Final Reminders

Final Exams for English 1101:

English 1101-09:

Tuesday - 10:30-12:30 - PSC 111

English 1101-17:

Thursday - 10:30-12:30 - PSC 255

English 1101-26:

Thursday - 1 - 3 - PSC 134

REMEMBER:  You may use ONE note card--4x6.  I WILL have names listed for you, along with the topics, so you will have those for spelling.

***If you have not received your research paper (and this includes several students in Engl. 1101-09 and 1101-26, feel free to email me and I will return your email with a grade and brief evaluation; I will also have your paper on the day of the final. In all honesty, though, you want to know how you stand before the final and this will provide it to you.)

E-mail: sharon.aiken@maconstate.edu

How to prepare for the final essay in English 1101

How to prepare for the final essay in English 1101

Read the potential topics carefully. Make notes of those which could be paired together; for example, #1 and #6 are closely related so it makes sense to assume that only one of these could be a topic for the final essay.

Next, determine what the topic is asking you to write about and put the topic in your own words, which need not be complicated. For example, 1 & 6 could be asking:

What are the other influences on the life of Amir . . . OTHER THAN the rape of Hassan and the torment and guilt Amir feels afterward?

Before you begin your essay, you begin a list of possible influences and make notes of how each incident or person affected Amir. You might list any of the following:

Rahim Khan - Dad’s business partner- tells Amir that “there is a way to be good again.” This prompts Amir to return to Afghanistan . . . why? To try to restore the relationship between he and Hassan, but… Hassan is dead. Keep going with explanation . . . Sohrab   - - - R.H. is one of the people who encourage Amir when he is a child—esp. in regards to his writing . . .

Soyraya - in sharing her past “sins” Amir realizes that it is possible to accept oneself, to atone for past mistakes and to regain one’s self-esteem (for lack of a better word) 

Baba - is a primary influence on how Amir sees the world and how Amir’s values are formed – The greatest teaching  Baba presents to Amir is that  . . there is only one sin, which is theft; Baba’s actions leave their impression on Amir as well . . . the exodus from Afghanistan . . . Baba leaves a land where he is among the wealthy landowners; when they arrive in CA., USA, Baba . . .

Sohrab

Assef

His exodus from Afghanistan

The notes you make to answer the question might go on a 4 x 6 index card. You probably would not need a large number of notes, just names spelled out, reminders, etc. to help you on the day of the final.

ORGANIZATION OF ANY ESSAY TOPIC FOR THE FINAL:

1^st paragraph – you introduce the book & the author, give any necessary background to the topic you’ve chosen. EXAMPLE:

In Kahled Hosseini’’s novel, The Kite Runner,  Amir, the narrator and main character, is driven to become the man he is because of his cowardly response and guilt after he witnesses his best friend’s rape when they are children. However, Amir does not realize that many other influences have shaped his life. Among the many other influences are Rahim Khan, ___________________, __________________________, ____________________________ and __________________.

2^nd paragraph - Rahim Khan – details, examples, explanations

3^rd para. – Soyrara – details, examples, explanations

4^th par. – Baba- details, examples, explanations

NOTE: REMEMBER TO KEEP THE ORGANIZATION TIGHT—whatever the order you chose to follow in nthe first paragraph, follow in the development of the body

WRITE AS THOUGH THE AUDIENCE HAS NOT READ THE BOOK.  THIS IS AN ANALYSIS, NOT A BOOK REPORT.

6^th par. Conclusion  - perhaps it would be helpful or effective to describe or characterize the person that Amir becomes—NOT from HIS perspective in the book, but as an objective reader (OR even subjective reader)

FOR MACON STATE CLASSES ONLY

Copy and paste the following questions to the body of a Ms Word document, answer them, then, either copy and paste your questions and answers onto an email and send them to my email address OR attach them as a Word document and send them. This will stand in lieu of the quiz over The Kite Runner. 

NOTE: I am not looking for words from the book to answer these questions. I'm looking for your insight after reading the novel and thinking about it. Your response needs to be sent by Sunday evening.  

1. Kahled Hosseini said that, "Writing fiction is the act of weaving a series of  lies to arrive at a greater truth."  Explain the greater truth(s) that are drawn from the fictional story in The Kite Runner.

2. Explain the importance of kite flying, kite tournaments and kite running in the Afghanistan in which Amir and Hassan grew up. 

3. Amir says, “History isn’t easy to overcome. Neither is religion. In the end, I was Pashtun and he was Hazara. I was Sunni and he was Shi’a and nothing was ever going to change that.  Nothing” (25).  This prejudice is central to understanding the relationship between Hassan and Amir. It is clear that Hassan and Ali suffer because of the difference in social class, but in what way does Amir suffer as well?

