GOOD STUFF TO KNOW!!

HINT:  topics for the final exam will come from the study guide

You may use your book for the final exam, which means you will need a works cited page (yes, even for ONE book), and internal citations when/if appropriate.

SAMPLE TOPIC FOR THE FINAL ESSAY—which means: this one will NOT be one of the topics, but if you know how to analyze this topic and prepare for this essay, you should be able to do a similar job on the final.

In his novel of the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien creates characters who, together, comprise Alpha Company. The reader is drawn to these men for different reasons, not the least of which is their innocence. However, a soldier named Azar is not one of those to whom this novel is dedicated, nor does it seem any of the men have any fondness for Azar.  Through several examples from the novel, explain why Azar is actually reviled by his peers.

1Determine what the topic is really asking you to write about; read carefully and do not expect the topic to be the first sentence. In this example, it is the last sentence:

Through several examples from the novel, explain why Azar is actually reviled by his peers.

SSo if that’s what the topic actually is, WHY have preliminary sentences?

Remember this HINT for the final and for 1102: Many times the introductory information for essay topics will provide some assistance in your paper. For example, you know that you need to introduce the book and author and set up your thesis, but that takes time, which you do NOT have when you’re asked to write in-class essays. What to do? Take a look at the topic and see if any of the information can be used as part of your introductory paragraph, like this:

In his novel of the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien creates characters who, together, comprise Alpha Company. The reader is drawn to these men for different reasons, not the least of which is their innocence.  The exception is Azar, whose actions reveal him to be cruel and sadistic.

Don’t be afraid to keep the ideas and improve on the writing, like this:

Tim O’Brien creates characters who comprise Alpha Company and become the focus of his novel, The Things They Carried. Through their episodes in the Vietnamese jungle, these men—Kiowa, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Norman Bowker, and others-- form bonds of friendship and loyalty. The exception is Azar, whose actions reveal him to be cruel and sadistic.

There are countless ways of opening an essay, but use your head AND any information that is given to help you get started.

Great! You have  your  introduction, your thesis statement . . . now what? Do not summarize or tell the story. This is an analysis, NOT the book report you wrote in middle school!! Spend some time collecting your thoughts and examples; it helps most people to jot down their ideas or examples, but just briefly, with the time factor always in mind. Example:

Azar—blows up Lavender’s puppy—makes fun of girl grieving family—only one willing to help O’Brien scare the new medic

NOTE for final and 1102:  This is why you MUST read the book, make notes, be familiar with characters and episodes. YOU must be able to put the pieces together, to pick and choose what will work and what won’t. Neither Cliff Notes nor Spark Notes will do that for you, that requires critical thinking.

Now . . . the job is to take each example, connect it to the previous paragraph, and fully explain what it reveals about Azar. The second paragraph might be something like this:

       Unlike his friends of Alpha Company, the author does not include Azar in the dedication of the novel nor introduce Azar in the first story. The reader does not meet Azar except in short glimpses, beginning with the story, “Spin.” When a crippled boy on a plastic leg hobbles over to Azar, the soldier gives him a chocolate bar and “sadly” shakes his head, not because the boy is crippled, but because the shooter “ran out of ammo” (31). In the another vignette from the same story, the reader learns Azar strapped a mine to a puppy that had been Ted Lavender’s pet for a short time, and blows the puppy up. These episodes show Azar to be unfeeling in the first instance, and sadistic in the second. Azar is shown in clear contrast to Lavender, who was caring for the pup. Azar does not seem affected by the pain he may have caused a fellow soldier of Alpha Company.

Please be aware that in the above paragraph adequate explanation and detail has been given, focusing on specific episodes, details of that episode AND that it has been connected to the thesis statement.

Put the two paragraphs together and here is what you have (216 words, in only two paragraphs! Writing 2.5-3 pages is not unreasonable):

Tim O’Brien creates characters who comprise Alpha Company and become the focus of his novel, The Things They Carried. Through their episodes in the Vietnamese jungle, these men—Kiowa, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Norman Bowker, and others-- form bonds of friendship and loyalty. The exception is Azar, whose actions reveal him to be cruel and sadistic.

