RWS 100: the best laid plans of mice.

The rest of the semester, here’s what it looks like: 11.29 Read They Say/I Say Chapters 4-6. Quiz! (you’ll get your Unit #2 papers back) 12.1 Read They Say/I Say Chapters 7-8. Quiz! 12.4 Your final blog post is due (on a conversation you had). 12.6 Your charted text AND the first draft of your paper are due. 12.8 Conferences (the Doodle is already up!) 12.13 Your final paper is due.

Rhetorically Accurate Verbs “I know what it says, but what does it do?”   Verbs that can be used to describe what a text does, whether you are articulating the project, the argument, or the claims. Verbs are also used to describe the ways evidence and strategies support claims and arguments. (page 19 from your Course Reader)

Try to AVOID: thinks, believes, says, etc.! #()%$*# that !@(#$*. Do or Do Not, There is Not Try. These words don’t give any information on the perspective of the author/rhetor, they merely summarize what they are saying, which isn’t analysis.

Acceptable verbs to use are all on Page 19 of the CR, but these are some greatest hits for using when identifying a claim a rhetor is making: Consider using the following construction:   This paragraph [VERB] [IDEA] by [EXPLAIN HOW] . Advocates Argues Claims Asserts Proposes

Which one is rhetorically accurate? A) Scott is talking about rhetorically accurate verbs. B) Scott asserts that rhetorically accurate verbs are essential for our final paper. Which one is rhetorically accurate? A) Lester Bangs argues that the 1970s were a renaissance for musical expression. B) Lester Bangs discusses the history of music. Which one is rhetorically accurate? A) FDR says the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. B) FDR argues that we need to reject fear.

Here’s some other (all-too-common) grammar “tics,” you should avoid: What is the possessive of its? A: its. It’s means “it is.” Seriousness rating=7 What is the difference of affect and effect? A: Generally speaking, affect is the verb and effect is the noun. Sad songs affect you. The effect they cause is to make you weepy. Seriousness rating=4 Should I use contractions in academic writing? A: Nope. Seriousness rating=5

…take out the piece of paper you wrote down your answer to: Am I a Digital Native? (Why/Why not?) On the same piece of paper, answer these questions: Of the three texts, which do I most identify with, and why? Of the three texts, which did I most disagree with, and why? Where do I think I will start looking to find a connection I can build my argument on for my final paper?

Homework: Have a great Thanksgiving! Work on charting your text. (Hint: Do it before Thanksgiving!)