Embedded Files
- Username: last namefirst initialmiddle initial
- For example, Debbie Ann Smith = smithda
- Password = 6 digit id number (lunch number)
Week February 21 - March 6: Take a Stance - Argument Essay
1. Choose an issue that is important to you that you would like to share with the class. To choose an issue,
browse the following:
- 401 prompts in the New York Times.
- Opposing Viewpoints
- Global Issues in Context
- Procon.org
- International Debate Education Association
2. As you start your data swim by reading articles, narrow your topic and create your research question. (graphic organizer provided)
**At the bottom of the "Narrow it Down" organizer, write your issue question that you will research (i.e. Should students be required to wear uniforms to school?)
Next, write the reason you chose this topic to research.
3. The issue must be completely appropriate for class discussion and must be pre-approved before research begins. Mrs. Boyd reserves the right to not approve issues.
4. Research from Castle View library databases, the website links listed above, or do your own search. You must have at least 2 credible sources.
***Create citations in mybib.com. Paste your citations on the Google Classroom Works Cited assignment.
- If you read a NEWSELA article, be sure to choose your reading level (Lexile numbers on the right side of the article).
- If the pro con article is overwhelming or tough to understand, copy the information and paste in rewordify.com. This will make the text level a bit easier to understand.
5. Complete your Debatable Issues graphic organizer. You need a MINIMUM OF 2 RELIABLE SOURCES FOR RESEARCH.
- Use the most important, compelling information.
- Do not copy from website. Use your own words.
6. As you research, complete your Citation Page (Google Classroom)
- Go to mybib.com
- Choose MLA
- Copy citation onto Google Classroom assignment
6. Create a fact outline in the writing section of your composition book:
O/P Statement (show the issue and your stance)
- Reason
- Examples/Evidence
- Examples/Evidence
- Reason
- Examples/Evidence
- Examples/Evidence
- Reason
- Examples/Evidence
- Examples/Evidence
- Address the counter argument (i.e. Although some people believe...)
- Rebuttal (knock down the other argument)
- Concluding Statement: Finish strong = restate your stance on the issue
7. Write your Argument Paragraph in Google Classroom.
- DO NOT SUBMIT.
8. Paste the paragraph in paperrater.com to edit.
See below the following stars for correct Works Cited formatting.
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Your Works Cited Page should look like this:
Week February 21 - March 6: Take a Stance - Argument Essay
1. Choose an issue that is important to you that you would like to share with the class. To choose an issue,
browse the following:
- 401 prompts in the New York Times.
- Opposing Viewpoints
- Global Issues in Context
- Procon.org
- International Debate Education Association
2. As you start your data swim by reading articles, narrow your topic and create your research question. (graphic organizer provided)
**At the bottom of the "Narrow it Down" organizer, write your issue question that you will research (i.e. Should students be required to wear uniforms to school?)
Next, write the reason you chose this topic to research.
3. The issue must be completely appropriate for class discussion and must be pre-approved before research begins. Mrs. Boyd reserves the right to not approve issues.
4. Research from Castle View library databases, the website links listed above, or do your own search. You must have at least 2 credible sources.
***Create citations in mybib.com. Paste your citations on the Google Classroom Works Cited assignment.
- If you read a NEWSELA article, be sure to choose your reading level (Lexile numbers on the right side of the article).
- If the pro con article is overwhelming or tough to understand, copy the information and paste in rewordify.com. This will make the text level a bit easier to understand.
5. Complete your Debatable Issues graphic organizer. You need a MINIMUM OF 2 RELIABLE SOURCES FOR RESEARCH.
- Use the most important, compelling information.
- Do not copy from website. Use your own words.
6. As you research, complete your Citation Page (Google Classroom)
- Go to mybib.com
- Choose MLA
- Copy citation onto Google Classroom assignment
6. Create a fact outline in the writing section of your composition book:
O/P Statement (show the issue and your stance)
- Reason
- Examples/Evidence
- Examples/Evidence
- Reason
- Examples/Evidence
- Examples/Evidence
- Reason
- Examples/Evidence
- Examples/Evidence
- Address the counter argument (i.e. Although some people believe...)
