Rhetorical Precis #2

Rhetorical Precis number two---yes, two. That means that you survived number one, but unfortunately number two probably means that there will be a number three, which will probably lead to a number four...you see where this is going right?

Actually, understanding and being able to write a rhetorical precis is pretty handy-they help provide a quick summary using academic language of an article, book or journal piece you may have to read in English or perhaps if you are writing up a current affair topic for a certain economic/government teacher for extra credit---hmmmm? . See, English is not all shenanigans and crazy poetry talk of the fourteenth century.

The second rhetorical precis article is "In My Opinion: Don’t lower the Bar on Education Standards". I think as seniors many of you will realize that perhaps standards are different depending where you are attending school. Lose your framework handout or just need to rewrite it? Click here: Rhetorical Precis worksheet/frame.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World--Rhetorical Precis

Rhetorical Precis. It seems like a very difficult task, but don't let the fancy academic name full you. It's really just a way to summarize in a academic way. Do you need to review what a precis is? Click here: How to write a rhetorical precis and here you will find rhetorical precis framework if you lose your handout from class or just need a refresher in what a rhetorical precis must encompass.

Please note, that a rhetorical precis is a very structured way to write an academic summary. You should not just summarize the article in a typical fashion. If you do not follow the structure you will lose a majority if not all points. Our first rhetorical precis will use the article"Ending Rape in India" by Namoi Wolf reporting for Al Jazeera. Follow the specific guidlines on your handout when writing/typing your precis--if you go rogue don't expect full credit.

Thesis and MLA--It's Much more Exciting than You Think

English 11: It's Thesis Time! I can hear the applause and hoopla from here quiet down people. Just kidding, you can continue gushing in class. I will accept all accolades in person. I went over the basics in class one being Thesis Statement and the other MLA. Click on the links if you need a refresher or were absent for  any part of the explanation.

Remember, our thesis will focus on a three point thesis and will follow the formula of: Opinion on topic, transition word/phrase followed by three elements. An example is: Access to contraceptives does not increases sexual activity amongst teen because contraception promote safe sex, access does increase teens promiscuity, and contraception promote healthy attitudes and routines when it comes to personal relationships. Thesis statements sound scary, but are really easy once you take them apart peice by piece. Don't let the idea of a thesis scare you, pick a topic that intrests you (after all we'll be working on it for a while) and find articles that back up what it is that you are setting out to prove.

Oh Henry! Introduction to the Renaissance

The English renaissance allowed a time for the arts to flourish. Despite the little hiccups of war artists were free to use Queen Elizabeth as their muse causing poetry, playwright and painting to reach the pinnacles of creativity. In class we reviewed The Renaissance period following both historical and literary influences.  You will have a quiz on this introductory portion of chapter three in our textbook. Absent for part of the lecture/notes. Click on the link above and take notes on what you missed.

MLA All the Way!

As we get ready to dive into the ocean that is the thesis paper you will be expected and graded on MLA format. In class we used this power point to understand what is expected in a paper that follows the MLA (modern language association) guidelines. Click on the link to review the format and to see the formulas for the most common citations.