Monday, August 31, 2009
Journal Guidelines
Given that you will be taking the HSPA this year, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the types of assignments that will be included on the exam. Thus, for your journal you will complete writing tasks similar to those on the HSPA. These will be collected and graded as a major test once per marking period.
Persuasive Essay Sample
The writing assignment provides you with a situation and the task you are being asked to complete. .A persuasive essay is written to make the reader agree with your point of view. When you write this kind of essay you must decide if you are for or against an issue. For example, on the issue of abortion you would be either for legal abortions or against legal abortions. You should NOT show both sides of an issue. You will be asked to write a 5 paragraph essay that supports your point of view and persuades your audience.
To get a good score on the HSPA, your essay must follow the format below:
PARAGRAPH # 1 = Introduction
INCLUDES:l “THESIS STATEMENT” (your point of view)l Clarifiers that tell reader about current situation
PARAGRAPH # 2 = Body Paragraph 1
INCLUDES:l Transitional words (To begin with, First, The first reason)l REASON #1 for supporting your point of viewl At least 2 supporting details* for reason #1
PARAGRAPH # 3 = Body Paragraph 2
INCLUDES:l Transitional words (Next, In addition, Furthermore, Another Reason)l REASON #2 for supporting your point of viewl At least 2 supporting details* for reason #2
PARAGRAPH # 4 = Body Paragraph 3
INCLUDES:l Transitional words (Next, In addition, Furthermore, Another Reason)l REASON #3 for supporting your point of viewl At least 2 supporting details* for reason #3
PARAGRAPH # 5 = Conclusion
INCLUDES: l Transitional words (In conclusion,)l REITERATION OF POINT OF VIEW (restate viewpoint again)l Brief summary of the three reason listed in the body paragraphsl CALL TO ACTION (tell reader to do something to support your view)
* SUPPORTING DETAILS may include: facts, personal observations, expert’s opinion, and statistics. They should NOT include EMOTIONAL APPEALS or the opinion of someone who is not an expert.
WRITING SITUATION
Recent news reports have called attention to school violence. Your high school is concerned about potential situations that could arise. They are considering purchasing hidden cameras, metal detectors and other security devices. The money for these purchases will come from the students' activities budget, which could have an effect on upcoming social events. Many parents, students and teachers are questioning the proposal. In an attempt to hear the voices of as many students as possible, your principal suggested that concerned students write him a letter expressing their opinions about this situation. You decide to write a letter.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the principal either supporting or opposing the proposal to purchase security equipment using funds from the student activities account. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
This student received the score of 6/6.
Mr. Principal,
As a student, I commend you on your proposal to purchase security devices for our school. The devices will be effective in preventing violence from overtaking our school. However, I do not feel that it is wise or ethically sound to pay for security measures with money from the activities budget. Therefore, I am opposed to the proposal as it stands.
First, security devices are not essential to our school. Our High School has a long standing reputation for sound discipline and for creating upstanding students. In the school’s history not one act of student violence has been committed. It is therefore not practical to take measures against this nonexistent problem.
Also, the activities budget should not be tapped to fund any project for which there is no immediate student benefit. The fund, since its creation several decades ago has been used to sponsor social events such as dances. Parents and students have voluntarily contributed money to see that these events continue. It is inappropriate to use these contributions for purposes other than what the donors intend.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to dip into the activities budget to fund security measures. This high school has been afforded extra funding this year for new programs and equipment; we suffer no financial shortage. Pay for security equipment with part of the school budget, or have a fundraiser for the program. There are surely enough security-conscious parents and teachers to raise sufficient payment.
It is not prudent or practical to use the student activities fund to buy security equipment. Seek alternative sources of money, but don’t deprive students of equipment for the project.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Jones
The content is organized, well-developed, and coherent. The form follows appropriate letter format. There is a clear progression of ideas and transitions are used throughout. The mechanics are excellent. The style is fluent in word choice and sentence structure. The content is extended beyond the discussion of the basics by offering a solution to the problem. The conclusion also states specifically what he is asking the principal to do.
