Ms. Boyce’s Blog

There were many absent eighth graders this week, which is why I am explaining, in detail, how we progressed in English. Eighth graders have chosen a persuasive research topic and have started writing a detailed and structured outline using the notes we took about a week and a half ago. Thesis statements were handed in, graded, and given back to students (some were perfect and others were labeled ‘redo’). Students need to make sure they have three specific main points that are listed in their thesis statements. Listed below are two important documents: a list of due dates for the upcoming persuasive research paper (using MLA style) and the structure for the outline.

DUE DATES:

February 19 – Typed outline

February 25 – Written rough draft (peer edit in class)

February 27 – Typed works cited page and bibliography

March 4 – Completed paper for five points of extra credit

March 5 – Final due date for completed MLA persuasive research paper

 

OUTLINE

Ò  Introduction

É  1.) Creative opening line: grab readers’ attention

É  2.) Topic sentences: generally introduce the main points of your paper

É  3.) Thesis statement: one sentence stating your viewpoint without using first person

Р Wrong way: I believe students should not have uniforms because…

Р Right way: Because of __, ___, and ___, students should not be mandated to wear uniforms to school.

Ò  First body paragraph:

É  Describe the issue in detail (this will be a short paragraph)

Ò  Second body paragraph:

É  Counter argument: summarize the counterclaims with evidence; give supporting details

Р Refute the claims (argue)

Ò  Third body paragraph:

É  Your argument – assert main point #1 with evidence and explanations

Ò  Fourth body paragraph:

É  Assert main point #2 with evidence and explanations

Ò  Fifth body paragraph:

É  Assert main point #3 with evidence and explanations

Ò  Any additional main points will add to the number of body paragraphs

Ò  Conclusion:

É  Restate your thesis in different words (in third person only)

É  Summarize main points – one or two sentences

É  Creatively end the paper

 

With all of the absences this week, I am detailing the weekly lesson plan that was presented this week. We began by choosing an interesting topic for a two-minute speech; this topic is ‘random’ but something the student has always been curious about (i.e. how his/her favorite snack is created; how things were invented, etc.). Most importantly, the topic has to be researchable and answerable. (Example: “Why is the sky blue” is not answerable and not researchable) After the topic was chosen, a homework assignment was given where students had to bring in research to answer their original question. On Wednesday, we took very detailed notes about how to write a Roman Numeral outline. This can be very complicated; students need to copy the notes and then see me before or after school if the concept is unclear to them. We’ve started forming the outline, which will be the basis for the two-minute speech. This final typed outline will be graded out of one hundred points, so it’s extremely important that the skill is completely understood. With so many junior high students absent last week, it’s nearly impossible for me to detail the missing assignments to each and every student during class; I am more than happy to speak with students before and after school. It is a much more convenient time for me to adequately explain the material!  

Listed below are the Roman Numeral Outline notes that were given in class last week. Make sure the notes are perfectly aligned like a typical Roman Numeral outline.

 

Ms. Boyce

English

February 11, 2009

 

Outline: Title

 

I. Introduction

            A. Creative Opening Line:

B. Topic Sentence #1 (about main point #1):

            C. Topic Sentence #2 (about main point #2):

            D. Topic Sentence #3 (about main point #3):

            E. Thesis Statement:

 

II. Main Point #1

            A. Subtopic #1

                        1. Supporting Details

                        2. Supporting Details

            B. Subtopic #2

                        1. Supporting Details

                        2. Supporting Details

                        3. Supporting Details

            C. Subtopic #3

 

III. Main Point #2

            A. Subtopic #1

            B. Subtopic #2

                        1. Supporting Details

                        2. Supporting Details

                        3. Supporting Details

                        4. Supporting Details

            C. Subtopic #3

1. Supporting Details

                        2. Supporting Details

 

IV. Main Point #3

            A. Subtopic #1

                        1. Supporting Details

                        2. Supporting Details

                        3. Supporting Details

                        4. Supporting Details

            B. Subtopic #2

            C. Subtopic #3

1. Supporting Details

                        2. Supporting Details

 

V. Conclusion

            A. Restate Thesis

            B Summary Sentence

            C. Creative Ending

 

Important Note: Ever since we returned from Christmas break, I have noticed a significant drop in test scores and an increase with incomplete homework. Please remind your child of his/her academic responsibilities. The trimester ends on February 20th with report cards being issued on February 27th.

8th Grade: Eighth graders will be working on writing a persuasive research paper using the appropriate format, which is MLA style. This project requires a lot of effort and excellent listening, as most of the information is new and complex. Students will be learning about citations, works cited pages, MLA style, header/footer, bibliographies (and the difference between this and a works cited page), and analyzing resources. These skills are essential as students transition to high school! Notes will be taken and effective research is imperative. Even if all of their ‘pen and paper’ homework is finished, students are required to study their notes. In addition, vocabulary units 6, 7 will be our next unit of study.

7th Grade: This month, seventh graders will be finishing our mini-lessons on descriptive writing by using vivid verbs and spicy words, and we’ll start a unit on public speaking. During this unit, students will learn the skills of public speaking while also learning the format of a formal Roman numeral outline. Good notes and excellent listening are required in order to do well. In addition, vocabulary units 6, 7 will be our next unit of study.