English 51

Monday, March 11, 2013Melissa Gunby

Freewrite

• Would you be a good candidate for Battle School? Why or why not?

Agenda for the Day

• Norming Activity• Group Presentation• Ender’s Game discussion• Introduction of Ender’s Game Essay• Overview of Timed Writing Strategies• Good news: Quiz has been

cancelled/postponed.

GROUP PRESENTATION

CLASS DISCUSSION: ENDER’S GAME

NORMING ACTIVITY

What is “Norming?”

• Norming is the first step the English faculty go through when we score the CMEs. It’s the way we make sure that we’re all on the same page in the way we’re grading so that everyone is treated fairly.

First…

• Split up into four groups• Group 1, take the 4 score category from the rubric• Group 2, take the 3 score category from the rubric• Group 3, take the 2 score category from the rubric• Group 4, take the 1 score category from the rubric

• As a group, translate the rubric into “student speak;” that is, how would you explain the requirements to other students.

• Write your break down on the board.

Now…

• Now that we’ve broken down the rubric, I want you to read the packet I’ve given you. It contains the essay prompt as well as sample student essays. These essays have already been scored and I know what the scores are.

• I want you to use the rubric and decide what score you would give these exams.

Your Scores4 3 2 1

Essay A

Essay B

Essay C

Essay D

Essay E

Questions for discussion: Why did you give these essays these scores? What makes them passing or not?

Passing-------------------| |------------------Not Passing

ESSAY 2: ENDER’S GAME

TIMED WRITING STRATEGIES

#1: Remember Why You’re Writing

• Different writing tasks have different purposes.– CME:– In-class history exam:

• By remembering your goal and purpose, you can refocus on why it’s important to take the exam.

#2: Arrive Prepared

• Ask what supplies you’ll need ahead of time• Set up your “station-” by getting everything

arranged before the test starts, you won’t disturb those around you

• Be courteous of those around you: think about what habits annoy the crap out of you and try to avoid doing things that could bug others

#3: Read the ENTIRE assignment before you begin

• A common tactic amongst frustrated instructors is do something like put the directions at the bottom to confuse students.

• Read the whole thing before you start filling in answers, etc.

#4: Plan

• Even if you love the topic you’re handed, take the time to put together a plan of attack.

• Remember to brainstorm. If you jump right in you’re likely to forget something important. If you brainstorm and organize your ideas first, it’ll make the process a lot easier.

#4.5 Thesis Statement• After you’ve brainstormed (for the CME

something like all the reasons you agree or disagree), develop your thesis statement

#4.75: Outline/Organize

• Once you’ve got your thesis statement, go back to your brainstorm and put together at least a rough sketch of an outline so you can keep yourself organized.

• Remember, you’re on a clock, and whatever you can do to keep your ideas straight in your head will make the writing go much faster.

#5: Time Management

• This might be a good time to check the clock. How much time have you spent reading and brainstorming and organizing?

• Remember that with the CME, you only have two hours. Everyone is going to work at their own pace, but think about how quickly (and carefully) you read and how you may need to adjust.

#6: Don’t Rush• You’re going to be tempted to go fast. Slow

down. Take a few deep breaths.• If you go too fast, you’re going to forget

everything you know about paragraph and essay structure. That’s bad.

#6.5 - handwriting

• Try to only write on one side of the page so that if you have to revise, you can insert on the back and not erase.

• Skip lines so you have room to edit• Use a pencil so you can easily erase

#7: Re-read

• Try to leave yourself enough time at the end of the test to re-read what you’ve written. While this isn’t an essay like you would do at home and make multiple revisions, you should still take the time to read through it and make sure it still makes sense.

#8: Edit

• Take the time to edit as carefully as you can. You are allowed to use a dictionary.

Tips!• If you’re not sure which word is the correct

one to use (affect/effect), choose a synonym (impact). That way you don’t confuse a reader or make a silly mistake.

• Write your name on your essay – in class, use MLA format so your last name is on every page

What if you run out of time?• Well, you’ll kind of be SOL. BUT! For the

practice exams in class (at least this class), showing what work you had prepared will earn you some points. This is why an outline is better to have than not.

• It’s a good lesson to learn about how much time you will need in the future so you can adjust your process.

Know what works for you• The best thing to have going in to an essay

exam like the CME is knowing what works for you. It is not a time to start a new brainstorming process or play with a lot of fancy vocabulary (trust me, you’ll regret it if you misuse a word). Go with what you know and what makes you comfortable. All the scorers (for the CME at least) will see is the end result.

Questions?

Homework

• Midterm exam on Wednesday. – you may use a dictionary (there are some in here,

and I will bring mine).

• First draft of EG essay due on March 20 (Weds).

• Final draft of first Essay (advertising) due on Wednesday (3/13)