To get a good score on the HSPA, your essay must follow the format below:
PARAGRAPH # 1 = Introduction
INCLUDES:l “THESIS STATEMENT” (your point of view)l Clarifiers that tell reader about current situation
PARAGRAPH # 2 = Body Paragraph 1
INCLUDES:l Transitional words (To begin with, First, The first reason)l REASON #1 for supporting your point of viewl At least 2 supporting details* for reason #1
PARAGRAPH # 3 = Body Paragraph 2
INCLUDES:l Transitional words (Next, In addition, Furthermore, Another Reason)l REASON #2 for supporting your point of viewl At least 2 supporting details* for reason #2
PARAGRAPH # 4 = Body Paragraph 3
INCLUDES:l Transitional words (Next, In addition, Furthermore, Another Reason)l REASON #3 for supporting your point of viewl At least 2 supporting details* for reason #3
PARAGRAPH # 5 = Conclusion
INCLUDES: l Transitional words (In conclusion,)l REITERATION OF POINT OF VIEW (restate viewpoint again)l Brief summary of the three reason listed in the body paragraphsl CALL TO ACTION (tell reader to do something to support your view)
* SUPPORTING DETAILS may include: facts, personal observations, expert’s opinion, and statistics. They should NOT include EMOTIONAL APPEALS or the opinion of someone who is not an expert.
WRITING SITUATION
Recent news reports have called attention to school violence. Your high school is concerned about potential situations that could arise. They are considering purchasing hidden cameras, metal detectors and other security devices. The money for these purchases will come from the students' activities budget, which could have an effect on upcoming social events. Many parents, students and teachers are questioning the proposal. In an attempt to hear the voices of as many students as possible, your principal suggested that concerned students write him a letter expressing their opinions about this situation. You decide to write a letter.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the principal either supporting or opposing the proposal to purchase security equipment using funds from the student activities account. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
This student received the score of 6/6.
Mr. Principal,
As a student, I commend you on your proposal to purchase security devices for our school. The devices will be effective in preventing violence from overtaking our school. However, I do not feel that it is wise or ethically sound to pay for security measures with money from the activities budget. Therefore, I am opposed to the proposal as it stands.
First, security devices are not essential to our school. Our High School has a long standing reputation for sound discipline and for creating upstanding students. In the school’s history not one act of student violence has been committed. It is therefore not practical to take measures against this nonexistent problem.
Also, the activities budget should not be tapped to fund any project for which there is no immediate student benefit. The fund, since its creation several decades ago has been used to sponsor social events such as dances. Parents and students have voluntarily contributed money to see that these events continue. It is inappropriate to use these contributions for purposes other than what the donors intend.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to dip into the activities budget to fund security measures. This high school has been afforded extra funding this year for new programs and equipment; we suffer no financial shortage. Pay for security equipment with part of the school budget, or have a fundraiser for the program. There are surely enough security-conscious parents and teachers to raise sufficient payment.
It is not prudent or practical to use the student activities fund to buy security equipment. Seek alternative sources of money, but don’t deprive students of equipment for the project.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Jones
The content is organized, well-developed, and coherent. The form follows appropriate letter format. There is a clear progression of ideas and transitions are used throughout. The mechanics are excellent. The style is fluent in word choice and sentence structure. The content is extended beyond the discussion of the basics by offering a solution to the problem. The conclusion also states specifically what he is asking the principal to do.
Picture Sample
This type of question asks that you tell a story based on a picture provided for you. The picture should fit with an occurrence within the tale you tell.
Directions given on test: An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
BEFORE WRITING THE STORY.
1. PLAN the who, what, where, when, and why of the story before actually writing the story.
2. Remember--do NOT write a description of the picture. You will WRITE A STORY that relates to the picture (so the picture can be an illustration for your story).
BEGINNING OF STORY:
3. Include descriptive sentences and phrases in your story (so the reader can imagine the scene even if they don't see the picture). Use similes and metaphors for creative imagery (descriptive, sensory writing).
4. Introduce the plot conflict.
5. Introduce the characters and give clues to their personality rather than telling about them straight out.
MIDDLE OF STORY:
6. Include a sequence of events in the plot that will build tension to the point of a story climax.
7. Include properly punctuated dialogue (conversation between characters). This will vary the pace of your story. (Descriptive passages move the story forward slowly. Dialogue moves the story at a quicker pace.)