- Rebuttal (knock down the other argument)
- Concluding Statement: Finish strong = restate your stance on the issue
7. Write your Argument Paragraph in Google Classroom.
- DO NOT SUBMIT.
8. Paste the paragraph in paperrater.com to edit.
See below the following stars for correct Works Cited formatting.
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Your Works Cited Page should look like this:
Tuesday, May 7:
Thank you email:
In a thank you email to Mrs. Williams, please include the following:
Greeting (Dear Mrs. Williams,)
Skip a line after greeting
Body paragraph - complete sentences, proper spelling, grammar and punctuation
Skip a line between each paragraph
Skip a line before closing
Use a proper closing with a comma (Sincerely, Thank you, Kind regards, Respectfully,)
Sign your first and last name
cc: susan.boyd@dcsdk12.org
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- Career Exploration Presentation (Google Classroom)
- Job Application Quiz on learnfree.org
- Complete Job Application Prep sheet (Google Classroom)
- Complete 1 paper job application (get from Mrs. Boyd)
- Cover letter for job application (Google Classroom) - see cover letter example
Extra Credit: Create a personal resume and email it to Mrs. Boyd.
Check out this reference page for guidelines and samples.
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Career Exploration Unit
- Answer BigFuture 10 questions in composition book
- What’s Changing - Read Home Page and Tab "Jobs in 2030" to complete graphic organizer
- 4Explore the My Next Move website and complete this graphic organizer
Another good website to look at for job outlook and training necessary is: Occupational Outlook Handbook
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- Synthesis (bubble) graphic organizer: comparing types of education - Know the difference:
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Wednesday, May 15:
- Training/Education Exploration graphic organizer - Research Big Future, Naviance or different colleges
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New York Times Student Editorial Winners:
- Top Nine Winners
“A Generation Zer’s Take on the Social Media Age” by Elena Quartararo, age 17
“Accountability-Based Testing Is Broken” by Alan Peng, age 17
“Civil Obedience” by Anushka Agarwal, age 16
“Dinner Table Politics” by Bridget Smith, age 15
“Is It Actually Smart to Sit Still?” by Hannah Amell, age 15
“Is True Crime as Entertainment Morally Defensible?” by Rachel Chestnut, age 17
“Politics and the Olympics” by Joanne Yang, age 15
“The 4th R: Real Life” by Jason Schnall, age 16
“The Case for Lowering the Voting Age” by Kathryn Zaia, age 14
New York Times Student Editorial Winners:
- Top Nine Winners
“A Generation Zer’s Take on the Social Media Age” by Elena Quartararo, age 17
“Accountability-Based Testing Is Broken” by Alan Peng, age 17
“Civil Obedience” by Anushka Agarwal, age 16
“Dinner Table Politics” by Bridget Smith, age 15
“Is It Actually Smart to Sit Still?” by Hannah Amell, age 15
“Is True Crime as Entertainment Morally Defensible?” by Rachel Chestnut, age 17
“Politics and the Olympics” by Joanne Yang, age 15
“The 4th R: Real Life” by Jason Schnall, age 16
“The Case for Lowering the Voting Age” by Kathryn Zaia, age 14
Monday, April 22 - Friday, May 3:
Expository Essay Graphic Organizer
In-text citations:
**For information in in-text citations, visit Purdue Owl Writing Center or see below:
Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).
Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
Human beings have been described by Kenneth Burke as "symbol-using animals" (3).
Human beings have been described as "symbol-using animals" (Burke 3).
4. Check Works Cited page format:
February 14 - 22:
Expert Essay
Brainstorm ideas and decide on a topic for your essay. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to cover in a 5 paragraph essay. (What sport or hobby would you like to know more about? Where would you like to travel? What do you like to spend your free time doing? etc.)
1. Use reliable sources to research your topic (check the Castle View Library Databases).
2. Note-taking:
Print and use this graphic organizer to take notes while researching your topic.
3. *You need to use a minimum of three sources.