4. Rahim Khan is most like the voice of the author in this book.  What point does he try to impress on Amir in the following quote:  “A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer.”

For BOTH Macon State Classes and JCHS Classes

Potential Topics for the final in-class essay over The Kite Runner:

1.  Amir, the narrator of  The Kite Runner,  claims that he became the adult he is when the reader first meets him on a winter day in 1975.  However, while that incident leaves a permanent scar on the psyche of Amir, there are other influences on his childhood and his development as a man of conscience. Identify three additional influences on Amir, other than Hassan, and through plentiful examples and explanation, show how Amir was forever marked by them.
 
2.      The theme of possible redemption echoes through the second half of The Kite Runner. We hear it in the promising words Rahim Khan offers to Amir: “There is a way to be good again.” We follow Amir’s tortured path as it leads to his atonement (or potential for atonement) in the novel’s final pages. In addition to Amir, other characters seek their own redemption as well. Discuss what each of the following characters have done for which they seek forgiveness and redemption, their efforts to attain their own atonement, and whether they achieve it: Baba, Sanaubar, and Rahim Khan.
 
3.      The story of Amir and Hassan could not exist without the class difference between Amir and Hassan.  Defend this argument by using specific plot points and historical facts to ground your argument.
 
4.      Explore the way in which courage is portrayed in the novel. What constitutes true bravery? What are the key moments when characters are brave and who is the bravest character, if any? Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.
 
5.      The novel begins “I became what I am today at the age of twelve.” To what is Amir referring? Is his assertion entirely true? What other factors have helped form his character? How would you describe Amir?
 
6.      Amir had never thought of Hassan as his friend, despite the evident bond between them, just as Baba did not think of Ali as his friend (page 22). What parallels can be drawn between Amir and Hassan’s relationship, and Baba and Ali’s? How would you describe the relationship between the two boys? What makes them so different in the way they behave with each other? What is it that makes Amir inflict small cruelties on Hassan? Had you already guessed at the true relationship between them? If so, at what point and why?

7.  The strong underlying force of this novel is the relationship between Amir and Hassan. Discuss their friendship. Why is Amir afraid to be Hassan’s true friend? Why does Amir constantly test Hassan’s loyalty? Why does he resent Hassan? After the kite fighting tournament, why does Amir no longer want to be Hassan’s friend?

Organize your essay along the following guidelines:
·         first paragraph adequately introduces the book, author and your topic &  has an explicit thesis statement (an obvious main idea). 
·         the body paragraphs support your main idea with many definite, specific details from the novel. 
·         the conclusion brings graceful or memorable closure to your essay; it DOES NOT simply STOP abruptly. 
 
       
 
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Visuals for The Kite Runner





Reading Guide to The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Before reading, it would help to listen to the interview with the author at:

NPR interview with Khaled Hosseini – length is roughly 31 min. & there might be an extra credit question on the quiz from this interview

1. Topics in The Kite Runner – to HELP YOURSELF, write a clear statement about what the book says about this topic in the novel; no—I will not take it up, but it will greatly assist YOU as we discuss the book

 • Role of women
• Betrayal
• Brothers
• Guilt – hidden guilt vs. open guilt
• Redemption
• Exodus
• Fathers & sons – patriarchal society
• Class distinction

2. Style – comment on the author’s use of each of the following in the novel:

• Parallelism
• Character foils – look for characters in pairs OR characters who could be placed side by side for comparison/contrast
• Foreshadowing
• Flashback

3. Settings – both time and place and culture – consider five important cultural aspects of setting identified in the novel - e.g., Hazara vs. Pashtun

4. Identify at least 5 minor characters and their role in the novel

Movie Note:  There is a movie on The Kite Runner – I have no idea if it is a good translation of the book or not

A note on Cliff, Spark and the Monkey:

There is NO substitute for reading and studying a novel.  The concepts and connections that one makes, the knowledge one gains, the insight to humanity that is revealed cannot be summarized in the various “Study Aids” on the internet or book stores.  Yet that does not stop these cites from flourishing and providing what they claim is vital information. Listed below are three of these websites on The Kite Runner.  If you need a character list, to help remember who is who, pick one and use it. If you need to place the novel in context and understand the background and setting, pick one and use it. If you need something to do the thinking for you, forget it.  One of the greatest hazards of using a convenient Study Guide like “Spark ,” “Pink Monkey” or “Cliff,” is that by allowing the Study Guide to do the thinking, the student automatically assumes it is correct,  he  cheats himself out of evaluating the novel independently. Do you want something to tell you what to think? When used judiciously, thoughtfully, they can assist the student, but they cannot replace the critical thinking one does while reading and discussing the book.  

