Happy Monday!

Photo credit: adelecassidyyoga.blogspot.com

1. Verbs: Don't forget, there will be a short verb quiz tomorrow, Tuesday, May 8th.  This will serve to remind ourselves about some of those irregular verbs in the past and perfect tenses.  Review your chart and past homework assignments.  Oh, and bring your laptops to class tomorrow.

2. Today, we'll wrap up our writing with conclusion paragraphs.  Check what you already know about conclusions.  Then write your own.

ROUGH DRAFTS DUE AT THE END OF CLASS TODAY. 

The Power of the Paragraph

Think of paragraphs as "bite-sized chunks" of text.  They help us organize our ideas, and making reading easier.

1. Learn about the paragraph.

2. Write your own paragraphs - the goal for today is to have three body paragraphs.



Photo credit: wejungo.wordpress.com



The Persuasive Letter

We have been reviewing the elements of nonfiction writing - Now it's time to create our own.

1. First, read the article "Keeping It Quiet."  Notice how the essays follows a problem-and-solution format: First, the problem is clearly defined.  Then, possible solutions are presented.  Throughout the essay, the author supports main ideas with concrete details.

2. Answer the questions.  Email me your answers.  You may work with a partner, just be sure everybody's name is on the file.

3. Begin drafting your own persuasive letter.  Use topics from the write-around at the beginning of class.

Outlines

What's an outline?  Why do we need them?

Why should it be "formal?" Can't I just write the way I want to write?

1. Look at the slideshow: Outlines

2. See if you can create your own outline: How to Cook Rice

Random Acts of Kindness

What is a "random act of kindness?"  How do such acts contribute to a larger sense of community?

View a short clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I7Wk14VWK4&feature=related

Then, in an email, answer the following question:

What is something kind that you can do for someone else? 

Online Research

Photo credit: newtonknows.edublogs.org

Not all web sites are created equal. 

Consider: Who can put a website on the internet?

What clues does the domain name give us?

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

CHECK OUT THE CLASS LIST OF SITES TO GET STARTED.

Photo credit: post.nyssa.org

You will need your nonfiction social justice research packets for today.

1. Review the keywords you have selected.

2. Visit the CSE Media center card catalog.  Write down a couple of books you will investigate.

3. Research!  Remember to record notes based on what's truly "treasure."

4. Can't find a print source in the library?  Check out these websites to help you get started.