Essay Minimum Requirements - MLA Format
- Double Spaced
- 12 point Times Roman
- 1.5 pages
- Attention grabbing title specific to the paper
- Grade level punctuation (capitals, end punctuation, spacing, apostrophes, ietc.)
- Grade level grammar and spelling (no run-on sentences, no fragments, accurate word choice, pronoun consistency, verb tense consistency)
- Strong introductory paragraph with a hook that makes the reader want more
- Strong concluding paragraph that synthesizes the information in the essay and leaves the reader with a "so what
#7 Essay (Argument) Due 2/8/2013 Frontload: Argument Lexicon Rhetoric (n): the art of discourse; exaggeration, bombast, effective language (Aristotle--the available means of persuasion; Plato-- Persuasive Appeals: ethos, pathos, logos Explicit/Implicit Primary/secondary sources Cite/Citation/Attributive Tag Works Cited Page Brainstorm Controversial Topics that can be argued logically (avoid emotional appeals)
Assignment: Write a 6-part (paragraph) Argument essay on a controversial issue on which you do not yet have a bias. Look for reliable, valid, credible sources, read, research,, and take a stand on one side of the issue or the other. Support your stance with evidence from your research (three reasons, each reason backed with three evidences). Needs to also include a MLA Works Cited page with three credible sources, and three in-text citations (one from each source) in their paper.
Common Core Objectives in Essay #7: - Reading ELA 9.1 Cite (strong and thorough) textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says (explicitly and implicitly, through inference, in the text)
- Reading ELA 9.2 Provide an objective summary of the text.
- Reading ELA 9.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text.
- Reading ELA 9.6 Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
- Reading ELA 9.8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text.
- Reading ELA 9.8 Assess whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient
- Reading ELA 9.8 Identify false statements and fallacious reasoning
- Writing ELA 9.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- Writing ELA 9.2 Write informative/explanatory text to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- Writing ELA 9.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- Writing ELA 9.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
- Writing ELA 9.5 Focus on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
- Writing ELA 9.5 Edit for conventions. Should demonstrate command of 9th grade language standards
- Writing ELA 9.7 Conduct short and sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem.
- Writing ELA 9.7 Narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate.
- Writing ELA 9.7 Synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- Writing ELA 9.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively.
- Writing ELA 9.8 Assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
- Writing ELA 9.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- Writing ELA 9.10 Write routinely over extended time frame (time for research, reflection, and revision).
- Literacy Conventions 9.2a Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- Literacy Conventions 9.2c Spell correctly.
- Literacy Conventions 9.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts.
- Literacy Conventions 9.3a Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA Handbook, Turabian’s Manual for Writers) appropriate for the discipline and writing type.
Objectives/I Can: I know the difference between a primary and secondary source. I can identify reliable/credible sources that have evidences for a given side of a controversial issue. I can use in-text attributive tags (citations) that give credit to the appropriate source (author/speaker). I can write a thesis statement (with three reasons and three evidences for each reason) that clearly identifies/supports my position on the topic. I can write an intro to the argument that gets the reader's attention (a hook) I can expand an evidence (reason) into a well-developed paragraph with at least three supports (details/examples) I can write a well-developed concession (counter-claim) I can write a concluding paragraph using analysis, text-to-self connections, synthesizing information; identifying the "so what" of an argument
I can write an effective, grade-level, 6-part Argument essay following MLA format
I can make a Works Cited page with a minimum of 3 credible sources, cited in MLA format.
Format/Organization Paragraph #1) Claim/Thesis Statement with three reasons why my position is "correct" and an attention-getting hook Paragraph #2) Develop evidence #1 using a minimum of three details/examples/evidences Paragraph #3) Develop evidence #2 using a minimum of three details/examples/evidences Paragraph #4) Develop evidence #3 using a minimum of three details/examples/evidences Paragraph #5) Concession/Counter-claim (the other side of the issue) Paragraph #6) Conclusion--use analysis, connections, restate, share opinion, identify the "so what" of the essay MLA formatted Works Cited page with three credible sources
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#6 Essay due 1/20/13 Topic: Any. Can be based on your life, someone you know, or a character in a book Prewrite: Assignment: Creative writing assignment using 8th grade prefix words (brainstormed words in class) in context (so I can tell you know what they mean) in a flashback or flash forward (fiction or nonfiction). There must be some dialogue. No required length, but will need to be a minimum of 1.5 pages to plug in the prefix words adequately.
