QUOTATION MARKS

GOOD JOB!!

Today we went over the use of quotation marks, and discovered some interesting differences between American and British usage.   We greased the storytelling wheels of our minds by working in pairs following cues on a handout.  We also read, "The Wish List" by Cheryl Kremer, found in A Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas.
Homework: To write and interesting personal anecdote, using quotations correctly.  Refer to the handouts if necessary. 
ONLINE PRACTICE:  Try these quotation mark practice pages (You need to cut and paste them onto a word document, and then check your answers):
 QUOTATION MARKS 1
AND THIS:
QUOTATION MARKS 2

If you want to work on spelling, and I putting a list at Spelling City
GOOD LUCK!

The Persuasive Essay, continued....

Everyone did a great job today editing and presenting their persuasive essays. We heard about gun control, health insurance, TV and young children, homeschooling, public schools, immigration law, credit for courses, mail advertising, and last but not least... the Mighty Newspaper.



Students who are still working on their essays should finish them this week and also do this week's assignment which is:
1. Write a persuasive cover letter for your dream job using the handout as your guideline. Think about your strong points and skills.
OR
2. Finish writing the second persuasive essay idea that you've already thought about.

This is due by WEDNESDAY at midnight on your blog.

Here is an example of #1:
MY DREAM JOB:  WORKING AT STARBUCKS

Dear Hiring Manager,
I am the ideal candidate for this position.  I have over 2 years of experience working at coffee shops, and I am enthusiastic about work. For example, I always greet customers by name, and am cheerful with my coworkers. I make a point of asking people how they are, and take time to listen to their answers. I look at regular customers as friends and new customers as potential friends. I love working with people, and if there is a customer complaint I am able to handle it quickly by remaking their order with a smile.

I am also  an extremely hard worker.  I don't mind filling in when someone is late, and can handle various tasks such as making coffee while taking orders if necessary. I always wash the dishes and wipe all the counters in between waiting on customers.  I also restock necessary supplies so that when we have a rush we are able to efficiently take care of customers.

I am self motivated:  I always keep my eye on the conditions of the shop, and make sure the trash is emptied and tables cleaned off.  I look at the business as an extension of my self. When things are slow I use the time to make signs and sweep the floor.  I have received the "Employee of the Month" award two times.

Working at Starbucks would fullfill my dream of working in the best coffee shop in the world.  I hope very much to have a chance to meet you in person to discuss this soon.

Sincerely,
Mocha Smith

Here are some grammar exercises that might be useful this week:
phrasal verbs

Does this need "the"?  Remember: “a” for one of many; “the” for the one and only, and nothing for general. 

a or an?


relative pronouns

Also, take a look at this website, which Victoria discovered:
Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues
It has lots of current issues and the arguments people use to discuss them.

GOOD LUCK!

The Persuasive Essay

Good job working on being persuasive today!
We worked with partners to develop arguments about 15 different topics, then chose a topic to write about.  Everyone made outlines that included reasons and examples, then we started the essays in the computer lab.  Students also used the internet to find statistics, phrases, and useful information relating to their essays.
Finally, we took a look at the essay "We Need a Revolution" as a current example of a persuasive essay.




THIS WEEK!
1) Listen to and read "We Need a Revolution" at http://thisibelieve.org/essay/73058/.  Notice her strong approach and organizational style.  Use this essay to put yourself into the kind of aggressive mood you need to write in English!
2) Finish the first draft of your persuasive essay by Tuesday (midnight).  Don't forget to use the SWAP method of proofreading it.  I will edit it, and in Friday's class you can make corrections/additions.
NOTE:  You will be writing one more persuasive essay in this class, so start thinking about it now.
GOOD LUCK!