Tuesday, May 13th, 2014--noon

Greetings,

Just to re-cap what I reminded you about in class yesterday:

Tomorrow, Wednesday, is the last day of class for the semester.

Please bring to class all your graded work and your grade sheet, filled out.

If you plan to submit a revision, the deadline for that is Friday, May 23rd.

You must place it in my mailbox in Calaveras 149.

And....very important! You must email me and inform me that you have placed work in my dept. mailbox.

Thursday, May 8th, 2014--7:30 pm

Greetings,

1..As you know, next week is our last week of classes. There is no final exam in this class.
On Monday, please come prepared with your oral presentation and the accompanying paper.

2.  On Wednesday, please come to class with all your graded work and  your grade sheet.

3.  If you are planning to continue to work on a revision you have already submitted at least once to me, OR if you are planning to revise out of class essay 3, the final due date for those is
Friday, May 23rd. If you plan on submitting the revision on Wednesday, no problem.

4.  After Wednesday, you must submit the revision in my dept. mailbox AND then email me to tell me it is there. The English Dept. mailroom is located in Calaveras.

5.  For those students who have not written and submitted one or more of the out of class essays, remember! Even though the paper has clearly earned a failing grade due to lateness, you STILL  need to write and submit all three out of class essays in order to pass the course. (see syllabus)

One more thing...
I know will probably be busy studying for finals this Monday night. But just in case  you are free...

I am giving a poetry reading with three other Sacramento poets.
Monday, May 12th
7:30 pm
Sacramento Poetry Center
1719 - 25th Street (between Q and R streets)
Sacramento

Sunday, April 27th, 2014--1 pm

Greetings,

A reminder to be sure to have viewed the film, House of Sand and Fog, by tomorrow. Also, be sure to bring any notes you jotted down while viewing the film AND of course, bring the novel as well.

See you tomorrow!

Friday, April 18th, 2014

Greetings,

have a most lovely weekend, and for those who celebrate Easter, Happy Easter!

I have been asked to give a poetry reading on Wednesday, May 7th at 2 pm at Solano Valley College.
I would very much like to attend. This means that there will be no class on the 7th. I believe I can fit my entire lecture regarding How to Critically Read an Essay on Monday, the 5th.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014-- 6 pm

Greetings,

A few things...

1. If you have not revised out of class essay 1, and plan to revise out of class essay 2, your first revision is due next Wednesday, April 23rd.  Follow the instructions on your syllabus about how to submit a revised essay.

2.  Remember to bring the copy of the prose poem that was read and distributed in class on Monday.  Please read it again and record your answers to the points I listed on the board. You will not be submitting these answers but you will be using them during the group work tomorrow.

3.  Gentle reminder to stay on course during these next few weeks. The semester really speeds up now. Do not forget about your oral presentation, too!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014--8 pm

Greetings,
I apologize for the late notice.
I am now in the bay area.  My father is having some serious complications with his pacemaker. I feel I need to stay here with my mother through tomorrow.
Again, I apologize for the late notice.
There will be no class tomorrow.

Monday, April 7th, 2014--8 pm

Greetings,

Below you will find two of the three handouts from today's class. I did not include the note taking sheet on character analysis. Below are:

1. out of class essay 3 assignment

2. suggested vocabulary for character analysis

A few more things....

1. please be sure to bring your copy of The Unwanted to class on Wednesday

2. there are a few students who have excessive absences. This class meets only twice a week, as you know, and not only do you take a chance of missing an in class assignment, but even more importantly, you miss instruction. I am not addressing the students who have had to be absent and who have contacted me about the absence. With that said, use your class contact sheet to obtain any notes you miss during your absence.  For example, everything you need to be aware of is not always found in the syllabus or on a handout.

OUT OF CLASS ESSAY #3

English 1A, Spring 2014 Professor C. Fraga

200 points possible

Rough Draft due (optional) no later than midnight on Wednesday, April 23. If you are submitting a hard copy instead of e-mailing a copy, the hard copy is due no later than the 23^rd in class.

Final Draft due Wednesday, April 30

Directions: You will note that there is one essay prompt and then two prompts that are short answers. Please submit them as three separate documents, all stapled together. Each must follow MLA format.

