Poetry Assessment 2/20-2/22

Bell Work 2/20 Throughout the poetry unit we have read a variety of poems by numerous poets, pick one of your favorites and explain to me what you liked about it. What has been your biggest challenge in this class this semester? What has been your greatest achievement so far this semester?

Agenda 2/20 Bell Work/Discussion Intro poetry assignment Complete day 1 activities

Bell Work 2/21 Who are you analyzing for the style-analysis essay? What similarities do you see between the three-five poems you selected? What is a thesis statement?

Thesis Statement A thesis statement is a sentence that presents the writer’s position on the topic/issue. A thesis must be debatable. It is usually the very last sentence of the introduction. The thesis provides a guide for the rest of the essay. It’s the star of the show—you cannot write on without it! In its most simple form, here is the formula for a thesis statement: Topic + Position (Opinion) + Main Claims. BUT THIS IS FORMULAIC, AND YOU CAN DO BETTER! When you free yourself from the formulaic, 3-pronged thesis, you will allow yourself more room for originality and creativity, as well as better sentence structure and word choice.

Thesis Statement EXAMPLES OF FORMULAIC THESIS STATEMENTS FLIPPED INTO “FREE” AND EFFECTIVE THESIS STATEMENTS: •FORMULAIC: The American dream is unattainable because of socioeconomic, racial, and gender inequality. •FREE: For many Americans facing inequality, the so-called American dream is nothing more than a living nightmare of false hope and failure.

FORMULAIC: Reading is beneficial because it builds empathy, increases intelligence, and strengthens writing skills. •FREE: Reading is the first step to cultivating a better society, one full of smart, empowered humans beings who understand one another. •FORMULAIC: School should start later because it will improve academic performance, physical health, and mental health. •FREE: By pushing back school start times, schools will support a student-centered environment in which learners can thrive academically, physically, and mentally.

Goal for Day 2 Complete analysis of selected poems Complete outline. Thesis Topic Sentence & Examples Topic sentence & Examples Conclusion (repeat thesis) Tomorrow we will discuss how to create a solid introduction and conclusion paragraph.

Bell Work 2/22 How do you engage a reader to continue reading your essay? How should you start an essay?

Agenda 2/22 Bell Work/Discussion Introduction Paragraph Conclusion Paragraph Day 3 Work time

Goal Day 3 Complete Rough Draft Introduction= 4-6 sentences Body Paragraph 1one= 10-12 sentences Body paragraph two= 10-12 sentences Conclusion= 5-7 sentences