NOTES FROM CLASS

In class, we discussed “Peak Performance” and answered questions in groups.

1. Why did Goleman write this article? What is it a response to? (If all research starts with a question, what might his question have been?)
2. What message do you think the experts quoted in this essay are giving to young people who want to excel in something? What do you see as the impact of this message?
3. Who is the audience? In other words, who would benefit from reading about the research reported here? In what way would they benefit?
4. What is the impact of Goleman’s pointing out that the marathon runner who won an Olympic gold medal a hundred years ago could barely qualify for the Boston Marathon today?
5. What are some of the sources (strategies) Goleman uses? How does the use of diverse authorities and sources strengthen Goleman’s essay?

We also reviewed Essay #2. Remember, practice makes perfect, and just like chess masters and basketball stars, writers only improve through practice (and that means revision).

Revision does not mean changing a few words. It involves a complete reimagining of the essay, especially if you struggled with structure. Altering a few sentences is not going to change your grade. You really have to rework the paper, improving both the scaffolding (structure) and facade (sentences). Sometimes, what’s in your head isn’t being translated properly to the page.

Some really important things to focus on, besides a clear structure, are:

• Thesis sentences: make sure you have a thesis that expresses your argument, and your how you plan to prove that argument. In this case, the how are likely your 3 categories.
  • Some of you received decent grades without developed theses, and I understand you may not want to bother revising, but I’m warning you now: if you cannot write a thesis by the time your final rolls around, you may not pass the course. The thesis is THAT IMPORTANT!
• Topic sentences: if you’re using the alternating pattern, which most of you are, you’ll want the topic sentence to speak to the specific category you are discussing, say businesses that exist, and relate that topic back to the argument.
  • If your argument is that your neighborhood is a better representation of NYC, then your topic sentence can likely relate to the fact that TS has chain restaurants/shops that you can find across the country, while your neighborhood has little mom and pop shops that are unique and special. Then follow with a few sentences of evidence about the chain restaurants and clothing stores in TS, and a few sentences the unique restaurants and shops in your neighborhood. Details should work to prove the argument. Don’t talk about how great Olive Garden in TS is if your argument is that the uniqueness of your neighborhood trumps Times Square’s flashy appeal.
    • NOTE: If you start with Times Square, all paragraphs need to start with Times Square.

Also read your work aloud to see if it makes sense. Focus on details, specifics, and clear language. Keep it simple. Say exactly what you mean, even if it sounds too simple. It’s better to be simple and clear than complicated and confusing.

HOMEWORK

• Read Shitty First Drafts and post your reading response to Open Lab.
• Work on your research project. Your proposal & annotated bibliography, as well as your essay’s first draft, are all due on Tuesday, 4/28.
• Revisions to Essay #2 are due Thursday, 4/23.