Wednesday/Thursday: Parable and Writing Assignment Outline

First thing today- you got back your journal.  Check that for the correct math and let me know if there are any issues.

Then we looked at this rubric: Shared Speaking Rubric Draft 3  It something that we will be working with the rest of the year for personal reflection, formative evaluation, and summative evaluation.  Your end of quarter spoken book review will use this as part of the evaluation criteria, so you may want to spend some time looking at this.

Then we read pages 98-99 in class together, picking apart the action of “The Parable of the Prodigal Son”.  We talked about how a parable is a special sort of story that teaches a lesson, and we looked at how this particular example teaches a lesson that is still relevant today.

HW: Outline your response to the prompt on page 100.  You might use a mind map, or a list with key ideas and bullets to make your outline.  The outline should be written on paper so that I can see it.

The prompt follows here: 

“In different ways, each of the selections in this part of the book explores what it means to be human and how best to life one’s life.  Think about the works you have read, and identify three pieces of wisdom that you think still apply today.  In your own words, explain what the wisdom is and how it still applies.”

Friday/Monday: Writing Activity

Based on your outline, write a thesis statement that addresses the wisdom you have identified from the ancient stories in Unit One.  You might find this sheet helpful: Thesis Statement Cheat Sheet

Your thesis should not simply list the wisdom you have identified.  DON’T DO THIS– “Ancient stories can show people the importance of having good friends, being part of a family, and falling in love.”

While this may be okay for a grade 9 student, you are better than that– look at pattern #2 on the Thesis Statement Cheat Sheet for a place to start. Hint: Consider the discussions we have had so far regarding THE HUMAN CONDITION.

After you have your thesis statement, write three topic sentences- one for each body paragraph/piece of wisdom you have brainstormed/outlined from the last class.

Following the pattern we worked on with the Noah/Utnapishtim flood stories, write the basic outline of each body paragraph.  After the basic ideas are on paper, go back and edit the paragraph (1) by identifying where you can add details/evidence to make a clear argument, and (2) identify where you are having issues with language and construction.

After the body paragraphs are done, write the introduction and then the conclusion– If you are anything like me, your first try at an introduction will be a decent conclusion.  I normally end up writing a better introduction the second time I try it.

If you are really, REALLY stuck, you can use this worksheet to help you organize your ideas: How to Write an Essay. This handout has really good prompts to think about when writing, but it is for an essay with 6 main body paragraphs, not 3, so it will be way more space than you need for this assignment.

HW: Have your rough draft ready to edit for the next class (intro with thesis, 3 body paragraphs, and conclusion).  It should be typed, but please keep your handwritten steps to turn in at the end of the process. 

HW: Keep up on your NoRedInk.com assignments

HW: Keep up on your reading journal (9 entries due September 22).