INFERNAL CITATIONS

Stereotypes of Latin Women

Where the concept of the stereotype of latin women originated

          While Hispanic actors gained popularity early in film-making, Hispanic women did not find success on the “silver screen” until the nineties (Cofer 232). 

Parenthetical citations

In-text citations

Internal citations

          Judith Ortiz Cofer, Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Georgia, and a Latina author, says that Hispanic women did not become popular in mainstream film and television until the nineties (232).

If citing an author from an online source, you do not need a page number. Most online references have NO page numbers.

If citing an online source that has NO author’s name given, use only the title of the article – in quotation marks, inside parentheses. (“Learning in Two Different Cultures”).

In the event that you have a long quote of MORE than 4 typed lines—and in a short paper, there should be NO MORE than one LONG quote—you must use a block quote.

Example of BLOCK QUOTE:

In a recent article, Cofer contends that many Latina women still suffer from prejudice and stereotype. Cofer writes:

There are thousands of Latinas without the privilege of an education or the entrees into society that I have. For them life is a constant struggle against the misconceptions of perpetuated by the myth of the Latina.  . . . Every time I give a reading, I hope the stories I tell, the dreams and fears I examine in my work, can achieve some universal truth that will get my audience past the particulars of my skin color, my accent , or my clothes (236).

Works Cited

Cofer, Judith Ortiz. “The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria.” FACTS OF PUBLICATION IN CORRECT FORMAT FROM EASYBIB.COM.

Another Warning About Plagiarism: DON'T DO IT!!

Students sometimes feel overwhelmed by essay assignments in English 1101 or 1102; nevertheless, turning to an essay service or wikipedia is not a wise idea. Remember that if a student is caught plagiarizing, he/she receives an automatic zero on the assignment. Not only have the words or ideas been stolen, not only has the writer received a zero, but the writer has not attempted any real critical thinking. Without the necessary critical thinking that goes into writing a collegiate essay, he/she has gained less than zero from the experience. 

 Please note that the entire paper does not have to be copied for a student to be guilty of plagiarism; even if a portion of the paper comes from another source, that source MUST be identified. Students are working on argumentative research essays; please be vigil and diligent: DO NOT PLAGIARIZE.

Sadly, here is an example of plagiarism.

From the student's paper:

"Go-Go is a subgenre associated with Funk that originated in the D.M.V. area (Washington D.C., Maryland,   Virginia) duirng the mid 1960s to late 1970s. A great number of bands contributed to the early evolution of the genre. Many of the credit though goes to The Young Senators, Black Heat, and notably singer-guitarist Chuck Brown who is considered "The God-Father of Go-Go". . . . Go-Go's essential best is characterized by a syncopated, dotted rhythm that consists of  a series of quarter and eight notes . . . ."

 From widipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go-go_music:

Go-go is a subgenre associated with funk that originated in the Washington, D.C., area during the mid- 1960s to late-1970s. It remains primarily popular in the area as a uniquely regional music style. A great number of bands contributed to the early evolution of the genre, but The Young Senators, Black Heat, and notably singer-guitarist Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers are credited with having developed most of the hallmarks of the style. . . . ^[1]

In technical terms, "Go-go's essential beat is characterized by a syncopated, dotted rhythm that consists of a series of quarter and eighth notes (quarter, eighth, quarter, (space/held briefly), quarter, eighth, quarter)… which is underscored most dramatically by the bass drum and snare drum, and the hi-hat… [and] is ornamented by the otherpercussion instruments, especially by the conga drums, timbales, and hand-heldcowbells."^[2]

Good Question about Reference Essays

From: Heard, Makaeta J.
Sent: Tue 11/6/2012 9:40 PM
To: Aiken, Sharon B.
Subject: Argumentative Essay- Works Cited


Mrs Aiken,
   The essays for the topic Is Walmart good for America are not in the 12th edition of the textbook, and that is the edition that I have. I have found these essays online, but if I cite them from online I will not have the sources from the textbook that I need. What should I do  . . . . will my grade be affected since I will not have at least two sources from the book?

__________________________________

No--those essays that are on the side are essays that would be in the book, if you had that edition. No points will be taken off for using them; indeed, you are doing exactly what you need to do. You can cite those essays on the sidebar using easybib, as though they were from a website, which they are.  Thank you for the question--I can see how that could be confusing and distressing. I will pass this on to all classes.

I appreciate your concern!

ahem . . .

THIS is how serious I am about all the information concerning the research paper AND its application:

SO . . . WHAT'S DUE WHEN?

