New Year's Resolution

Well, I will try to be better about keeping this up to date in 2011.  That is one of my resolutions.  What is yours?

How about turn in more homework on time??  If so, make sure that you have this ready on Monday.

Analytical Writing Assignment for This is What it Means to say Phoenix, Arizona” and the film, Smoke Signals

Due Monday, January 3

You will write a full-page analysis of Victor’s character based on what we learned about him in the short story and by watching the film.  This will be your first attempt this year at real analytical writing, and you will practice it many times over as the year progresses.

DO: Make a claim about Victor’s character that is an opinion, not a fact.  The claim must also be able to be proven by evidence from the story or film.  It should be something you are ready to argue about Victor’s overall person.

Poor Claim: Victor’s dad died. (this is a fact, there is no argument to be made)

Poor Claim: Victor wanted to be a famous basketball player because of his dad. (this may be true, but there is nothing about this in the text.  You could not prove this claim)

Strong Claim: Victor was deeply affected by the death of his father. (this is an opinion, and could be backed up with evidence from the text.

Once you have a strong claim, you will then proceed to write a full page, using evidence from the text to support and prove what you are saying about Victor.  Draw upon the notes that you took on pages 2 & 3 of the yellow packet.  If you are discussing something about Victor that was one way in the book and another way in the film, you can bring that difference up and talk about it.  By the end of your page, you should prove why you think what you think about Victor.  Use show, don’t tell writing as much as you can.