ENDING OF STORY:
8. After the climax bring the story to a close by writing a BELIEVABLE ENDING. Your story should be about 1 to 1 1/2 handwritten pages long.
AFTER WRITING THE STORY PROOFREAD FOR:
ü Consistent verb tenses (past / present)
ü Consistent point of view (1st or 3rd person)
ü Sentence structure (variety, no fragments)
ü Grammar and spelling errors
ü Words accidentally left out while writing
ü Replace elementary level words with some advanced vocabulary words. For example, describe a day as exhilarating instead of nice.
Student Example:
Hunter's jaw dropped as he read the numbers silently to himself--4983789... The din inside the convention center faded and the chaos surrounding him disappeared as he slipped into his memories.
"What's wrong?" his wife, Katherine, asked while he slumped forward to take a closer look at the beige '54 Corvette's dashboard.
"Katherine! Katherine! This is it! The car! This is the car!" His words burst from his lips with excitement.
"You mean the same exact car you sold in '88?" "Yes! I can't believe it. Do you realize how many memories are attached to this car? We're buying it back today. I don't care how high the bidding goes."
Katherine smiled as she recognized the look of determination on her husband's face and the emphatic pointing of his finger that underscored his words. She had seen that look before, back when Hunter was a young college dropout struggling to build a profitable business. Like all businesses, his had had its ups and downs. When his construction company became financially stable, the Corvette was the first material reward he had bought himself--a status symbol he could only dream of as an impoverished youth. It was also the first luxury to go when the real estate market crumbled and building loans became impossible to secure.
Now he would have a second chance to own the car. Hunter pushed through the crowd of people, heading for the booth where he could register to bid in the auction.. Twenty minutes later he pushed his way toward the lane the cars traveled down before driving up the auction block ramp. Katherine nimbly followed his footsteps, trying desperately to avoid being separated from her husband.
At precisely 2:47 P.M. the Vette rolled slowly past Hunter and up the ramp so the crowd could get a good look at it. Under the spotlights of the convention center the car's paint shined bright enough to blind the spectators. At 2:53 the bidding began. The auctioneer read off a list of the car's features and statistics: two owners, unrestored mint condition, only 5442 miles on the odometer. As he rattled off the specs Hunter scanned the crowd, looking for his competition. Twenty feet away from him, on the other side of the Corvette, a gray-haired, distinguished man was studying the car with the look of an interested buyer.
"He's not going to get it." Hunter blurted out, not speaking to anyone but himself.
"Who?" Katherine asked.
Hunter turned to look at her, then nodded his head in the direction of the old man. "Him! He's not getting the car!"
Katherine laughed. "I love your decisive confidence! But if you don't get the car don't be upset." She noted the man's Armani suit, Rolex watch, and enormous diamond ring on his finger. "Mr. Doe there looks like he might have a bit more money than you."
In earnest, Hunter replied, "I proposed to you in that car. We spent our honeymoon cruising in that car. That's priceless."
"Who'll give me eighty thousand? Eighty. Eighty. Eighty thousand." The auctioneer's voice was rattling off numbers faster than the spinning blades of a fan. His arms were stretched out over his head, inviting the crowd to place a bid. Hunter's hand shot skyward and the auctioneer pointed toward him.
"Eighty thousand. I got eighty-thousand. Eighty-five thousand?" the auctioneer asked and the old man replied with a subtle nod of acknowledgement. "Eighty-five thousand! I got eighty-five. Who'll give me ninety?"
Katherine grabbed her husband's arm. "Honey. We really don't need the car. You can buy two new Vettes for that price," she stated calmly..
"Ninety!" Hunter hollered.
The bidding battle continued for twenty more minutes while Hunter and Mr. Doe glared threateningly toward each other like two raging bulls ready to charge. The Vette's price had reached the ridiculous price of two hundred fifty-three thousand dollars. An unnatural hush swept through the convention center.
"Two hundred fifty-four thousand?" the auctioneer asked, stretching out his arm toward Hunter whose face was twisted into a painful look of indecision, but only momentarily.
