GRAMMAR and WRITING PAGE
How-to Write a Response
for a Short Answer Question
The Boy on the Wooden Box: Final Project
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Deadlines
Writing/Creative Piece Rough Final 1. Summary April 22 April 25 2. Different Perspective April 18 April 21 3. Unanswered Questions April 21 April 22 4. Essay on the Setting April 25 April 27 5. Essay on the Rules April 27 April 29 6. Book Cover Design May 2 May 9 7. Essay on Theme May 3 May 5 8. Leon's Transformation as a Character May 4 May 6 9. Holocaust Memorial Design May 5 May 16 10. What Did I Learn and How has my Life Changed Forever May 6 May 10 11. Essay on Ethical Perspective May 9 May 12 12. Researched Topic May 13 May 19 13. One Extra Resource You Complete like a movie review, visit to the Holocaust Museum, etc.... April/May May 20 |
All essays will be bound including rough drafts on the week of May 23 - May 27. This is a major project, so please stick to all the deadlines posted and do not fall behind. Completing the task is essential. Mr. Miller's example follows:
BOOK COVER DESIGN
ROUGH DRAFT
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ROUGH DRAFT
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ROUGH DRAFT
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ACADEMIC AND CREATIVE ESSAYS: ROUGH DRAFTS
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ACADEMIC AND CREATIVE ESSAYS: FINAL DRAFTS
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DESIGN
ROUGH DRAFT
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FINAL DRAFT
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Writer's Workshop
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How-To-Write a Narrative
Narrative Posters
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FINAL ROUGH DRAFT FOR CONTENT
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CONTENT EDITED AND IMPROVED IN RED INK
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MILLER'S FINAL DRAFT ON A NARRATIVE
Notice that the Final Draft is typed and double-spaced, the font is Ariel and size 12, I have added a title to the story, included some more authentic details, checked for spelling and punctuation, and it's presented in pristine condition.
How to Write a Literary Essay about Character
The Literary Essay about a character from a book or story is the same as the Argumentative Essay about a character except an Argumentative Essay includes the concept of the counterclaim and reaffirmation, where as the Literary Essay is solely about the character without a desire to prove another's argument incorrect.
The Argumentative Essay
The whole purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to try and persuade or convince someone to believe what you are writing. Any and every argumentative essay should have a claim. The claim is something you believe to be true or accurate on whatever the subject matter is. In Mr. Miller's example below the claim is that Louie Zamperini's greatest character trait is that he is an optimist. You, as a writer, include all this book evidence and then elaborate or explain the evidence. Then there is the counterclaim which is some kind of claim that you believe someone else may have discovered. An example might be that Zamperini is kind, brave, a risk taker, etc..., but then you spend a few sentences explaining why that character trait is not his greatest. The last piece to the argumentative essay is the reaffirmation, which comes right after disproving the counter claim. You are re-affirm-ing that he is an optimist as an example. And then you conclude your essay,
Here is the format or recipe for a successful essay, with Mr. Miller's example below:
Introduction:
Create a hook for this essay
Give a little background information on your subject matter
Share an insight or reflection on the subject
Create a thesis statement that tells the reader what you will be looking to examine in the essay
This should include the three events, or topics that you will be addressing by topic
Transition to paragraph number 2 (Body Paragraph Number 1(
Body Paragraph Number 1
Make sure this is topic number 1 from your thesis statement
Write down some evidence
Elaborate or Explain that evidence in depth
If you do not elaborate or explain then you are just summarizing. Remember that you are like a lawyer
building up evidence.
Transition to next paragraph
Body Paragraph Number 2
Make sure this is topic number 2 from your thesis statement
Write down some evidence
Elaborate or Explain that evidence in depth
If you do not elaborate or explain then you are just summarizing. Remember that you are like a lawyer
building up evidence.
Transition to next paragraph
Body Paragraph Number 3
Make sure this is topic number 3 from your thesis statement
Write down some evidence
Elaborate or Explain that evidence in depth
If you do not elaborate or explain then you are just summarizing. Remember that you are like a lawyer
building up evidence.
