Month: September 2014

Peer Revision Norms

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Step 1: Writer introduces assignment to reviewer(s).

  • What is the purpose of this writing?
  • What do you consider the strengths of this writing?
  • What are your concerns, if any, about the writing at this point?
  • Describe the revision and editing that you have done on this paper.

Step 2: Choose one method agreed upon in class.

  • Read Aloud
  • Print and mark up
  • Exchange and comment (computer)
  • Discuss and take notes

Step 3: Constructively review for the key questions below, the concerns of the writer, or share any other feedback. Be positive, be helpful, be a writing teammate.

Did the writer stay focused and share original and fresh information or perspective about the topic?

Does the organizational structure enhance the ideas and make it easier to understand? Or does it overpower the ideas like too much perfume in a crowded elevator?

Would you keep reading this piece if it were longer? Much longer?

Do the words and phrases create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind?

Can you feel the words and phrases flow together as you read it aloud?

How much editing would have to be done to be ready to share with an outside source?


***Remember to submit ALL parts (clean first draft, first draft with comments, new draft) to Coach Koch

What do H.P. Lovecraft and John Grisham have in common?

paul.koch4 Comments

What do H.P. Lovecraft and John Grisham have in common?

WRITER’S DIGEST
COMPETITIONS
WD
Pinterest Writer's Digest on YouTube Google+

September 11, 2014

10th Annual Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards
Hurry—the Early-Bird Deadline is September 15!
Q: What do these great writers have in common?
Robert Heinlein. J.K. Rowling. Stephen King. Raymond Chandler. Patricia Highsmith. Nora Roberts.

A: They’d all be eligible to enter Writer’s Digest’s Popular Fiction Awards.
If you’ve written a short story that could give these pop-fiction greats a run for their money, Writer’s Digest wants to see it!

Enter your best short stories—4,000 words or fewer—in six genres for a chance at $2,500, a trip to Writer’s Digest Conference, and more!

The genres:

  • Science Fiction/Fantasy

  • Thriller

  • Young Adult

  • Romance

  • Crime

  • Horror

The deadline: September 15, 2014
ENTER TODAY!

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Heroes We Never Name

paul.koch2 Comments

Heroes We Never Name

Back of the men we honor
Enrolled on the scroll of fame,
Are the millions who go unmentioned –
The heroes we never name!
Those who have won us the victories,
And conquered along the way;
Those who have made us a nation –
A tribute to them I would pay.
Back of our nation’s first leader,
Of Lincoln and Wilson, too,
Back of the mind directing our course
Was the army that carried it through.
Back of the generals and captains
Was the tramping of rank and file,
And back of them were the ones at home
Who labored with tear and with smile.
And What of the “everyday” heroes
Whose courage and efforts ne’er cease!
Toilers who struggle and labor and strive
And hope for a future of peace?
Hats off to the worthy leaders;
Their honor I’d ever acclaim –
But here’s a cheer for the many brave,
The heroes we never name.

By M. Lucille Ford

Rock Ridge Day 1 Responses

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On a scale of “No Problem” to “I’m totally confused” was it tough for you to find this survey?

1 61 67%
2 18 20%
3 6 7%
4 2 2%
5 4 4%

What Block do you have English class with Mr. Koch?

1 12 13%
3 17 19%
4 18 20%
5 25 27%
6 19 21%

What technology are you comfortable using for schoolwork/classwork?

Laptop 80 88%
Tablet 42 46%
Phone 65 71%
VISION 63 69%
Blog/Microblog 25 27%
Promethean Board 29 32%
iMovie 19 21%
Skype 26 29%
Google Drive 36 40%
Other 3 3%

Do you have access to a computer or other networked device for homework every night?

yes 82 90%
no 0 0%
sometimes 8 9%

What is your preferred method of communication with group-work partners, teachers or fellow students for school use?

SMS 15 16%
Phone 28 31%
Skype 2 2%
email 30 33%
face-to-face 12 13%
VISION 4 4%

Do you have a technology device that you can/will use at school?

yes 81 89%
no 9 10%

Madman, Architect, Carpenter, Judge: Roles and the Writing Process by Betty Sue Flowers

paul.koch2 Comments

Madman, Architect, Carpenter, Judge: Roles and the Writing Process:

“What’s the hardest part of writing?” I ask on the first day of class.

“Getting started,” someone offers, groaning.

“No, it’s not getting started,” a voice in the back of the room corrects. “It’s keeping on once you do get started. I can always write a sentence or two-but then I get stuck.”

“Why?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I am writing along, and all of a sudden I realize how awful it is, and I tear it up. Then I start over again, and after two sentences, the same thing happens.”

 Madman, Architect, Carpenter, Judge: Roles and the Writing Process

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Full Block Format – Business Letter

paul.koch2 Comments

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/2/

Block Format

123 Winner’s Road
New Employee Town, PA 12345
March 16, 2001
Ernie English
1234 Writing Lab Lane
Write City, IN 12345
Dear Mr. English:
The first paragraph of a typical business letter is used to state the main point of the letter. Begin with a friendly opening; then quickly transition into the purpose of your letter. Use a couple of sentences to explain the purpose, but do not go in to detail until the next paragraph.
Beginning with the second paragraph, state the supporting details to justify your purpose. These may take the form of background information, statistics or first-hand accounts. A few short paragraphs within the body of the letter should be enough to support your reasoning.
Finally, in the closing paragraph, briefly restate your purpose and why it is important. If the purpose of your letter is employment related, consider ending your letter with your contact information. However, if the purpose is informational, think about closing with gratitude for the reader’s time.
Sincerely,

Lucy Letter