NOTES FROM CLASS 2/10/15

For those who missed class, we worked predominately on grammar today with a focus on fixing fragmented sentences. As a reminder: fragments are incomplete thoughts that have been punctuated as if they were sentences. So how do we fix them? Turn the fragmented sentence into a complete sentence by adding the missing subject or other information, OR attach the offending fragment to the sentence before/after it. In other words, connect it to the rest of the information.

Often, fragments are sentences cut in half. For example: “Joe skipped lunch. So he was really hungry.” The fragment is in bold. Fix the fragment by combining the fragment with the rest of the thought: “Joe skipped lunch, so he was really hungry.” The comma here is optional (remember to read aloud. Commas often indicate natural pauses in speech. In the above example, the comma is optional. Some people may pause, some may not. When in doubt, always add a comma before your conjunction!) These can also be two separate, complete sentences: “Joe skipped lunch. He was really hungry.”

Keep in mind that there are always multiple ways to combat any grammar problem. Rarely is there one right answer!

Also, the assignment for essay #1 was handed out today. If you were not in class, you can find the essay assignment, including the prewriting worksheet for homework, here. For many of you, the hardest part will likely be choosing the topic. In general, with a narrative, it’s a good idea to focus on a single event that took place. For example:

• An early memory about writing that you recall vividly
• Someone who taught you to read or write
• A book or other text that has been significant to you in some way
• An event at school that was interesting, humorous, or embarrassing
• A writing or reading task that you found (or still find) difficult or challenging
• A memento that represents an important moment in your literary development

If you’re unsure, make a list of possible topics and then choose one that you think will be interesting to you and to others. Ask yourself which topic is the most meaningful to you. This will likely result in the best essay.

Here are the updated deadlines for essay #1. I apologize for the error in class!

Tuesday, Feb. 17: Prewriting worksheet due in class. You are also encouraged to try other prewriting techniques.
Tuesday, Feb 24: First draft due in class. This is not a “rough” draft, but a first draft. It must be complete. Do your best!
Thursday, March. 5: Final draft due in class. You must include all process work with the final draft, including the prewriting worksheet and the first draft with my notes.

HOMEWORK DUE TUESDAY, 2/17:

1. Complete essay #1 prewriting worksheet, available here.

2. Read and annotate Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The annotations will be turned in so everyone must print a copy, even if you have the textbook. As a reminder, annotating means writing on the page. Underline or highlight passages that stick out to you for whatever reason, write notes and questions in the margins—anything that comes to mind! The idea is to read actively.

You are also responsible for posting a reading response for “I Have a Dream” to our OpenLab.

3. Finish fixing the sentences passed out in class (also available here, to be completed in your in class writing notebook) to the best of your ability if you have not completed that already. Some of them are tricky. Focus first on eliminating all sentence fragments. Rewrite the sentence in whatever way you think is best.

Comment with questions, and have a great holiday weekend!