Understand that this IS stressful. Understand that you DO have a deadline. Even if you are an intelligent, gifted writer, the process of writing a research paper takes time.

For this week AND next:

1. If you do not already have your own thoughts expressed clearly following your introduction, you need to do so. Knowing what YOU know, knowing what YOU think initially is one way to know for a certainty what must be documented in your paper, which is any idea or words from another source. Even if you paraphrase their words or suggest their idea, you MUST use a citation. When in doubt, CITE IT. The first step, though, is knowing your own mind. YOUR FIRST DRAFT IS DUE THURSDAY.

2. If you have not already done so, you need to read the essays in the text or online that are associated with your topic. Select those that best support your position--as well as those that may challenge your position. Remember: you will need to present both sides of the issue, providing evidence (facts and expert opinion) and logic to prove that your claim deserves consideration by an intelligent, skeptical reader who is eager to play devil's advocate.

3. Once you have selected the essays from the text, you will still need additional support. Look for it online via Galileo, a much more reliable source than Google. You should be able to access Galileo easily after you access it via the MSC homepage. If you have trouble, get the password from the library. Give yourself time to do research, reading, and processing of information.  

4. BE CERTAIN THAT FOR ALL REFERENCES YOU USE, WHETHER FROM THE TEXT OR ELSEWHERE, THAT A BIBLIOGRAPHIC ENTRY HAS BEEN MADE TO BE USED FOR THE WORKS CITED PAGE. WORKS CITED PAGE IS DUE THURSDAY

5.  As you read the articles/essays, take notes--MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU KNOW WHERE EVERY NOTE CAME FROM SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO INCLUDE CORRECT INTERNAL CITATIONS. NOTES AND 2ND DRAFT ARE DUE NEXT TUESDAY

6.  Next Tuesday, I will answer any questions you have regarding your own paper

7. FINAL DRAFT IS DUE NEXT THURSDAY: 4 PAGES + WORKS CITED PAGE = 5 PAGES

WARNING: Automatic Failure

Failure to include a Works Cited page  = 
Automatic Failure

Failure to include internal citations =
Automatic Failure

Failure to hand-in hard copy of paper on time =
Automatic Failure

Cliches and old sayings become what they are because they are true:

Failure to plan is planning to fail.

Self-Check for Research Paper

Research Paper Self-Evaluation

Complete and On Time:
_____ Topic- clearly identified, defined
_____ Bibliography – 5 sources/references, at least 2 from textbook
_____ Research Notes
_____ Rough Draft

Presentation (MLA format)
􀂉 One-inch margins
􀂉 Double-space throughout
􀂉 Do not skip lines between paragraphs
􀂉 Half-inch indent for first line of all paragraphs
􀂉 Correct headers
􀂉 Correct heading
􀂉 Correct use of typography: 11- or 12-point Times New Roman

Unity
􀂉 Adequately limited focus
􀂉 Clear thesis statement
􀂉 Topic sentences help prove thesis
􀂉 Information is relevant to your thesis
􀂉 Information captures readers’ attention
􀂉 Information offered is fresh and insightful

Introduction
􀂉 Gripping opening sentence/hook
􀂉 Compelling introductory strategy (reader wants to read on)
􀂉 Smooth transition between hook and thesis

Conclusion
􀂉 Thesis reiterated in light of your argument
􀂉 Effective concluding strategy—not merely a summary of your essay

Cohesion
􀂉 Clear and logical organization
􀂉 Clear topic sentences in all body paragraphs
􀂉 Effective concluding sentences where needed

Transitions (clear connections)
􀂉 Within paragraphs _ Between paragraphs
􀂉 Between paragraphs and thesis
􀂉 Between your writing and cited material

SUPPORT
􀂉 Convincing evidence for thesis and topic sentences
􀂉 Relevant information to thesis
􀂉 Credibility of Internet source uncertain
􀂉 Effective balance of paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting
􀂉 At least 3 citations per page

􀂉 Context provided for all borrowed material (not only in parenthetical citations)
􀂉 Authority of every author established with first reference
􀂉 Comment thoroughly on the relevance of every citation—relevance to your point in the immediate paragraph and to your overall thesis  

DOCUMENTATION

􀂉 Documentation of ALL (!!!!) paraphrases, summaries, and quotations (anytime you use someone else’s words, ideas, or information)
***plagiarism will result in a “zero” for the paper***
􀂉 Correct MLA parenthetical-citation format
􀂉 Correct use of quotation marks
􀂉 Use of only ONE  block quotations (this paper is too short for extended quotations)

