Hw for Week 4 / MLA Sample

Hey Guys,

So as you know, your hw for this week is to finish your essay. Bring an MLA formatted, typed, final draft of Essay #1 to class on Tuesday. 

Bring in all of the drafts, and outlines that you have (I still have a lot in my bag which I'll include in your paperwork)


The image below is how your Header, Title, Page Number, and Paragraphs should be formatted to meet MLA requirements.

Essay Rubric / Sample Conclusion

Hey Everyone!
Hope the writing is going well. 


Here is the Rubric that I'll be basing your grade on. If you feel lost, if you just follow the modeling that we've done in class, you will have a very solid start. 



Organization - 25

Clear Thesis - 10

Mechanics - 10

Content / Argument Built with examples and sources - 25

Using at least two quotes/paraphrases from the article you are referencing - 5

MLA Style / Paragraph Format - 15

Outline and Prewriting Items - 10

Total Points Possible: 100



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Sample Conclusion:

I also remember mentioning something about modeling conclusion paragraphs, so I'll show you the type of Conclusion paragraph I think is appropriate for this type of essay:

If I were to have written my essay about the influence of New Media on my community, and I'm arguing that it is a complete detriment to our society. 

My argument would then include a background about how new media has effected society over all,

then a paragraph about the effects on the younger generations, specifically.

(remember to mimic the ideas and language of your Intro / Thesis statement, then just send the reader off.)


      Even in consideration of the few benefits that new media offer our communities, it is very clear that social media is damaging new generations. Cell phones and computers have caused people to disconnect from one another and the world around them. This is occurring across age groups, but it is most clear among the younger generations; we've seen a shift from social and "outdoors" oriented children, to those who would rather stay inside and stream a show, or see who's TBHing them on Instagram. Hope isn't lost though, since we still retain the luxury of free choice, so it's important that parents and those around kids, encourage a less disconnected lifestyle. Remind new generations that you came from an older time before the Matrix was real life, and outside was still good for skateboarding and riding bikes. It's up to us to stop the disconnect while we still have a chance to.    


This paragraph simply recaps the stuff that I just focused on, and ends with a little bit of the way that I like to write. Like I said, the Intro and the Conclusion are the places where you can be the most creative. I'm not adding any new information (because were assuming that all the things that I talk about were already talked about in one of the Body Paragraphs above).

And It doesn't have to be this long either. I just like to talk, and write. Just recap your argument, and talk about what's next. That's it. (Shoot for Three-Five Sentences)

HW for 9/20 / Class re-cap / General Paper Writing Tips ***I know it's long, but please read the entire message. It'll help a lot

   this is not a forearm

HEY CLASS!!!!

So for tonight's homework, 

-type an edited draft of your Intro Paragraph, and your body paragraphs (at least 2) considering the organization and thesis workshopping that we did in class today. 

Remember, today's examples were just examples; different ways that you could possibly compose your essay. I don't mind if you use those ideas (or the ones submitted by the class), but I also want you to feel free to argue any side, and use any examples that you see fit. Just model the way you present your ideas, after today's lesson to make sure your argument is well rounded. 

AND PLEASE, OH PLEASE, GIVE YOUR OPINIONS; TELL THE READER HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS STUFF THAT WE'VE BEEN GOING ON ABOUT

ALSO: Try to write a conclusion. It's ok if it feels weird, just try to end your essay the way we've talked about in class:

By quickly summarizing your argument, and sending the reader on his way; telling the reader what they can do with the info you just gave them.

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Remember. Pick your side, and defend it with evidence.

And organize your argument in the right essay format. (intro [thesis] / body paragraphs [support] / conclusion)

Edit your papers. If you've already typed a solid draft, read them out loud. Even in a low voice, you will definitely find small typos and moments when your wording might sound a little jumbled. At least do it once, but 3 time's the charm. So it goes. 

I'll be emailing everyone who submitted outlines today: Both online and in class. Thank you guys for being patient. Happy writing!!!

David

Paragraph Format / HW for the weekend

1. Write a draft of your Intro paragraph, and your body paragraphs

This should be typed, in MLA format. 

Intro
- Hook
- Background
- Link to your subject
- THESIS statement  ( I feel that or disagree or agree with          because          .)
Body Paragraphs
- Topic Sentence
- Example
- Explanation
- Explanation
- (conclusion/transition optional) 

And every quote is set up in a sandwich:
- Attribution (Bread)
- Quote (Pastrami) 
- Explanation (Pickles)
- Explanation (Bread)

We'll cover conclusions together on Tuesday

Essay #1 Prompt

Essay #1: Definition Essay

A definition essay is an essay that thoroughly explains a subject or word. Its purpose is to work with a vague concept and provide examples and analysis that give a clear, concise, and complete picture of the concept to our readers.  This helps us as writers because we improve our ability to add details and analysis to explain ourselves.

Structure: this essay is both expository and a little bit persuasive.  The writer must not only explain the definition of his/her subject, he/she must also defend his/her stance on the subject with support and explanations.

Helpful strategies for a writing this definition essay:

1. Define your term or idea in a clear manner.  Be absolutely sure that YOU understand your term or word in order to effectively explain it to someone else.
2. Share facts, examples, and anecdotes that are clearly connected to your selected term or word.  Be thorough in explaining your facts, examples, and anecdotes.
3. Identify your subject and its definition. Consider both the denotative definition (dictionary meaning) and connotative definition (associations or set of associations which a word brings to mind) for your selected subject.
4. Think about how you feel about the subject; which side do you consider yourself on? (This will make your thesis statement)

A potential format your essay:

• Paragraph 1 – Introduction, concluding with a strong assertive thesis
• Paragraph 2 – Thorough explanation of the subject’s meaning, considering both denotative meaning AND connotative meaning
• Paragraph 3 – Personal/Real world connection to subject (using anecdotes and examples)
• Paragraph 4 – Conclusion

Choose ONE of the following topics/subjects (based off of the essays we’ve discussed in class):

• The effects of minimum wage increases on California and its people (raising minimum wage)
• The High Cost of Living in Los Angeles: The split between upper and working class (stopping or continuing renovations in LA)
• Freedom of Speech / Freedom of expression: in defense of 1st Amendment rights (our right as Americans to express inflammatory ideas)

THEN:

1. Construct an essay where you Introduce me to your subject and YOUR stance on it (in thesis statement), 2. then you explain what the common “definition” of your subject is and how it is currently being viewed in our society, and then 3. build your argument with examples and anecdotes (personal stories)

  1 3/4 Page Minimum – No Maximum

12 pt font

Times New Roman

Double Spaced

Proper Header

Title

The effects of renovation in Los Angeles - LA Weekly Article

Here's a link to another article you can consider, which is about the question of gentrification, and it's effect on Los Angeles. We've talke a little bit about that in class, so it's a good option.

http://www.laweekly.com/news/is-gentrification-ruining-los-angeles-or-saving-it-pick-a-side-5342416

Have a good weekend
David

The Pros And Cons of Social Media - Article

Hey Class,

Here's the link to the article about the influence of social media, it does a cool job of weighing the pros and cons.

https://mygpjournal.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/the-pros-and-cons-of-new-media/

I only want you to summarize the written article, so you can watch the videos if you want, but they aren't involved with this activity. Brain food, though. Maybe not all of it.

David