We’ll start out with taking a look at our pre-writes and getting a “writing buddy.” Then, we’re going to take a little walk where we’ll try to answer these questions:

1. What am I trying to say? What’s my message?
2. What’s my lead? How will I use an anecdote, story, fact, or other engaging introduction to start the essay?
3. What specific personal experiences will I use in my essay?

When we get back, we’ll spend some time writing. 30 minutes.

After a short break, we’ll try an in class assignment to create our own rough draft based on a pre-write.  Then, we’ll talk due dates.

HW: First Draft!

Group A+B: first draft due Thursday, September 17th;

Groups C+D: first draft due Tuesday, September 22nd.

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.

I’ll do a quick run-through of the syllabus to start and answer questions.

Brian Greene and some strings

Next, we’ll listen to Brian Greene’s This I Believe essay: Science Nourishes the Mind and Soul.

In small groups, we’ll also talk a bit about what his purpose was and how he used examples to show what he believed.

Next, we’ll check out the ridiculously helpful handout: Show don’t (just) Tell and figure out what we mean by the difference. Then, we’ll take the Greene article and highlight (in Word) all of the specific details.

If we get to it, we’ll do a bit of writing. Choose a number between 1-10. OK, now write between 100-200 words about time in which you were (insert number). Use as many specific details as you can.

1. embarassed
2. lucky
3. miserable
4. relieved
5. bored
6. energized
7. exhausted
8. proud
9. greedy
10. helpful

HW: Paragraph is due tomorrow.

In small groups, you’ll talk a bit about what you wrote yesterday. What comes easy/hard for you in writing? What do you think you do well and what do you want to improve on?  Finally, give me a metaphor; when it’s comes to writing you are like a __________ (a jaguar, a melted milk ball, a fluffy cloud) and explain why.

Next, we’ll look at “What’s the Matter with College.”and answer these questions in a Word document.

1. What does Perlstein mean by the phrase “culture of enervation?” How does this apply to college life?
2. How does Perlstein think college has changed since back in his day?  What evidence does he give for this?
3. Reread the paragraph beginning “Most of my interviewees were happy…”  What is the implicit attitude towards Caroline that the author expresses?  Why does he feel this way?  What does he have against her?
4. What does the debate about the Uncommon application say about the realities of Colleges and economics?
5. What is a college supposed to do? Get you a job? Make you an educated person? Connect you with important people? Give you an excuse to leave your parents behind? Explain how you see the function and value of College.

In small groups, we’ll talk about college.

If we have time, we’re going to hear an essay from Brian Greene about science and life.

Hey everyone. Welcome to Friday.

We’ll look at this My Turn model and then use it to remind ourselves of some of the important writing goals we have: show, don’t tell; specific detail, clear writing, hooks, and conclusion.

Then, I’ll be looking one-on-one with your work in class while you write and edit.  The hope is to get all 1st drafts through today and then next week I’ll introduce our second piece while we try and get them grade-able/publishable next week.