Format of MLA “Works Cited” Page(s)
􀂉 Use alphabetical order
􀂉 One-inch margins _ “Works Cited” at top
􀂉 Quotation marks needed
􀂉 Underlining needed
􀂉 Hanging indent for all entries with 2 or more lines
􀂉 Double-space all entries
􀂉 Do not skip lines between entries

EDITING
Diction (choice of words)
􀂉 Wordiness
􀂉 Avoid clichés
􀂉 Awkward wording
􀂉 Avoid slang
􀂉 Artless repetition
􀂉 Avoid use of “you”/ “your”
􀂉 Key terms not defined
􀂉 Vague language

Sentence Skills
􀂉 Avoid sentence fragments
􀂉 Avoid comma splices
􀂉 Avoid run-ons sentences
􀂉 Avoid meaningless verb tense shifts and incorrect verb forms
􀂉 Make sure subjects and verbs agree
􀂉 Pronoun/antecedent reference unclear
􀂉 Revise faulty parallelism
􀂉 Monotony in use of sentence patterns (use a balance of simple, compound, and complex sentences)

Lecture Notes: Basic Steps In Research

1Find out which format the professor wants; not all research papers use the same format

a.    English – MLA--http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

b.      History – Chicago

c.       Social Sciences/Education – APA

2Find a reference or guide that explains how the paper should be presented

                                a.      Font, margins, paper, etc. – the general appearance

                                b.      Whether a title page is needed

                               c.      How the paper is bound – folder, paper clip, staple, etc.

3.       Number of ACCEPTABLE references required for the paper & the type of reference

                                   a.      Reliable references !!!!  DO NOT take the first reference that come up on Google!!

                                 b.      To Wikipedia—or NOT Wikipedia – how to use Wikipedia INTELLIGENTLY

4Spend time familiarizing yourself with the research material; NO ONE uses all the research  information in the paper; the point is to become a mini-expert on your topic; experts pick and choose the best information that is suitable for their  work. 

5.  THE SKILL OF WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER COMES WHEN THE WRITER INTEGRATES SELECTED RESEARCH INFORMATION INTO THE PAPER

6.   After finding resources that are reliable, create a bibliographic entry for your reference; the compilation of these references will be appear on the last page of your paper as the Works Cited Page

a.       Author

b.      Title

c.       Facts of publication

d.      http://www.easybib.com/

7.      After preliminary reading, THEN begin to take specific notes that support your topic—again, NOT everything an author says will be used. When you do find important information you think you can use in your paper, make a note.

a.       Note card

b.      Highlight

What is most important is that you have the exact location of where the information

NOW—you’re finally ready to sit down and incorporate your research into your paper for your 2nd draft

Good Question!

Here is a question I received in my email, over the weekend. (THANK YOU, SHILEA!!) It may be one many of you had. Following, is my reply:

-----Original Message-----

From: Drummer, Shilea S.

Sent: Sun 11/4/2012 8:59 PM

To: Aiken, Sharon B.

Subject: Argumentative Paper

Hello Professor Aiken,

I am contacting you in reference to our papers. If you could please let me know if the rough drafts are due on Tuesday or are we going to wait to start them?

Sencerly,

Shilea Drummer

Hi, Shilea,

Thank you for your email. I realized, after the fact, that I was not clear on this point last Thursday. We will not work on the draft in class. The more you have done on your paper, BEFORE class on Tuesday, the more meaningful class will be. On Tuesday, I plan to begin the discussion and explanation of documentation, beginning with the Works Cited page and moving into internal citations. I'll be putting information on the blog, but it's not like being in class, to hear the explanation and to SEE what to do. I will not count off if you have no draft on Tuesday, but again, the more work you (AND EVERYONE ELSE!!) can accomplish on your paper at this point, the more you will get out of class & better understand what to do.  

As one of my former students phrased it, after hearing me preach for a semester: "The more you put in, the more you get out, so...put out." Anyway you folks in class want to remember the dictum is fine by me.

Thanks,

aiken

How You Do ANYTHING Is How You Do EVERYTHING

 

How you do anything is how you do everything: 

a short, true story:

Once upon a time, before I was known as a Troll Witch (which is yet another short, true story), I had a very exceptional student named Tim, who decided to major in both history and English. As brilliant as he was, he could not decide which discipline he would pursue in graduate school. Instead, he chose to work.  Because he had attended Berry College, in Rome, Georgia, he had been taught skills, as well as academics. For a couple of years after college, Tim supported himself and his wife as a house painter--inside, outside--whole or part--whatever was need. It was also about that time that our first home needed painting.

