prevalent message that she is trying to make in "Revolt"?

- what are some of the narrative methods that Freeman employs to present this method?

- how do the narrative methods enhance Freeman's message?
-  how does "Revolt" function as a narrative? Ultimate purpose of telling this story?

Thursday, September 28th

SENIOR PICTURES ARE ON FRIDAY... TOMORROW... DURING CLASS..  THEY ARE ALSO TAKING FULL BODY PICTURES... SO BE PREPARED.

1. With a partner, you will be looking over your 6 sentences identifying the techniques of descriptive writing.. When each technique has been identified, return to your classmate and turn in to Mrs. Cole

2. From your writing sample describing a certain locale... label your writing techniques utilized in your sample...  Proper names... figurative language... tone.. etc. Use the descriptive notes to aid this process.

When you are done labeling, create a "final draft" piece adding, editing, etc. your original draft. Then, write a quick paragraph reflecting upon what might be added to make it a stronger piece of descriptive writing. What is your strongest display of descriptive writing?  This can all be handwritten on the original document.- Turn in to Mrs. Cole.

For Friday:
1. Read pages 347-357 in A Reader for College Writers. Take effective notes. 

September 26th

REMEMBER SENIOR PICTURES ARE ON FRIDAY! 

1. Quiz today over the Descriptive Reading chapter.

2.  From your 6 original sentences (Fall, Royals, etc.) where you emphasized effective verb usage/ active voice, you will be running through the 4 remaining descriptive writing techniques with the original sentence... obviously, your sentences will be getting longer... possibly migrating to two sentences. Please don't forget effective/correct punctuation as you add description.

2. Once you have finished the last sentence, adding in the last technique, you will need to assess if you are writing with an objective tone or subject tone. If you feel your tone is subjective, you will need to rewrite the final product sentence to reflect an objective tone. If you feel the tone is objective, you will rewrite the final product to reflect a subjective tone.

Your final product will include:

• The initial sentence written in active voice.
• The second sentence adding in the remaining techniques.
• The third sentence switching its tone from objective to subjective or vice versa

Monday, September 25th

1. The sub will hand out copies of today's reading. You will need to return these at the end of the class period. Read- Pages 291-294, 295-298. Take effective notes. YOU MAY HAVE A QUIZ on this reading on Tuesday!

2. Read two examples of descriptive writing on pages 300 and 301… pay specific attention to the comments in the margins, as they are highlighting the specific techniques you have just learned.

3. After noting the techniques, reading examples of effective usage of these techniques, here is your chance to practice. Bring your writing sample to class on Tuesday.

Describe the inside of your car, your bedroom, your family’s kitchen, or any other room in which you spend a great deal of time. Appeal to the senses, use active verbs, and use simile.  

September 22nd

You may use all of your Active/Passive Voice Notes for the following assignment. I actually encourage you to do so.

1.  Read through the following handout on general writing tips... dealing primarily with active voice. Clear and Concise Sentences Handout

2. Open the following document: Active-Passive Voice Assignment

Please work through the following sentences. Please write your edits on your own paper. You will turn these in at the end of the hour to the substitute.

September 19th

1. Review your notes on Active versus Passive (voice) construction.

Remember:
           a. Basic English Syntax falls into the pattern, Subject  + Predicate  + Object.
           b. Active voice constitutes the subject instituting the action of the predicate.
           c.  Passive voice constitutes the subject of the sentence receiving the action of the predicate.
           d. If you can add "by zombies" at the end of a sentence AND it makes sense... passive voice.
           e. There are distinct occurrences when passive voice is preferred:
                                                        When to use Active Voice... When to use Passive Voice
           f. If you noticed in the above link, ACTIVE voice is necessary in academic papers.
              We are looking to be able to have control over WHEN to use each type of voice.

2. Once you have reviewed the notes, you will need to take the following online quiz:

Active V. Passive Voice Quiz

You will see that it is a self-monitoring and self-checking quiz. Please try to rewrite the sentence FIRST. Then check if your response was on target. If you achieve the MAIN construction of the sentence, count it a win. There will be some superfluous words that may be in a different order. Keep track of the questions you get right, THE FIRST TIME. When you are done, send me an email with the amount you got correct out of 10. Do this before class on Thursday.

3. Due by the end of class today...

You will be writing a ONE sentence description of the following words. You will be focusing upon your use of ACTIVE VERBS with each sentence. ACTIVE VERBS.

- School
- Family
- Fall
- College
- Royals (baseball or English.. you choose)
- Friends

REMINDER: We will be meeting in the Lecture Hall on Thursday for Guidance presentations.

September 18th

We are going to start the world of writing excellence with an introduction/review of ACTIVE VOICE...

We will be working through the following links... please take thorough notes!!

The links are located under "Descriptive Writing".

1. Start by taking the active v. passive voice quiz located here: Active Voice Passive Voice Quiz
2. Next, review the two large lists of active verbs. (Under descriptive writing links)
3. Read and take notes on the getting rid of state of being verbs link. (Under descriptive writing links)
4. Read and take notes on active versus passive voice link. (Under descriptive writing links)