Although you want to read this page online in order to explore links, consider printing these instructions and then check each step when completed.

 

 

Online Activities/Writing Exercises for Week 13

 (Tip: the table of contents below is to help jump to a specific task in this assignment.  I suggest you read through the page first and use the table when you need to review a specific section.)

As your Syllabus states, ten percent of your grade is based on the online activities  and practice writing that we'll call Online Activities/Writing Exercises. 

  • For week 13, we're going to include 

  • Bring to class...

  • Writer's Workshop draft posting and responding
 

Step 1: Bring to class on Wednesday...

The first page of a portfolio essay.

First impressions count. The first page of your portfolio essays introduce readers--and for portfolios that means readers who will likely be reading hundreds of essays in a week and a half--to your credibility as a writer. If you don't persuade them that you know what you're doing with that first page, you will have a much rougher time doing so with the rest of the essay.

But even more importantly, your first page will tell readers one of two things: this paper will be intriguing or this paper will be boring.

And as I'm sure you're aware--boring is really bad!

So, revise it to impress your readers:

1. Study Ideas and Details chapter 6, 109-112. Write an introduction that both hooks the reader but also accurately promises what's to come.

2. Include a title that promises an insightful experience. See ID132-33.

3. Use MLA formatting that shows you know what you're doing in presenting your essay within a professional, academic setting.
Done__

 

Step 2: Upload at least one essay with a request for feedback to the Writer's Workshop:

  • Recall that any essays you place into the portfolio must have audience response from at least three other class members. 
  • So if you have any essays that haven't gotten effective feedback on earlier drafts or that you want further feedback on, now is the time to get it. 
  • The feedback you receive will be more helpful if you've done some revision on the draft, and you consider it ready for the portfolio.
  • I'll have the Writer's Workshop available during class on Wednesday, so I suggest you have the revised draft ready to upload when we meet. If you still need a bit more time, that's fine, but post it no later than 6 p.m. That way, those who would like to complete responses by Wednesday midnight and not have to work on these over the long weekend will be able to do so.
Done__

 

Step 3: Read each other's essays in the Writer's Workshop and reply with feedback:

First, reply to the request for feedback.

Second, use the following questions as guidelines for further response:

  1. What works most effectively in this essay? 
  1. What would you say is the thesis, the main idea of the essay?
  1. Look at how the body paragraphs are ordered. Is there a logical pattern? How would you describe this pattern? Or is it random? (Remember that random order in an academic essay is not effective.) If so, any suggestions about an effective order? 
  1. Where in the essay might you say, "I agree" or "I can relate to that"? Why? 
  1. Where in the essay do you feel compelled to say, "I doubt it?" or "I cannot relate to that." Again, why? 
  1. Where in the essay are you not sure where the writer is going? 
  1. Any major mechanical errors that you notice? Remember that each essay that uses sources must use MLA parenthetic citation and a works cited page.  Does this essay?

Please be as specific and detailed as possible, and attach your responses as a reply to the file or request for feedback.

The minimum attendance requirement is two responses to portfolio essays.
  • You can do up to two more for extra points.

Responses to portfolio essay drafts need to be completed by Saturday midnight, 11/24/07.
Grading responses

These will be graded similarly to how I grade the audience responses--14 points if you meet the minimum requirements mentioned above, 16-20 points if your responses are thoughtful and thorough.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me or e-mail me. My phone number and office hours are right above the Table of Contents on the Online Syllabus. I do have voice mail for my phone if I'm not in. 

Also, I will be available during my office hours by phone, in person, through email, and on AOL Instant Messenger (my user name: profdan1032) if you want to talk about the assignments. (If you want to meet at some other time, contact me and we can arrange such.)

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Created by Dan Holt 11/17/1997
Revised 19 Nov 2007 04:12 PM -0500