Responsibility and Accountability

I apologize for not being in class today...the job of a mom! (My daughter had to have her foot xrayed, ending up with a sprain and Achilles tendinitis.)  However, I was sure to leave you all instructions to continue working on your body paragraphs of your essay.

Now.....a little birdy told me that the majority of the class did not do as I instructed.  Hmmm. What am I to do? The assignment sheet I left for you specifically said, "If you do not write and work diligently today, I will double next week's researched and documented essay length from 3 to 6 pages."  I suppose we will simply have to see how much each of you has completed when we come to class tomorrow. If you do not have your work ready on time, prepare to have points deducted.

In tomorrow's class, we will be writing our conclusions, and then putting all of your elements (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion), into one neat, organized essay draft to turn in.  On Thursday, we will be doing peer editing and revising.  If you miss class Thursday, which I am told several of you will for various activities, you will be put into pairs Monday for peer editing.  You will have to work quickly so be ready to get this completed as quickly as possible.

Also, on your own time, do not neglect your nonfiction reading!

Ladies and Gentlemen...if you choose to not take this class seriously and do the work assigned to you, then I wholeheartedly suggest you do not enroll in AP English next year.  This is seriously frustrating as your teacher.  We have a very large class.  You are responsible for yourself and your own work.  Choosing not to do it is not an option.  You have chosen to take an AP course, therefore you know what is expected of you. Time to get down to business.

Sincerely,
~Ms. Friend

Which Format?

The comparison/contrast essay can be written in one of two methods: the Block Format or the Point by Point Format. We briefly discussed these in class today, as well as getting a handout outlining the two methods.  You have to choose which format you will use to write your essay.  Just so we are clear, let me go ahead and tell you what we will be working on in class each day this week.  YOU MUST KEEP UP!  If you are behind, it is your own responsibility to work at home to ensure you get things finished on time!  I will not accept any late essays this go around.  :)  If you plan to be gone any day this week, please make sure that you check the blog to keep up.

This Week:
Monday: Choose a method for writing your essay and begin working on body paragraphs.
Tuesday: You should have your body paragraphs completed.
Wednesday: Writing your conclusion and putting it all together.
Thursday: You must have your complete essay put together (rewrite it neatly!!!) by the BEGINNING of class.  We will be working with peer editing and revising.  Rough Drafts with peer editing will be due at the end of the hour.

Next Week:
Monday: Nonfiction books and Independent Reading Packets are due at the beginning of class. I will be handing back your rough drafts on this day and you will be working on your final drafts.  I am hoping to find a way to type these, but if not, we will hand write them.
Tuesday-Thursday: We will be in the library researching for our documented essay.  I will give you an overview of this before we start.

READ READ READ!!!!!!!


~Ms. Friend