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English 9 Honors Syllabus McNeela 2016-17 [email protected] Course Description Teacher Hours Instructional Methods Modes of Evaluation Grading Policy Primary Text/ Materials Writing “English 9 Honors is a course for students who have excelled at the basic skills of English/Language Arts and have been recommended by their previous teacher to a rigorous program. Emphasis will be placed on high-level reading, writing, listening, speaking and critical thinking while acquiring an appreciation of literature. Genres studied include the short story, the novel, the play, non-fiction and poetry. Analytical and critical thinking are emphasized.” I arrive each day at 6:15 a.m and spend several hours in class after school. You can arrange to meet with me then. The best way to contact me is via email. I will respond within 24 hours. Lecture/direct Instruction Socratic question/answer Debate Guided practice Class work Homework Individual work Group work Peer instruction Short and long term projects Quizzes and tests on literature and vocabulary Rubric scored essays Presentations Homework Projects Peer review Dialectical Journals Binders Classroom participation Students will be awarded points for every requirement of this class. A grade of zero will be assigned if students fail to turn in an assignment. Progress reports and the final grade for each semester are determined by the traditional scale. Points earned are cumulative. Students who do not maintain the minimum grade of B- are no longer eligible for the Honors program. 1

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English 9 Honors SyllabusMcNeela 2016-17 [email protected]

Course Description

Teacher Hours

Instructional Methods

Modes of Evaluation

Grading Policy

Primary Text/MaterialsWriting

Homework

“English 9 Honors is a course for students who have excelled at the basic skills of English/Language Arts and have been recommended by their previous teacher to a rigorous program. Emphasis will be placed on high-level reading, writing, listening, speaking and critical thinking while acquiring an appreciation of literature. Genres studied include the short story, the novel, the play, non-fiction and poetry. Analytical and critical thinking are emphasized.”

I arrive each day at 6:15 a.m and spend several hours in class after school. You can arrange to meet with me then. The best way to contact me is via email. I will respond within 24 hours.

Lecture/direct Instruction Socratic question/answer DebateGuided practice Class work

Homework Individual work Group work Peer instructionShort and long term projects

Quizzes and tests on literature and vocabulary Rubric scored essays PresentationsHomework

Projects Peer review Dialectical JournalsBindersClassroom participation

Students will be awarded points for every requirement of this class.  A grade of zero will be assigned if students fail to turn in an assignment.  Progress reports and the final grade for each semester are determined by the traditional scale.

Points earned are cumulative.  Students who do not maintain the minimum grade of B- are no longer eligible for the Honors program.

Dialectical journalsProjectsExpository essaysPersuasive essaysDescriptive essays

Narrative essaysDefinition essaysPoetryResearch paperIn-class essays

Daily homework is displayed on the DAILY AGENGA and posted on my website every day at:

krismcneelaeshs.weebly.com

Handouts will be included as links from the homework site so you may access assignments from there.Homework is due at the START of class the day after it is assigned

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Homework (cont…)

Missing/Late Assignments

Redemption – Everybody gets a

unless instructed otherwise. I collect it after the bell rings so no points if you submit it after the bell.

NOTE: You may NOT take class time to prepare your homework for submission. Come before the bell. I provide staples, paper clips, etc.

Homework has varying point values, depending on complexity. Homework must (WITHOUT EXCEPTION) include: - Standard heading on the upper right of the first page only:

- Student’s Full Name- Class Period- Date In this order please!- Instructor

Additionally, your homework will:- Have a straight edge –no paper from a spiral notebook.- Follow a standard format: 12 point, Times Roman font– no decorative

text. You may also submit handwritten assignments in VERY neat print or cursive – colored pens are fine. NO PENCIL.

- All missed assignments must be submitted the day after you return from an excused absence – no later. Simply place the work in the “Late/Absent Work” box; you need not give the work directly to me. (See posted policy for more detail)- Missed assignments will not be accepted if you were present but did not complete the work: -You must submit an assignment if you were at school that day but did not attend English class.- If you have a planned absence, any pending assignments must be submitted before you leave.

- If you are absent the day a major assignment is due, you must submit the completed assignment by the time your class meets or have someone submit it to the front office. Failure to do either will result in a 0 for that assignment.

A major assignment includes a project, essay, homework packet, peer review or anything assigned at least a week prior to the due date.

You will make up a missed vocabulary quiz at lunch the Wednesday following that exam. I will remind you by putting your name on the board under “Makeup Test.” If you miss this test, however, no test will be rescheduled.

Large unit tests or anything that requires the full 55 minutes are scheduled for after school on the Thursday following the test. I will put your name on the board to remind you of the day and time for makeups.

Note: I provide only one makeup test, if you miss the test, you will receive a 0. The only exception to this rule is if you are sick on the day of the makeup.

But….things happen, people miss due dates. To address this kind of “life” stuff, you will be issued FIVE (5) Redemption Days each semester. These days will

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second shot or three

Organization – Not just good, but good for you

buy you an extra day to submit ONE assignment. Weekends DO count toward the number of days used; so if work was due on a Friday, and you submit it on Monday for Redemption, you’ve used your three Redemption Days.

