1.)  Please Read and practice Margin Notes: Genentically Engineered Foods. Labeling. Initiative   Statute. We will have a brief quiz in the morning. How well did you comprehend and retain the reading? Handout was provided in class or try clicking here
 
2.)  Think about a goal that you would like to achieve. In a well-developed composition, explain your goal. Describe three qualities you will need to reach your goal and explain why each quality is important to be successful.

Due Monday, November 5, 2012

• Topic: My personal goal
• Thesis: (Identify your goal and include the THREE personal qualities needed to achieve the goal!)
• Evidence of brainstorm
• Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
• Evidence of drafts (at least two)
• Introduction technique
• Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!)
• Topic sentences (load-bearing walls!)
• Supporting Details (support studs!)
• Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
• Transitions (carpenter glue!)
• Conclusion technique
• All-star title (use strategies we've practiced)
• Flawless MUGS 

REMEMBER - each paragraph needs to have at least 8 sentences. This is an attempt to address our collective weakness - add more DETAILS, add more EXAMPLES. 

Next Week...

1.) Mugs Week 4: Quiz Monday

2.) Word Attack: Quiz Monday
Co-Com-Contra-Counter-

3.) Transitions: Quiz Monday

4.) Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.

Essay (vomit & outline)

Many students have personal goals, such as making the honor roll, playing a musical instrument or being a top scorer in a video game. To be successful in reaching these goals, it helps to have certain qualities. Some of these might include self-discipline, determination or a positive attitude.

Think about a goal that you would like to achieve. In a well-developed composition, explain your goal. Describe at least tow qualities you will need to reach your goal, and explain why each quality is important to be successful. 

Due Wednesday, October 31st.

Homeplay...

1.) Word Attack Quiz on Monday ( Co-, Com-. Contra-, Counter-)
2.) MUGS  Week 4 Quiz on Monday
3.) Please review & use your Introductions and Conclusion techniques. We will have an assessment with these techniques soon. Also, remember to use your transitions.
4.) Read for 20 minutes - create the habit.

5.) Tonight - READING FOR MEANING. Please read and margin note the handout "Voting..." We may have a small quiz on this tomorrow.

Here is a copy of the handout:

Homeplay -

1.) Vomit, Outline & Essay due Tuesday. Please try to obtain a 5/6 on T.O.D.L/S.  and a 4 on M.U.G.S.
2. ) Please complete classwork for homeplay on Monday - outline for "The Gentle Way." This should be neat and legible. Please place it in your binder under Writing Development.
3.) Also, complete your MUGS packet week 4.
4.) Read, 20 minute minimum - CREATE the HABIT.

Reading and Writing...

Tonight's Homework...

1.) Essay #4: "Wealthy Donor"
You should be beginning the outlining stage. See yesterday's blog post for complete details on this assignment due Tuesday, October 23.


2.) Complete each conclusion technique for class tomorrow. Use today's reference sheet as a guide to complete your assignment. Remember, practice makes perfect.


3.) Please create the habit - Read for 20 minutes/record. Remember to make connections: It reminds me of... I wonder... It makes me fell... I think the author is trying to say...

Remember- READING is Rewarding. READING builds a mature vocabulary. READING makes you a better writer. READING is hard & hard is necessary. READING makes you smarter. 




If you have read this post, please find me in the morning and tell me your best joke/riddle.

Homeplay...

Tonight's Homework...

1.) Essay #4: "Wealthy Donor"
A wealthy donor has decided to donate $1,000,000 to Ipswich Middle School. You have been appointed by students and staff to decide how these monies should be spent. The donor's only request is that the monies be used to improve the lives of students at I.M.S. The possibilities are endless. Your decision will affect thousands of kids. How will you spend these precious dollars?

Due Tuesday, October 23, 2012

• Topic: $1,000,000 donation
• Thesis: (Include your three main points!)
• Evidence of brainstorm/vomit
• Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
• Evidence of drafts (at least two)
• Introduction technique (use one of the five we've practiced)
• Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!)
• Topic sentences (load-bearing walls!)
• Supporting Details (support studs!)
• Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
• Transitions (carpenter glue! At least three per body!)
• Conclusion technique
• All-star title (Title:Subtitle?)
• Flawless MUGS

2.) MUGS Week #4: Please complete the first page (front and back)

3.) Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.

Homework...

Due Tuesday, Oct 16th -

Remember to bring your vomit, your outline and your essay. The essay must be typed, size 12, single-spaced. You must bring three highlighters, a pen or pencil and your binder. Please remember to edit/proofread  & use each "part of the house." If you do not have your vomit and outline, you will not obtain credit. You MUST show the writing process.

1. Quiz Tri-, Quad- tomorrow.
2. Essay due Monday, see last post.
3. Bring your Independent Reading Book and Your Reading Logs.
4. Be prepared to present your transition skits.
5. Complete MUGS Week 3 for Friday.

Homeplay...

• 
  
  
  
  1.    Due Tomorrow: From the MUGS handout complete –
  Apostrophes A & Commas H.
  2.    Complete “Introduction Assignment.” Write one paragraph for each technique: Quote, Anecdote, Startling or Interesting Fact, Analogy, Pose a Question. This should be typed. Please use the example – BENEFITS FROM AN EXERCISE PROGRAM. Also, please indicate your technique by creating a sub-heading in bold. Please underline your thesis in each paragraph (just like class).
   3.    Essay due Monday, Oct 15^th, 2012. Choose from one of the following:
  A.   Everyone is an expert at something. Some people are experts at doing things. Think about something you do well. In a well-developed composition, explain why you are an expert.
  B.   Time Magazine is seeking nominations for the most influential person of the 20^th century. In a well-developed composition, persuade the nominating committee that the individual you chose is best. Tell what contributions and accomplishments this person has made to humankind and the world.
   This should include your vomit, your outline (topic or sentence) and your essay; this should be typed.
  
  
  4. Prefix Quiz will be Friday: Quad-, Tri-
   
   
• Thesis: ( Include your three main points!)
• Evidence of brainstorm (Vomit)
• Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
• Evidence of drafts (at least two)
• Introduction technique (Quote, Anecdote, Analogy, Pose a ?, Startling Fact)
• Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!) (Last Sentence of Introduction paragraph)
• Topic sentences (load-bearing beams)
• Supporting Details (support studs!)
• Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
• Transitions (carpenter glue!)
• Conclusion technique

For Friday...

1. We will have a MUGS quiz on Friday. Remember to find the errors and make corrections.
2. A & D periods will need to complete the guided reflection for  "_____________ Make Great Pets."
 please bring your highlighters and review your essay for "the parts of the house."
 - Thesis (location)
 - Topic sentences
 - Supporting details, Transitions, Specific Examples...
3. Students will present their 2 minute skits on transitions. Please come prepared. 

Are you reading this?
Please read the joke below. If you know why it is supposed to be funny, please explain it to me tomorrow. 

Why couldn't they play cards on the ark?
Noah was sitting on the deck.

Due Dates...

1.) Please complete your MUGS assignment. This is due tomorrow. It includes WEEK 2: A Medley - Commas E, Verb Tense Consistency, Irregular Verbs, & Subject-Verb Argeement

2.) Also, you have an essay due this Thursday. It should be titled, " _______________ Make Great Pets."
Please remember to include your vomit, your outline, and you TYPED essay. Your outline should include your thesis at the top. It should also demonstrate an understanding of topic sentences, supporting details, specific examples.

3.) Remember to read, read and read some more - Create the 20 minute habit.