Transition is optional here, Mr. Miller did not, but it's up to you, as is this whole essay
Body Paragraph Number 4
Without this paragraph, then you are not writing an argumentative essay, so make sure it is in your essay
Hit the reader with your counter claim right away
Argue the counter claim with evidence and an explanation or elaboration of that evidence
Then reaffirm your claim as the better claim
You have to reaffirm. it's like the cherry on top of a sundae.
Elaborate on or explain your claim a little bit more
Conclusion
Restate your thesis statement a little differently
Touch briefly on the counter claim, but then also finish that sentence up with your reaffirmation
Elaborate more with maybe your best point overall
Leave the reader with a good impression or something you learned about yourself.
Your life should be altered or changed from this point on after having read the book for example
Maybe not in a huge way, but you understand things better about how life works maybe
This also shows the reader that you have synthesized the information, meaning it's now apart of you.
Here is the format or recipe for a successful essay, with Mr. Miller's example below:
Introduction:
Create a hook for this essay
Give a little background information on your subject matter
Share an insight or reflection on the subject
Create a thesis statement that tells the reader what you will be looking to examine in the essay
This should include the three events, or topics that you will be addressing by topic
Transition to paragraph number 2 (Body Paragraph Number 1(
Body Paragraph Number 1
Make sure this is topic number 1 from your thesis statement
Write down some evidence
Elaborate or Explain that evidence in depth
If you do not elaborate or explain then you are just summarizing. Remember that you are like a lawyer
building up evidence.
Transition to next paragraph
Body Paragraph Number 2
Make sure this is topic number 2 from your thesis statement
Write down some evidence
Elaborate or Explain that evidence in depth
If you do not elaborate or explain then you are just summarizing. Remember that you are like a lawyer
building up evidence.
Transition to next paragraph
Body Paragraph Number 3
Make sure this is topic number 3 from your thesis statement
Write down some evidence
Elaborate or Explain that evidence in depth
If you do not elaborate or explain then you are just summarizing. Remember that you are like a lawyer
building up evidence.
Transition is optional here, Mr. Miller did not, but it's up to you, as is this whole essay
Body Paragraph Number 4
Without this paragraph, then you are not writing an argumentative essay, so make sure it is in your essay
Hit the reader with your counter claim right away
Argue the counter claim with evidence and an explanation or elaboration of that evidence
Then reaffirm your claim as the better claim
You have to reaffirm. it's like the cherry on top of a sundae.
Elaborate on or explain your claim a little bit more
Conclusion
Restate your thesis statement a little differently
Touch briefly on the counter claim, but then also finish that sentence up with your reaffirmation
Elaborate more with maybe your best point overall
Leave the reader with a good impression or something you learned about yourself.
Your life should be altered or changed from this point on after having read the book for example
Maybe not in a huge way, but you understand things better about how life works maybe
This also shows the reader that you have synthesized the information, meaning it's now apart of you.
Mr. Miller's Example by Paragraph
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A Final Revised Essay Arguing Ma'am's best Character Trait which is Loving
The Informational Essay
Writing an essay on the setting for The Giver
The setting is a literary element that includes the historical moment in time and geographic location in which a story takes place and helps initiate the main backdrop and mood for a story. Elements of the setting may include culture, historical period, geography, and hour and to some degree may even be a character of sorts as we see in The Giver where little characteristics are revealed to illustrate a complex entity.
An easy formula for success but not super original
I. Introductory Paragraph
A. Hook the reader
B. Include the title of the book and the author
C. Use the terms "utopia" and/or "distopia" to describe the setting
D. Include a couple of sentences on the community itself
E. Describe why your ideas are important in describing the setting
F. Finish this paragraph with the main idea of your essay.
1. These are the three main points you want to raise in your essay that describe the setting
a. Perhaps those qualities might be "sameness," no individuality, and no music in the community
II. Body Paragraph(s)
With regards to the body of the essay, the three separate topics in your main idea would be better separated into three
individual paragraphs, but for the sake of this essay you are permitted to keep all three together in one paragraph.. You
should also decide which of the descriptions in your essay on the setting is the strongest or best, and finish with that one.
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the last setting topic in your main idea..
1. You will give evidence from the text to support that quality describing the setting
2. You will explain that evidence to me. In other words, how in your mind does this evidence help explain that
quality of the setting.
B. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the next setting topic in your main idea..
1. You will give evidence from the text to support that quality describing the setting
2. You will explain that evidence to me. In other words, how in your mind does this evidence help explain that
quality of the setting.
C. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the best setting topic in your main idea..
1. You will give evidence from the text to support that quality describing the setting
2. You will explain that evidence to me. In other words, how in your mind does this evidence help explain that
quality of the setting.
III. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Restate the main idea from the Introductory paragraph, but in another way.
1. You wrote that you would write about these three qualities of the setting, and when you restate it you are
basically saying, " I did what I said I would do."
B. Leave the reader with a final epiphany or realization about how the setting that is unique and expresses your "VOICE."
An easy formula for success but not super original
I. Introductory Paragraph
A. Hook the reader
B. Include the title of the book and the author
C. Use the terms "utopia" and/or "distopia" to describe the setting
D. Include a couple of sentences on the community itself
E. Describe why your ideas are important in describing the setting
F. Finish this paragraph with the main idea of your essay.
1. These are the three main points you want to raise in your essay that describe the setting
a. Perhaps those qualities might be "sameness," no individuality, and no music in the community
II. Body Paragraph(s)
With regards to the body of the essay, the three separate topics in your main idea would be better separated into three
individual paragraphs, but for the sake of this essay you are permitted to keep all three together in one paragraph.. You
should also decide which of the descriptions in your essay on the setting is the strongest or best, and finish with that one.
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the last setting topic in your main idea..
1. You will give evidence from the text to support that quality describing the setting
2. You will explain that evidence to me. In other words, how in your mind does this evidence help explain that
quality of the setting.
B. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the next setting topic in your main idea..
1. You will give evidence from the text to support that quality describing the setting
2. You will explain that evidence to me. In other words, how in your mind does this evidence help explain that
quality of the setting.
C. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the best setting topic in your main idea..
1. You will give evidence from the text to support that quality describing the setting
2. You will explain that evidence to me. In other words, how in your mind does this evidence help explain that
quality of the setting.
III. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Restate the main idea from the Introductory paragraph, but in another way.
1. You wrote that you would write about these three qualities of the setting, and when you restate it you are
basically saying, " I did what I said I would do."
B. Leave the reader with a final epiphany or realization about how the setting that is unique and expresses your "VOICE."
Writing an essay on the theme
The theme is the central, underlying, and controlling idea or insight of a work of literature. It is the idea the writer wishes to convey about the subject; the writer's view of the world or a revelation about human nature. The theme is the essence of literature. It elevates a story from just the revealing of facts to a full integration of why the author has chosen to write this book. The theme is the important message a writer wants to convey in the context of a story he or she feels needs to be shared.
an easy formula for success but not the most original
I. Introductory Paragraph
A. Hook the reader
B. Include the title of the book and the author
C. Include a couple of sentences about what you have learned from the book
D. Write out what your theme is for the book
E. Write your main idea of the essay, which will have your three reasons why the theme is what it is
II. Body Paragraph: Reason #1
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the last reason stated in your main idea
1. You will list your best evidence from the text in a couple of sentences
2. You will then explain that evidence to me by reflecting on the importance of this reason to you
III. Body Paragraph: Reason #2
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the next reason stated in your main idea
1. You will list your best evidence from the text in a couple of sentences
2. You will then explain that evidence to me by reflecting on the importance of this reason to you
IV. Body Paragraph: Reason #3
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the best reason stated in your main idea
1. You will list your best evidence from the text in a couple of sentences
2. You will then explain that evidence to me by reflecting on the importance of this reason to you
V. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Restate the main idea, which is restate the theme and the three reasons, but do it differently than the
way you did it in the Introductory Paragraph
B. (OPTIONAL, but a good idea if the teacher is asking for it. Some teachers don't want any personal
information in a literary essay, but I like it in a conclusion because it demonstrates a synthesis of the
information from the book and the stuff going on in your head)
C. Leave the reader with a final epiphany or realization about the theme that is unique and expresses your
"VOICE."
