Wednesday - Tonight you will construct a business letter as if you are inquiring about a job. Remember to use the business letter format that we have from Writers' Inc. or you can use the following:
Writing the Basic Business Letter
Parts of a Business Letter
Date
The date line is used to indicate the date the letter was written. However, if your letter is completed over a number of days, use the date it was finished in the date line. When writing to companies within the United States, use the American date format. (The United States-based convention for formatting a date places the month before the day. For example: June 11, 2001. ) Write out the month, day and year two inches from the top of the page. Depending which format you are using for your letter, either left justify the date or center it horizontally.
Sender's Address
Including the address of the sender is optional. If you choose to include it, place the address one line below the date. Do not write the sender's name or title, as it is included in the letter's closing. Include only the street address, city and zip code. Another option is to include the sender's address directly after the closing signature.
Inside Address
The inside address is the recipient's address. It is always best to write to a specific individual at the firm to which you are writing. If you do not have the person's name, do some research by calling the company or speaking with employees from the company. Include a personal title such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr. Follow a woman's preference in being addressed as Miss, Mrs., or Ms. If you are unsure of a woman's preference in being addressed, use Ms. If there is a possibility that the person to whom you are writing is a Dr. or has some other title, use that title. Usually, people will not mind being addressed by a higher title than they actually possess. To write the address, use the U.S. Post Office Format. For international addresses, type the name of the country in all-capital letters on the last line. The inside address begins one line below the sender's address or one inch below the date. It should be left justified, no matter which format you are using.
Salutation
Use the same name as the inside address, including the personal title. If you know the person and typically address them by their first name, it is acceptable to use only the first name in the salutation (for example: Dear Lucy:). In all other cases, however, use the personal title and full name followed by a colon. Leave one line blank after the salutation.
If you don't know a reader's gender, use a nonsexist salutation, such as "To Whom it May Concern." It is also acceptable to use the full name in a salutation if you cannot determine gender. For example, you might write Dear Chris Harmon: if you were unsure of Chris's gender.
Body
For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of action.
Closing
The closing begins at the same horizontal point as your date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the first word only (for example: Thank you) and leave four lines between the closing and the sender's name for a signature. If a colon follows the salutation, a comma should follow the closing; otherwise, there is no punctuation after the closing.
Enclosures
If you have enclosed any documents along with the letter, such as a resume, you indicate this simply by typing Enclosures one line below the closing. As an option, you may list the name of each document you are including in the envelope. For instance, if you have included many documents and need to ensure that the recipient is aware of each document, it may be a good idea to list the names.
Typist initials
Typist initials are used to indicate the person who typed the letter. If you typed the letter yourself, omit the typist initials.
Post on blog tonight by 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Homework for Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday - Tonight students will work on revising and editing their three best compact essays and then they will post them on their blog. Postings are due by 10:00 p.m. tonight
Monday, April 28, 2008
Homework for Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday - Tonight the assignment is identify a list of poets and collect a short biography about the first three on your list. You also post a poem by one of the poets on their blog and an explanation of why they selected that poem as their favorite. Posting are due by 10:00 p.m. tonight.
Friday's examination will be an oral presentation of their poem. They are going to be graded using the presentation rubric which they all have in their notebooks.
Poetry Project due on Friday, May 9th, 2008.
· 10 poets (No two poets from the same genre; only one romantic poet; one Harlem Renaissance poet, etc. You must include poets from non English speaking countries)
· 3 poems per poet
· Bio/poetic information (Who is this person in poetry?)
· 4 sentences per poem:
1. Subject matter/topic
2. Figurative language
3. Imagery
4. Why did you like or dislike this poem?
NOTE: You cannot read a poet you have studied before;
· The following poets are NOT allowed: Shel Silverstein; Ogden Nash; Gelett Burgess; Ezra Pound
Poetry Explication:
· Introduction
· Choose a poet and a poem, include some biographical data on the poet
· Discuss the rhythm, rhyme scheme, meter; figurative language, imagery (use quotes from the poem to make your points. (This is certainly more than one paragraph)
· Discuss the meaning and symbolism of the poem
· Conclusion
Friday's examination will be an oral presentation of their poem. They are going to be graded using the presentation rubric which they all have in their notebooks.
Poetry Project due on Friday, May 9th, 2008.
· 10 poets (No two poets from the same genre; only one romantic poet; one Harlem Renaissance poet, etc. You must include poets from non English speaking countries)
· 3 poems per poet
· Bio/poetic information (Who is this person in poetry?)
