Writing a Short Essay

1. We go over the apostrophe exercise, Ex. 41.1. Do you have any examples to add to this site?

2. Instructions for the Apostrophe Quiz: Number in your daybook 1 - 16.  Write down each italicized word and decide whether or NOT it should have an apostrophe added to show possession. Some words need an apostrophe, some DO NOT.

1 Scudders teacher made him look at that fish three
2 days.

The experience paid off since Scudder became an entomolgist who got to work on some amazing 3 insects 4 classifications. {classifications of some amazing insects}

I saw his picture in a little 5 museums display about the best-preserved insect 6 fossils ever found. This is in Colorado, almost in 7 Pikes 8 Peaks shadow, in the 9 mountains west of Colorado Springs.

Unfortunately, 10 Scudders education was weak in this area.  He wasn't trained in digging up 11 fossils. At that time, no one was; it was a new science.

As a result, Scudder did not record every 12 fossils position in the 13 layers of the shale as he dug them out of the hillside. The modern 14 museums opinion of this failure was clear in 15 its 16 displays.


3. We look at the short (five paragraph) essay as a way to analyze/synthesize/evaluate information. See yellow handout.

4. Now for a prompt (green handout):

A key to effective writing is considering the audience. At least, that's what I've been saying and trying to cause you to experience for the last week.

Do you agree or disagree? Take a stand on whether or not it's important to modify your writing based on who your audience is; then give examples that support your position.

Prompt: Write a short essay (5+ paragraphs) that explores the importance of analyzing/considering the audience for any written task. Use specific examples to support your points. Any kind (genre) of writing can be used as an example to support your point: texting, email, job tickets, forums, ads, books, etc.

You should state your point in a thesis; your 5 paragraphs should include an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Your purpose in this essay is to take a position on just how important it is to consider your audience before you write, using interesting, relevant, and detailed examples to support  your view.

Homework:

1. Fill at least one page in your daybook brainstorming about the prompt. You may write out an entire essay if you wish.

Class tomorrow is a work day.  I will be at a conference in Lincoln, so class will not meet.  You should use the time to type up your essay.  It is due on Monday, as is your daybook.


2. TWFTD: fanatic