9.24.12
Today is the first day of our plagiarism unit, which also means it's the
last day we'll work on the diagnostic essay. The next major writing
we'll work on is summary writing. Knowing how to cite sources correctly
(quote, paraphrase, and summarize) is key to writing an effective
summary. We'll go over each type of citation briefly, focusing today on
quoting.
Knowing how to cite sources correctly means that you won't be
plagiarizing unintentionally--that's something we'll be sure you
understand by the end of the course.
1. Plagiarism quiz, citation overview, and Quoting (ppt)
-Quiz
-Rules for Formatting a Quotation
2. Finding plagiarism
3. Quoting Practice
Review
9.20.12
I will divide the class into four groups. Each group will be responsible for (informally!) presenting the 3 KEY FACTORS for their topic with explanation for why you have chosen these 3. Consider both writing structure (where each sentences goes, what information to include) and style (this can mean unity, coherence, cohesion, conciseness, directness, etc.). Also consider what is important for this diagnostic assignment in particular.
The topics are as follows:
1. Thesis Statements (3 members)
2. Introductions (3 members)
3. Conclusions (3 members)
4. Body Paragraphs (4 members)
You are welcome to review the information in the class ppts, find extra information on the web, and use your own knowledge. But be sure to make your own ppt as an aid that focuses on only the 3 key factors. I will add my comments after each presentation.
Look at this as a great way to rehearse material as well as practice your oral English presentation skills! I encourage each group member to share speaking time, but you can choose a brave "team captain" to present the group's information.
30 mins to prepare
40 minutes to present (10 mins. maximum for each presentation)
I will cut you off if you go over ten minutes! We need time for everyone to present! There will undoubtedly be more than 3 things for you to cover, but that is why this is review. Choose the best 3 and focus on them.
New Diagnostic Due Date: Tuesday 9/25 before midnight. Turn in both an outline and complete essay.
I will divide the class into four groups. Each group will be responsible for (informally!) presenting the 3 KEY FACTORS for their topic with explanation for why you have chosen these 3. Consider both writing structure (where each sentences goes, what information to include) and style (this can mean unity, coherence, cohesion, conciseness, directness, etc.). Also consider what is important for this diagnostic assignment in particular.
The topics are as follows:
1. Thesis Statements (3 members)
2. Introductions (3 members)
3. Conclusions (3 members)
4. Body Paragraphs (4 members)
You are welcome to review the information in the class ppts, find extra information on the web, and use your own knowledge. But be sure to make your own ppt as an aid that focuses on only the 3 key factors. I will add my comments after each presentation.
Look at this as a great way to rehearse material as well as practice your oral English presentation skills! I encourage each group member to share speaking time, but you can choose a brave "team captain" to present the group's information.
30 mins to prepare
40 minutes to present (10 mins. maximum for each presentation)
I will cut you off if you go over ten minutes! We need time for everyone to present! There will undoubtedly be more than 3 things for you to cover, but that is why this is review. Choose the best 3 and focus on them.
New Diagnostic Due Date: Tuesday 9/25 before midnight. Turn in both an outline and complete essay.
Unity, Coherence, & Cohesion
9.18.12
To start summing up our Diagnostic Unit, we will look at the essay as a whole considering what gives it cohesion, coherence, and unity. We'll also look again at outlining so you are prepared to turn in your next draft. Next class, we will review what we have covered thus far, focusing on whatever aspect the majority of the class requests.
1. Quick outline review Sample Outline
Not only does creating an outline help you organize your thoughts, once written it allows you to critically analyze your argument. For this sample outline, what might be lacking in the writers' argument? Consider on your own and then discuss with group members.
2. Unity, Coherence, & Cohesion ppt
-Eliminating Wordiness Exercise
-Unity, Coherence, and Cohesion Exercise
List of Cohesive Devices
To start summing up our Diagnostic Unit, we will look at the essay as a whole considering what gives it cohesion, coherence, and unity. We'll also look again at outlining so you are prepared to turn in your next draft. Next class, we will review what we have covered thus far, focusing on whatever aspect the majority of the class requests.
1. Quick outline review Sample Outline
Not only does creating an outline help you organize your thoughts, once written it allows you to critically analyze your argument. For this sample outline, what might be lacking in the writers' argument? Consider on your own and then discuss with group members.
2. Unity, Coherence, & Cohesion ppt
-Eliminating Wordiness Exercise
-Unity, Coherence, and Cohesion Exercise
List of Cohesive Devices
Body Paragraphs
9.13.12
Catch-up: Conclusions
Consider: How do you write conclusions? What methods do you use in your conclusion?
First, mark each part of your group's conclusion. Then, talk with your group mates about what you would do to revise that conclusion.
Our main focus for today is body paragraphs: topic sentences and supporting details. (ppt)
In particular, we'll study this essay (How Smart Are Smart Phones?) to analyze and evaluate the writer's body paragraphs along with the other essay parts we talked about earlier. You have already read this writer's introduction and conclusion!
Second draft of diagnostic essay: Due Friday 9.21.12 before midnight.
Catch-up: Conclusions
Consider: How do you write conclusions? What methods do you use in your conclusion?
First, mark each part of your group's conclusion. Then, talk with your group mates about what you would do to revise that conclusion.
