Argument-Driven Paper

Directions: Write 200 words on how you believe you will use the main ideas in your essay (the thesis and your beliefs that drive that argument) to create unity in your paper. Think about how your beliefs on any topic can drive an argument. If someone cuts you off in line, you either choose to say something, or you choose not to. You make that choice based on several beliefs about yourself and your nature, as well as the subsequent argument you might have with yourself. Ask yourself why you chose this topic, examine the fundamental nature of the argument and what might drive that argument, and then you might get your 200 word answer: what will make up the skeleton of this paper? Example: my argument is about bees and their slow erradication over the past decades. I mean to discuss the ecological reasons for their disappearance, as well as the man-made reasons. I believe that bees are important to the ecology of the world, and the very existence of bees is necessary for life to continue. I will use what I know to be true about bees as the foundation of my reasons and analysis, and my evidence will prove my belief about bees to be true. Due before class on Wednesday, April 2nd. Reply: Respond to a classmate's post that does not yet have a reply. Ask your classmate a question of clarification. Example: do you think there might be other reasons behind the disappearance of bees? Could they be devolving? Reply due by midnight, Friday, April 4th. Note: if you can, try to reply when you post.

Reflection: Phase Two

Directions: this phase included several resources to support a single claim, and incorporated a definition of terms within or of your topic, as well as context. Reflect on how these different resources affected your paper, and how making the terms and history of your topic clear to your audience helped with your focus in the paper. Also reflect on how having more sources for your claim helped your writing. Did it make discussing your topic easier? If you feel that having more resources was negative, please explain why.

Post due by Saturday, March 22nd, midnight.

Getting your Annotated Bibliography Started

Directions: If you are using the two sources from your original annotated bibliography in the phase two AB, then post two new sources with the correct MLA formatting (see LBH). This is an easy seven points for those of you who have already written your annotated bibliographies for phase two, and a good way to get started for those of you who have not. Make sure you include the 2-3 sentences of summary for each source, and 1-2 sentences for why you need that source for your research. Identify in the 1-2 last sentences if you are using one of the sources for definition or context, and/or whether you are using the source to address your question or your purpose. There will be no response to a classmate. Due before class on Monday, March 17th.

Why Write?

We are approaching the middle of the semester, which is a great time to ask: what's it all about? For this blog, explain why you are writing your essay, and who you are writing to. Do not necessarily just write what you have on page one of phase two or phase one, but really think about why you are writing, beyond passing this class. What is your interest in this topic? Why did you choose it in the first place, yes, but what does the topic mean to you now that you have performed some research? Why is it important that your chosen audience receive this message? What do you want your audience to think and feel about the topic when you are finished? What do you want your audience to believe about you?

Initial post due before class on Wednesday, March 12th.

Reply to classmate: Find someone who does not yet have a reply, and ask him/her a clarifying question about his/her purpose. What is it that you would like to know about what can motivate someone else to write? If you feel that your classmate explained his/her purpose very well, then let him/her know this. Be detailed, clear and succinct in your reply.

Reply to classmate due before midnight on Friday, March 14th.

Paragraph of Context

Directions: Write your context paragraph, which should give some background about your topic for the benefit of your audience. Think about how you want your audience to come into this conversation (what are some pieces of the conversation that you needed or wanted to know before you began to think, feel and believe what you do about your topic?), and use your sources to illuminate the conversation for your audience.

Initial post due before class on Monday, March 10th.

Reply: find a classmate whose post has no responses. Imagine that you are the intended audience. Is there anything else you would want to know about the topic before moving forward in the essay? Ask a question of your classmate that will get him/her to think about what you want to know. If you feel that your classmate was effective in his/her contextual evidence, say why. Be detailed and succinct.

Reply due before midnight on Friday, March 14th.