Writing 201 is an introductory course in the basic conventions and expectations of college essay writing. Students write essays in response to assigned readings from a range of college-level texts. The course covers how to state and support a thesis, develop unified and coherent supporting paragraphs, organize the various parts of an essay, and write clear and effective sentences. The course also introduces students to critical reading, reasoning, and writing.

This blog is a resource for instructors of Writing 201 at Irvine Valley College.

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You can also contact the blog's editor, Professor Lisa Alvarez, at lalvarez@ivc.edu

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Essay #1: In-Class Writing

At the end of last week's second class, the students completed the in-class writing exercise posted below.  I followed along on the board with my own example and conclude class with a brief discussion of how this exercise offers an opportunity to create a mid-essay thesis and transition to the second part of the assignment.

Today they bring in the first full draft of their completed essay. The final is due a week from today.  (Now, I think my due date is one class session too long. I should have had it done at the end of this week. Alas. Next time.)


WR 201:
Essay #1- The Ordinary, but Significant Person, Place or Thing (An Educational Memoir)
Workshop Activity: in-class writing
 Over the weekend, you will revise your Part 1 and develop Part 2.  For the next class session, you will bring two copies of your new draft which will include Part 1 (revised) and Part 2, an early attempt to explain the significance of your chosen subject.
 Take into consideration all we’ve discussed this week and the feedback you have received from me, your peers and instructors in WR 280.
 To begin Part 2, answer the questions posed below, filling in the blanks and exploring the implications.
   Although ____________________________________ seems ordinary or commonplace because, after all,
  ______________ is just _________________________________________________________________,   ______________ is significant to me because….(Try to think of two specific reasons (lessons) to support your assertion, one major, one minor. Allow these two “lessons” to begin to direct your drafting of Part 2 of your essay.  Aim to return to class with two paragraphs detailing these “lessons” or reasons.)
      
          


 



  The Writing Center: WR 280Now is also a good time to visit the Writing Center in B-353 and have a formal conference. Make sure to bring your assignment, the Writing Center signature sheet (attached) and your draft.  The center is open until 8 pm tonight and is open on Friday from 9-3.

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