Essay Prompt

SELECT A ‘CHARACTER’ FROM THE MEMOIR, THE UNWANTED. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT CHARACTERISTICS ACCURATELY DESCRIBE THIS PERSON? YOUR ESSAY WILL DISCUSS AT LEAST THREE CHARACTERISTICS, AND FOR EVERY CHARACTER ASSERTION YOU MAKE ABOUT THIS PERSON, YOU MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST FOUR VERY SPECIFIC SUPPORTS FROM THE BOOK. THIS RESPONSE WILL BE EVALUATED ON YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE AN ASSERTION AND SUPPORT IT LOGICALLY AND ARTICULATELY. (125 POINTS)

Short Answer:

WHICH SCENE IN THE BOOK AFFECTED YOU MOST DEEPLY?  EXPLAIN HOW IT AFFECTED YOU AND WHY. (25 POINTS)

Short Answer:

THIS MEMOIR REFLECTS A WEALTH OF VARIOUS THEMES/TOPICS, INCLUDING OUR SEMESTER-LONG THEME OF HOME. SELECT ONE THEME THAT THE MEMOIR SUGGESTS AND OFFER EXAMPLES FROM THE BOOK TO SUPPORT YOUR ASSERTION. (50 POINTS)

 English 1A-----Suggested Vocabulary for Discussing Character

adaptable                                    daring                                           industrious                                  sensitive  

aggressive                                    deceitful                     insensitive                                    serious

aimless                       dependent                                   intelligent                   shallow

alert                                              determined                                  intolerant                   shrewd

ambitious                                     dishonest                                    jealous                        sincere

antagonistic                                 disloyal                      kind                                               sly

boastful                     disobedient                                 lazy                                               spiritual

bragging                     energetic                    loyal                                              sportsmanlike

brave                                            enthusiastic                                 mean                                             stubborn

capable                      envious                       mercenary                                    studious

careful                        extravagant                                  modest                       sympathetic

careless                      faultfinding                                  observant                                    sullen

cheerful                      fearless                      original                       tactful

clever                                            frank                                             patient                        temperate

commanding                                generous                    persistent                                    thorough

conceited                                     greedy                        petty                                             thoughtless

confident                   helpful                        practical                     thrifty

conscientious            honest                        presumptuous           tolerant

considerate                                 hopeful                      proud                                           truthful

cooperative                                 imaginative                                   punctual                     unfriendly

courageous                                  impatient                    purposeful                                   ungracious

courteous                                    impulsive                    reckless                      unjust

cowardly                    independent                                reliable                       unselfish

credulous                                     indifferent                                    rude                                              vain

cruel                                              indomitable                                 sensible                      wicked

Monday, March 24th, 2014--10:45 pm

Greetings,

Just a note to remind you that I will still accept a rough draft of out of class essay #2 during this spring break week.

If possible, please do not email later than this Friday.  It is best to send as a Word attachment.

Continue to enjoy the break and be safe.

Saturday, March 15, 2014--3:30 pm

Greetings,

Spring Break is in only one more week. The semester always begins to really move quickly about this time. Please stay as focused as possible and continue to manage your time and balance all of your academic work as best as you can. For this particular course, staying current with the syllabus and the blog is mandatory for success. :)

REMINDERS...
If you have not started reading the memoir, The Unwanted, I suggest that you get started as soon as possible. It must be completed by Wednesday, April 2nd.

Rough draft of out of class essay #2 (optional) is due no later than Friday, March 21st at midnight. If this creates huge problems for you, please see me.

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014--6:30 pm

Greetings,

A few reminders and other details...

1. If you are planning on revising out of class essay #1, the first revision is due no later than next Wednesday, March 19th. Please follow the instructions on the syllabus for submitting a revision.

2. Remember to bring your Rules of Thumb text to class on Monday for use during the Rules of Thumb Quiz 3.

3. If you have not already, please consider purchasing your 3 x 5 cards and your 4 x 6 cards as soon as possible. And obviously, you will also want to determine what your topic will be and begin your research NOW.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014--1 pm

Greetings,

Since class had to be cancelled on Monday, I am moving the Rules of Thumb quiz, scheduled for tomorrow, to next Monday.

