Introduction Tues. Sept. 3

Pasted below is your supplies list from the course outline and the first assignment.

SUPPLIES:

There are a number of supplies that you will need to get. See me if obtaining any of these are a problem. I expect that you will be able to accomplish this for Monday, September 9, 2013. This gives you just short of a week and a weekend to locate these items. The supplies needed are as follows:

·         Pens: dark blue or black only (ball point, not felt tipped)
·         Highlighters (a pack of four distinct colours)
·         Binder with dividers (four dividers minimum)\
·         Pencils and erasers
·         USB stick
·         An independent novel to read (see myself or the librarian if you need help with this one.

Welcome to my ELA 30A class! During the next few days, you will write your first assignment for me.

 

The following assignment has three benefits:

 

·         It demonstrates your skill in writing a personal response.

·         It serves as a foundation to build on during the semester.

·         It introduces you to the marking standards and practices of this course.

 

INSTRUCTIONS

In a five paragraph personal response, explain to me what being Canadian means to you. If this seems too vague, explain what traits you have that identify you as being Canadian, versus being, say American, or European. If you are still confused, you may write this from an “I am” perspective, or from an “I am not” position.

 

ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST (your personal response needs to contain the following):

 

·         an introductory paragraph which introduces the topic and supplies a thesis statement and three main points.

 

·         three body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should  emphasize a main point of focus (how you identify as being Canadian, for example), and provide two or three supporting points or examples that back up the main point presented in the paragraph (a good rule is to put your weakest argument in body paragraph two and your strongest in body paragraph three). Points and/or examples should be placed in an effective order and connected by appropriate transitional words.  Each body paragraph should end with an effective concluding sentence.

 

·         A concluding paragraph in which you tie everything together, restate your thesis but in a different way, and offer a concluding thought or some idea you want the reader to ponder or think more about.

 

·         Each paragraph should be 9-12 sentences.

 

·         Give your paragraph an effective short title conveying the subject and at least implying your point of view.

 

·         As this is an expository paragraph, it should feature first person. The level of language should be formal, as you are introducing yourself to your instructor. However, your natural speaking voice should still come through.

 

·         Mechanics (punctuation) should be correct. Avoid comma splices and do not (don’t) use contractions. In addition, check your grammar as well to make sure it is correct.

 

·         This is to be submitted by the end of class on Friday, September 6, 2013.