The thing I like about the concession-thesis-reason topic sentence model is that it's compact. It forces the writer to condense his counterargument, thesis, and reasons into a simple, streamlined idea that is easily grasped by the reader. Today's lesson was focused on learning that model, but if you were unable to be here, fear not … Continue reading The Concession-Thesis-Reason Topic Sentence
Using the Cornell Method In Class
In case you didn't get a chance to watch today's video, or if you need to watch it again, click the link below to watch "How to Study Efficiently: The Cornell Notes Method." How To Turn In Your Notes as an Assignment Take notes in class every day using the Cornell Notes Method. You may … Continue reading Using the Cornell Method In Class
Informational Writing: Plagues and Pandemics
This post will be your go-to place for resources about our informational writing project, and as such, it has a very limited audience. Some of the Taco's other readers may find some of this information useful in their own writing classes or projects. If so, I'm glad it could help you. For my students this … Continue reading Informational Writing: Plagues and Pandemics
Getting Write Score Right
All ELA classes will take the year's first Write Score assessment on October 20. To help you prepare for the test, I've put together this writing guide that contains some strategies to help you do your best. Please take some time to read it before next Tuesday. Some General Advice Take the time to read … Continue reading Getting Write Score Right
Writing Revision Made Easy
Revision is a reinvention of the invented.
The Giver Study Guide, Chapters 4 – 10
The next test on The Giver will be over chapters 4 - 10, and you'll take it Friday. Everything on this study guide will be on the test in some form. Vocabulary and Literary Terms Plot Elements Exposition - establish characters, setting, development of challenge(s) for protagonist Rising Action - includes the inciting incident (incident … Continue reading The Giver Study Guide, Chapters 4 – 10
Phrases and Clauses Assignment
We've reviewed phrases and clauses over the last couple of days, and I want to make sure you have the differences between them clear in your mind before we proceed. The following video sums things up pretty well, so watch it and take notes while you do. Write down 10 facts that you learned from … Continue reading Phrases and Clauses Assignment
The Giver/Literary Terms Study Guide
Literary Terms & Vocabulary Words: What to Know Use the Literary Vocabulary and Terms, TE (located in my Google Classroom) to find definitions and examples. Everything on the document is fair game for the test, but you should be especially familiar with the following vocabulary and events in the novel. Please pay very close attention … Continue reading The Giver/Literary Terms Study Guide
Star 360: What You Need to Know
All FSMS students will take the Star 360 Reading Assessment on Monday and Tuesday of next week, with Friday being a make-up day. Remember that the goal of this assessment is to collect baseline data (eduspeak for "we want to find out what you know so we can teach you better"), so just relax and … Continue reading Star 360: What You Need to Know
Break Time 3
You guys have been working pretty hard, and believe me, I can tell! I've graded a lot of your submissions as I've watched more and more come in. It's a little overwhelming, but it's all worth it, and I'm glad to do it. Now it's time to sit down, take a break, and unwind. So … Continue reading Break Time 3