Unlike his friends of Alpha Company, the author does not include Azar in the dedication of the novel nor introduce Azar in the first story. The reader does not meet Azar except in short glimpses, beginning with the story, “Spin.” When a crippled boy on a plastic leg hobbles over to Azar, the soldier gives him a chocolate bar and “sadly” shakes his head, not because the boy is crippled, but because the shooter “ran out of ammo” (O'Brien 31). In the another vignette from the same story, the reader learns Azar strapped a mine to a puppy that had been Ted Lavender’s pet for a short time, and blows the puppy up. These episodes show Azar to be unfeeling in the first instance, and sadistic in the second. Azar is shown in clear contrast to Lavender, who was caring for the pup. Azar does not seem affected by the pain he may have caused a fellow soldier of Alpha Company.

Explanation of colors:

Yellow: thesis statement

Green: accurate detail & evidence from the text/novel

Pink: citation

Blue: explanation of how it relates to the thesis

THE THINGS THEY CARRIED - Initial Study Guide

As an introduction to Tim O'Brien and The Things They Carried, listen to a portion of his speech here: Tim O'Brien - speech for Arlington Reads on youtube. Skip the first 17 minutes of the speech and begin around minute 18. Listen carefully to what O'Brien has to say about the benefit of storytelling, the paradox of fiction being truer than "truth," how one event sparked his story "Ambush," and his thoughts on the elusive nature of truth.

Themes and Motifs in the Novel

HINT:  topics for the final exam will come from this study guide

The Importance of Storytelling - Why do people tell stories?

Paradox - What is a paradox? What aspects of the novel (and real life) contain paradox?

Truth & Memory - What is the difference between story-truth and happening-truth? At least in this novel, which is more important? WHY?

TTTC notes—Summer - 2013

Connect characters as they interact with each other—note how each man functions:

Kiowa – how does he interact with each of the following men? What does this tell you about Kiowa? (You might not “get” the other men from these stories, but you should be able to relate to Kiowa and his importance to these men and to Alpha Company.)

With Norman Bowker, in “The Things They Carried”

With Tim O’Brien in “The Man I Killed”

With Henry Dobbins in “Churches”

Rat Kiley –

With Mitch Sanders, in “The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong” – pay close attention to their discussion of telling stories

With Curt Lemon in “How to Tell a True War Story” – what is Rat’s way of dealing with a friend’s sudden death? WHY? How is it comparable to the actions of Alpha Company

Tim O’Brien (note: he is a character in his own novel; as he said on the youtube video, he creates himself as a character, but the character’s experiences are based on true stories, but are not true in themselves)

Norman Bowker

Minor revelations of his character come in the stories “The Things They Carried” and “Spin”

Major revelations of his character come in “Speaking of Courage” and “Notes”

Look for stories that contain references to storytelling!!!!!! For example:

“The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong”

“How to Tell a True War Story”**

“Spin,” especially the very last paragraph

“Good Form”

“Notes”

Find examples of paradox and irony!!!!!

Paradox – two things that are opposite that exist at the same time, though it would seem impossible; for example, from “How to Tell a True War Story,” the author writes: “ . . . in the end, of course, a true war story is never about war.” LOTS of examples of paradox in this story and others.

Irony – look for examples of irony of situation—in which the opposite happens to what is expected—example: in the opening story, Ted Lavender is killed suddenly, by a sniper, rather than Lee Strunk, who could have very well been killed as he searched the tunnels; Henry Dobbins, the largest man in the unit, who carries the heaviest guns, is referred to as “Soldier Jesus” by the monks, and would like a life of service or good works, would actually like to be a minister—that is BOTH irony AND paradox

Find examples of how shame and guilt become motivating elements in the lives of some of the soldiers like: Tim O’Brien, Jimmy Cross, Norman Bowker

