Friday, January 31, 2014

1A, 2A, and 4A Students ONLY - DUE Tuesday, Feb 4th

Write an Expository Essay to the prompt below:


Through the years new inventions have changed the way we live. Think about one invention that has had an impact on the way you live. Now write to explain to your teacher how this invention has changed your life.

Complete the following:
1) show your essay outline plan. (20 pts)
2) write your actual 5-paragraph essay - typed, 2 copies printed.(20 pts)
3) use the color code system we discussed in class and analyze your essay by color coding focus and detail sentences. (20 pts)
 
-green or blue highlights for Focus (restatement of the prompt, thesis and topic sentences)
-bright color like orange or red to show specific details that support the topic sentence
-remember, watch out for loosely related or extraneous details.  If you discover them, revise and reprint!

I am excited! ...can't wait to read your essays.

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Reference tools are printed below: Essay Framework and Scoring Rubric

ESSAY FRAMEWORK
Introduction:
Engaging beginning (Hook)
Background Knowledge
Restate important parts of the prompt
Transitional sentence
Thesis statement (Explicit or Implied)

Body Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence Statement (Aligned with Thesis point #1)
Support sentence
Elaboration (choose your combination of FRIES) that provides insight: FRIESS & use transitions to connect ides
1. Facts/details
2. Reasons
3. Incident
4. Example/Explain/Experience
5. Statistics (Plausible)
6. Sensory Details
+ Anecdote
Closure/transition sentence

Body Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence Statement (Aligned with Thesis point #2)
Support sentence
Elaboration (choose your combination of FRIES) that provides insight: FRIESS & use transitions to 1. Facts/details
2. Reasons
3. Incident
4. Example/Explain/Experience
5. Statistics (Plausible)
6. Sensory Details
+ Anecdote
Closure/transition sentence

Body Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence Statement (Aligned with Thesis point #3)
Support sentence
Elaboration (choose your combination of FRIES) that provides insight: FRIESS & use transitions to 1. Facts/details
2. Reasons
3. Incident
4. Example/Explain/Experience
5. Statistics (Plausible)
6. Sensory Details
+ Anecdote
Closure/transition sentence

Conclusion

Transitional Sentence reminding reader of the details of the prompt
Restate thesis, topic sentence, prompt, and important details
Provide a fresh closing

 

FCAT Writing Rubric — Grade 8
The rubric further interprets the four major areas of consideration into levels of achievement.
6 Points The writing is focused, purposeful, and reflects insight into the writing situation. The paper conveys a sense of completeness and wholeness with adherence to the main idea, and its organizational pattern provides for a logical progression of ideas. The support is substantial, specific, relevant, concrete, and/or illustrative. The paper demonstrates a commitment to and an involvement with the subject, clarity in presentation of ideas, and may use creative writing strategies appropriate to the purpose of the paper. The writing demonstrates a mature command of language (word choice) with freshness of expression. Sentence structure is varied, and sentences are complete except when fragments are used purposefully. Few, if any, convention errors occur in mechanics, usage, and punctuation.

5 Points The writing focuses on the topic, and its organizational pattern provides for a progression of ideas, although some lapses may occur. The paper conveys a sense of completeness or wholeness. The support is ample. The writing demonstrates a mature command of language, including precision in word choice. There is variation in sentence structure, and, with rare exceptions, sentences are complete except when fragments are used purposefully. The paper generally follows the conventions of mechanics, usage, and spelling.

4 Points The writing is generally focused on the topic but may include extraneous or loosely related material. An organizational pattern is apparent, although some lapses may occur. The paper exhibits some sense of completeness or wholeness. The support, including word choice, is adequate, although development may be uneven. There is little variation in sentence structure, and most sentences are complete. The paper generally follows the conventions of mechanics, usage, and spelling.