4. As you take notes, record your bibliographic citations on the Works Cited Assignment in Google Classroom.
5. After research is completed, highlight your notes:
- Green = main idea of entire paper
- Yellow = key supporting ideas, reasons
- Pink = examples, explanations, evidence
6. Now, in your composition book, write a THESIS statement. (Refer to graphic organizer in writing resources.)
7. Complete the Expert Essay Organizer on Google Classroom.
8. Transfer outline to Expert Essay on Google Classroom.
9. Editing Checklist
ICE: In-Text Citations
I = Introduce the source and use a strong verb
C = Cite your evidence
E= Explain why the evidence is important and the connection to the point you are making
RACER Short Constructed Response Graphic Organizer:
R = READ the prompt carefully
A=Answer the promt, starting by RESTATING the question
C=CITE text evidence
E=Explain the importance and connection of the evidence
R=Restate your point
Citations Examples
In-text Citations from a paper source:
According to some, dreams express "profound aspects of personality" (Foulkes 184), though others disagree.
According to Foulkes's study, dreams may express "profound aspects of personality" (184).
Is it possible that dreams may express "profound aspects of personality" (Foulkes 184)?
Poetry: When short (fewer than three lines of verse) quotations from poetry, mark breaks in short quotations of verse with a slash, ( / ), at the end of each line of verse (a space should precede and follow the slash). If a stanza break occurs during the quotation, use a double slash ( // ).
Cullen concludes, "Of all the things that happened there / That's all I remember" (11-12).
In-text Citations with Electronic Resources:
Example with abbreviated corporate author:
Their mission in part “is to improve government decision making and public policy…” (Natl. Research Council).
Entire Website: Cite the main title of the website in italics. No numbers are needed. When an entire site does not have a title, write Home page using regular font.
1. Example with title of entire website, no author or sponsor:
The site has biographical information and numerous links to websites dedicated to Twain (The Official Web Site of Mark Twain).
2. Example with author of entire website:
Summer flowering bulbs need to be replanted each spring when the ground is warm (Goldstein).
3. Example of website, no title:
Hemingway started his writing career at The Kansas City Star (Hemingway Home page).
Example of Works Cited:
Bauder, Julia, ed. Censorship. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. Print. Current
Controversies Series.
Douglas, Howard. “Silencing Huck Finn.” Chronicle of Higher Education 6 Aug. 2005:
C1-C4. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 June 2008.
Email Etiquette Lesson Plan
1. Watch Prezi
- Small groups - read 4 emails - record pros/cons
- Whole group - decide which email is best and why
- Assignment:
Write an email to a teacher. If you have a real reason to write an email (i.e. missing assignments, will miss school, need help on an assignment, need a letter of recommendation…), write an authentic email.
**Copy Mrs. Boyd - seboyd@dcsdk12.org - on this email so I can grade your assignment.
If you do not have a real reason to write an email right now, make up a reason and send an email to Mrs. Boyd. Some ideas include:
- Missing work
- Will miss class
- Need help with an assignment
- Inform me what you are doing in your other classes
- Let me know that you might want help on an upcoming humanities assignment/paper/novel…
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- Above and Beyond (if you complete your quality essay before the due date: Create an infographic to support your stance. Infographic must be created by you and include:
- Graph or chart
- Image
- Some text to explain data
- Source/s
Sample Infographics:
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Thursday, April 4:
Read the article, "Should Cell Phones be Allowed in Schools?" (Google Classroom) and complete this graphic organizer.
Friday, April 5:
1. Complete the Commonly
Friday, March 30:
Read a linked article and complete argument map.
Week of March 26 - 30
1. Giraffe Awards: Access link to read about Giraffe Award Recipients.
2. Read about candidates for the Giraffe Award (see attachment at bottom of page) and complete the graphic organizer.
Wednesday, March 7:
Thursday and Friday, March 8 & 9:
1. Resolve Expert Essay Comments
2. edit in paperrater.com
3. Turn in Expert Essay
5. Turn in Works Cited Page.
6. Identifying Simple and Compound Sentences
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Week of February 12 - 15:
1. Review the following Research Lessons:
ICE
Citations - Bibliograph Page
CARS
Media Bias Chart
ICE: How to include quotes and in-text citations in your writing.
