1. USE R.A.G.U.
When writing a paragraph-length response, remember to R.A.G.U.
Restate the question
Answer the question
Give details to support answer
Use examples to support answer
Wrap things up with a
concluding sentence
TOPIC SENTENCE

2. A STRONG PARAGRAPH A B C TOPIC SENTENCE DETAIL ONE
MAKE A CLAIM! CREATES BOUNDARY FOR REST OF THE PARAGRAPH!
DETAIL ONE
SPECIFIC EXAMPLE ONE
DETAIL TWO
SPECIFIC EXAMPLE TWO
DETAIL THREE
SPECIFIC EXAMPLE THREE
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING – GIVE YOUR READER A SENSE OF CLOSURE. A B C

3. A C B

4. PLOT
a series of related events. Throughout the course of a story’s plot, events unfold, build to climax, and are then brought to a conclusion during the resolution.

5. IRONY Verbal Irony: Contrast between what is said and what is meant
EX: Saying “Nice weather today, huh?” on a rainy day. Saying something is “as clear as mud.” (sarcasm, understatement, etc.)
Dramatic Irony: Contrast between what a character thinks to be true and what the reader knows to be true
EX: Scary movie where you know the killer is in the closet the character is about to open, but the character does not.
Situational Irony: Contrast between the intent of an action and the result
EX: When a man attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan, all of his shots missed the President; however a bullet ricocheted off the bullet-proof windows of the President’s limo and struck him in the chest. Thus, the windows made to protect him from gunfire were partially responsible for his being shot.

6. IRONY Is it irony? If so, what kind?
ARE THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES OF IRONY? WHY OR WHY NOT?
rain on your wedding day
an ambulance driver rushes to the scene of an accident, only to run the victim over
lying to someone about how you feel about them
a free ride when you already paid
telling a poor bowler he should go pro to emphasize how bad he is
a traffic jam when you’re already late
10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife

7. JOURNAL ENTRY #2 “Full Circle” -- Karma
Do you believe in karma? Why or why not?
You may respond by simply stating your opinion on this topic OR you may be a bit more creative and create a creative piece that deals with karma.
The comment I use most on journal entries is “more”; don’t give up points because you are too lazy/careless to do your best work.
These are free form responses, so you will not be penalized for M.U.G.S. or organizational errors.