3 Points The writing is generally focused on the topic but may include extraneous or loosely related material. An organizational pattern has been attempted, but the paper may lack a sense of completeness or wholeness. Some support is included, but development is erratic. Word choice is adequate but may be limited, predictable, or occasionally vague. There is little, if any, variation in sentence structure. Knowledge of the conventions of mechanics and usage is usually demonstrated, and commonly used words are usually spelled correctly.

2 Points The writing is related to the topic but includes extraneous or loosely related material. Little evidence of an organizational pattern may be demonstrated, and the paper may lack a sense of completeness or wholeness. Development of support is inadequate or illogical. Word choice is limited, inappropriate, or vague. There is little, if any, variation in sentence structure, and gross errors in sentence structure may occur. Errors in basic conventions of mechanics and usage may occur, and commonly used words may be misspelled.

1 Point The writing may only minimally address the topic. The paper is a fragmentary or incoherent listing of related ideas or sentences or both. Little, if any, development of support or an organizational pattern or both is apparent. Limited or inappropriate word choice may obscure meaning. Gross errors in sentence structure and usage may impede communication. Frequent and blatant errors may occur in the basic conventions of mechanics and usage, and commonly used words may be misspelled.

8B ONLY - "Abuela Invents The Zero" and Essay Smart - DUE MONDAY FEB 3rd


8B ONLY
"Abuela Invents The Zero" pg 445
  1. Read the story
  2. Chart the PLOT Elements using the fictional plot roller coaster graphic organizer
  3. complete all in-margin questions
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Write an Essay - see specific instructions:

To access EssaySmart,
1) log onto www.classzone.com
2) create your student account with your school sign-in I.D. and password
3) log in your student Activation Code: 3767769 60
4) Click the Expository arrow
5) Choose prompt #5

Through the years new inventions have changed the way we live. Think about one invention that has had an impact on the way you live. Now write to explain to your teacher how this invention has changed your life.

1) show your essay outline plan. (20 pts)
2) write your actual 5-paragraph essay - typed, 2 copies printed.(20 pts)
3) use the color code system we discussed in class and analyze your essay by color coding focus and detail sentences. (20 pts)
 
-green or blue highlights for Focus (restatement of the prompt, thesis and topic sentences)
-bright color like orange or red to show specific details that support the topic sentence
-remember, watch out for loosely related or extraneous details.  If you discover them, revise and reprint!

I am excited! ...can't wait to read your essays.
 

---------------------
For students who were absent, here are the steps to access EssaySmart:
1) log onto www.classzone.com
2) You are at the Home page.
3) Select Language Arts Middle; Florida; and then "Go"
4) Look at the top row and choose the middle book (McDougal/Grade 8)
5) Look at the top row and choose Writing and Grammar & then click EssaySmart
6) Choose Create a Student Account and complete
7) Click Activation Code and key in 3767769 60
8) Now, you will return to home page and repeat steps 3-5
 
 
Reference tools are printed below: Essay Framework and Scoring Rubric

ESSAY FRAMEWORK
Introduction:
Engaging beginning (Hook)
Background Knowledge
Restate important parts of the prompt
Transitional sentence
Thesis statement (Explicit or Implied)
 
Body Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence Statement (Aligned with Thesis point #1)
Support sentence
Elaboration (choose your combination of FRIES) that provides insight: FRIESS & use transitions to connect ides
1. Facts/details
2. Reasons
3. Incident
4. Example/Explain/Experience
5. Statistics (Plausible)
6. Sensory Details
+ Anecdote
Closure/transition sentence
 
Body Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence Statement (Aligned with Thesis point #2)
Support sentence
Elaboration (choose your combination of FRIES) that provides insight: FRIESS & use transitions to 1. Facts/details
2. Reasons
3. Incident
4. Example/Explain/Experience
5. Statistics (Plausible)
6. Sensory Details
+ Anecdote
Closure/transition sentence
 
Body Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence Statement (Aligned with Thesis point #3)
Support sentence
Elaboration (choose your combination of FRIES) that provides insight: FRIESS & use transitions to 1. Facts/details
2. Reasons
3. Incident
4. Example/Explain/Experience
5. Statistics (Plausible)
6. Sensory Details
+ Anecdote
Closure/transition sentence
 