· 4 sentences per poem:
1. Subject matter/topic
2. Figurative language
3. Imagery
4. Why did you like or dislike this poem?
NOTE: You cannot read a poet you have studied before;
· The following poets are NOT allowed: Shel Silverstein; Ogden Nash; Gelett Burgess; Ezra Pound
Poetry Explication:
· Introduction
· Choose a poet and a poem, include some biographical data on the poet
· Discuss the rhythm, rhyme scheme, meter; figurative language, imagery (use quotes from the poem to make your points. (This is certainly more than one paragraph)
· Discuss the meaning and symbolism of the poem
· Conclusion
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Homework for Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wednesday - Utilizing the method you learned from the thinking and writing moves on page 134 of the Writer's Inc textbook, develop a chart to help you outline your research paper to go along with your project. You are to turn in your outline and it should include the following areas: Gather, Focus, Organize, Analyze, Imagine, Rethink and Assess.
You will also need to study your terms for you examination on Friday, April 25, 2008.
You will also need to study your terms for you examination on Friday, April 25, 2008.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Homework for Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday - Tonight pick a different topic and develop a second argumentative essay. Place on your blog by 10:00 p.m. tonight.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Homework for Moday, April 21, 2008
Monday - Argumentative Essay
Argumentative Essay
The function of an argumentative essay is to show that your assertion (opinion, theory, hypothesis) about some phenomenon or phenomena is correct or more truthful than others'. The art of argumentation is not an easy skill to acquire. Many people might think that if one simply has an opinion, one can argue it successfully, and these folks are always surprised when others don't agree with them because their logic seems so correct. Argumentative writing is the act of forming reasons, making inductions, drawing conclusions, and applying them to the case in discussion; the operation of inferring propositions, not known or admitted as true, from facts or principles known, admitted, or proved to be true. It clearly explains the process of your reasoning from the known or assumed to the unknown. Without doing this you do not have an argument, you have only an assertion, an essay that is just your unsubstantiated opinion.
Notice that you do not have to completely prove your point; you only have to convince reasonable readers that your argument or position has merit; i.e., that it is somehow more accurate and complete than competing arguments.
Argumentative essays are often organized in the following manner:
They begin with a statement of your assertion, its timeliness, significance, and relevance in relation to some phenomenon.
They review critically the literature about that phenomenon.
They illustrate how your assertion is "better" (simpler or more explanatory) than others, including improved (i.e., more reliable or valid) methods that you used to accumulate the data (case) to be explained.
Finally revise and edit, and be sure to apply the critical process to your argument to be certain you have not committed any errors in reasoning or integrated any fallacies for which you would criticize some other writer.
Additionally, you will want to find out how your readers will object to your argument. Will they say that you have used imprecise concepts? Have you erred in collecting data? Your argument is only as strong as the objections to it. If you cannot refute or discount an objection, then you need to rethink and revise your position.
Tonight you are the write an argumentive essay on one of the following topics:
Constitutional Issues our rights under the Constitution
Gun Control
The Death Penalty
Social Concerns quality of life
Animal Rights
Gambling
Gay Marriages
Illegal Immigration
Education Issues our public schools
Testing to Improve Educational Standards
School Choice - charter schools & vouchers
Intercollegiate Athletics and Ethics
This is to be posted in your blog by 10:00 p.m. tonight.
Argumentative Essay
The function of an argumentative essay is to show that your assertion (opinion, theory, hypothesis) about some phenomenon or phenomena is correct or more truthful than others'. The art of argumentation is not an easy skill to acquire. Many people might think that if one simply has an opinion, one can argue it successfully, and these folks are always surprised when others don't agree with them because their logic seems so correct. Argumentative writing is the act of forming reasons, making inductions, drawing conclusions, and applying them to the case in discussion; the operation of inferring propositions, not known or admitted as true, from facts or principles known, admitted, or proved to be true. It clearly explains the process of your reasoning from the known or assumed to the unknown. Without doing this you do not have an argument, you have only an assertion, an essay that is just your unsubstantiated opinion.
Notice that you do not have to completely prove your point; you only have to convince reasonable readers that your argument or position has merit; i.e., that it is somehow more accurate and complete than competing arguments.
Argumentative essays are often organized in the following manner:
They begin with a statement of your assertion, its timeliness, significance, and relevance in relation to some phenomenon.
They review critically the literature about that phenomenon.
They illustrate how your assertion is "better" (simpler or more explanatory) than others, including improved (i.e., more reliable or valid) methods that you used to accumulate the data (case) to be explained.
Finally revise and edit, and be sure to apply the critical process to your argument to be certain you have not committed any errors in reasoning or integrated any fallacies for which you would criticize some other writer.