My husband and I were frustrated. We had had the house painted just a couple of years previously, but still the house was in need of a  new coat. Naturally, we chose Tim. Where it had taken the first painters less than a week to paint our house, it took Tim over a month. Instead of slapping a fresh coat of paint on top of the existent paint, Tim began by stripping off every layer of paint until he reached the bare wood. Next, he caulked between every board on the house. He replaced a couple of facer boards and even worked on a back window in need of repair. Then he applied two coats of primer; two were necessary since the wood basically soaked up the first coat. Finally . . .  he applied the the trim paint and final exterior coats. The house looked as new as a 100 year old house could look.

My husband had been unsure what it would be like hiring Tim to do the work, but he was far more impressed than I was with the final outcome. "You're not surprised?" he asked me.

"No," I responded. "I had Tim in class; I KNOW what kind of work he does. It doesn't matter if it's writing a paper or painting a house. His work is excellent. It's exceptional. It's just like Tim."

Eventually, Tim chose history. He is now an assistant professor of history at West Georgia College & University.

How you do anything is how you do everything. ~  Zen Expression

Why do a research paper?

A research paper is not a wicked form of punishment or deliberate torture, though it does seem that way when one is a student.

• Research papers require the highest forms of critical thinking. Writing a research paper asks you to analyze the topic, seek information, evaluate the information, determine what you can use, then synthesize the specific evidence into your own work in such a way that it supports your position.  The student must also adhere to all the conventions of written language, consider transitions, logic and coherence, maintain organization, AND all this work is for an average paper--one that earns a "C."
• No matter what field of study or position you hope to pursue some day, there will be a level of complexity that requires in-depth consideration and requires you to follow a specific procedure or process. Hopefully, if it is in your chosen field it will be less painful than writing a research paper in English 1101, BUT it will still require you to be specific and detailed.
• It is work. It is hard. It is life. No excuses. Just do it.  ALL the cliches are true. Get over it; understand that EVERYONE you are in class with is having similar difficulties, time constraints, and the same deadline.
• There will check points between now and the day the final draft is due. You need to be in class for each of those, since each required portion will count as a daily grade, and work outside of class to be prepared for the next class.

How you do anything is how you do everything. ~  Zen Expression

Writing a research paper--even a very SHORT research essay--is work. It is a process that one must work through and it is not done well overnight.

Expect to put in serious time in reading and research.
Expect to put in time in writing an initial draft.
Expect to put in MORE time determining what amount of research you will put into your paper, where it will fit into your argument and how you will incorporate it.
It is not easy for anyone, if the paper is done well. There is much truth in the statement that "the devil's in the details." You must be willing to be meticulous in the citations and the works cited page, both of which combined are referred to as documentation.
You will need to refer to the information on this blog, in the text, and seek assistance, as needed.

How you do anything is how you do everything. ~  Zen Expression

The fun doesn't end with the research paper. The day you turn in your research paper, you will receive an introduction, outline and overview of the points that need to be noted in The Kite Runner, which you will need to read over Thanksgiving. There will be a quiz when you return--over the whole book.

Argumentative Quiz - COPY AND PASTE to a word document

Student: ____________________________  English 1101-09  11/01/12

Modified TRUE/FALSE:  If a statement is true, type TRUE on your paper, by the number; you need NOT type the sentence on your paper. If a statement or any part of it is FALSE, correct and type the true statement by the number on your paper.

1.       A debatable position is one in which there are two sides to an issue.

2.       In any argument, the purpose is to convince the audience to not only consider the writer’s opinion as valid, but also to move the audience to action.

3.       Argumentation is composed largely  of an appeal to reason and emotion, with the writer keenly aware of the audience’s human nature.

4.       While persuasion is largely subjective, with no formal structure, argumentation is primarily objective, logical, and with a formal structure.

5.       The best way to choose an argumentative topics is to select one that the writer feels very strongly about, one that he can write about with conviction, and one that he feels sure he can win.

6.       In an argumentative paper, the thesis statement will provide a claim or state the position of the writer.

7.       The antithesis of the argument appears in the conclusion of the paper, following the refutation of the opposing side.

8.       In composing the argumentative paper, the wrtier should keep in mind that his audience is intelligent, receptive, and eager to learn more about the issue the writer is presenting.

9.       The greatest portion of the argumentative paper consists of the body, which contains facts and opinions, otherwise known as evidence, which supports the claim made in the thesis.

10.   In order for the evidence of the paper to be considered valid, it must be relevant, typical, representative and sufficient.

11.   Evidence that is sufficient provides just enough information to pique the audience’s attention so that he will seek to explore the information on his own.

12.   Rather than presenting the EXCEPTION to the rule, the example that is typical is presented to indicate what is almost always the rule or the case.