Rubric for Argumentative Essay Requiring Documentation Due 07/18/13

Criteria	Points Value	Points Achieved
Point and position of argument is clearly stated in deliberate, thoughtful thesis statement  presented in the introduction	10
MLA format is correct and maintained from the first page to the last, including: Margins Fonts Header Headings Spacing	10
Development and Organization: Evidence is abundant, logical and organized and includes details, examples and research, with information neatly and smoothly incorporated into the text of the paper, explained, and related to content.	20
Conventions of Language: Paper is largely free of major grammatical or mechanical errors that would otherwise disrupt fluency and coherence, including, but not limited to: Illogical or incoherent sentences <!--[Incorrect wording Fragments Run-on sentences Vague or incorrect pronoun	20
Works Cited page is correct: Name & number, upper right Titled Spacing MLA format of references Alphabetical order No Works Cited Page = Failure	20
Internal citations are provided, as appropriate, are correct and in MLA format No Internal Citations = Failure	20

TOTAL:

                      

Apologies on Confusion

Apparently there was some confusion last week. I had hoped the class would work independently on your respective research essays, adding internal citations and documentation, as well as the Works Cited page. I wanted you to submit those to me via email, so that I could provide feedback to you tomorrow. That, I thought, would give you time to make final corrections and hand in the FINAL copy of the paper this Thursday. As of this morning, I have received fewer than five papers, so obviously there was misunderstanding and confusion.

That said, bring your paper to class tomorrow, and be prepared with any questions you may have regarding the researched material you incorporated into your paper,  your citations or work cited page. Remember there is information on the blog regarding incorporating material into your paper, essays which can be used as reference material in the text, and a sample paper to review on page 735 in your text. If you find yourself reading material and having difficulty extrapolating information and difficulty incorporating it in your text, then you're very likely doing it right. Keep working on it. Bring questions tomorrow to class.

The FINAL paper is due Thursday.

Also, if you have not started reading the novel, THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, you need to get started.

Today's Daily Writing Assignment

Daily Writing Assignment for 07/09/2013:

Create a works cited page for your argumentative paper. Use at least 3 of the essays in the text as support, and find at least 2 internet references you could use.

NOTE: For your FINAL draft, you will only need 3 references AND those can come from the book, if you choose.

For those of you who may not have realized it, each topic is followed by essays in your text that you can use in your paper. You need not search for information; it is at your disposal and should save you considerable time:

Essays on Organ Donation:

"The Meat Market," p. 607

"The Case for Mandatory Organ Donation," p.614

"Yes, Let's Pay for Organs," p.620

"The Surgery Was Simple; the Process Is Another Story," p. 625

Essays on Whether to Tax Sugary Drinks:

"A Tax That Invests in Our Health," p. 632

"Fat Tax," p. 636

"Let Them Drink Water!" p. 641

"Does This Tax Make Me Look Fat," p.647

Incorporating Research and Documentation

Incorporating information into your paper:

--use a signal phrase or identifying phrase when you use a direct quote (refer to page 714 for an example)

--if it is a direct quote, be sure to include quotation marks

--whether it is a direct quote, a summary or a paraphrase, be sure to give credit for the information—this is called a CITATION or CITE (refer to page 714 for an example)

An example, based on the information on page 630 and the topic of a “sugar tax:”

               The obesity rate among Americans has risen a whopping 34 per cent, up from 15 percent in the 1960s and 1970s (Kirszner and Mandell 630). 

If the information comes from a website, only the author's name goes in parentheses. Example:

As of 2010, over 100,000 people in America were in need of organ transplants (Matthews).

If the website does not provide an author's name, give the title of the article, in quotation marks, within parentheses. Example:

According to information provided by Princeton, "Organ donation typically takes place after brain death, the irreversible loss of all brain functions, including the brain stem" (Organ Donation).

The reference given in the paraentheses is called an internal  citation. The name of the author or title of the article lead to the WCP - Works Cited page.

The internal citation includes:

Parenthesis – last name(s) of author and page number –Parenthesis – period.

The keys to a correct Works Cited page:

Follow the example and use Easybib.com

The BEST source for help with creating the Works Cited page is Easybib.

Easybib is already set up in MLA format. All you have to do is choose the type of reference you have and follow the directions. Make SURE you include all the requested information. Fill out Easybib for all of your references, then set up your page to print. Be sure to insert your page and last name on the Works Cited page before printing.

You should have at least 5-7 internal references in the final draft of your argumentative paper and at least 3 references on your Works Cited page that you have used in your paper. 

