A Tale of Two Cities: Part 1

A few reminders:
1.) Analyze, not summarize. You must have something to say! Make a point--stick your neck out! Say something new and original...
2.) Develop develop develop. I am looking for depth in one topic, not breadth, so don't try to discuss everything--go into depth about one thing and explore it as fully as you can!
3.) Where appropriate, respond to and build on your classmates' postings. Your posting should not occur in isolation--this forum is meant to facilitate discussion outside of the classroom, so be sure to read the entries posted before yours and check the discussion board before class to read the entries posted after yours.
4.) Proofread your posting before you post it--I will be grading diction, syntax, and grammatical elements the same way I do papers. The tone can be conversational, but that doesn't mean that the writing can be sloppy.
5.) Include at least direct quotation from the text to support your argument. Don't forget to cite.
6.) Minimum length (unless otherwise noted): at least 8 well-developed sentences.TEACH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE TOPIC! HAVE FUN WITH THIS! Practice analyzing.

Lord of the Flies Test Review

Post your true/false questions here! Please post 5. Read previous ones before you post so you don't duplicate.

Also, please post one possible short essay question.

Wordiness Practice

Let's make these more concise!

Remind you of anything you have read?

Check out this review of a new memoir :-).

Subculture Proposal

This post should be at least one significant paragraph in length. It should include, at the very least, the following information:

1. A brief description of the subculture.

2. A brief rationale for why you are choosing this subculture. Why is it interesting to you?

3. Details regarding when, where, how often, and for how long this subculture meets. You also need to state exactly when (dates and times) you plan on observing this group.

4. Reassurance that you have received your parents' permission to observe this group. If your observation of the subculture will be conspicuous, you also need permission from at least one member of the subculture.

5. Questions you have about the subculture that you will attempt to answer. You should aim to have at least 7 insightful, thoughtful questions.

This assignment will be due Monday. It will be worth 20 points. 10 points will be awarded if all of the above information is provided thoroughly and thoughtfully. 10 points will be awarded for how well it is written (accurate diction, clear and concise writing, correct grammar, attention to top ten items, etc.).

List of 10 Subculture Subjects

A few suggestions...

1. The more specific and regimented and personalized the subculture, the better. The more material your observations garner, the better.

2. Read over the lists of your classmates. Choose subjects they haven't come up with. Be original.

3. Choose subcultures you genuinely want to learn about. Your interest will come through in your writing.

This post is due by the beginning of Thursday's class.

John Grisham on Writing

In today's NYTimes, John Grisham reflects back on the jobs that preceded his fame as an author. I found the entire OpEd interesting, but I especially appreciated his closing paragraph:

I had never worked so hard in my life, nor imagined that writing could be such an effort. It was more difficult than laying asphalt, and at times more frustrating than selling underwear. But it paid off. Eventually, I was able to leave the law and quit politics. Writing’s still the most difficult job I’ve ever had — but it’s worth it.

To check out the entire essay, go here.