"Writing Good English": A Reaction

What is your personal reaction to what you learned about writing from your peers and from Willam Zinsser? Did anything surprise or puzzle you? Do you strongly agree or disagree with any suggestion? Explain why. Answer in paragraphs (but not an essay). Write no fewer than 100 words and no more than 200. Due in time for Wednesday's class. Bring a copy, word processed, please.

Taking a Close Look: Sharing an Image

My favourite couple, these two live on the top of Little Mountain (Queen Elizabeth Park or "QE" as it is known in the neighbourhood). The shot was taken around 7 p.m. in the evening (in September, not October, however). I got close because I've learned to do that through teaching a bit about composition and taking a few photography courses in college. I walk to the top of the mountain (it's only a few minutes from my home) and pass the bronze statues often. They never fail to amuse me, dressed as they are in the style of my own youth. It's kind of like an easily accessible time capsule of my peers' bad fashion choices. An interesting aside is that the other lady (not seen in this photo) was stolen a few years back and the public outcry was immediate and vocal. The thief did the right thing and abandoned the statue in a field out the valley. She's back now, amusing the tourists and locals no matter the time of day or night.

Click on the picture for a full sized view. Remember to email your photo along to me before 6 p.m. next Tuesday night. No need to send along any paragraph or notes; you will be presenting your story in class that day. Have fun!

Comment on Temple Grandin Homework

My comments, including student work with suggested corrections, can be found in Word document form here. Please read it carefully.

First Reaction for the Story, "Ghosts"

Choose one of the topics below and write a response in paragraphs (not an essay). Write a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 200 words. Include at least one direct reference to the story through the use of a short quotation but do not quote more than 20 words total in your answer. Link to "Ghosts" full text at NewYorker.com

1.Write about something that surprised you, angered you, delighted you, or evoked any strong reaction as you were reading. Write about anything that stays on your mind after reading.

2. Explore a social or ethical issue raised in the writing. Judge the behaviour of the characters or the views of the author. Are they right or wrong in your opinion?

3. Does this work confront or confirm your personal beliefs? Explain.

NOTE: Please bring a word processed copy of your comments to class on Wednesday, October 5.

Temple Grandin Assignment

What was, for you, the most powerful image you saw in the film, Temple Grandin? Why did you find it powerful? Answer in a short paragraph of about 100 to 125 words.

For "Temple Grandin: The Non-Whisperer" answer the following:

Write about anything that stays on your mind after reading. Quote John Allemang once in your answer. Write about 100 to 125 words.

Bring your work, word processed, to class next Wednesday, please. See you then.

Comment on Homework: “Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable”

Marks ranged from NM (or no mark, for those who need to redo) to a high of 8.5. All marks are out of 10 as is my custom. These marks count towards your writing marks, of course, but completing on time in correct form is also noted.

Of primary importance to me is the answer to the question, “Why?” In other words, your reason for choosing a student comment to discuss is as important as your choice of that comment. These reasons (they may be multiple) form the basis for a strong topic sentence. Most of you know that, but some still like to give me a wide introduction-like opening that, for the most part, gives me no new information (and, frankly, these are really boring to read!).

Thus, marks are gained for the effort you have taken to read carefully and comment on what was found at the blog. Weaker answers tended to be filled up with quotations that had no clear answer to say why exactly the student had chosen to include them. This is the classic “padding” or “hot air” approach to homework. Doing that will lower your mark every time.

Structural issues often lowered marks as well. Examples include: no topic sentence (or an unclear, overly general one); no clear concluding sentence; lack of effective transitions among ideas; boring or repetitive sentence structures. For now, I did not make any penalty for improper or sloppy inclusion of quotations. Later on, we will study this skill in more detail.

Some of you lost marks for not following directions (reread my “Expectations” on the course outline please). These marks are the ones that each student can easily preserve. For example, overwriting (by, in some cases, 2X the requirement) lead to a one mark deduction. I also deducted one mark for handwritten submissions. Word count omission cost students half a mark. About 30% of you did not provide full information as requested (name, id number, date), but I did not make a penalty this time. Next time I will.

Finally, some of you are clearly more intelligent and mature than others. I take that into account, expecting less of those who have had less than half the time as others to develop a mature outlook and judgement. That said, if you have lived a long time, I do expect a bit more from you. Your guidance and perspective can help the younger ones to excel. Younger students can bring fresh energy, an understanding of modern technologies and can also help open older students’ eyes to the fact that you face a world of increasing (and increasingly scary) complexity at the beginning of your life.

I’m quite excited to begin serious work with my English classes this term. To all of you: remember that a first assignment carries less weight than others later in the term. You still have plenty of time for improvement and much to learn!

NOTE: Your assignment for "Here I Am" is still here--look at the post below.

Here I Am

Post your "Here I Am" here as a comment. No need to double space online. Please have this done before you come to class next Wednesday. NOTE: When joining the blog, please provide your real name!

If you have trouble joining the blog, here is a document to help you.

Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable

Here is your chance to have a last word to your classmates and to next year's English 12 class. Make this submission your best writing of the year. Use new forms of punctuation, for example, that you have practiced this term such as parentheses. I look forward to hearing from you all.