Weekly Objectives Students will write for a variety of purposes and audiences using the Standard English conventions of grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Students will utilize various English ACT strategies to enhance grammar skills. Students will demonstrate mastery of argumentative techniques by writing a persuasive introduction that expresses their stance and reasoning in a clear, logical sequence. Students will demonstrate their comprehension of “Cup of Tea” and “My Last Duchess” by taking a comprehensive assessment.

Weekly Agenda Introduction to Leads Introduction to Leads Comprehensive Assessment: “Cup of Tea” Comprehensive Assessment: “Cup of Tea” Review Homework Review Homework ACT writing prompt ACT writing prompt Professional Development Day, 1/29/10 Professional Development Day, 1/29/10

Class Assignment The role of jealousy The speaker’s attitude toward his lover Similar/Different The Count’s attitude toward his wife Similar /Different

The ACT Writing Section The ACT writing section is ALWAYS argumentative. You must make a clear and well-defending argument. It should also recognize the counterargument (the other side). When given the essay topic, you will spend 5-7 minutes prewriting. This will include brainstorming (T-Chart, web, lists), writing your thesis statement, and creating a brief outline.

The ACT Writing Section 1. Read the provided prompt carefully. -Unpack it: what is it really asking? 2. Brainstorm on the topic at hand (5 minutes). 3. Write your thesis statement (3 minutes). 4. Create a brief outline of the essay.

Thesis statement: Make sure that your thesis statement includes:  Your argument.  A preview of your three main reasons – YOUR EVIDENCE.

Introductions and Leads When we write, keep in mind that writing an introductory paragraph is like greeting someone. The paragraph should be short and to the point like saying, “Hello!” Also, you don’t want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

1. Begin with a quotation. How can I start the introduction?

1. Begin with a quotation Find a quote that seems to get at the problem you're dealing with. State it at the beginning of your introduction and discuss how it relates to what you're trying to prove. Make sure you explain its relevance.

Quote Example: President John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Today's Americans have forgotten Kennedy's message. We expect our country to take care of us, but we are not taking care of our country.

2. Begin with a very short narrative or anecdote that has a direct bearing on your paper. The anecdote - This works particularly well for a historical essay, and even better if you have some ability at creative writing. Pick a specific incident that represents the underlying conflict of your piece, and briefly narrate it like a story. Explain afterwards how the instance reflects a problem you're attempting to solve.

4. Begin with an interesting fact or startling statement Using horses and cattle in the sport of rodeo is animal abuse. What makes it more aggravating is that it is legal. According to the law, there is nothing wrong with chasing an animal down, tightening a rope around its neck, knocking it to the ground, and tying its legs together so it cannot move.

Startling or Surprising statement Have a minute? Good. Because that may be all it takes to save the life of a child—your child. Accidents kill nearly 8000 children under age 15 each year. And for every fatality, 42 more children are admitted to hospitals for treatment. Yet such deaths and injuries can be avoided through these easy steps parents can take right now. You don't have a minute to lose.

Statement Examples Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent. Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms.

5. Begin with an opinion The driving age should be lowered to fourteen. Most teenagers are more responsible than adults give us credit for being. Just because we are teenagers does not mean we are irresponsible and dangerous.

Many high school seniors have many financial obligations and need some form of income. Do you think that seniors should be allowed to go half a day to school and work half a day?

Do you think that college athletes should be paid more than just tuition? Many people believe that college athletes should get paid while others believe they should not. College athletes should be paid because they practice long hours; the schools are profiting through the athletes’ efforts, and this would make college life much less stressful for the athletes.

6. Begin with a question Throw out a broad question of universal interest, and demonstrate how a possible answer can be related to your thesis. Examples: Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television? Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms?

6. Begin with a question Keep in mind that for an ACT essay prompt, this is the least effective way to start your essay. Some of the other leads reflect more mature (read: more points) writing.

HOMEWORK Write a Complete Introduction that includes a strong lead, a thesis statement, and a preview statement. Lead: Quotation, Anecdote, Interesting Fact, Startling Statement, or Opinion. Using a question is your last resort! Use your graphic organizer as you create your introduction.