an easy formula for success but not the most original
I. Introductory Paragraph
A. Hook the reader
B. Include the title of the book and the author
C. Include a couple of sentences about what you have learned from the book
D. Write out what your theme is for the book
E. Write your main idea of the essay, which will have your three reasons why the theme is what it is
II. Body Paragraph: Reason #1
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the last reason stated in your main idea
1. You will list your best evidence from the text in a couple of sentences
2. You will then explain that evidence to me by reflecting on the importance of this reason to you
III. Body Paragraph: Reason #2
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the next reason stated in your main idea
1. You will list your best evidence from the text in a couple of sentences
2. You will then explain that evidence to me by reflecting on the importance of this reason to you
IV. Body Paragraph: Reason #3
A. You will transition into this paragraph by addressing the best reason stated in your main idea
1. You will list your best evidence from the text in a couple of sentences
2. You will then explain that evidence to me by reflecting on the importance of this reason to you
V. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Restate the main idea, which is restate the theme and the three reasons, but do it differently than the
way you did it in the Introductory Paragraph
B. (OPTIONAL, but a good idea if the teacher is asking for it. Some teachers don't want any personal
information in a literary essay, but I like it in a conclusion because it demonstrates a synthesis of the
information from the book and the stuff going on in your head)
C. Leave the reader with a final epiphany or realization about the theme that is unique and expresses your
"VOICE."
The Research Essay
1) Make a clear thesis statement. This is what your whole essay is about.
2) Analyze your historical figure, which means take your complex historical figure and break them down into smaller pieces to examine. Most of you have chosen a historical figure that was very influential in their respective civilizations, so analyze political motives, power struggles, belief systems. For instance if you are researching Julius Caesar, you may want to focus on his role as tribune, or being a general, or simply his popularity with the people of Rome. Like wise if you have chosen a religious figure, you may want to focus how their belief system revolutionized thought within the civilization.
3) Use evidence to support your thoughts and opinions and be very "choosey" with the evidence you decide on.
4) Have your essay on the historical figure follow a chronological order.
5) Examine a primary source of your historical figure. The better the source you choose the better the evidence.
6) Use multiple print and online sources as your evidence.
A) Choose wisely. You should know that Wikipedia is not considered an ideal source, but it is a good first step
B) Keep track of print and online sources as they will be used for the bibliography
7) Know your audience and who you are writing the essay for
8) Have a strong conclusion that is developed and thoroughly shows the synthesis of this new information.
9) Revise your first draft after several people have given you input on how to improve the draft
10) Proofread and edit for spelling and grammar issues.
2) Analyze your historical figure, which means take your complex historical figure and break them down into smaller pieces to examine. Most of you have chosen a historical figure that was very influential in their respective civilizations, so analyze political motives, power struggles, belief systems. For instance if you are researching Julius Caesar, you may want to focus on his role as tribune, or being a general, or simply his popularity with the people of Rome. Like wise if you have chosen a religious figure, you may want to focus how their belief system revolutionized thought within the civilization.
3) Use evidence to support your thoughts and opinions and be very "choosey" with the evidence you decide on.
4) Have your essay on the historical figure follow a chronological order.
5) Examine a primary source of your historical figure. The better the source you choose the better the evidence.
6) Use multiple print and online sources as your evidence.
A) Choose wisely. You should know that Wikipedia is not considered an ideal source, but it is a good first step
B) Keep track of print and online sources as they will be used for the bibliography
7) Know your audience and who you are writing the essay for
8) Have a strong conclusion that is developed and thoroughly shows the synthesis of this new information.
9) Revise your first draft after several people have given you input on how to improve the draft
10) Proofread and edit for spelling and grammar issues.
Writing Science Fiction
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Science Fiction is an important part of the literary genre. Of course lots of the genre, movies especially, are filled with fluff pieces that are ridiculous and of high interest at the same time. But one of the most important aspects of science fiction, is its value in the commentary of social issues as well as its reflection on social justice policies around the world. Authors, and film makers, have been able to voice their concerns through the genre and thus reaching a much broader audience receptive to the message. In some cases these literary masterpieces have become icons.
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How-To Write Science Fiction
A Final Revised Short Science Fiction Story about the Battle for Los Angeles