Our main focus for today is body paragraphs: topic sentences and supporting details. (ppt)
In particular, we'll study this essay (How Smart Are Smart Phones?) to analyze and evaluate the writer's body paragraphs along with the other essay parts we talked about earlier. You have already read this writer's introduction and conclusion!
Second draft of diagnostic essay: Due Friday 9.21.12 before midnight.
Introductions and Conclusions
9.11.12
We'll take a detailed look at introductions and conclusions today. (ppt)
Consider: What can we do in these paragraphs so that they'll leave the strongest impressions with our readers?
-Quick thesis statement review and writing practice
-Introductions with study
-Conclusions with study
Remember to keep filling in your outline!
Introductions & Conclusions ppt
We'll take a detailed look at introductions and conclusions today. (ppt)
Consider: What can we do in these paragraphs so that they'll leave the strongest impressions with our readers?
-Quick thesis statement review and writing practice
-Introductions with study
-Conclusions with study
Remember to keep filling in your outline!
Introductions & Conclusions ppt
Outline and Thesis Statements
9.6.12
For the revisions of our diagnostics, we want to start with a good plan so we can build a good paper. That means creating an outline, which we'll be filling in as we go along. We'll start with thesis statements, the focus of today's class.
1. Outlines
Article: The Death of English LOL
Outline structure
2. Thesis Statement
Thesis Statements Sheet
8 Qualities of a Good Thesis Statement
Begin working on filling in your outline as soon as you can. Every class day, there will be something new you can add or refine.
Outline & Thesis Statements PowerPoint
For the revisions of our diagnostics, we want to start with a good plan so we can build a good paper. That means creating an outline, which we'll be filling in as we go along. We'll start with thesis statements, the focus of today's class.
1. Outlines
Article: The Death of English LOL
Outline structure
2. Thesis Statement
Thesis Statements Sheet
8 Qualities of a Good Thesis Statement
Begin working on filling in your outline as soon as you can. Every class day, there will be something new you can add or refine.
Outline & Thesis Statements PowerPoint
Writing Across Borders
9.4.2012
Today we'll have some discussion about our diagnostic essays while considering how the American academic writing style may be different than the various writing styles of your home countries.
Group Discussion:
*Make sure there are people in your group from both sides of the argument, and discuss the following:
Were you for or against allowing physically disabled people to participate in the Olympic games? What were your main arguments?
After talking, consider: Did your group members accept your arguments?
Be ready to share your ideas with the class.
Writing styles in different cultures:
-Paragraphs
-Diagrams
Individually: Considering what American audiences value in academic writing, look critically at your diagnostic essay. Where do you use language that fits this style? What kinds of words do you use that show directness, strength, and clarity?
Reflection 1:
-Prompt
-Due 9.8.2012 by midnight.
Save as YourName_Reflection1 in Dropbox.
Today we'll have some discussion about our diagnostic essays while considering how the American academic writing style may be different than the various writing styles of your home countries.
Group Discussion:
*Make sure there are people in your group from both sides of the argument, and discuss the following:
Were you for or against allowing physically disabled people to participate in the Olympic games? What were your main arguments?
After talking, consider: Did your group members accept your arguments?
Be ready to share your ideas with the class.
Writing styles in different cultures:
-Paragraphs
-Diagrams
Individually: Considering what American audiences value in academic writing, look critically at your diagnostic essay. Where do you use language that fits this style? What kinds of words do you use that show directness, strength, and clarity?
Reflection 1:
-Prompt
-Due 9.8.2012 by midnight.
Save as YourName_Reflection1 in Dropbox.
Welcome
8.28.2012
Welcome to ESL 500 section L!
This blog will serve as a daily agenda for our class. You'll find each day's materials, assignments, and extra tips here. Please check back each day before class so you'll be prepared!
As we will be using Dropbox for the collection of all your class essays and other assignments, please set up a Dropbox account at dropbox.com. Create a folder called "ESL500_yourname," e.g. ESL500_Kristen. Then share that folder with me (email address kmiche6@illinois.edu). If you are uncertain how to do any of these steps, we'll figure it out on the first day of class.
Now, for something to think about before class... What is good writing? Consider what you've read, including articles, novels, research dissertations, textbooks... What makes your favorite writing good writing?
I look forward to meeting you all soon!
-Kristen
Today's agenda (8/28):
1. attendance
2. course description (syllabus)
3. dropbox
4. "What is good writing?" ppt
5. diagnostic explanation
Welcome to ESL 500 section L!
This blog will serve as a daily agenda for our class. You'll find each day's materials, assignments, and extra tips here. Please check back each day before class so you'll be prepared!
As we will be using Dropbox for the collection of all your class essays and other assignments, please set up a Dropbox account at dropbox.com. Create a folder called "ESL500_yourname," e.g. ESL500_Kristen. Then share that folder with me (email address kmiche6@illinois.edu). If you are uncertain how to do any of these steps, we'll figure it out on the first day of class.
Now, for something to think about before class... What is good writing? Consider what you've read, including articles, novels, research dissertations, textbooks... What makes your favorite writing good writing?
I look forward to meeting you all soon!
-Kristen
Today's agenda (8/28):
1. attendance
2. course description (syllabus)
3. dropbox
4. "What is good writing?" ppt
5. diagnostic explanation
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