DO NOT take all the information for your paper from ONE source. The point of a research paper is to show you have, indeed, consulted several sources in order to find sufficient information. 

The Argumentative Paper - Topics and Assignments

Choose one of the following topics for your argumentative paper, which will need to be at least 3 pages:
Both of these topics are presented more fully in the text; I have summarized the two topics from which you can choose.

1. How Can We Address the Shortage of Organ Donors?

Due to the persistent shortage of organs needed for transplant operations, a controversy has arisen: should America continue it's "opt-in" policy, which requires individuals to actively choose to become organ donors, or should America establish "presumed consent," which makes everyone a potential donor at the time of death unless the individual opts out of the program?
Note: the two sides of this issue are explained more fully on page 605

2.  Should the Government Tax Sugary Drinks?

Because of the rise of childhood obesity and the associated social costs of obesity to all Americans, some experts and policymakers argue that the government needs to take action in the form of a tax on on unhealthy foods and sugary drinks; not surprisingly, however, many people from civil libertarians to the makers of food products, oppose such measures. Construct an argument that answers the question of whether the government should tax sugary drinks and "unhealthy" food products.
Note: the two sides of this issue are explained more fully on page 630

EMAIL THE FOLLOWING TO ME BY MIDNIGHT SUNDAY (So I can read and get feedback to you on Tuesday):

The Introductory paragraph to your argumentative essay and a formal outline to your paper that resembles the sample outline on page 542:

Issue Introduced:

Thesis Statement:

Evidence:

Evidence:   

Evidence:

Opposing Arguements Refuted:

Conclusion:

After reading some of the assignments submitted, some people failed to write an introductory paragraph. Whether that was because they failed to read the assignment completely OR because they were unsure how to begin, one can't say. However, some students DID understand the assignment. Here is an excellent example of an introductory paragraph for an argumentative paper that DOES contain all the necessary elements: an opening that gets the reader's attention, presents BOTH sides of the issue in the writer's own words, AND states the claim. It is not perfect, but is one of the better submissions and for a daily writing, received a 9 out of 10:

Sugary Drinks: A Healthy way to be Unhealthy

            With the recent increase of overweight and obese Americans, a debate has surfaced over whether the government should tax sugary drinks. Obesity rates have risen from a steady 15 percent in the 1960s and 1970s to 34 percent in 2008. The finger is being pointed at sugary drinks for the cause of obesity, due to drinks being infused with high concentration of corn syrup and sugar. Now, the government has showed more interest on levying taxes on sugary drinks due to the high cost of treating obesity. Despite opposing arguments and being an avid soda consumer, I advocate that the government should tax sugary drinks to create a healthier nation and cut the cost of medical care.  

NOTES: I like your introduction. You get the reader's attention, state both sides of the issue and state your claim. It's direct and clear, coherent and well done. I would like you to reconsider your wording of your thesis. The word "advocate" sounds artificial, or forced. You might try the word "support" instead or another synonym. Also, save the fact that you're a soda drinker to the next to the last paragraph. I'm very pleased with your paragraph.

Here is the remainder of the assignment, as submitted:

Issue Introduced: Should the government tax sugary drinks?
Thesis Statement: Despite opposing arguments and being an avid soda consumer, I advocate that the government should tax sugary drinks to create a healthier nation and cut the cost of medical care.
Evidence: explain how the prices of healthy foods have risen and how the prices of bad foods have not Evidence: explain how the tax would actually help fight against the obesity
Evidence: explain how drinks cause obesity easily
NOTES: these are all statements of intent; I will assume you can follow through
Opposing Arguements Refuted: identify and refute the argument that business could be hurt due to the taxation.

NOTES: I'm not sure what "refuted identity" means; I understand the evidence you've presented and I'm satisfied that it can be supported; this is the only one that concerns me.Conclusion: restate the thesis, and state how the taxes would actually benefit the whole country.

NO! DO NOT restate thesis. You're writing is too good to fall back on that worn out strategy.  Draw a REAL conclusion that explains how imposed "fat taxes" would benefit the country.

