Short Observation Essay Work Day

Today you have time to type up your short essay about The Utility of Close Observation.

Remember, this is about thinking carefully and communicating clearly.

Again, here is the prompt:

"To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle."   - George Orwell


"All of us are watchers – of television, of time clocks, of traffic on the freeway – but few are observers. Everyone is looking; not many are seeing."   - Peter Leschak

In a short essay of five or so paragraphs, discuss what close observation involves, and explain its usefulness. Be sure to include detailed examples from your own experience, an introduction and conclusion.


For Monday:

1.  Have your short Observation essay hard copy ready at the beginning of class.

2.  Daybooks due at the end of class.

3.  No TWFTD today.

Final Version Long Observation Due

I. Assemble your Observation papers. In your daybook, list these steps :  Choosing, Observing, Drafting, Revising, and Editing.  Next to each describe how that step went for you.  Include whether it was hard or easy and how you can make the next paper go more easily in that step.

II.  Return of the Audience Awareness short essays.  First of all, you read and score some examples.  Then you read your own.

III. Prompt for the Short Observation essay.

Homework:

1. Create a page of brainstorming on the topic of close observation in your daybook.

2. Tomorrow you type up your short Observation essay.  Due Monday, with your daybook.

3. TWFTD:  elusive in the OED.

Editing for the Final Version

Something to think about in your observation paper is using a comparison to help us imagine what you describe.  These are similes and metaphors.  For instance, look at the handout.  Copy down your two favorites into your daybook, please.

Now we work on the computers, where you open your draft in Moodle and see about corrections/changes. Do you know about search and highlighting?  Check all your their/there/they're, for starters.  Avoid "There is"  or "There are".  Is dialogue punctuated correctly? You final edit should be on a printed out version of your paper --and read it out loud!
Homework:


1.  Bring to class your printed final version, MLA style (see yellow handout), and all drafts and comment sheets.

2.  TWFTD:  sinister in the OED -- be sure to scroll down through all meanings.

Review of coordination and subordination: Combine the following sentences (clauses) two ways using sub or coord.

Education is an elusive word. It often means different things to different people. [p.316-317 EW]

How are you beginning this paper? A hook?  Something to grab us?  NOT "I chose X for my observation paper." 

I show you how to upload your draft to TurnItIn through Moodle.  We go to the lab, where you do that, and you read two drafts by your classmates.

Homework:

1.  Read comments and make revisions.  Tomorrow during class there will be some time for editing using the TurnItIn software, and my input. The Final Version is due Thursday. What will you do to improve it?  You earn points for making changes.

2.  TWFTD:  thing in the OED.

Sentence Variety

I return the Lego directions. Did you read Mowat?

Make up three short sentences about wolves.

Now we combine them.

We look at sentences and Section 24 in Everyday Writer. I explain subordination and coordination.

Do Ex. 24.1 from page 27 in the Everyday Writer exercise book in your daybook.  Recopy the paragraph using subordination and coordination to make it read more smoothly.


Homework:

1.  Draft #2 due, typed. Look at your sentences.  Is there variety in length and structure?  Run spell check.  Be sure all your details help to make your point.  You should be certain what your point is! Make sure your draft will be accessible in the computer lab on a computer, in a readable file. Also bring a hard copy to class.


2.  TWFTD: euphemism.