"Yes!" Hunter roared and turned to look for Mr. Doe's response. The corners of the old man's mouth turned down. He sent a steely glance straight into his competitor's eyes, and shook his head no. Hunter exhaled the breath he had been holding.
"SOLD!" the auctioneer shouted and cheers exploded from the crowd. Hunter beamed as people came up to shake his hand and pat him on the back. For a second he almost forgot about Katherine who had been pushed aside by a group of well-wishers.
"Katherine! Babe!" Hunter reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him. As he gave her a triumphant hug he whispered in her ear, "Happy anniversary! Let's go cruising"
Directions given on test: An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
BEFORE WRITING THE STORY.
1. PLAN the who, what, where, when, and why of the story before actually writing the story.
2. Remember--do NOT write a description of the picture. You will WRITE A STORY that relates to the picture (so the picture can be an illustration for your story).
BEGINNING OF STORY:
3. Include descriptive sentences and phrases in your story (so the reader can imagine the scene even if they don't see the picture). Use similes and metaphors for creative imagery (descriptive, sensory writing).
4. Introduce the plot conflict.
5. Introduce the characters and give clues to their personality rather than telling about them straight out.
MIDDLE OF STORY:
6. Include a sequence of events in the plot that will build tension to the point of a story climax.
7. Include properly punctuated dialogue (conversation between characters). This will vary the pace of your story. (Descriptive passages move the story forward slowly. Dialogue moves the story at a quicker pace.)
ENDING OF STORY:
8. After the climax bring the story to a close by writing a BELIEVABLE ENDING. Your story should be about 1 to 1 1/2 handwritten pages long.
AFTER WRITING THE STORY PROOFREAD FOR:
ü Consistent verb tenses (past / present)
ü Consistent point of view (1st or 3rd person)
ü Sentence structure (variety, no fragments)
ü Grammar and spelling errors
ü Words accidentally left out while writing
ü Replace elementary level words with some advanced vocabulary words. For example, describe a day as exhilarating instead of nice.
Student Example:
Hunter's jaw dropped as he read the numbers silently to himself--4983789... The din inside the convention center faded and the chaos surrounding him disappeared as he slipped into his memories.
"What's wrong?" his wife, Katherine, asked while he slumped forward to take a closer look at the beige '54 Corvette's dashboard.
"Katherine! Katherine! This is it! The car! This is the car!" His words burst from his lips with excitement.
"You mean the same exact car you sold in '88?" "Yes! I can't believe it. Do you realize how many memories are attached to this car? We're buying it back today. I don't care how high the bidding goes."
Katherine smiled as she recognized the look of determination on her husband's face and the emphatic pointing of his finger that underscored his words. She had seen that look before, back when Hunter was a young college dropout struggling to build a profitable business. Like all businesses, his had had its ups and downs. When his construction company became financially stable, the Corvette was the first material reward he had bought himself--a status symbol he could only dream of as an impoverished youth. It was also the first luxury to go when the real estate market crumbled and building loans became impossible to secure.
Now he would have a second chance to own the car. Hunter pushed through the crowd of people, heading for the booth where he could register to bid in the auction.. Twenty minutes later he pushed his way toward the lane the cars traveled down before driving up the auction block ramp. Katherine nimbly followed his footsteps, trying desperately to avoid being separated from her husband.
At precisely 2:47 P.M. the Vette rolled slowly past Hunter and up the ramp so the crowd could get a good look at it. Under the spotlights of the convention center the car's paint shined bright enough to blind the spectators. At 2:53 the bidding began. The auctioneer read off a list of the car's features and statistics: two owners, unrestored mint condition, only 5442 miles on the odometer. As he rattled off the specs Hunter scanned the crowd, looking for his competition. Twenty feet away from him, on the other side of the Corvette, a gray-haired, distinguished man was studying the car with the look of an interested buyer.
"He's not going to get it." Hunter blurted out, not speaking to anyone but himself.
"Who?" Katherine asked.
Hunter turned to look at her, then nodded his head in the direction of the old man. "Him! He's not getting the car!"
