Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Changes to the Othello paper due dates for A block and C block:

  • Thursday, January 23rd: self-editing day. (Self-editing forms must be filled in and will be collected with final drafts on Monday, January 27th.)
  • Friday, January 24th: peer-editing  day. (Peer-editing forms must be filled in and will be collected with final drafts on Monday, January 27th.)
  • Monday, January 27th: final drafts handed in, (printed,) with self-editing and peer-editing forms.
 ____________________________________________________

Self-editing form: 
Check off each item as you address the issue, recommendation or concern in your paper.


Introduction
___The first sentence is a general, interesting, brief statement that will connect to your topic & thesis/claim.

___Gives the full title(s) of the work(s) you are exploring as well as the complete name(s) of the author(s).

___The thesis statement is usually the last sentence in the introduction paragraph.

___The thesis statement clearly and directly responds to the writing prompt or assignment (the words in the prompt may be used to formulate the thesis statement)
___ The introduction is at least 4 – 6 sentences
Body Paragraphs
___ The topic sentence is the first sentence of each body paragraph
___ The topic sentences are an extension of the thesis statement—each topic sentence clearly proves and supports the thesis statement and responds to the prompt or writing assignment
___ Topic sentences do not summarize plot or make general comments
___ Body paragraphs are developed with at least two supporting passages/quotes from the literature  
___ Provide reader with the context for each supporting quote: speaker + occasion
___ Follow each quote with at least two sentences of analysis that explain how the quote supports and proves the topic sentence and therefore the thesis statement
___ The last sentence of each body paragraph is a concluding sentence that summarizes the paragraph and/or transitions to the next paragraph
Conclusion
___Restates the thesis statement
___Summarizes the main ideas without being repetitive
___May possibly revisit the hook or provide an appropriate quotation
___Expands on the ideas in the essay, leaving the reader thinking and pondering
___The conclusion is at least 4 – 6 sentences
___Never write “In conclusion…”
Other Important Aspects
___Use formal writing style, tone, and language
___Avoid slang, poor diction, non-specific language, and contractions
___Avoid addressing the reader and the use of first-person
___Avoid asking rhetorical questions
___Be mindful and aware of MLA format in citing your sources in the text
___Pay attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar
___Always proofread and self-edit your work
___Give your essay a creative, thoughtful and interesting title


Topic Sentence Checklist

An effective topic sentence:
___    Proves and supports a thesis statement
___    Tells the reader the focus of the paragraph
___    States a claim, idea, or assertion—the author’s expert opinion about the         literature
___    Like the thesis statement, addresses how/why questions
___    Is very clear and very specific
___    Avoids 1st person point of view
___    Avoids plot summary
___    Avoids stating the obvious
___    Avoids passive voice


Using Supporting Details Checklist

Consider the following when using supporting quotes and passages in your writing:
___    Lead into or set up your quote/passage with speaker (character/narrator) and occasion(context, or what’s happening in the plot
___    Follow up a quote with at least two sentences of commentary and analysis before moving on to the next supporting detail
___    Avoid excessive plot summary
___    Be sure the quote is relevant to your topic sentence and thesis—does your quote help prove your point?
___    Avoid letting the quote speak for itself—avoid “dropping” the quote


Remember: Each supporting detail is made up of:

1. Lead-in or set-up: Speaker + Occasion

2. Direct quote or passage

3. One or two sentences of commentary/analysis


Paper Format and Titles

Margins:
In MLA format the margins are as follows:

Top: 1  inch
Left: 1 inch
Right: 1 inch
Bottom: 1 inch

Spacing:
All MLA style papers are double spaced throughout.

Font:
Times New Roman



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