13.   In order to avoid repetition, it is important to document your research.

14.   There is no reason to provide information about the opposing side of the argument; to do so suggests the writer is unsure of his own position.

15.   In a deductive argument, the writer knows from the outset what his conclusion will be and sets forth in the paper to support it with specific facts and information.

16.   The two major parts of deductive reasoning consist of a major premise and a minor premise.

17.   The one drawback to deductive reasoning is that unlike inductive reasoning, the conclusion is less definitive.

18.   In structuring an argumentative essay, the opposing arguments are  best addressed from the outset.

19.   In an argumentative paper, the keyword is logical.

20.   Argument appears to us every day in the form of television commercials, billboards, and advertisements in newspaper and magazine.

FIVE POINT BONUS FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CORRECT ANSWERS:

1.       Explain what Rogerian argument involves.

2.       Writer YOUR OWN VALID syllogism.

3.       Explain what a “red herring” is.

Research Topics

Before you make a final decision on a topic, it is essential that you read --or at least scan-- the initial accompanying reading selections from the respective texts OR from the appropriate links on the side bar; there is no excuse for not reading the respective essays for the topic you have chosen.  How do you know what you think until you've read about BOTH sides of the issue?

• Should government tax sugary drinks?
• page 630 in the 12th ed.
• "A Tax That Invests in Our Health"
• "Fat Tax"
• "Let Them Drink Water"
• "Does This Tax Make Me Look Fat? -available ONLY in the text
• Is Walmart good for America (especially small communities)?
• "Don't Blame Wal-mart" -- online essay, not in text
• "The Case for Wal-Mart" -11th ed.
• "Down and Out in Discount America - 11th ed.
• Is there a case for torture?
• page 679 in the 11th ed.
• "The Case for Torture"
• "The Case for Torture Warrants"
• "How Much Torture is OK?"
• "Torture's Terrible Toll"
• How open should our borders be?
• page 648 in the 11th ed.
• "American Dreams, Foreign Flags"
• "Statement in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform"
• "Why Americans Hate this 'Immigration' Debate"
• ""To Reunite a Nation"
• How can we address the shortage of organ donors?
• page 605 in the 12th ed.
• "The Meat Market"
• "The Case for Mandatory Organ Donation"
• "Yes, Let's Pay for Organs"
• "The Surgery Was Simple; the Process Is Another"

AFTER YOU READ THE ESSAYS:
Make sure you clearly understand the topic - remember, you will be providing an explanation of the issue in the opening paragraph: you will need to state the issue clearly, as well as both sides of the issue  before making your claim/ thesis.
Make sure you have a definite claim based on reason and logic
Once you have your ideas focused write the first draft of your introduction.
Remember that your target audience is an open-minded skeptic (who will pick you apart if you cannot support your position)

Next: write your first draft--before research.  Use your own ideas and logic, your own examples--then be prepared next week to begin research to support your claim.
THIS PAPER SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN THIRD PERSON: THERE SHOULD BE NO PERSONAL PRONOUNS AND NO 2nd PERSON.  Be objective and logical in your essay.

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug" ~ Mark Twain

From Games Magazine:


Homophones sound alike but differ in spelling and meaning, like knight/night, suite/sweet, and prints/prince. How many of the 140 pairs can you find in this tale? (Note: Since pronunciations can vary, some pairs may be debatable.)

Good Knight, Suite Prints

A Homophone Story by Mary Ellen Slate
(with apologies to Walter Mitty)

Russell Wood, a nearly bald man of modest mien, wore clothes of worn serge and a tie with just the merest flecks of color. Unless you focused on his tie, he almost disappeared: His hair matched his face, which matched his suit—all grays.

Alone at his teller's cage, idle and bored, Russell took a peek at the frieze along the bank's ceiling. There was a knight, a minstrel with a lute, an urn, a lyre. Russell swayed on his feet and the room began to reel as he daydreamed.

Sir Claude de Bois reined his horse and rode at a slower gait. As the castle bell tolled, he saw the lord of the manor wave his sword at an empty metal coffer. "You vile villein, to steal my gold!" The weak serf cowered as the baron sent the steel weapon toward his heart. Sir Claude bawled: "Stop, by the Holy Rood! I am de Bois! I mete out justice and bring aid and succor to all men, howe'er base. Don't try my mettle or, rude coward, you'll be sealing your fate."

Suddenly through the grille of the cage came the hoarse bass voice of a constant cougher: "Freeze, sucker! Now, raise your hands. High."

Russell looked but saw no one.

"Didn't you hear me?" There was an edge of real pique verging on choler in the rough voice. "Do as I told you."

