Elaboration and Conclusions

Last week, we learned how to elaborate our body paragraphs. We taught five types of support. After providing time in class, we collected one revised body paragraph. Some of you took your paragraph home to finish it. It is a grade, so don't forget to turn it in.

This week, we are revising our conclusions. P.E.P.I is the acronym we use to help us write a "peppy" conclusion. It stands for prediction, echo, pointed question, and instruction to the reader. Again, if you take your conclusion home don't forget to turn it in next time we see you.

Rubrics for both assignments are available in class.

Revising Our Leads

We've recently handed back the first timed writing to our students. The first step was to revise our leads. We taught six "new and improved" types of leads to use and even gave them a handy acronym to remember them: QqacSs. (Like a duck says but with different spelling...)

Quotation
Quicklist
Anecdote
Concession
Sensory Details
Shocking Statistic or Surprising Fact.

Then, we provided time for students to revise their original timed essay leads while we provided one on one feedback. If needed, students were given until next class to complete the new one-paragraph lead. Extra rubrics are available in class if needed. Next up: we'll revise a body paragraph and learn to add support and elaboration!

Plot Assignment Due 9/13 (A) 9/14 (B) Salzer due 9/15

It's time to prepare your first homework assignment. This week we practiced plot with Bradbury's short story "Fever Dream." Now it's time for you to try it on your own with a story from your textbook. Start by reading one of the stories listed below. Then complete the assignment (click here to download the form). If you forget to take your textbook home, check out the previous post to find out how to access it online.

If you are in Ms. Salzer's class, your assignment is due on Wednesday, 9/15.

No More Heavy Backpacks!

Tired of lugging home a big textbook? Well, you can access the entire textbook online. You can even listen to audio versions of the selections while you read along. To access the textbook, go to http://www.classzone.com/. Actually, click here to go directly to your book. You'll need this access code: 3767769-50. You'll be asked to create an account and then you can start using the online textbook at home or wherever you have internet access.