Additionally, you will want to find out how your readers will object to your argument. Will they say that you have used imprecise concepts? Have you erred in collecting data? Your argument is only as strong as the objections to it. If you cannot refute or discount an objection, then you need to rethink and revise your position.
Tonight you are the write an argumentive essay on one of the following topics:
Constitutional Issues our rights under the Constitution
Gun Control
The Death Penalty
Social Concerns quality of life
Animal Rights
Gambling
Gay Marriages
Illegal Immigration
Education Issues our public schools
Testing to Improve Educational Standards
School Choice - charter schools & vouchers
Intercollegiate Athletics and Ethics
This is to be posted in your blog by 10:00 p.m. tonight.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Homework for Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday - Using the RAFT format, write a personal letter to someone you want to reconnect with in your life.
Connection
Relating to experiences of characters in literature who have been affected in some way by a person, event, or experience
Purpose/Task
Reconnect with a person who is "lost" to you (through death, moving, or simply losing touch) while telling a story about a person, event, or experience (focus on only one) that has helped you develop into the person you are today.
Audience
A person you have lost touch with in some way (a childhood friend, family member, teacher, or other)
Type
Personal letter
Expressive communication involves exploring and sharing personal experiences and insights. The writer/speaker of expressive text addresses the reader/listener as a confidante, a friendly, though not necessarily personally known, audience who is interested in how thoughtful people respond to life. As authors, students write, speak and use media for expressive purposes; as readers and listeners, they learn to appreciate the experiences of others. Expressive communication is stressed in English I and reinforced in English II, III, and IV. Expressive communication can include personal responses, anecdotes, memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, friendly letters, and monologues.
Connection
Relating to experiences of characters in literature who have been affected in some way by a person, event, or experience
Purpose/Task
Reconnect with a person who is "lost" to you (through death, moving, or simply losing touch) while telling a story about a person, event, or experience (focus on only one) that has helped you develop into the person you are today.
Audience
A person you have lost touch with in some way (a childhood friend, family member, teacher, or other)
Type
Personal letter
Expressive communication involves exploring and sharing personal experiences and insights. The writer/speaker of expressive text addresses the reader/listener as a confidante, a friendly, though not necessarily personally known, audience who is interested in how thoughtful people respond to life. As authors, students write, speak and use media for expressive purposes; as readers and listeners, they learn to appreciate the experiences of others. Expressive communication is stressed in English I and reinforced in English II, III, and IV. Expressive communication can include personal responses, anecdotes, memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, friendly letters, and monologues.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Homework for Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wednesday - After watching the debate tonight, you are to create a QUAD with 5 - 7 questions related to the issues and complete the answers and details. Oral presentations of your acceptance speeches begins on Thursday, April 17, 2008. Review your Presentation rubric for your presentation.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Homework for Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday- Tonight you will be writing an acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination as you were addressing an audience at the Democratic National Convention. Remember the following points from today's lesson.
R—Role of the writer (Who or what are you?)
A—Audience for the writer (To whom or what are you writing?)
F—Format of the writing (What form will your writing assume?)
T—Topic + a strong verb (What are you writing about?)
Putting a RAFT together—1. Establish your topic by considering what important ideas or information you want students to show that they can process through their writing.
2. Determine the role of the writer and the audience for whom the writing is intended.
3. Determine the format that will best allow the writer to communicate the information (letter, speech, advice column, diary, script, news article, speech, travel brochure, thank you note, editorial, instructions, book review, obituary etc.).
4. Determine the structure/form of the writing by adding a strong verb to the topic (persuade, explain, sequence, compare and contrast, describe, etc.).
R—Role of the writer (Who or what are you?)
A—Audience for the writer (To whom or what are you writing?)
F—Format of the writing (What form will your writing assume?)
T—Topic + a strong verb (What are you writing about?)
Putting a RAFT together—1. Establish your topic by considering what important ideas or information you want students to show that they can process through their writing.
2. Determine the role of the writer and the audience for whom the writing is intended.
3. Determine the format that will best allow the writer to communicate the information (letter, speech, advice column, diary, script, news article, speech, travel brochure, thank you note, editorial, instructions, book review, obituary etc.).
4. Determine the structure/form of the writing by adding a strong verb to the topic (persuade, explain, sequence, compare and contrast, describe, etc.).
Homework for Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday - Upon your involvement at the workshops on Friday, you are to write an essay on what important messages were conveyed to you? How has it changed your outlook on things? What will you do differently now? Why is it important for young men and women to meet and discuss issues about challenges that they might have in life? What did you learn that you didn't know previously?
For the students that were not in attendance on Friday for the Boys2RealMen Conference or the Women's conference, you are to write an essay about the importance of assembling with men/women to discuss issues and challenges that you may face in life.
