The College Essay

It's that time of year, when the air is a little crisper, sweaters a little warmer and English teachers are scaring little children {seniors} about college---well, that may be slightly exaggerated.

October does not just bring out our love of Pumpkin Spiced Latte's at Starbucks, and the nostalgia of It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, but it's also the time when we start to reflect on how our experiences have shaped our life. Hence, the magic of the college essay. So many students think that world changing events are the moments that change the way you look at life, but it's not always that way.  The small often forgotten moments can be the tiny detail that changes us forever. For example, say you paid for the coffee {or insert something equally happy} for the person behind you--what if that tiny moment changed the way you viewed your fellow human? When you start thinking about what area of study you'd like to pursue it wouldn't be shocking if you told me it was sociology--you've been studying humanity with simple acts of kindness that might otherwise be tossed away as an insignificant memory or two.

In class today we will use the power of words to help define who you are as a person. It seems strange that words could hold such power, but they do. Think of the way you describe yourself to others when they have not met you in person--you are setting up their expectations of who you are. The same is true when we 'self-talk'--don't laugh you've done this before. You look in the mirror and you either motivate yourself the for the challenges of the day or you tell yourself that it is impossible to achieve any success. {P.S. either way you're right}  If you were absent open: ERWC word activities  start here--think about the words on the list for 1-10 and then come up with your own words for 11-20. When you're done rank the words from most to least important and then answer the questions. Read the UC Prompts and set the timer for 20 minutes and just write. Don't over think it--just write. We'll deal with the technical stuff after you have something on the page.  The first rough draft is due

When you're done read Shitty First Drafts. I know, I know there's a curse word in the title, but it's pretty apropos. First drafts can be difficult and many kids get discouraged because it's not 'perfect'--well, I have some news for you---IT WON'T BE PERFECT THE FIRST TIME (sorry for shouting, but you know it had to be said). 

Just breathe---it will all be okay sometime after January.

Nonfiction Annotation Techniques

So, you chosen a nonfiction book (begrudgingly), had to have parents sign their acknowledgement (Why? Mrs. Ordway--I'm an adult!) and now you have to (gulp) read this dreaded nonfiction book and *gasp* annotate in it. What does that mean? What is Mrs. Ordway even looking for? Doesn't she know that writing in books is paramount to committing the worst of the worst literary crimes?

To ease fears and worries I am going to give you a 'cheat sheet' of sorts, or a list that if you reach dire straights (confusion about where to go from here) you can look here for a way to get you through the rough patches. 

1. For each section (or chapter) highlight main idea. Don't forget to label it in the margins as the main idea to keep your reading free of confusion.

2. For each paragraph or section underline four lead words. Theses will usually be nouns, and they will be the topics of the important supporting evidence. By underlining these words, you give your eyes and easy way to locate  the supporting points that the author is making. 

3. Box transition words. These words will often signal an important change in the argument, or they indicate an important conclusion about a specific thought or statement made by the author or argument. 

4. Circle and define above/below or in the margins unfamiliar terms, acronyms, organizations or phrases. Why? If it confused you once, you will be confused by it in the second and third read by defining it you aren't concentrating on what something means you are open to understand the argument as a whole. 

5. Ask and argue. If a passage confuses you--put a "?" above the passage and write out your question(s) in the margins so we can discuss it in class or in groups.  If you disagree with the author write it down. Want to questing the validity of the author--write the question down. You don't have to agree with everything that the author states.

6. After reading each paragraph, write down a quick note or word in the margin to remind yourself about the focus of the paragraph --you may get away with combing 1-3 paragraph or even a whole chapter, but note to yourself when ideas, concepts or arguments change.

7. When you are done with the chapter (or article) , write one or two sentences describing the: chapter's (or article's)  reason for being. this is the "So What?" of the "Big Picture". It is the author's purpose for writing. Ask yourself: Why did the author bother to even write this? What's the purpose? What effect did the author hope to have on the reader? Why does this matter?  Write one or two sentences answering these questions at the end of the chapter (or article).

See, easy peasy lemon squeezy! It isn't that difficult to understand what nonfiction texts are saying, you just have to think about how to put your thoughts into words.