Katherine laughed. "I love your decisive confidence! But if you don't get the car don't be upset." She noted the man's Armani suit, Rolex watch, and enormous diamond ring on his finger. "Mr. Doe there looks like he might have a bit more money than you."
In earnest, Hunter replied, "I proposed to you in that car. We spent our honeymoon cruising in that car. That's priceless."
"Who'll give me eighty thousand? Eighty. Eighty. Eighty thousand." The auctioneer's voice was rattling off numbers faster than the spinning blades of a fan. His arms were stretched out over his head, inviting the crowd to place a bid. Hunter's hand shot skyward and the auctioneer pointed toward him.
"Eighty thousand. I got eighty-thousand. Eighty-five thousand?" the auctioneer asked and the old man replied with a subtle nod of acknowledgement. "Eighty-five thousand! I got eighty-five. Who'll give me ninety?"
Katherine grabbed her husband's arm. "Honey. We really don't need the car. You can buy two new Vettes for that price," she stated calmly..
"Ninety!" Hunter hollered.
The bidding battle continued for twenty more minutes while Hunter and Mr. Doe glared threateningly toward each other like two raging bulls ready to charge. The Vette's price had reached the ridiculous price of two hundred fifty-three thousand dollars. An unnatural hush swept through the convention center.
"Two hundred fifty-four thousand?" the auctioneer asked, stretching out his arm toward Hunter whose face was twisted into a painful look of indecision, but only momentarily.
"Yes!" Hunter roared and turned to look for Mr. Doe's response. The corners of the old man's mouth turned down. He sent a steely glance straight into his competitor's eyes, and shook his head no. Hunter exhaled the breath he had been holding.
"SOLD!" the auctioneer shouted and cheers exploded from the crowd. Hunter beamed as people came up to shake his hand and pat him on the back. For a second he almost forgot about Katherine who had been pushed aside by a group of well-wishers.
"Katherine! Babe!" Hunter reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him. As he gave her a triumphant hug he whispered in her ear, "Happy anniversary! Let's go cruising"
Journal #1
WRITING SITUATION
Studies have found that students entering their junior year experience more stress than during other years due to the fact that they will be facing the HSPA and that colleges will examine that year’s grades in order to determine admission. Students either rise to the challenge or automatically feel defeated because they feel they cannot.
WRITING TASK
Considering that you are juniors, you know best what the causes are for becoming disheartened about the upcoming year and you especially know yourselves. Write a letter to yourself that addresses your concerns for this year and propose actions that you can take to make sure that you will succeed.
Studies have found that students entering their junior year experience more stress than during other years due to the fact that they will be facing the HSPA and that colleges will examine that year’s grades in order to determine admission. Students either rise to the challenge or automatically feel defeated because they feel they cannot.
WRITING TASK
Considering that you are juniors, you know best what the causes are for becoming disheartened about the upcoming year and you especially know yourselves. Write a letter to yourself that addresses your concerns for this year and propose actions that you can take to make sure that you will succeed.
Journal #2
An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
Journal #3
WRITING SITUATION
Many schools in the area have begun to require that their students wear uniforms due to inappropriate dress and the expression of gang affiliations. Your high school is concerned about these issues and is considering requiring uniforms themselves. Students will be required to purchase their uniforms from a uniform supply store. Many parents, students and teachers are questioning the proposal. In an attempt to hear the voices of as many students as possible, your principal suggested that concerned students write him a letter expressing their opinions about this situation. You decide to write a letter.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the principal either supporting or opposing the proposal to require uniforms for students. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Many schools in the area have begun to require that their students wear uniforms due to inappropriate dress and the expression of gang affiliations. Your high school is concerned about these issues and is considering requiring uniforms themselves. Students will be required to purchase their uniforms from a uniform supply store. Many parents, students and teachers are questioning the proposal. In an attempt to hear the voices of as many students as possible, your principal suggested that concerned students write him a letter expressing their opinions about this situation. You decide to write a letter.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the principal either supporting or opposing the proposal to require uniforms for students. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Journal #4
An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
Journal #5
WRITING SITUATION
A frequently debated issue is whether or not violence in the media including video games, movies, songs, etc. has negative effects on young adults. Some people believe that there is a need for censorship and the elimination of many products while others believe it is unnecessary to ban potentially violent media and media products. Your school newspaper decided to devote an upcoming issue to this controversial topic.
