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.