Debate Handouts



Click Me for "Debate Roles and Rules"
Format.

Click Me for "Debate Grading Rubric."

Blog 3 - Persuasive

DUE Monday October 1, 2012
In preparation for the persuasive assignment, construct a response of a minimum of 2 paragraphs to the prompt below:
Should the high school cafeteria offer healthier options for students and staff? (Think about vegeterain options and consider personal restrictions on food) Please discuss and elaborate on at least 2 reasons for your point of view.

Sentence Structure (Bike Metaphor)/Dependent and Independent Clauses

Sentence Structure Using a Bike Metaphor from Lina Ell

Avoiding Sentence Fragments Worksheet

Click Me

 

Sentences and Fragments Notes

Sentences and Fragments from Lina Ell

Parts of Speech Worksheet

Click Me

Blog 2: Practicing Narrative

Response due Tuesday September 25, 2012:

In the spirit of this week's assignment, think about the numerous events and memories that have impact on a person or character. Using your favorite story (book, video game, movie, folktale, etc.), demonstrate how the events shape the character in both positive and negative ways. Focus one paragraph on the experiences and the reactions of the character, as well as the lesson and change that occurs as a result. Focus another paragraph on the story telling aspect of the piece you've chosen. What makes this a good story, in your opinion? Think about the way the story is told, the emotions involved, the tone or atmosphere of the tale, along with any other aspect that make it unique and memorable.

Assignment: Personal Narrative



Click the image above to download the
"Narrative Characteristics" handout.

Assignment

Genre: Personal Narrative

                A Personal Narrative is a form of writing in which the writer relates an event, incident, or experience in his or her own life. The events of a personal narrative are most often presented in chronological order, the order in which they actually occurred in time. The personal narrative incorporates vivid descriptive details as well as the thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the writer.

Directions: Choose one of the following and write a response that is at least five paragraphs in length (intro, body, and conclusion) and between 1.5 and 2 pages long, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font. Try to demonstrate your best content and clearest organization. Grammar is a priority, so make sure to proofread your work. Include sensory detail that appeal to all five of the senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing).

Topic 1 – Write a first-person narrative about an experience in your life that has taught you a valuable lesson. Use enough details to recreate the event exactly as you remember it. Be sure to explain what the incident taught you.

Topic 2 – Recount the details of an accident or disaster to which you were a witness or a victim. Try to make your audience experience the emotional impact of this event by including descriptive details in the conflict.

CLICK on the image for the handout: Sample Narrative.


 

Structure: In the intro, describe the setting and “characters” involved in meaningful detail. Try to use figurative language, like similes and metaphors, to engage the reader. The body of the essay should develop the scene, elaborate on the experience, use sensory detail and explain the emotional reaction of the “character” (you). The conclusion should emphasize the lesson learned through this experience or the way that the experience changed you. Make sure to go back to the person you were before this happened and detail the exact change that occurred.

 

 

Narrative Characteristics Handout / Sample Narratives

Click the image below to download the
 "Narrative Characteristics" handout.

Click this image to download the "Personal
Narrative Samples" from high school students.

Personal Narrative Writing Intro

Narrative Writing from Lina Ell

Writing Narratives Using the Senses

Narrative writing from Chiara Ojeda

Parts of Speech

English Parts Of Speech from guesta684c8b

Benefits of Writing

 

In a well constructed paragraph, explain what benefits does being a good writer have in the world. Make sure to use specific examples, elaborate and use proper grammar.

Welcome

Since another school year is upon us, I'd like to take the time to welcome the familiar faces as well as extend a salutation to those of you who I don't yet know. I'm hoping this year will be one of creativity, community and collaborative conversation about life and literature.

Reading and writing are essential skills both in the academic and professional realms; those that are able to use the English language successfully generally excel at their chosen career. Understanding Writing is a course aimed at developing critical thinking and writing skills in students so that they can become strong writers in high school subjects across the curriculum. In this course, students will write for a wide range of purposes - ranging from persuasive essays to formal research papers. Each assignment will work on developing each writer's unique voice and perspective.

            Writing well requires rewriting. Students will draft some pieces several times, with attention to audience, thoughtful content, and acceptable mechanics. A writing portfolio will be the best evidence of the student's progress as a writer.

            Grammar instruction will be embedded within the writing process with a focus on developing fluency in new contexts and mastering conventions. The ultimate goal of this course is to prepare students for the writing components on the HSPA, SAT, and in upper level courses.

            The purposes of this blog are multi-faceted. Often, assignments and prompts will be available for perusal on the blog and supplementary materials and creative inspiration posted by the teacher. The blog is also a venue to communicate with your classmates in reference to constructive criticism, to introduce assignments you would be interested in doing, as well as posit specific prompts of your own. As we move through the year, I would like to encourage you to post your reactions, thoughts and analysis assignments on the website – either in comment format or as a new post. Feel free to post any art, music (lyrics), poetry or pieces of pop culture in general that are reminiscent of the themes and topics of the material covered in class. Oftentimes, when I am connected to my work, I will find echoes of it in songs I listen to or movies I watch. Browsing the posts of the previous class and other students is encouraged, as long as you maintain originality in your own posts and use the work of others as a spring-board for your ideas and a medium to engage in academic discussion. Please, remain respectful and academic in your tone and intentions - use proper grammar, complete sentences and support in your responses.