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I’ll show you the wonders of the research log and then small groups will nominate someone to be ready to come up and…

1) Show a good persuasive prompt

2) Explain thoughts on how to do each of the 5 steps of persuasion: Hook, establish problem, explain solution, answer critics, and call to action.

3) Show 3 sources and talk about aspects of reliability, bias, and authority with them.

Then, you’ll get to work.  We should have completed research logs by next Wednesday.

Here is an alternative source: CQ Researcher

Take a look at this example to give you an idea of a strong persuasive essay.

…eleven thousand people have at several times suffered death rather than submit to break their eggs at the smaller end.” (68)

We’ll start with our first quiz. Good Luck.

Afterward, we’ll work in small groups on quotes from “Hearth and Salamander.” For each quote, you’ll paraphrase it and decide what Bradbury is trying to criticize or comment on.

Finally, I want to introduce us to some poetry and talk a bit about Poetry Out Loud, a poetry recital competition we’ll hold in October or November.

HW: Read pages 71-91 in F451.

After reminding ourselves of the wonders of “Show, don’t (just) Tell,” we’re taking a look at your 1-10 paragraphs. In pairs read them, and point out particularly good examples of showing and places where there might be too much telling. Post at least one good example here. Use the Add Notes function.

Then, we’ll look at the 2nd place winner of the MyTurn College essay contest. We’ll read it out loud and comment directly on the writer’s use of specific examples.

Finally, it’s time for you to start thinking of your essay. Your first essay is the personal essay. In it:

“My Turn” Essay Contest judges look for direct personal experience and observation with a fresh, original point of view. They want engaging, moving, or thought-provoking essays that appeal to a national readership.

When writing your essay, you should follow a three-part format: the introduction, which includes an engaging lead; the body, which contains the central idea; and a conclusion, which sums up and expands on the main or central idea of the essay.

Use this form to start developing ideas for your first essay.

HW: Full pre-write for next Wednesday.  Monday reading book in class.

First Big Day!

We’ll finish memoir presenations today and then we’re off to talk argument.

M: Argument is an intellectual process. Contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of any statement the other person makes. (short pause) A: No it isn't.

First, chapter 1 in Everything is an Argument.  We’ll read that in class and note some of the categories the writer identifies:

• Arguments to Inform
• Arguments to Convince
• Arguments to Explore
• Arguments to Make Decisions
• Arguments to Meditate or Pray
• Arguments about the Past
• Arguments about the Future
• Arguments about the Present

We’ll also look at the kinds of argument they categorize:

• Arguments of Fact
• Arguments of Definition
• Arguments of Evaluation
• Arguments of Proposal

Then, we’ll take a walk and see what we can see it terms of arguments. Come back and report.

I hope then to give a presentation on argument in class. We’ll take notes and discuss.

HW: Read “The Problem with Obama’s Speech: It’s Bland” and analyze it as an argument. Categorize the types of arguments it uses and the strategies the writer uses.  (200 words in your blog).