Here is another excellent introduction for an argumentative paper:

                Americans are becoming increasingly overweight and unhealthy which is negatively affecting our productivity and ability to work. The number of Americans on health related disability has risen drastically over the last several years. More Americans are becoming plagued with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease at younger ages. Our society’s deteriorating health is largely due to our poor dietary habits, which, in turn, leads to obesity and other related health conditions. To combat this issue, our government must become more proactive in addressing this alarming problem. A mandatory tax on unhealthy foods and drinks ought to be instituted to deter citizens from purchasing things that could negatively affect their health.

REALLY A STRONG OPENING PARAGRAPH!! WELL DONE!
 Common Errors to AVOID in the argumentative paper:

THERE MUST BE AN INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT THAT LEADS UP TO THE THESIS! THE OPENING PARAGRAPH SHOULD CONTAIN:

1. AN INTERESTING OPENING THAT GETS THE READER INVOLVED IN THE PAPER.

2. PRESENT THE ISSUE AND BRIEFLY STATE BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE

3. THE CLAIM IS THE THESIS STATEMENT, IN WHICH THE AUTHOR STATES HIS/HER POSITION ON THE ISSUE

 AVOID STATEMENTS OF INTENT--

BE SURE YOU CAN DEVELOP YOUR EVIDENCE BY GIVING EXAMPLES; THE GOAL OF THE WRITER IS TO MAKE A GENERAL STATEMENT CLEAR BY USING CONCRETE, REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO MORE THAN SIMPLY RESTATE THE THESIS IN YOUR CLOSING PARAGRAPH; YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN RESTATE WHAT YOU’VE ALREADY SAID; MAKE YOUR CLOSING A REAL ARGUMENTATIVE CONCLUSION, NOT JUST AN ACADEMIC EXERCISE

 

 

 

Study Guide for Composition Quiz

If you can answer all of the following questions, you should be adequately prepared for tomorrow's quiz. We have gone over almost all of these questions:

1. List 3 things an introduction to an essay should do:

2. Explain the difference between formal and informal writing, and give examples of each type.

3.  What is an anecdote? How can an anecdote be used in an introduction?

4.  What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

5.  In what way does the purpose of an essay and an audience of an essay direct the content of the essay?

6.  State at least five different strategies for opening an essay.

7. What are the four things a writer should NOT do in the introduction?

8. Define the following words in terms of composition: coherence; transition; exemplification; deductive; relevant; representative; skeptical; refute; plagiarism; logical fallacy; non sequitur; red  herring; rhetorical question

9.  How is an exemplification essay developed?

10. Why is reading essential to good writing?

11.  How could exemplification be used in an argumentative paper?

12.  Explain the difference in purpose and composition between an argumentative paper and a persuasive paper.

13.  What types of evidence can be used for an argumentative paper?

14. What criteria must evidence in an argumentative paper adhere to?

15.  Why is a refutation necessary in an argumentative paper, and how can it serve to make your paper stronger?

16.  For our purposes, essays will be written using inductive or deductive reasoning?  Explain what that means in regard to organization of the paper.

Structure for the Argumentative Essay

Structure for the Argumentative Essay is outlined on pages 541-542 in the text.

Structure your introduction as follows:

Get the reader's attention
Introduce the topic/issue
Provide any necessary background
BRIEFLY and CAREFULLY present both sides of the issue
State your claim

An example of a good introductory paragraph is on page 525 --

Introductions are difficult; introductions for good argumentative essays are very difficult and take time. Note that this essay is much more formal than the previous exemplification essay







Daily Writing #5:

Write a good introductory paragraph for an argumentative paper on parenting styles. Get the readers' attention, introduce the two parentting styles. Briefly and clearly explain the western parent and the eastern, "tiger" parent. Then state your claim of which one is better and in very general terms, explain why.

Logical Fallacies and You Tube Examples

For Tuesday, study carefully the logical fallacies discusses on pages 537-540. Be ready to discuss these on Tuesday.

Look at the followng youtube examples to help recognize logical fallacies:

Red Herring Fallacy1

Red Herring Fallacy 2

Begging the Question1

Begging the Question2

Non Sequitur and Appeal to Authority Fallacy 1

Slippery Slope, Red Herring, Non Sequitur Fallacies

Test next Thursday will include these terms; you may also be asked to identify fallacies in video or reading selections