HOWEVER! Please be sure to bring your Rules of Thumb text to class tomorrow! Thanks.

See you then.

PLEASE READ ASAP! Sunday, March 9, 2014--6:10 pm

Greetings,

I have been really trying to fight off a migraine since early afternoon. However, I have not been terribly successful.

Bottom line: I am canceling class tomorrow, Monday, March 10. I apologize for the such late notice. I am unfortunately susceptible to migraines and they usually descend about every few months or so.

See you Wednesday.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014--9 pm

Greetings,

Below you will find a copy of the Out of Class Essay #2 assignment, which was distributed and discussed in class today.  If you happened to miss class, you will want to contact another student to get some very pertinent notes.

Also, you will want to pick up a pack of 3 x 5 index cards and 4 x 6 index cards as soon as possible.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend. See you Monday!

Eng. 1A, Section 11, Spring 2014, Instructor:  C. Fraga

ASSIGNMENT:  OUT OF CLASS ESSAY #2

• Assigned: Wednesday, March 5
• Optional Rough Draft due, typed & dbl. spaced, no later than Friday, March 21, by midnight, via email as a  Word document.  You may, of course, submit it earlier, either a hard copy or via an attachment through email. If you are submitting ON Friday, the 21^st, you obviously will have to email it to me since we

do not hold class on Fridays.

NOTE: you are not required to submit bibliography cards, note cards, or a Works Cited page with your rough draft. You are also not required to include your in text citations in the rough draft. However, if you want feedback from me about the accuracy of your documentation, you may want to include the Works Cited page and/or in text citations.

•  Due:  Monday, April 7

You have approximately four and a half weeks to work on this essay. Your final draft should reflect this fact.

Please select one of the prompts below and write an interesting, informative, well

supported analysis response.

Requirements:

• Must be typed and double-spaced and have a title.
• Must follow MLA format
• Must be submitted exactly as discussed and explained in class on Wednesday, March 5. (refer to your notes at the end of this prompt.)
• This essay, unlike out of class essays 1 and 3, is worth 400 points. 200 points for content and organization and 200 points for MLA documentation.

Since the purpose of this course is to strengthen your exploratory, expository and analytical writing with an emphasis on utilizing research and reading skills…AND because the theme for this course is the significance of home…I offer you a selection of three different essay prompts that each require you to carefully and deeply examine the theme of home in a particular genre. It is my intention that you will be drawn to one of the three enough so that you are motivated and even excited to conduct your research and write the essay.

Prompt #1: 

For this essay you will research the theme of home as it is found in children’s picture books.  After perusing several picture books, you will select a minimum of six to discuss, analyze and review for their success (or failure) in presenting the theme of home, through both words and illustrations.  In your analysis, be sure to consider the intended audience.

Prompt #2:

For this essay you will research the theme of home as it is found in song lyrics.  After perusing and studying many song lyrics, you will select a minimum of six songs to discuss, analyze and review for their success (or failure) in presenting the theme of home. 

In your analysis, be sure to consider the intended audience.

Songs/Lyrics you may NOT analyze (please)! J:

“Home” (Chris Daughtry)

“Sweet Home Alabama” (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

“Home” (Michael Buble)

“Can’t Take me Home” (Pink)

Prompt #3:

For this essay you will research the theme of home as it is found in three different films (OR at least three episodes from a television series).  You will discuss, analyze and review each film (or episode) for its success (or failure) in presenting the theme of home.  In your analysis, be sure to consider the intended audience.

************************************************************************

IN ORDER TO ADDRESS ANY OF THESE THREE PROMPTS FULLY AND ADEQUATELY, YOUR ESSAY SHOULD BE AT LEAST 5 PAGES IN LENGTH (approximately)

Phrases you may NOT use in your title or anywhere in your essay. Doing so will lower the overall grade you earn for the essay:

·       There’s no place like home.

·       Home sweet home.

·       Home is where the heart is.

·       Home means different things to different people.

NOTES FROM CLASS DISCUSSION RE: THIS ASSIGNMENT:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2nd posting on Tuesday, March 4, 2014--6:30 pm

Greetings, again,

Good evening.

If you have a spare three minutes, take a view of this video. It is entertaining and quite applicable to both verbal AND written communication. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGAMd-tT6fQ

See you tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014--5:45 pm

Greetings!