Objectives/I Can: Demonstrate knowledge of 8th grade prefixes by using prefix words in an flashback or flash forward essay Write with powerful, appropriate words Demonstrate unique ideas in creative writing
Use dialogue conventions correctly in creative writing
8th Grade Prefixes anti--against com--together con--together dis--apart from; away inter--between intr--into; inward non--not pro--forward super--over, more trans--across, beyond
#5 Essay Due 1/8/2013
Assignment: Compare and contrast The Christmas Box novel with the movie in an in-class 5-part essay.
Objectives/I Can: Use a prewrite (Plot Graph and Venn diagram) to respond thoughtfully and competently to literature in a grade-level, in-class 5-part essay comparing/contrasting literature with media. Use words that signal to the reader that the internal structure of your essay is compare and contrast. Effectively define, identify, and explore the theme of a specific text in an essay.
Format/Outline Part/Paragraph #1) Intro including hook, title, author, theme Part/Paragraph #2) About the book Part/Paragraph #3) how the book and the move are similar Part/Paragraph #4) how the book and the movie are different Part/Paragraph #5) well-developed conclusion using elements such as reiteration, analysis, so-what?, text-to-self, opinion (mandatory)
Signal Words alike also equally however
just as in a like manner in comparison in contrast likewise similarly too
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#4 Essay Due 11/12/12 Assignment: Final for The Cheat. Options include: #1 Write an alternative ending for the novel #2 Take a stand on cheating and write a six paragraph persuasive essays arguing why is is, or is not acceptable.
Objectives/I Can: Respond thoughtfully to literature in grade-level writing. #3 Essay Due 11/12/12 Persuasion
Noun The action or fact of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something: to prevail on (a person) to so something by advising or urging
"In a persuasive essay, you pick one side of an argument and argue it with a goal of trying to convince others to agree. In a personal opinion essay, you state your opinion and use evidence/examples to show why it is your opinion, but your goal is not to convince others." http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=324466
- Persuasion is symbolic, utilizing words, images, sounds, etc
- It involves a deliberate attempt to influence others
Topic: Controversial issue that has at least two perspectives (it can be an ethical dilemma) Prewrite: Write a claim with three evidences (all in one concise, coherent sentence); outline a 6-paragraph essay Assignment: Write a 1.5 page, 6-part persuasive essay, meeting minimum criteria, on a controversial topic Objectives/I Can: Recognize both sides of an issue by seeing it in terms of a "spectrum" of thought vs. opposing dichotomies (either/or). Write a concise, coherent claim with three evidences Expand an evidence (reason) into a well-developed paragraph with at least three supports (details/examples)
Write a well-developed concession (counter-claim) Write a concluding paragraph using analysis, text-to-self connections, synthesizing information; identifying the "so what" of an argument
Write an effective, grade-level, 6-part persuasive essay following MLA format
Paragraph #1) Claim/Thesis Statement with three evidences (reasons)--all in one coherent sentence. Paragraph #2) Develop evidence #1 using a minimum of three details/examples Paragraph #3) Develop evidence #2 using a minimum of three details/examples Paragraph #4) Develop evidence #3 using a minimum of three details/examples Paragraph #5 Concession/Counter-claim (the other side of the issue) Paragraph #6) Conclusion--use analysis, connections, restate, share opinion, identify the "so what" of the essay
Persuasion Topics - Becoming a vegetarian makes for a healthier lifestyle.
- Lying is a natural and necessary part of good relationships.
- Everyone should live in the spirit of Carpe diem! (Seize the day!)
- Plan for the future.
- Don't eat fast food!
- Be yourself! (Leadership rather than following others)Parent teacher conferences should be mandatory.
- Minimum wage should be raised.
- Luck is not a matter of chance
- Women can do anything men do and they can do it better! Athletes should be good role models
- Winning isn't everything but it sure beats losing.
- All is fair in love and war.
- Teachers deserve pay raises
- Students with "A's" should be exempt from finals.
- Everyone should own a pet
- Walmart is the best place to shop
- Use credit cards responsibly.
- Everyone should take a self defense class.
- Parents should take an active role in their children's education.
- Healthy people should become organ donors.
- Elvis is alive.
- Michael Jackson was abducted by aliens
- Home schooling is the best education program
- Private schools are better than public schools
- Donate to charity
- Satellite is better than cable
- McDonalds is better than Burger King.
- Buying is better than renting.
- Renting is better than buying.
- Recycle
- Don't procrastinate.
- Celebrities receive preferential legal treatment.