"Do you mind, sir? I heard you but I can't see you," sighed Russell.

"Never mind the sighs, liar. Look down here. Damn! I'm losing patience."

The teller ducked his head and saw a vain, wee man only four feet high who paced up and down, stopping at intervals to flex his impressive arm muscles. He wore a tee shirt, suede jacket, and blue jeans. Over his seamed forehead and ape-like brows perched a wig, apparently tacked on with flour paste. His nose went straight for a bit, then took a sharp turn to the side. Yet Harry "Peewee" Farplotz, the world's smallest and most inept bank robber, had style. As he paced, a veil seemed to fall over Peewee's eyes:

Dr. Malcolm Farquahar stepped out of the hansom cab and paid his fare. "Another wholly daring feat accomplished for The Cause," he said as he flicked his ruff. None of his patients, indeed few in London, knew that the foppish medico was in fact a one-man-war-against-injustice in the guise of the Purple Pimpernel, master spy, who mined the terrorists of the French Revolution of their cache of francs.

During the instants that the pint-size hood mused, thoughts chased through Russell's mind. He was considering gambling on an act of derring-do when he saw Peewee's aide, a very broad broad, pointing a big black gun at him.

Rose "Mean Queen" Farplotz was as outsize as her husband was undersame. Her beet-red hair was tied in a messy knot. She wore a wrap of mangy furs masquerading as minks and a four-carat rhinestone ring. "Not well-bred," thought Russell, "but oddly handsome." And then she too fell into a daze:

Chaste Rosalind, the shepherdess, rowed on the incoming sea tide. She began to wade in with her pail of mussels, as behind her on the strait, the surge of the surf moved to the barren shore. The rays of the morning sun glinted from a vein of silver ore in a boulder. A lone tern wheeled. As Rosalind headed for her secret vale, she could sense its peace. The dew had disappeared and the mist had vanished, quiet as a nun. She heard the caws of crows as the flocks soared over the copse of yews; a sole hare started to browse. Near the fields of hay and rows of rye, a deer family—hart, doe, and half-grown fawn—stopped to graze. A bee buzzed over the furze.

Rosalind hugged her slim waist in delight as she inhaled the scent of phlox. She picked a flower and heard a rustle in the bushy brake as a herd of sheep appeared, a woolly lamb gamboling beside each ewe. She passed by the stile, went through the gate, and bathed her feet in the crystal water of the tiny duct that led from the dam. She hummed a hymn for this balm to her soul.

Rose's return to reality was abrupt. "This doll could waste you," Peewee snarled. "She knows how to use that gun. Last week she blew away four guys. And," he held up a vial of pale liquid, "this is a bomb. So let's have the bread, the loot, the dough."

Russell stopped and weighed the situation as an uneasy silence reigned. Then he got out the cash box and threw it on the counter. "Take it. Be my guest, but the sum total is only eight hundred dollars and some cents."

Russell's eyes were drawn, as though by a magnet, to Rose's big gun, which was now held loosely at her side. He knew that the tough facade had cracked and he felt bolder. With a wry smile, he said, "I'm only a simple teller."

"Gimme a break," Peewee whined. "We didn't figure you for a real big-shot magnate like Chairman of the Board, for instance—not even a pipsqueak loan officer. You're nothing but—" there was an astonished pause. "But you're de Bois. I've seen you in my dreams."

By now Russell had also guessed Peewee's alter ego. "Hey! I know you too. Well, hi! You're my idol, the gallant Pimpernel, the prince of spies. And," he made a bow to Rose, "this minx, this belle, this fair maid would be Rosalind."

Russell stopped with a groan. "Oh, dear, I owe you an apology. I pushed the alarm, and the police will be here soon."

"No need to fret, son, we'll beat the rap," said Peewee. "Not a penny has changed hands. Close the cash box and wipe off my prints. Then, just watch as Rosy eats her piece of hardware."

Rose calmly ate the gun, a creation made of a carved carrot dyed black.

"And now," said Peewee, "I'll just drink the liquid bomb and that ought to sew it up." He knocked back the tea that had posed as TNT.

When the cops got there they found a disappointing paucity of perpetrators; no villain to collar, no one to grill.

"It was a false alarm, in a manner of speaking," Russell told them with tact.

The police made out their report while Rose started to coo at their fierce attack dogs, who wagged their tails, put their paws in her lap, gently clawed her furs, and licked her nose.

For the three new-found friends, the nonheist had been a coup. One night a week they would meet for a "Days of Yore" fete when they ate well and wined well and told tales of the past.

The list of homophones or homonyms identified in the story above are found here:

Good Knight, Suite Prince - Answers