As was pointed out to me in class yesterday, there is an error in the syllabus. Below you will find a correction of that section of the syllabus. I have also made the correction on the original posting of the syllabus on the Sunday, January 26th blog entry. :)

SYLLABUS CORRECTION UPDATE!

Week Eight (3/17-3/21)

·      Read Chapter 8 in The House as Mirror of Self  (Mon.) Q & C #3 due today

·      Read Chapter 9 in The House as Mirror of Self (Wed.)

·      Group Work #3 (Wednesday)
    Optional: ROUGH DRAFT OF OUT OF CLASS ESSAY #2 DUE NO LATER THAN TODAY, FRIDAY, AT MIDNIGHT. DRAFT MUST BE E-MAILED TO ME AS A WORD DOCUMENT AND I WILL E-MAIL IT BACK TO YOU WITH MY COMMENTARY (Friday)

Week Nine (3/24-3/30)

SPRING BREAK—no classes—enjoy and be safe.

Week Ten:  (3/31-4/4 )

·      No class today. Campus-wide holiday. C. Chavez B/D (Monday)

·      The Unwanted MUST be read by today (Wednesday)

·      Discuss The Unwanted (Wednesday)

Saturday, March 1st, 2014--6:15 pm

Hello,

A few reminders and details.....

1..As you know, the second question & comment homework is due on Monday.
Remember, you will be writing a Q & C for Chapter 6 AND a separate Q & C for Chapter 7.

2.  Remember to bring your Rules of Thumb text on Monday. It is, as always, an open book quiz.

Have a good, safe weekend.

Thursday, February 20, 2014--5 pm

Greetings,

I wanted to share some information about a workshop that you may be interested in and find helpful.

TIME MANAGEMENT & STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOP

Monday, March 10th, 2 - 3 pm

Peer and Academic  Resource Center (PARC)

Lassen 2200, Room P

Even if you feel that you have time management under control, it may be useful to attend and pick up some possible new tips and ideas on budgeting time and utilizing effective study habits.

Have a wonderful weekend. See you on Monday.

Monday, February 17th, 2014--5:30 pm

Greetings,

Below you will find the handout I distributed in class today regarding how to view a documentary film and a narrative film.

Also, we are now in the 4th week of the semester and I am concerned about how many students are attending class unprepared for the class session. This class meets only twice a week and there is a lot of work AND the workload only becomes more intense as the semester progresses. My specific concern today was how many students admitted that they had not done the reading for today. EVEN if you had not done the reading, if you had brought your textbook, you could have attempted to address the quiz questions.  It is just common sense in the academic world that when a reading is due, the student brings that text/reading to class. Bottom line: you need to keep current with the syllabus and the blog.
************************

English 1A

Prof. Fraga

In preparation for viewing the second film for the semester

and for viewing a documentary next week.

Purpose:

Just as reading fiction, non-fiction and poetry can aid in the development of a discriminatory, critical mind—and lead to critical writing and analysis in ANY area or topic—the viewing of films can elicit the same result.

A narrative film is a work of fiction.

A documentary film is a form that purports to report on the world as it exists.  The documentary filmmaker uses various well-known techniques taken from the world of news reporting:

• reporting events as they happen,
• recording interviews with participants, and
• utilizing photographs and testimony of historical figures to portray past events.

Sometimes, the distinction between narrative and documentary has to be carefully drawn.

For example, occasionally actors are used to portray characters in historical documentaries such as Ken Burns’ Jazz, usually in voice-over.  On the other hand, narrative films will often borrow various documentary techniques:  Steve Soderberg in Traffic used hand-held cameras and a complicated interweaving of different stories to mimic a documentary “feel.”  Nevertheless, it is clear that Traffic is a narrative film, and Jazz is a documentary.

It is generally assumed that documentaries will not deliberately falsify a view of reality…however, it is true that inevitably the documentary will reflect the filmmaker’s point of view, resulting in some manipulation of the absolute truth.  The main way documentaries shape the story is through

• choosing the interview subjects,
• selecting certain shots and framing devices,
• and most importantly by editing the material to support their vision as filmmakers.

To be sure, the director of a documentary may often attempt to show a balanced point of view by posing questions regarding a problem or by advancing various solutions.

