Room 312 - A View into the Vortex

Today’s Podcast:

• Concluding Paragraphs
• Fireside Book Chats: - The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon - Identical

Concluding Paragraphs:

Again, because I teach ninth graders, I use a fairly formulaic approach when teaching them how to write a conclusion to a five paragraph essay.   The conclusion is structured in three parts:

1. Restatement of the thesis
2. Restatement of the major arguments/points of the paper
3. Call to action/parting thought (depends on the purpose of the paper)

Example:

Clearly The Dark Knight stands head and shoulders above the rest of the movies of 2008.  Christian Bale’s Batman is cleverly acted, heath ledger’s Joker performance is stunning, and Chris and John Nolan’s scriptwriting superb.  If you didn’t see this in theaters, this is a must see on DVD.

Technorati Profile

 Enhanced Podcast [ 15:02m]: Download | Hits (84)

Today’s Podcast:

• Supporting Paragraphs
• Fireside Book Chats: - Stealing Bradford - Lush - Weapon - Maximum Ride: School’s Out Forever - Babysitter IV - Bluford High: A Matter of Trust - Call Waiting

Supporting Paragraphs:

I tell my ninth and tenth graders to initially structure their supporting paragraphs in a formulaic manner.  They always have the liberty mess  with the formula and alter it after they learn it. The basic formula is this:

1. Topic Sentence - links to the thesis
2. Introduction to the Evidence
3. Evidence/Quote
4. Explanation of the evidence

Example:

Early on in his life, James Siberian Kirk embodies the quote “to boldly go where no man has gone before.”  Nothing demonstrates this more than when Kirk is a young kid.  At one point in the 2009 movie trailer, we see Kirk furiously outrunning a cop, skidding his car off the cliff, and barely keeping himself from following.  He is unshaken and confidently answers the cop.  We see from the way he handles this situation and what he did that he has the making of a leader.  He is a risk taker and is not afraid to answer for the risks he has taken.

 Enhanced Podcast [ 26:45m]: Download | Hits (87)

Today’s Podcast:

• Introductory Paragraphs: Referring to Something You Read
• Fireside Book Chats: - Make Lemonade - Final Grade

Introductory Paragraph: Referring to Something You Read

Mentioning a certain reading to your essay can help you take a stand on an issue, if you agree or don’t agree.

Example:

According to the Intergalactic Medicine Show, science fiction is a taste acquired at a young age.  This, along with many other factors, result in the sci-fi market claiming only 6% of all readers.  There are many ways we can bolster the reading of science fiction.

 Enhanced Podcast [ 11:01m]: Download | Hits (87)

Today’s Podcast:

• Introductory Paragraphs: Quoting
• Fireside Book Chats: - Diary of a Teenage Girl: Sold Out - Cirque Du Freak: Vampire Mountain

Introductory Paragraphs: Quoting

Starting with a quote, even if it is not one that is widely known, will make the reader feel you are knowledgeable about your writing.

“May the Force be with you” is one of Starwars most famous lines. It has permeated our popular culture and has shown up in everything from comic strips to political campaigns.  George Lucas’s idea of the force draws on spirituality from many religions.

 Enhanced Podcast [ 11:33m]: Download | Hits (84)