Partner Basis

For today's compare and contrast work, you worked with a partner (or two in one instance) to construct a basis, a thesis, an organizational pattern for your examples, and a concluding statement. Then, we moved onto vocab and reading a Mark Twain sample of how comparison and contrast works - and how the author manipulated the writing to get his point across. Tomorrow will bring more compare and contrast work - we will utilize your list and look at another sample reading.

Quest Review

Although I was not planning on reviewing the Grammar Quest for the majority of the hour, I think it helped going over all the little intricacies of grammar, punctuation, and mechanical concerns. For our little remaining time, you received your exemplification essays back, and we commenced our last round of vocabulary.

Don't forget to have your notes for your two places tomorrow. I will be making copies for your group, and you will definitely need these notes for your eventual essay.

Sadie & Maud

Using "Sadie and Maud," we looked at the five stages of compare and contrast writing: basis, thesis, organization (block or point by point), transitions, and conclusion.

For homework, make sure to research and take notes on your 2 locations. Notes are due the Tuesday we return.

Enjoy your break -- whether you will be in Colorado, Florida, or somewhere else!

Questing

1. You received the compare and contrast group research essay assignment today, which means by Tuesday, March 21, you will need to have your assigned notes completed on your locations. You will be sharing this with a group, so be thorough and do not forget to cite your sources.

2. We completed the Mechanics Quest, which means our grammar instruction has ceased.

Exemplification Revision Day

The entire hour - minus the last five minutes to chat about the Works Cited page - was dedicated to group peer revision. Don't forget that the final draft - hard copy as always - has a deadline of Wednesday. In the meanwhile, we have your verbal vocab quiz tomorrow and the third review for the Grammar Quest.

Writing Day

To start class, we finished up the last of this round's vocab words and played on the buzzers for review. Then, you were given time to work on your exemplification essay -- the first draft will be needed for Monday's class for peer review.

Grammar Part II

1. Vocab -- three words more.
2. Grammar Review Part II - the whole thing.
3. Work time on exemplification essay -- briefly.

Our Schedule (vocab will continue each day as well):
March 3 = Writing Day
March 6 = Peer Revision Day
March 7 = Grammar Review Part III
March 8 = Grammar Quest
March 9 = Compare & Contrast Preview

You will have a note-taking project over spring break. Hence, one day next week, preferably when all of you are present, we will go over the assignment.