But often a documentary will abandon such an attempt and use powerful evidence to advance a certain ideological argument, as in the classic Harlan County, USA, about a miners’ strike in Harlan County, Kentucky, in 1973.  Here, the miners’ side in the strike is presented through emotional interviews, songs, meetings, and events on the picket line, while what little we see of the owners’ point of view is presented in a negative light.  This kind of documentary that presents an argument is called a rhetorical form of documentary.

In evaluating a documentary it is important to understand what kind we are judging and thus what the filmmaker’s objectives are: 

• Is the filmmaker trying to put forth his or her own point of view or attempting to show a balanced point of view? 
• What techniques are being used to reveal the point of view? 
• What methods are used to gather data? 
• What are the criteria for choosing the people to be interviewed? 
• What kind of shots are used to portray the subjects, and how does editing contribute to the ideological and emotional effect of the film?

THE NARRATIVE FILM—how to evaluate

In evaluating whether a film is “good” or not, it is important to consider a few main points that will aid in discussion and in writing a critical response.

1. Do the most important filmic elements such as photography, acting, editing and design support and complement each other?  Is this unified style supportive of a strong theme?  Does the film fit into a certain genre? Does it imaginatively add something to the traditions of that genre or does it merely copy them in a clichéd manner?
2. Do events flow naturally, and in this flow of action are there surprises and twists that engage an audience’s interest? Is there a strong climax and resolution?  If the structure is nonlinear, do these varied elements build to some powerful emotional and/or intellectual effect?  Does the dialogue seem appropriate to the style and environment of the film? If it is meant to be a realistic film, is the dialogue natural and spontaneous?
3. Do the characters and relationships seem specific and real?  Do we identify with their goals and problems?  Do the actors seem convincing?  Do the actors present well-observed character details?  Is there emotional truth in the playing?  Is the acting style appropriate for the specific film genre?
4. Finally, looking at the film as a WHOLE…Common sense issues are very relevant.  For example, does the film hold our interest throughout? Do we care about what happens on the screen?  After the film, does it have a powerful effect on us?  The answer to this last question separates the great films from the merely good ones.

Wednesday, Feb. 12th, 2014--10:20 pm

Hello!

Thanks to Courtney for the link to the film, Daughter from Danang, which you can access on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AU_VUe2HX0

Also!
A reminder to complete the mini "analysis" assignment with the childhood illustration that you have from another student. Please type and double space your response. A minimum of one paragraph, please. To recap, you will write about what YOU see in the drawing. What might you guess about this person's childhood?

Have a most wonderful, safe weekend. See you Monday!

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014--12 noon

Greetings,

Just a quick reminder to complete and bring the assignment I discussed yesterday in class:

Draw a picture of a scene from your childhood.
Do not put your name anywhere on the picture.

See you tomorrow!

Sunday, February 9, 2014--1:00 pm

Greetings,

I hope your weekend is going swimmingly....
okay, that was REALLY a bad pun! :)

As I am sure you have already noted, you need to view the documentary, Daughter from Danang, by Monday, February 24th.

Here is a brief summary of the film:

Daughter from Danang (2002)

In 1975, as the Vietnam War was ending, thousands of orphans and Amerasian children were brought to the United States as part of "Operation Babylift." Daughter from Danang tells the dramatic story of one of these children, Heidi Bub (a.k.a. Mai Thi Hiep), and her Vietnamese mother, Mai Thi Kim, separated at the war's end and reunited 22 years later. Heidi, now living in Tennessee - a married woman with kids - had always dreamt of a joyful reunion. When she ventures to Vietnam to meet her mother, she unknowingly embarks on an emotional pilgrimage that spans decades and distance. Unlike most reunion stories that climax with a cliché happy ending, Daughter from Danang is a real-life drama. Journeying from the Vietnam War to Pulaski, Tennessee and back to Vietnam, Daughter from Danang tensely unfolds as cultural differences and the years of separation take their toll in a riveting film about longing and the personal legacy of war. 

The documentary is now available to check out and view in the Library Media Services on the first floor of the library. You will need your One Card ID to check the film out.

