Tuesday, May 17, 2005

This is where we will do in-class exercises so that we can look at alternative revision possibilities. I hope this will make it easier for you to compare ideas . My first edits will be with color text. I will highlight the parts of your work which need improvement. ( Of course these do not represent all the possible corrections. More detailed feedback will be put on printed classwork.) The colors will represent problem areas and should help you see patterns in your mistakes:

Red for punctuation and capitalization (mechanics)

Blue for word problems such as: word choice or word order, missing articles or other missing words, preposition problems (clarity)

Yellow for spelling

Green for grammar: subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, incorrect verb form, run-on sentences, sentence fragments


Remember that your post should begin with your name and the name of the assignment. To be safe, you should do your work in a word-processing format and then copy-paste into the weblog because sometimes the posts get lost or don't publish correctl

How to Write a Paragraph

How to Write a Paragraph

  1. Before you write

    A. Choose a topic

    1.Assigned by the teacher

    2.Your own choice

    B. Get ideas by

    1. Brainstorming

    2.Making lists

    3. Drawing pictures

    C. Decide on a Controlling Idea and write a Topic Sentence

    1. Make sure the style (narrative, cause and effect, etc.) is clear

    2. Make sure you have included details

    D. Choose your main points

    1. From step B select useful information

    2. Add more information if necessary

    E. Find details and examples to support main points

    F. Make an Outline

  2. Write the Paragraph

    A.Use the correct format

    1. Indent

    2. Double space

    3. Use margins on both sides of the paper

    B. Use the outline and key vocabulary

    C. Use a variety of sentence structures

    1. Simple

    2. Compound

    3. Complex

    D. Write a conclusion that summarizes the main points

  3. Check your work

    A. Spelling

    B. Subject-verb agreement

    C. Complete sentences


Monday, April 04, 2005

Process Writing Sentence Patterns

We have already discussed such patterns as before, after, next, and last. This week we will add some other phrases and patterns which we will use in our work this week. Write one sentence using each of the following patterns.

Pattern A
at the same time + that + clause in the simple present or the present progressive + main clause
example: At the same time that you are turning the screw, you must hold the board firmly.

Pattern B
immediately after + ing verb (comma) + main clause or you can reverse the order or the two clauses.

example: I picked her up immediately after leaving work.

Pattern C
Before + ing verb (gerund) phrase (comma) you should.......
or it is necessary to.......or it is important to ( Of course these can be reversed in order without the comma.)

example: Before painting, it is necessary to cover all the furniture with protective cloths.

Pattern D
Always + simple present tense + when clause

example: Always look in the rear view mirror when you change lanes.

Pattern E
Never + simple present tense + without + ing verb phrase or noun

example: Never get something out of the oven without using a pot holder to protect your hand.
Never jog without proper shoes.

Pattern F

When or while + ing verb phrase (comma) + main clause in present tense
possible useful words to use in the main clause: be sure to, try to, it is helpful to..

example: When writing a letter, be sure to sign your name.



Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Kitchen Picture




Have you ever seen a kitchen like this? What kind of food do you think they are preparing?

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Descriptive Sentences

Read the following link before you begin: Descriptive Paragraph . Also be sure to read the post on Placement Order of Modifiers on the same blog.

Write 3 sentences using Pattern 1 and 3 sentences using Pattern 2 . Put them in the team weblog.