Just Mine Now

For those of you who have COMPLETED ALL ASSIGNMENTS thus far this semester, which includes making comments on the blogs last week, something many of you did not complete , the following extra credit has been made available to you.  Read the letter that Apple's CEO, T im Cook wrote to customers, presenting Apple's position about creating a backdoor program to allow the FBI to access data in the iPhone used by the San Bernardino terrorist in December.   Think about the information you've gleaned from reading the handout on arguments.  Formulate a question to answer.  Think about the other tips given to you in that handout.  You may also choose to use outside sources, articles that have been popping up since Apple refused to comply.   Your task is to analyze his argument, either defending, challenging or qualifying it. The essay must be typed and double-spaced; it is due no later than 7:30 Thur sday morning, 2/2 5 .  Both classes must comply ...

This question is from another site, and is a good one:  How much and what kind of reading do most people consider enough? How much and what kind would Thoreau think is enough, and why? Give examples.   Something else to consider involves Thoreau's advice found in this chapter on how to approach reading, something a Duke University Reading Guide mentions.  It is an approach that is necessary for understanding and enjoying his writing: "To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any exercise which the customs of the day esteem.  It requires a training such as the athletes underwent, the steady intention almost of the whole life to this object.  Books must be read as deliberately and reservedly as they were written" (para. 3 89-90).   Here are a couple others you might want to address Friday: What does the image of the veil mean? How can books help us "scale h...

Because it appears that most of you don't understand what you are supposed to be presenting in your blogs (the grades for this week will reflect this), the assignment for next week has been postponed.  I'll try explaining in class again the beginning of next week.  At that time, you need to take notes on what I have to say and ask any questions you may have.  So as it stands now, your focus needs to be prepping the questions for chapter 2 in Walden for the fishbowl which will begin Tuesday.   Also, as a reminder, since there is no school Monday due to President's Day, there will be no tutoring at all next week. 

A page exists with student questions about Walden that can be found at the website I had mentioned before.  In case you haven't seen this particular page, Ask Jimmy , you might want to peruse the questions asked and answers given. You also may choose to ask questions here.  

Friday I was asked if this essay is like the DBQ you write for APUSH.  It's not quite the same thing.  Basically you are writing a researched argument.  To write one of these successfully you need to keep in mind all sides of the question.  That means your argument should address both sides.  Whenever writing one of these just as for any argument, you should concede something to the other side, even if it is something minor.  You might want to review what your text has to say about argument.  You might also want to peruse some websites that can provide you with information that will help you attack this timed writing without fear. Here are some possible sources that may help you: Preparing for the synthesis Question: Six Moves Toward Success Synthesis Essay (YouTube) Another Synthesis Essay (YouTube) Think about some of the other information you've learned in class in regard to this essay.  Also, you might want to review other links in t...

It has been brought to my attention that I didn't print the entire op-ed from the New York Times , so I'm linking it here: " Anger: An American History ."  Remember that the assigned rhetorical precis you write must be posted in your blog by the beginning of class Tuesday, January 19.  

A PSA is a public service announcement that is an ad that airs for free. It usually targets a particular social issue that the makers consider important to address.   The link to the PSA for analysis relates to one such issue.  Because one of the required skills for this course involves visual analysis, I'm providing you with this opportunity, plus this may relate to something assigned later this semester. Your task begins with watching a PSA that aired on Christmas during NBA games.  Watch it carefully.  Next, note the argument (the central claim) as well as the appeals present, being sure to analyze their effectiveness.  I'm looking for detailed analysis.  Serious effort should be apparent through what you write, and your analysis should be original in order to receive credit.  This should present your best writing, which includes complete sentences, consistent verb tense, standard English usage.  Be sure to include any necessary documen...