There are two copies available. The film is 83 minutes long and can be checked out for two hours at a time. There are laptops available to use in Media Services to view the film OR if four of you wish to view together, that can be arranged in a separate room.

SUGGESTION: you may want to be ready to jot down notes while you view the film. Your first in class essay will be based on the film.

The following seven questions DO NOT need to be answered and submitted to me. They are to serve as a guide while you are watching. They will give you some ideas about what to think about and focus on. We will your ideas regarding these questions as a class before you write the in class essay response. IF YOU HAVE A RESPONSE JOTTED DOWN TO EACH OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOU WILL DO VERY WELL WITH THE IN CLASS ESSAY.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS---THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
1. One reviewer describes the film as a “gut-wrenching examination of the way cultural differences and emotional expectations collide.” Would you agree this is an accurate description? Why or why not? Explain specifically.

2. Were there parts of the film that made you feel uncomfortable? If so, what were those parts and can you articulate why they made you feel uncomfortable?

3. Heidi acutely feels that she has been rejected by two mothers: her birth mother who gave her up and her Tennessee mother, whose cold, untouching demeanor drove a wedge between them. How does this fact impact Heidi and what she ultimately experiences when she returns to Vietnam?

4. The film is considered a very powerful one by many other small filmmakers as well as many reviewers. In your opinion, what makes this an effective or ineffective film?

5. What preconceived ideas about home are proven inaccurate after viewing the film?

6. In an interview with the filmmakers, they admit that when they decided to film Heidi’s return to Vietnam, they assumed that the reunion would be a healing story, a kind of full circle coming home. The war in Vietnam was long over and they felt they could create a film that would ease the collective pain that is still connected to the war. Instead, what they did discover?

7. Some viewers have condemned Heidi for representing an aspect of American culture that they believe is selfish and individualized. What do you think and feel about Heidi’s reaction for the family’s request for money?

Tuesday, February 4, 2014--4 pm

Hello everyone,

I have received a few emails from students who still seem to be confused. So I am compelled to explain one more time about how to read the syllabus.

Q and C #1, which is due tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5th, is on the two readings from Packet 2, not Packet 1!!!!!

If you look at the syllabus, immediately after "Packet #2 due" you will read "Q and C #1 due."

Monday, February 3, 2014--9 pm

Greetings,

I have just added the link to one of the stories you are to read as Packet 2 on the original post where the information for both Packets 1 and 2 are listed.

So, to make sure all of us are on the right track,
you will be submitting a question and comment on Wednesday for the following two readings:

"Show and Tell"
 and
"The Wig"

If you have kept up with the blog, you already know where to find the links for these readings.

I want to just gently remind you, also, that if you are going to be successful in this course, you need to seriously stay on track. Read ahead in your syllabus. Come prepared to class every Monday and Wednesday.

See you Wednesday. And if you have questions about anything, please ask! :)

Thursday, January 30, 2014--8:45 pm

Hello!

Below you will find copies of the handouts that were distributed on Wednesday in class:
1. Unacceptable Errors
2. Oral Presentation Assignment
3. Sample Student Q & C Homework

UNACCEPTABLE ERRORS

In English 1A, students should already be very proficient in word usage.  We do not have time for grammar lessons.  (I will, however, provide short ‘mini’ lessons when I feel they are warranted.)  The following errors that are commonly made on student papers are considered unacceptable.

For out of class essays and question & comment homework assignments, each unacceptable error takes ten points off your final earned grade. You may correct unacceptable errors and receive the points back if you choose to revise. This revision opportunity does NOT apply to homework—only for an out of class essay. In class essays that have unacceptable errors CAN always be corrected to earn back the points lost.

1.  there – place                                                Put it over there.

2.  their – possessive pronoun                        That is their car.

3.  they’re – contraction of they are                        They’re going with us.

4.  your – possessive pronoun                        Your dinner is ready.

5.  you’re – contraction of you are                        You’re not ready.

6.  it’s – contraction of it is                        It’s a sunny day.

7.  its – possessive pronoun                        The dog wagged its tail.

8.  a lot – always two words                        I liked it a lot.

9.  to – a preposition or part of an

      infinitive                                                I like to proofread my essays carefully.

10. too – an intensifier, or also                        That is too much.  I will go too.

11. two – a number                                    Give me two folders.

