Just Mine Now

Here is just a reminder since I see that some of you turned in essays to me, but didn't submit them to turnitin.com.  You were required to do both.  These essays will not be graded as a result.  Don't let this happen with the MC assignment as well.  Make sure you do submit the multiple choice assignment to turnitin.com, and print out a copy to turn in before class begins. If you try to use class time to print, then your assignment will be considered late and can only earn half of the total points.  If you are late to class because you were printing it elsewhere, it will also be considered late and receive the same treatment.  You must learn to respect deadlines . You must follow instructions for submission of assignments.  As far as I'm concerned, if the assignment has not been turned in to the website and in class at the beginning, it will not be graded.  Follow directions, please.

Here begins a list of different examples of syntax that not only will help your writing (you might want to try some of those things suggested just to improve your own writing) but will give you samples as well: cumulative sentences how to write better sentences kinds of sentences  The list of resources may grow as the year progresses.  You might also want to search for these online.  Different universities have posted Adobe Acrobat files. 

For those of you still having problems writing the summary, try reading this particular handout.  This link should take you to it, https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/How%20to%20Write%20a%20Summary.pdf .  It is helpful to read.

The word in line 76 should be "feel" not real.  Please note the correction. Best of luck on your analysis this weekend.  I hope that you realize that these essays should be more than two pages, double-spaced.   I look forward to reading them.

If you have a few minutes extra time, you might want to listen to a podcast where Amelia Lester and David Haglund discuss Joan Didion.  Some mention is made of the book you will begin reading tomorrow, The Year of Magical Thinking.   The podcast is not quite 20 minutes long. You may even learn something about the 60s and 70s in San Francisco, which you will study next semester in US History.  Enjoy.

Here's an interesting article to read, " Campaign to Cut the Clutter: Zinsser's Brackets ," that will not only help give your writing more clarity, but will also give you practice writing more succinctly.  The end of the article includes links for practice.  They may be worth your while before the workload becomes too heavy.  More will come in class as well about this very topic. Exploring the link that takes you to the above is worth it as well.  Classic essays are linked here often plus other writing tips.

One text you will be reading this year is one you'll either love or love to hate.  It's the one major text that provides many opportunities to analyze argument as well as to analyze rhetorical strategies.  Both of these skills are needed both when deciphering multiple choice questions as well as two of the essays the exam will ask you to write.   You will find more at Thoreau's Cape Cod .  The book, Cape Cod is described as Thoreau's "sunniest, happiest book."  Possibly  you'll enjoy reading if you have extra time.  You will see more of Thoreau than a man who at times appears to be preaching how you should be living your life, something often found in Walden .  We may read parts in class after our study of Walden .  The website where this text is found also has other works by Thoreau, including an annotated presentation of Walden .  The site may well be worth your perusal.