- Reality TV is not "real"
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#2 Essay Due 9/19/12 Topic: detail a search for something positive (something beautiful, courageous, fun, interesting, attractive, breathtaking, incredible, loving,, etc.). Prewrite: read the book Something Beautiful (in-class power point). Assignment: Write a 1.5 page essay meeting minimum criteria on the different definitions of the traits above. Minimum of at least three perspectives (three interviews) and three examples for each of the three perspectives (minimum five paragraphs). Objectives/I CANs: Recognize we see the world differently--even commonly defined terms. Reflect on what is valuable to you, and what is not. Organize a 5-paragraph essay (three traits sandwiched between a solid intro and solid conclusion). Show competency on Google Docs, write/submit grade level narrative paper on time, in MLA format.
Paragraph #1) Introduction Paragraph #2) Define trait and give three examples Paragraph #3) Define the same trait from a different perspective and give three examples Paragraph #4) Define the same trait from a third perspective and give three examples Paragraph #5 Conclusion
#1 Essay
Due 9/07/12 Topic: All About You Prewrite: Bio-Poem--format from power point slide (ask another student if you missed it). Need to complete even if late. Assignment: Write a 1.5 page narrative paper with a clear beginning, middle and end Objectives/ I CANs - Write from first person perspective narrative
- Show competency on Google Drive (Docs)
- Demonstrate knowledge of MLA format (external features)
- Write in complete sentences (capitals, end-punctuation, subject, verb, complete thought)
- Can proof read an essay
- Organize (internal structure) an essay with a clear beginning, middle and end
- Get a parent and peer review/response comment on Google Drive (with a minimum of one positive comment and one suggestion)
MLA Format on the left corner: Student Name Teacher Name Class, period, name of assignment Due date
A strong conclusion includes: 1) the importance of the topic/opinion 2) a sense of completeness 3) a powerful final impression
Conclusion suggestions: 1) Answer the question "so what?" (why is the paper useful/meaningful) 2) Synthesize as you summarize (don't just repeat the main points. Show how the points you made were not random, but that they fit together) 3) Give your readers something to think about. If the intro was general and then you got specific, do the opposite in the conclusion--go from specific to general. 4) Create a new meaning by showing how your ideas work together and create something new (the sum of a paper is worth more than its parts :-) 5) Ask a provocative question 6) Use a quotation 7) End with a warning 8) Universalize (compare to other situations) 9) Suggest results or consequences
Upcoming!! #6 Presentation Power Point Due 1/24/13 Topic: Civil Rights Movement in the United States Prewrite: Assignment: 10 Slide Research Presentation in Google Docs Presentation format; must be shared with me.
#1 Slide Title Page including student name, teacher name, class, period, date. #2 Slide--Introduction: What the Civil Rights Movement was, when it happened, and where. One complete fully developed paragraph. #3-8 Slides--Each slide is a different illustrated event that took place during the Civil Rights movement. #9 Conclusion--Text to self and what you learned (the So-What) #10 Works Cited Page, MLA Format and URL
#7 Essay due 2/1/13 Assignment: Research and write a 6-paragraph persuasion essay. First person perspective as if you lived in the 1960s, or choose a character to write from their perspective re: why black people should have the same rights as white people. Must meet minimum criteria for grading. Prewrite: Objectives/I Can: Research an assigned topic Format an MLA Works Cited Page Imagine what it would be like to live in another era
What each paragraph or section should include: #1 Claim that includes a Thesis Statement and 3 reasons why black people should have the same rights as white people. #2 Reason #1 with 3 evidences (examples, support) #3 Reason #2 with 3 evidences (examples, support) #4 Reason #3 with 3 evidences (examples, support) #5 Counter Claim from the view you are writing from #6 Well-developed conclusion that wraps ups the story with a So-What #7 MLA Works Cited Page
#? Essay 3rd Term Topic: Controversial issue that has at least two perspectives (it can be an ethical dilemma) Prewrite: Pre-write an in-class Venn Diagram. This IS NOT a persuasion paper. Assignment: Write a 1.5 page compare/contrast grade-level essay Objectives/I Can: - Distinguish between differences, similarities, commonalities of two sides of an issue or human(s)
- Show transitions in a compare/contrast essay by using transitions such as: more, less, easier, harder, than, similarly, in contrast to, etc
- Demonstrate I know the internal structure of a compare/contrast essay
- Write an effective, grade-level essay with a hook, clear thesis, well-developed conclusion, in MLA format
Topic Ideas: •Metaphors vs similes •Literal vs figurative •Bullies vs peacemakers •Inside (heart) vs. outside (appearance) •Bored vs engaged •Single vs married •Mom vs dad •Brother vs sister •Old vs young •First day of school vs last day of school •Winter vs spring •7th grade vs 8th grade •PJHS vs another school •Best friend vs your nemesis •Your religion vs another education •One pet vs another pet\ •grandparents •Evil vs good •College education vs high school •Happy vs sad •Life of a dog vs life of a cat (or any animals) •Best day of your life vs worst day of your life •Rich vs famous
#Alternative Essay due ?? Handwritten, in-class essay, MLA format, same requirements as other essays except not typed. Narrative essay from alternate perspective than the author of The Great Rat Hunt, green lit books. - Attention-getting hook
- Strong voice
- Imagery (5 senses)
- figurative language
- Dialogue
- Definitive beginning, middle, end
# Essay due Persuasive (opinion) Essay using a 6-paragraph (or "section) internal structure (organization). Must include logos, pathos, and ethos. Include a clear one-sentence thesis statement (with a debatable claim and three evidences) somewhere within the first paragraph. Should have an attention-getting title, interesting hook, and strong conclusion.
