WELCOME STUDENTS!

This is a place for us to discuss openly and honestly the literature we are reading. Here we are all just communicating our thoughts on what we are reading. There are no right and wrong answers. However, you are expected to be polite, mature, and on topic.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Formatting Your Assignments

I have had a question about how to format each paragraph for the folder assignment.
You do not have to head each page with name, class, etc. since that will be on the back of the folder. However, each paragraph should be written like warm-ups were. Place a short but content specific title above each paragraph. Each paragraph must have a specific topic/thesis sentence, supporting sentences, and a conclusion sentence. The five-paragraph essay should have a short but specific title as well. The opening paragraph must include the title, author and original copyright date (you may have to research this online) of the book form and the title and director and release date of the movie form. The conclusion paragraph is opinion based (which one-movie or book is better and why). Make sure that you remain in 3rd person throughout this essay. If you wrote it, I know that is what you feel or believe; therefore, referring to yourself-- "I think, I believe, In my opinion, etc.--is redundant.
Also, I have had a question about what is C D W format.
The C stands for claim. It is your thesis/topic sentence. For example, "In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald depicts the carefree and lavish lifestyle of the 'Roaring Twenties' and the failure of the American dream."
The D stands for data. These are the pieces of proof that you use to PROVE your claim. For example, "Fitzgerald conveys the carefree lifestyle of the period through many lavish parties and car accidents in the novel." You will want to have specific quotes from the novel to support your data. Place the page number behind the quote. For example, "People went there [ Gatsby parties]; they were not invited"(45). You should always have at least 2 pieces of data and they must be specific.
The W stands for warrant or why and how this is important in the larger world--what does it convey or reveal. For example, "Fitzgerald's depiction of careless wanderers armed with alcohol, automobiles, money,and power shows the sad destruction of the beautiful American dream. The Great Gatsby serves as a warning to believe, to work hard, and to stay focused. Through its tragic hero Jay Gatsby, the novel also shows the ability to succeed inspite of difficulities. He carried the dream and died for the dream, still believing in its magic." The warrant can be opinion without using personal references. The warrant can be the last sentences; however, you may follow the warrant with a basic concluding sentence if you like.