You decide to write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper expressing your views about the effects of violence in the media.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper supporting or opposing whether violence in the media has negative effects on young adults. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
A frequently debated issue is whether or not violence in the media including video games, movies, songs, etc. has negative effects on young adults. Some people believe that there is a need for censorship and the elimination of many products while others believe it is unnecessary to ban potentially violent media and media products. Your school newspaper decided to devote an upcoming issue to this controversial topic.
You decide to write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper expressing your views about the effects of violence in the media.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper supporting or opposing whether violence in the media has negative effects on young adults. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Journal #6
An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
Journal #7
WRITING SITUATION
Your local public library has come under criticism for allowing patrons under the age of 18 to check out books considered unacceptable. The books are either explicit, describe graphic violence, or use questionable language. The library has proposed the creation of a list of this material and checking identification of people who want to take the books out of the library to ensure they are over 18.
You decide to write a letter to the local newspaper expressing your views on this issue.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper supporting or opposing the library’s proposal. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Your local public library has come under criticism for allowing patrons under the age of 18 to check out books considered unacceptable. The books are either explicit, describe graphic violence, or use questionable language. The library has proposed the creation of a list of this material and checking identification of people who want to take the books out of the library to ensure they are over 18.
You decide to write a letter to the local newspaper expressing your views on this issue.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper supporting or opposing the library’s proposal. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Journal #8
An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
Journal #9
WRITING SITUATION
The school administration has noticed that the use of cell phones throughout the school day has become a problem in the building. In order to create a rule that the students will follow, they have asked that the student council propose three ways to deal with the issue which they will take into consideration. Thus, the student council is accepting proposals from the student body that they will use.
WRITING TASK
Write a five paragraph essay as a proposal to deal with the problem of cell phone use throughout the school. Support your suggestion with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince the student council to take your position seriously.
The school administration has noticed that the use of cell phones throughout the school day has become a problem in the building. In order to create a rule that the students will follow, they have asked that the student council propose three ways to deal with the issue which they will take into consideration. Thus, the student council is accepting proposals from the student body that they will use.
WRITING TASK
Write a five paragraph essay as a proposal to deal with the problem of cell phone use throughout the school. Support your suggestion with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince the student council to take your position seriously.
Journal #10
An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
Journal #11
WRITING SITUATION
In today’s world you cannot escape the media whether it is radio, television or the internet, but the media is a constantly changing entity based on society’s standards. The FCC meets yearly to assess and create rules for media creators to follow.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the FCC expressing your idea for ONE rule the media should follow and why it is needed. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
In today’s world you cannot escape the media whether it is radio, television or the internet, but the media is a constantly changing entity based on society’s standards. The FCC meets yearly to assess and create rules for media creators to follow.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the FCC expressing your idea for ONE rule the media should follow and why it is needed. Support your position with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Journal #12
An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
Journal #13
WRITING SITUATION
Capital punishment is a topic that people consistently argue about. The United States currently only has 14 states that do not enforce a death penalty, New Jersey being one of them. However, this may not always remain the case; the governor is considering having another vote on the issue which may reinstate the death penalty in the state of New Jersey.
You decide to take a stand on the issue and write a letter to the editor of the local paper voicing your opinion.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the editor of the local paper that shows whether you are for or against capital punishment. Support your viewpoint with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Capital punishment is a topic that people consistently argue about. The United States currently only has 14 states that do not enforce a death penalty, New Jersey being one of them. However, this may not always remain the case; the governor is considering having another vote on the issue which may reinstate the death penalty in the state of New Jersey.
You decide to take a stand on the issue and write a letter to the editor of the local paper voicing your opinion.
WRITING TASK
Write a letter to the editor of the local paper that shows whether you are for or against capital punishment. Support your viewpoint with reasons, examples, facts, and/or other evidence. Convince your readers to take your position seriously.
Journal #14
An ancient proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Regardless of the artist’s original intent, what we see in the picture can be very different from what others see. What story does this picture tell you? Use your imagination and experience to speculate about what is happening. Then write your story.
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