Week #11 - Introductions (Affirmatives and Negatives), Claims, Evidence, and Conclusions

Hello Smart Sophomore,

I hope this information finds you well and rested.  What a weekend!  Thunder, Lightening (Greased Lighting), and Sunshine.  Big props to Andreas and Mia!  If you haven't seen Grease yet, you need to go check that out!  Your classmates are superb!

I am really going to need you to work diligently, intelligently, and independently this week.  Hopefully you and your partner are finding all the research and evidence needed (ethos and logos) to support your argument and claims.  This week we will be working on our introductions, affirmatives, negatives, and conclusions.  You will be filling in the middle with all of your claims and supports. 

Expect a couple of handouts to assist with your organization - as shown and explained on Friday by debate team member and classmate to some - Miss. Katelynn Rodriguez.

Monday and Tuesday
* You will continue to work with your partner.  I will be available for any questions - however you have had a ton of supports thus far - use your notes, annotations, and prior knowledge.  Talk with your classmates.

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
* Due to the Teacher Hearings (remember...I am off campus to explain why I should be ON campus) you will be working on specific aspects of your argument.  You must use this time well because you will not have any other opportunities to prepare for your Debate in class.  More information will follow.  There is a chance you will use Googledocs for this portion of work.

DUE DATES:
* Debates begin on Monday 4/23 - Two topics and four partner sets (eight students) will be chosen to present.  You and your partner MUST be ready with your arguments (both sides), notes, evidence, introductions, and conclusions.  Remember to use academic language to assist with your own ethos.  Failure to prepare will be detrimental to your grade.
Debate days will be 4/23, 4/25, 4/30, 5/1, 5/2
You will be evaluating and providing PROPER feedback to your classmates.

* Tutoring/Office Hours - Tuesday @ 2:15 - 3:30 (other days as well upon request) - please come and speak with me about any assignments, essays, scores, or concerns you have.  A lot of work still needs to be returned - specific feedback is at your request. Check your folder in class - there are many returned assignments waiting for you.
* Goodreads Review - Literary Analysis is due on or before 4/25 - see the checklist to meet requirements.  You must have AT LEAST 3 reviews posted by semester's end.  Those who post on time receive full credit.
* CST Testing is 4/25, 4/26, 5/1, 5/2
* Argument Assessment (In-class write) - 5/3,5/4
* 12 Week Grades close on 4/27 - these are progress grades!
* Poetry Club is Wednesdays @ lunch
* Articulation will be happening shortly as well.  This will not jeopardize your availability for classes you will be requesting.

I hope all of this is informative.  We have EIGHT more school weeks.  Show me how much you have grown as a student and a writer, that you are motivated and can work independently. We will be heading into research papers as well as our Spoken Word Unit.  Tons of opportunities to write, participate, and to find your voice.  Take some initiative. Get involved.

Be good.
Samakosky