In-Text Citation Guidelines
CARS Research Method Presentation: Finding reliable sources
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In-text Citations with Electronic Resources:
Example with abbreviated corporate author:
Their mission in part “is to improve government decision making and public policy…” (Natl. Research Council).
Entire Website: Cite the main title of the website in italics. No numbers are needed. When an entire site does not have a title, write Home page using regular font.
1. Example with title of entire website, no author or sponsor:
The site has biographical information and numerous links to websites dedicated to Twain (The Official Web Site of Mark Twain).
2. Example with author of entire website:
Summer flowering bulbs need to be replanted each spring when the ground is warm (Goldstein).
3. Example of website, no title: Hemingway started his writing career at The Kansas City Star (Hemingway Home page).
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Media Bias Chart:
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Bibliography
To create a bibliography, use easybib.org or citationmachine.net
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Week of February 5-9:
1. Learn to write an O/P Statement (mini-thesis)
2. Color-coordinate your writing to help with organization:
Green = main/central idea
Yellow = reasons/key ideas
Pink = examples/explanations/evidence
See "Visiting Canada" as an example.
3. Learn to write a fact outline (and see above example for "Visiting Canada.")
4. Read "The Limited." Read it a second time and code the text, responding to the questions at the end of the poem.
5. On the back of the poem, brainstorm the following question: Are you an upstander or a bystander?
6. Choose whether you are a bystander or an upstander. Write an O/P statement and a fact outline supporting your stance.
7. In Google Classroom, complete the assignment for "The Limited" response, Are you an upstander or a bystander.
8. Compare paragraph and essay structure with this graphic organizer.
9. Highlight and code this sample essay:
- Circle - hook
- Underline - background information
- Green - thesis
- Green - topic sentences
- Yellow - reasons/key ideas
- Pink - example/explanation/evidence
- Cirlce - transition words
10. Thesis Statement Practice - Read and complete this thesis statement graphic organizer.
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Like the ESPN column 6 Things..., you will write a 6 Things Column.
6 Things You Should Know... poster example
- Use at least 2 sources
- Complete notetaking graphic organizer
- Create your 6 things on Smore, Word, Google, Glogster, OnLine Flyer Maker...
- Include at least 1 in-text citation
- Attach product to Google Classroom assignment.
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Choose Your Own Topic for Your Argument Paper:
- Brainstorm what is important to you.
- Browse issues. What interests you? About which issue do you care enough to take a stance?
New York Times 301 Argument Writing Prompts
NY Times Student Opinion Section
Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework?
If Football is So Dangerous, Why Are We Watching It?
Should Toys be More Gender Neutral?
2. Narrow it down = choose a category to explore further
3. Draw your bare tree - Question at the bottom
4. Data Swim - Dive into your topic and explore for AT LEAST 20 MINUTES.
5. Complete your data tree...(you are exploring, not researching!). As you explore during your data swim, write subtopics and related topics.
Use these websites for your data swim
Find PRO/CON Articles by using these links.
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April 11 & 13, 2017: New York Times Student Interviews: How Technology Affects Us
1. As you view the video, complete the graphic organizer, writing down main points for each speaker.
2. On the back of the paper, complete the following prompt:
I most relate to ___(name)___________ because __(reason)_________________. (Then, give personal explanation and examples why you most relate to this student. ________________________________________________________________________________.
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1. Read article: More Women Play Video Games than Men.
2. Write a 1 paragraph response (do you agree/disagree - why? personal reaction, connections, surprises...)
3. Turn in paragraph to Mrs. Boyd
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You as a Writer Inventory- pre
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Issues for Argument
1. Explore questions/problems that interest you on 301 Prompts for Argument Topics. For example, you may want to explore the questions that arise with the increased use of technology.
2. Narrow it down = choose a category to explore further
3. Draw your bare tree with your Question at the bottom
4. Data Swim - Dive into your topic and explore for AT LEAST 20 MINUTES.
5. Complete your data tree... (you are exploring, not researching!). As you explore during your data swim, write subtopics and related topics.
Use these websites for your data swim
Once you complete your data swim:
- Land on the question/issue you want to argue.
- Use the note catcher to take notes from reliable websites.