Conclusion
Transitional Sentence reminding reader of the details of the prompt
Restate thesis, topic sentence, prompt, and important details
Provide a fresh closing

 

FCAT Writing Rubric — Grade 8
The rubric further interprets the four major areas of consideration into levels of achievement.
6 Points The writing is focused, purposeful, and reflects insight into the writing situation. The paper conveys a sense of completeness and wholeness with adherence to the main idea, and its organizational pattern provides for a logical progression of ideas. The support is substantial, specific, relevant, concrete, and/or illustrative. The paper demonstrates a commitment to and an involvement with the subject, clarity in presentation of ideas, and may use creative writing strategies appropriate to the purpose of the paper. The writing demonstrates a mature command of language (word choice) with freshness of expression. Sentence structure is varied, and sentences are complete except when fragments are used purposefully. Few, if any, convention errors occur in mechanics, usage, and punctuation.
 
5 Points The writing focuses on the topic, and its organizational pattern provides for a progression of ideas, although some lapses may occur. The paper conveys a sense of completeness or wholeness. The support is ample. The writing demonstrates a mature command of language, including precision in word choice. There is variation in sentence structure, and, with rare exceptions, sentences are complete except when fragments are used purposefully. The paper generally follows the conventions of mechanics, usage, and spelling.
 
4 Points The writing is generally focused on the topic but may include extraneous or loosely related material. An organizational pattern is apparent, although some lapses may occur. The paper exhibits some sense of completeness or wholeness. The support, including word choice, is adequate, although development may be uneven. There is little variation in sentence structure, and most sentences are complete. The paper generally follows the conventions of mechanics, usage, and spelling.
 
3 Points The writing is generally focused on the topic but may include extraneous or loosely related material. An organizational pattern has been attempted, but the paper may lack a sense of completeness or wholeness. Some support is included, but development is erratic. Word choice is adequate but may be limited, predictable, or occasionally vague. There is little, if any, variation in sentence structure. Knowledge of the conventions of mechanics and usage is usually demonstrated, and commonly used words are usually spelled correctly.
 
2 Points The writing is related to the topic but includes extraneous or loosely related material. Little evidence of an organizational pattern may be demonstrated, and the paper may lack a sense of completeness or wholeness. Development of support is inadequate or illogical. Word choice is limited, inappropriate, or vague. There is little, if any, variation in sentence structure, and gross errors in sentence structure may occur. Errors in basic conventions of mechanics and usage may occur, and commonly used words may be misspelled.
 
1 Point The writing may only minimally address the topic. The paper is a fragmentary or incoherent listing of related ideas or sentences or both. Little, if any, development of support or an organizational pattern or both is apparent. Limited or inappropriate word choice may obscure meaning. Gross errors in sentence structure and usage may impede communication. Frequent and blatant errors may occur in the basic conventions of mechanics and usage, and commonly used words may be misspelled.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Assignment for students who are going on the college field trip Due Feb. 3/4


Students who are going on the college trip,

Here is your assignment.  It is DUE Feb 3/4 - Worth 50 pts

From The Contender, pg 443

1.       Read the entire passage first.

2.       Since this text is an excerpt, where in the plot element do you think the excerpt begins?

3.       Reread line 8, “Alfred swallowed” and the remaining line. What is the author revealing about how Alfred feels? Explain your textual evidence

4.       Lines 11, 12, and 13 seem pretty intense.  What has been revealed thru the dialogue?

5.       Reread lines 28 – what does the author want you to know about Mr. Donatelli?

6.       At the end of line 28 “But the voice”, what is the author contrasting (using the contrast word "but" and why is showing this contrast.  What does he want to reveal?

7.       Answer the following, as these are strategies to help reveal the theme

-What the main characters say?
-What are the actions of the main characters?
-What does the main character want?
-How the conflict is resolved?
-How the characters change?
-How the title provides important information or highlights ideas the author wants to share?