Rhetorical Devices/appeals that must be applied: Logos=logic Pathos=emotion Ethos-authority
What each paragraph or section should include: #1 Thesis/Claim with 3 evidences (reasons) #2 Evidence #1 #3 Evidence #2 #4 Evidence #3 #5 Counter Claim #6 Conclusion
Helpful links:
# Essay due What type of person would you like to be with for the rest of your life? What character traits would they have? How would others' see them? If you have children with them, what kind of parent would you like them to be?
# Essay due What if you could be the person you ultimately want to be deep down inside). What character traits would you have? How would people see you? How would you see yourself?
#9 Essay due Halloween Scary Story for school competition. Criteria: Long enough, good enough to do the trick.
#8 Essay due Extended Essay #7 to 3 pages
#7 Essay due Prewrite, one wish 10 minute journal write.. Clip re Immanuel, young handicapped man from Iraq performing on X-factor. Rewrite wish prompt in essay form focusing on "a wish" with deeper meaning. Minimum criteria absolute. Must have attention grabbing title and parent/peer edit/response.
# Essay due The Importance of names and how they influence identity
BW--Journal Prompt Format a lined sheet of paper you can take home with the EPF:
According to poet T.S. Elliot, cats have three names--1) and every day name, 2) a peculiar name, 3) a name only he, the cat knows, that he calls himself.
Relate the poem to yourself. If you had three names like a cat does, what would they be? Talk about each name and explain why and how it applies to you. What does it say about you? What do names have to do with who we are? Where do names come from? Are we influenced by our names? What do they say about our heritage? Our culture? Our identity?
This is the prewirte for Essay #5. the topic is how names influence identity. This essay should include 1) Prewrite (this paper) 2) R Draft (typed) 3) Draft you turn in (corrected for conventions, spelling, sentence fluency) 4) 2 responses/edits (guardian/peer)
Make sure you include a creative title and meet basic criteria for grading. Have a parent and a peer read your paper. Ask them to edit if they would like (optional), but to be sure and write a comment and then sign.
# Essay due Topic is detail a search for something positive (something beautiful, awesome, fun, interesting, attractive, breathtaking, incredible, loving,, etc.). Use five different figurative devices (alliteration, personification, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, imagery, idiom, etc.) One device must be a simile; one device must be a metaphor--the other three are your choice. Have a parent and a peer read your paper. Ask them to edit if they would like (optional), but to be sure and write a comment and then sign.
# Essay due Topic is detail a search for something positive (something beautiful, awesome, fun, interesting, attractive, breathtaking, incredible, loving,, etc.). Prewrite by reading the book Something Beautiful (in-class power point and taking notes of the last slide). Use five different figurative devices (alliteration, personification, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, imagery, idiom, etc.) One device must be a simile; one device must be a metaphor--the other three are your choice. Have a parent and a peer read your paper. Have a parent and a peer read your paper. Ask them to edit if they would like (optional), but to be sure and write a comment and then sign.
# Essay due Prewrite by going to a specific location and recording what you see, smell, taste, hear, feel.. Write a 1.5 page essay of this place. Include a beginning that captures reader's attention. Use as much imagery (5-senses) detail as possible. Underline examples of imagery.
# Essay due Prewrite by going to a specific location and recording what you see, smell, taste, hear, feel.. Write a 1.5 page essay of this place. Include a beginning that captures reader's attention. Use as much imagery (5-senses) detail as possible. Underline examples of imagery.
Double Check - Title should have no punctuation
- Title should NOT be the topic (be creative)
- Correct words in title capitalized
- Margins left aligned
- Paragraphs indented
- Little "i's" capitalized
- Proper nouns capitalized
- individual voice
- imagery (filled with pictures that appealed to the five senses)
- details!!!
- definitive beginning, middle and end
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