All essays should be posted on your blog by 10:00 p.m.
For the students that were not in attendance on Friday for the Boys2RealMen Conference or the Women's conference, you are to write an essay about the importance of assembling with men/women to discuss issues and challenges that you may face in life.
All essays should be posted on your blog by 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Homework for Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wednesday - Tonight we will continue with the writing after analyzing a story. Students will write a QUAD on the current status of Barack Obama's campaign after watching the evening news.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Homework for Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Tuesday - Tonight's homework will require you to what and analyze the top story on one of the news program. You are to utilize the QUAD (Questions, Answers and Details) format that was taught in class today. This is a written assignment and requires a minimum of 3-5 questions. You will also have to be capable of explaining your story to others. Journal check will be done on Wednesday, April 9, 2008.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Homework for Monday, April 7, 2008
Monday - As a follow up to today's lesson on writing a business letter, you will write a letter to Donald Trump. You are to express within your letter why you would be the best candidate or being on the Student "Apprentice", if there was one. You have to be convincing in your letter. Utilize your notes from class and post within your blog by 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 4, 2008
English Basics Worksheet
English Basics Complete the following activities
Analogies
Complete each analogy by writing the best word in the blank. Use a dictionary to look up words you don't know.
1. Hinder is to impede as excuse is to _______________.
blame
pardon
delay
block
2. Noun is to adjective as verb is to _______________.
action
being
plural
adverb
3. Exit is to out as _______________ is to in.
door
house
enter
extra
4. Drink is to _______________ as eat is to solid.
gas
liquid
milk
food
5. Mercury is to first as Mars is to _______________.
second
third
fourth
fifth
6. Labyrinth is to maze as medicine is to _______________.
drug
doctor
pharmacy
sickness
7. Hurricane is to meteorologist as star is to _______________.
geologist
entomologist
biologist
astronomer
Irregular Plural Nouns
Most nouns in English are made into plural nouns by adding an s to the singular form. If the noun ends with an s, ch, sh, or x, an es is added to make the noun plural. Plural nouns that are not made plural in this way are irregular plural nouns.
There are two or more plural nouns in each sentence. Only one of them is an irregular plural noun. Underline the irregular plural noun in each sentence and write the singular form. The first sentence has been done for you.
1. Vincent helped the women choose their costumes. woman2. The hunters never noticed the two deer by the apple trees.3. Are the geese chasing the other farm animals?4. Do turtles have teeth?5. The children told their parents about the matches.6. You should place the knives and spoons to the left of the plates.7. The children stood on boxes to see the parade.8. We took pictures of the oxen as they pulled the wagons.9. Sandy knew that many mice were living in the walls of the old houses.10. Please keep your hands and feet inside the car.11. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men ate scrambled eggs.
Regular and Irregular Verbs
To make the past tense or past participle form of most verbs (regular verbs) we simply add “ed” at the end.
Examples using the verb “walk”:
Past Tense: I walked through the maze.
Past Participle: I have walked through the maze.
(The past participle form is used in the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses. The above example is written in the present perfect tense.)
Irregular verbs are not that simple. We sometimes need a dictionary to help us write the different forms of irregular verbs.
Examples using the verb “see”:
Past Tense: We saw the secret maps.
Past Participle: We have seen the secret maps.
Look up the word “see” in the dictionary. Notice that the different forms of the word are given. Look up “walk.” Notice that the dictionary doesn’t bother to give the different forms of regular verbs.
Change the verb that comes after each sentence to its past tense form and write it in the blank. You may refer to a dictionary. The first sentence has been completed for you.
1. I did all my homework in study hall. do
2. She ____________ of a better way to do it. think
3. Sam ____________ us to lock the doors. remind
4. They ____________ their names on the list. put
5. Who ____________ my new shoes? borrow
6. We never ____________ his real name. know
Change the verb that comes after each sentence to its past participle form and write it in the blank. You may refer to a dictionary. The first sentence has been completed for you.
1. I have never driven such a wonderful car! drive
2. Frank had ____________ the whole pizza before we arrived. eat
3. They’ve ____________ and trusted her for years. know
4. Osgood has always ____________ others for his mistakes. blame
5. The candidates have ____________ their opinions on our site. write
6. He’s ____________ his favorite song for the ceremony. pick
Analogies
Complete each analogy by writing the best word in the blank. Use a dictionary to look up words you don't know.