- Complete the Technology Argument graphic organizer:
- Decide on your position.
- Research 2 main pieces of evidence that support your stance and examples/explanations supporting each
- Address a counter-argument
- Complete the Technology Argument slide show on Google Classroom.
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January 19 - 22: Complete Capitals for First Words, Capitals for Proper Adjectives, and Capitals for Proper Nouns
January 25 - February 3: Complete Commas with Compound Sentences and Avoiding Comma Splices
February 4th: Compound Sentence Quiz
February 8 - 20: Commas in a Series and Commas Between Adjectives
February 22 - 26: Commas After Introductory Material
March 28 - April 8: Run-on Sentences, Commas with Addresses and in Letters, Sentence Combining
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Paperrater.com - helps you edit/revise your paper before turning it in!
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Due Thursday, February 24: Google Classroom Expert Essay Outline
Due at end of class Friday, February 25: Writing Coach Expert Essay
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Writing Introductions:
Group 1:
Harvard College Writing Center - Introductions
Group 2:
UNC Writing Center - Introductions
Group 3:
Literacy Education Online - Introductions
All Groups: After you have determined the 3-5 most important points about an introduction, record your findings on the class slideshow.
Expository Essay Introductions - Google Slideshow
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Writing Conclusions:
Group 1:
Literacy Education Online - Conclusions
Group 2:
The Writing Center - Conclusions
Group 3:
Harvard College Writing Center - Conclusions
All Groups: After you have determined the 3-5 most important points about a conclusion, record your findings on the class slideshow.
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Google Classroom:
The Limited SCR - Are you an upstander or a bystander?
Social Media Hurts Children's Brains SCR
All About Expository Paragraph - due 2/16/16
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If you test out of the weekly grammar lessons or complete your writing assignment, please do the following:
- You may choose to respond to one of these prompts.
- The New York Times: The Learning Network
- Teens in the Times -
- read student blogs
- read current events
- read the article of the week and take a quiz
- respond to current events
- wordtamer.co.uk
- Write a blog you can share with teacher/classmates.
- freerice.com
- English: vocab or grammar
- Humanities: literature or famous quote
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Tuesday, January 5:
2. Please complete the You as a Writer Inventory.
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Write a narrative to go with a classified ad:
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Write a creative story that takes place on or near one of these mystical bridges.
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100 Word Challenge: Write a 100 word story that begins with the following prompt:
All at once, they all fell over...
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Your birthday in history:
- Use at least 2 sources
- Complete notetaking graphic organizer
- Publish your "My Birthday in History" on Smore, Word, Google, Glogster, OnLine Flyer Maker...
- Include at least 2 in-text citations
- Share or attach product in email to Mrs. Boyd (susan.boyd@dcsdk12.org)
*************************************************************************************************************Who Made That Lessons:
- Read the mentor text. Underline and star what you think is "good writing."
- In your composition book in the writing section, record the date and title the page: Who Made That.
- Go to the New York Times and read 3 Who Made That? articles.
- In your composition book, write the title of the articles you read. Record three facts you learn about each item.
- Create a brainstorm list of at least 10 items that you use frequently that you would like to explore.
- Choose one and start researching!
- Complete your source sheet (graphic organizer) and citations (use Easybib and copy onto Google Classroom assignment).
- Create an outline in your composition book.
- Write your "Who Made That?" article in Writing Coach: Truism Expository Essay.
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Grammar Quizzes:
Wednesday, April 29 - Apostrophe Review
Read about Sports Scandals
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Due at the end of class Friday:
Writing Coach
Practice Exercise: Fragments
Practice Exercise: Simple Subjects and Predicates
Compound Sentences Study on Quizlet
Compound Sentence Practice Form
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Thursday, January 7:
Voki Introductions:
- www.voki.com
- Register:
- username: School email address
- password: school id
- Choose character
- The character must NOT say Only for Voki Classroom & Voki Presentation
- Create your Voki character
- Use text to voice (the keypad key) and include the following:
- Name
- Hobbies or interests
- Something you did during winter break
- Where you are from, when you moved to the Castle View feeder
- Save
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- Please complete the You as a Writer - Post Inventory
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