12. In today’s society            This phrase is grossly overused and very cliché. Instead use “Today” or “In America” or “Now” etc

13. right(s)/write(s)/rite(s)            rights are a set of beliefs or values in which a person feels entitled: His rights were read to him before he was arrested for stalking Dave Matthews. Writes is a verb indicating action taken with a pen, pencil or computers to convey a message: Michelle writes love letters to Dave Matthews in her sleep. Rites are a series of steps or events which lead an individual from one phase in life to the next, or a series of traditions that should be followed: The initiate began his rite of passage ceremony at the age of thirteen.

14. definitely/defiantly            This error USUALLY occurs when a writer relies solely on spell-check. You really must learn to become the final editor of your work. Definitely is an adverb and it means without a doubt. Mary will definitely miss the Dave Matthews Band concert. Defiantly means to show defiance. She was in a defiant mood. It is an adjective. Or it could be used as an adverb. She was defiantly rude and sullen towards the professor.

15. On your Works Cited page:            you MUST center and type at the top the heading just as it is here: Works Cited. NOT ALL CAPS, NOT BOLDED, NOT UNDERLINED, NOT MISSPELLED, NOT IN A DIFFERENT SIZED FONT, ETC.

16. woman/women            woman is used when you are referring to ONE female lady.

                                                            women is the plural of woman, meaning MORE THAN ONE lady

                                                            There are many women at the nail salon, but only one woman is shopping at the market next door.

***********************************************************************

An accumulation of the following errors will affect your grade, but not 10 points off for EACH error.  My evaluation of your work depends on how serious the error is, and how often you make it.  Some do not slow up the reader as much as others.

• Misuse of the word “you”.  You must actually mean the reader when you use the word “you”.

• Avoid use of contractions in formal expository writing. (can’t, shouldn’t, didn’t, etc.)

• Agreement of subject and verb.  Both must be either singular or plural.

• Fragmented sentences, comma splices and run-ons.  Be sure to proofread your papers carefully before turning them in.

You will not pass English 1A if you cannot write an intelligent sentence in correct English.

*****************

English 1A, College Composition I

Spring 2014

Instructor:  Catherine Fraga

Oral Presentation Assignment

The Significance of Home

Assigned:  Second week of semester

Due: Monday, May 12

For this assignment, please select an article, observation, photograph, painting, collage, film, song, poem, essay or anything else that offers some message or reflection on the theme of home.  It could have a personal meaning for you, but it does not have to. 

After you have selected your “item,” write a minimum of one page about the item.  Include a brief description of the item and a detailed explanation of why you chose this item; include a thoughtful commentary.  Proofread carefully for unacceptable errors as well as other proofreading mistakes.

On the day of presentations, please do not read your essay to the class, but simply summarize the main points aloud to the class.  The presentation usually takes only a few moments. You will submit a copy of the essay only to me.                                    

As the semester progresses, you may get ideas for your presentation from our readings, the films we will be viewing, or from class discussions.

Remember that you will not receive this short essay back nor will you receive any credit for the assignment if there are ANY unacceptable errors present.

Please do not take this assignment lightly.  It is worth 100 points.

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SAMPLE Q & C STUDENT RESPONSE:

Dave Matthews

Professor Fraga

English 1A, 1

2 February 2013

“Traveling through the Dark”

by William Stafford

Q: I have no question.

C:  During a very brief event on a dark country road, poet William Stafford chronicles a very somber and difficult decision the speaker has to make; Stafford has written a very universal poem. Even if the reader has never been in a similar situation, almost everyone has had to weigh the pros and cons of a challenging decision. By the end of the second stanza, when we learn that the dead deer is pregnant and her fawn is alive, we are drawn into the dilemma the speaker and his friends face.

This poem reminds me of what makes life so exciting and yet so frustrating at the same time. Whenever we make a decision, we are never completely guaranteed we have made the “right” decision; we just make the best decision we can based on the information we have.

            The last two lines of the poem are especially effective and very visual. The sadness seeps through the words: “I thought hard for us all…and then pushed her over the edge into the river.” In fact, Stafford’s careful word choice throughout the poem keeps the reader focused and tense. Sometimes living is very much like “traveling through the dark” without any signs for direction.