8.       Answer all of the in-margin questions

9.       Read pg 444

10.   What is theme?

11.   What are some important characteristics of theme?

12.   How does a reader uncover theme?

13.   Describe how each clue to theme helps the reader uncover the theme.

14.   Read the text on pg 445.

15.   As you read, state where each plot element begins – indicate by a paragraph #

(This step is very important because in doing so, you are to recognize what the author is revealing to you in the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and resolution.)

16.   Then, answer the in-margin questions.

17.   Write the theme statement for this text.

18.   Discuss how you were able to identify the clues to theme in the story using

the title, setting, conflict, symbol, and important statements. Be sure to discuss each one separately.

19.   Read pages 448-449.

20.   For 449, you have learned more information about symbolism.  Write a paragraph reflecting what this section has taught you or reinforced for you.

21.   Under the section Reading Skills: Make Inference, use the chart to make inferences about the three characters in the section you will read about on page 450.

22.   Be sure to read Author Online, as the author’s background information may provide some insight into the text.

23.   Read “Gil’s Furniture Bought and Sold.”

24.   As you read, state where each plot element begins – indicate by a paragraph #

(This step is very important because in doing so, you are to recognize what the author is revealing to you in the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and resolution.)

25.   Answer ALL in-margin questions.

26.   Answer the Comprehension questions 1-8 on page 452.
 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Write Score Assignment (15 pts)


A/B Day Students  - 15 point assignment

Due Thursday/Friday - Jan 23/24


Review the Write Score packet.  Turn to the Support subheading.

Go to the Extended Elaborated section

Circle or underline examples of limited or immature vocabulary words used in the sample essay.

Review the supporting details. Provide 3-5 bullets stating what you wished the author would have provided more of.

Go to the Partial Elaborated section

Circle or underline examples of mature vocabulary words used in the sample essay.

Review the supporting details. Provide 3-5 bullets specifically indicating the sentences you appreciated (perhaps they provided visualization or insight). 

Provide one bullet expressing what else you wanted the writer to tell you.

Go to the Fully Elaborated section

Circle or underline examples of mature vocabulary words used in the sample essay.

Review the supporting details. Provide 3-5 bullets specifically indicating the sentences you appreciated (perhaps they provided visualization or insight)  

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Writing Assignment Due Next Week, Monday (1/13) and Tuesday (1/14) - 25 pts


Students,
 Revise and type your Introductory paragraphs (both versions)  and Body Paragraphs:
Step 1

The first Introduction will reflect a statement to contrast engaging beginning, background knowledge sentences, transitional sentence (optional) and an explicit thesis statement.
The second Introduction will reflect a descriptive engaging beginning, background knowledge sentences, transitional sentence (optional) and an implied thesis statement.

Next, label each sentence: EB (engaging beginning), BK (Background Knowledge), T (Transitional Sentence), and TH (Thesis Statement).
Step 2

Type your body paragraphs.
Identify each sentence: TS (Topic Sentence), and indicate the purpose for each sentence by coding them with one of the elements of FRIES+ detail (facts, reasons, incident, example, explanation, sensory detail and detail)


Again, ensure that the assignment is typed. Points will be deducted if the assignment is not typed.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Writing Assignment is due this week: 1A, 2A, and 4A, Thursday; 8B, Friday - Worth 25 points

Students,

Revise the Introductory portion of your DTW 2 Essay.  Here is a reminder of the prompt: Persuade  the U.S. Postmaster General to consider the individual you suggest for the honor of appearing on a postage stamp.
 
Your first revision:

1.  EB – statement to contrast

2.  Background sentences (2)

3.  Transition (optional)

4.  Thesis statement explicit (you give the three points)

You must have  at least 5 sentences for your Introduction

 

Your second revision:

1.  EB – descriptive

2.  Background (2 sentences)

3.  Transition (optional)

4.  Thesis (implied – you don’t give the three points)

You must have  at least 5 sentences for your Introduction