1. Hinder is to impede as excuse is to _______________.
blame
pardon
delay
block
2. Noun is to adjective as verb is to _______________.
action
being
plural
adverb
3. Exit is to out as _______________ is to in.
door
house
enter
extra
4. Drink is to _______________ as eat is to solid.
gas
liquid
milk
food
5. Mercury is to first as Mars is to _______________.
second
third
fourth
fifth
6. Labyrinth is to maze as medicine is to _______________.
drug
doctor
pharmacy
sickness
7. Hurricane is to meteorologist as star is to _______________.
geologist
entomologist
biologist
astronomer
Irregular Plural Nouns
Most nouns in English are made into plural nouns by adding an s to the singular form. If the noun ends with an s, ch, sh, or x, an es is added to make the noun plural. Plural nouns that are not made plural in this way are irregular plural nouns.
There are two or more plural nouns in each sentence. Only one of them is an irregular plural noun. Underline the irregular plural noun in each sentence and write the singular form. The first sentence has been done for you.
1. Vincent helped the women choose their costumes. woman2. The hunters never noticed the two deer by the apple trees.3. Are the geese chasing the other farm animals?4. Do turtles have teeth?5. The children told their parents about the matches.6. You should place the knives and spoons to the left of the plates.7. The children stood on boxes to see the parade.8. We took pictures of the oxen as they pulled the wagons.9. Sandy knew that many mice were living in the walls of the old houses.10. Please keep your hands and feet inside the car.11. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men ate scrambled eggs.
Regular and Irregular Verbs
To make the past tense or past participle form of most verbs (regular verbs) we simply add “ed” at the end.
Examples using the verb “walk”:
Past Tense: I walked through the maze.
Past Participle: I have walked through the maze.
(The past participle form is used in the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses. The above example is written in the present perfect tense.)
Irregular verbs are not that simple. We sometimes need a dictionary to help us write the different forms of irregular verbs.
Examples using the verb “see”:
Past Tense: We saw the secret maps.
Past Participle: We have seen the secret maps.
Look up the word “see” in the dictionary. Notice that the different forms of the word are given. Look up “walk.” Notice that the dictionary doesn’t bother to give the different forms of regular verbs.
Change the verb that comes after each sentence to its past tense form and write it in the blank. You may refer to a dictionary. The first sentence has been completed for you.
1. I did all my homework in study hall. do
2. She ____________ of a better way to do it. think
3. Sam ____________ us to lock the doors. remind
4. They ____________ their names on the list. put
5. Who ____________ my new shoes? borrow
6. We never ____________ his real name. know
Change the verb that comes after each sentence to its past participle form and write it in the blank. You may refer to a dictionary. The first sentence has been completed for you.
1. I have never driven such a wonderful car! drive
2. Frank had ____________ the whole pizza before we arrived. eat
3. They’ve ____________ and trusted her for years. know
4. Osgood has always ____________ others for his mistakes. blame
5. The candidates have ____________ their opinions on our site. write
6. He’s ____________ his favorite song for the ceremony. pick
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Homework for Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Wednesday - After viewing the 1961 version of "A Raisin In the Sun" as opposed to the 2008 version carefully analyze the film for its' literary and historical relevance. "A Raisin In the Sun" is an excellent choice for literature, drama, history, and film classes. There is plenty of action, salty dialogue, and a cast of dynamic characters to captivate even the most "video-ed out" teenager. Rebellion against parents and frustration with a lifestyle that brings little gratification are conditions most young people endure. However, beneath the cynical veneer of the adolescent beats the heart of an idealist who wants to believe in dreams that do come true. Through Hansberry's careful craftsmanship, the universal themes of the importance of dreams and the frustration of dreams deferred, the strength of family, the importance of not selling out, the problems of conflicting expectations, the belief that love and trust will win over deceit and selfishness, and the dangers of prejudice and stereotyping are as powerful today as they were nearly four decades ago when she wrote the play. Today's students, often from fractured families, need as much exposure as possible to values taught within a traditional family unit, and Raisin delivers without preaching.
Another reason for using Raisin is its historical value. The play is a provocative reflection of racial attitudes of the 1950s and of today. Prejudice assumes many forms, and Hansberry's characters and the screenplay's visuals bring this theme to life in a way no textbook could.
After viewing this play and seeing the versions of the play, write an essay about one of the underlying themes of the play and how it is still relevant in 2008? This is a written assignment and will be collected in class on Thursday, April 3, 2008.
Another reason for using Raisin is its historical value. The play is a provocative reflection of racial attitudes of the 1950s and of today. Prejudice assumes many forms, and Hansberry's characters and the screenplay's visuals bring this theme to life in a way no textbook could.
After viewing this play and seeing the versions of the play, write an essay about one of the underlying themes of the play and how it is still relevant in 2008? This is a written assignment and will be collected in class on Thursday, April 3, 2008.
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