You must turn in the work by your period the next day, and you must write at the top of the assignment “Redemption” and the date the work was due and the date the work is submitted. Hand the assignment directly to me or no points. (These protocols are posted on the pink sign above the homework baskets.)

Each unused Redemption Day counts as 5 BONUS POINTS each and will be applied to your grade at the end of the semester.

You will receive a small forest in handouts in this course, therefore it is critical that you create and maintain a system that provides some coherence to it all. Therefore, all students will maintain a separate binder for English. This binder must be:

– a three-ring binder large enough to hold the entire semester’s paperwork (about 3 inches).

– neatly organized– maintained– complete with appropriate materials (real tabs) rather that post it notes

or tape as tabs – neatly marked and arranged in the order listed– All papers must be in the rings – no papers in pockets

Please make neat tabs for numbers 1-7and arrange in the following order:

Startup material (it’s this packet you’re looking at now) on top of the first tab

1. DOL/Grammar – I will give you some grammar handouts; the DOL will be posted on the DAILY AGENDA and you must handwrite so please keep them in order.

2. Vocabulary –Includes all Vocabulary Lists. Arranged from oldest (on top) to newest (on bottom). Should include vocabulary list on top, then the worksheet (if applicable), then sentences, and finally the test in that order

3. Writing – Here you will maintain any writer’s workshop materials or writing practice work.

4. Study Unit – Include all materials related to our unit of study – that is anything I give you and anything you produce

5. Notes – Taking notes is a key to this class. Students will use the Cornell method of note-taking. You will use these notes to review and study; often you will use your notes on tests and timed essays. It is critical then that you maintain organized and current notes. I will randomly collect your notes to ensure you are actively thinking and applying your knowledge.

6. Essays – With essay logs7. Misc . – Anything left over

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Attendance

Academic Honesty

Expectations

And More Expectations

Materials You Will Include: Current text (when we are reading a novel) –a MUST Marble Notebook for Journals (once you purchase it you may leave it in

the classroom) Several pens for writing Five red pens for editing and correcting Pencils for Scantron quizzes Highlighters Colored Post-It tabs (the little thin ones for marking pages) Highly recommended but not required:

– Post It notes– White Out– Glue Stick– Mini Stapler

Inconsistent attendance always results in anxiety: loads of makeup work, loss of continuity, and the inability to successfully participate in discussions. Showing up is essential. For every 5 absences, I will delete five BONUS POINTS from the 25 given to you at the start of the semester.

At a minimum, I will give you a 0, deduct your citizenship (bonus) points, phone home, and issue an office referral if I suspect dishonesty. If cheating occurs a second time, I will drop you from the course. You are expected to know the definition of plagiarism and abide by it – no exceptions.

See Eagle Handbook pg. 46 for definition

Each semester I give you a gift of 25 BONUS POINTS as a show of my faith in you. That means you walk into English 9 Honors with an A+. NICE! It is your job to keep this grade. How? Simply:

-Have all appropriate materials (I will check randomly)

-Show up on time (in your seat when the bell rings – You owe me 5 BONUS POINTS for every tardy)

-Follow posted classroom rules (below).

-Treat yourself, your classmates, instructors, and visitors with respect

-Practice courteous and ethical behavior

-Turn in your homework (3 or more 0’s = -5 BONUS POINTS

**In addition, you will impress me beyond measure and enhance your academic standing if you practice these habits of mind:

Ask probing questions

Exhibit curiosity

Make academic mistakes

Challenge your beliefs

Do your best! Do not compare yourself, doubt yourself, or shortchange yourself

Think outside the box, take chances and generate ideas

Read with an awareness of self and

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A Word About Commitment

…And About Independence

Be responsible and honest in your mistakes and mis-steps. Talking to me BEFORE the disaster strikes may buy you some mercy.

others.

MAKE LOTS OF GOOD MISTAKES

I am particular about the appearance of my classroom. I will deduct BONUS POINTS for violating any of the following Classroom Rules:

- No electronic devices (headphones, cell phones, sidekicks, nothing) This is our time together and your attention needs to be fully dedicated to the course. Plus, it is extremely rude and I detest rude behavior.

- No hoods- Inappropriate dress (I enforce the dress code)- Doing work for other classes on my time or doing your homework in

class (especially on the iPad)- Profanity; additionally, I cannot tolerate the word “suck” so find

another appropriate way to express what you are feeling- Throwing anything at all- walk to the garbage; hand your peer what

he/she needs

You are acknowledged for appropriate behavior, including calls and emails home – AND EXTRA CREDIT POINTS.

On the other hand: 1. Warning- verbal2. Teacher-student conference

3. Communication with parent4. Teacher/student/parent conference

Honors classes are MUCH more demanding than regular English classes.  This class is not a one-year course; this is a four-year program designed for students to earn college credit in their senior year.  As a student of the English language, you are preparing to speak, write, think, and function well within our society. You must allocate the necessary time and resources to achieve this goal. 

Much effort is required to perform well in this class. However, if you fully embrace this class, you will both enjoy the experience and emerge an accomplished student of literature and ready to take on the next level of academic rigor.

The transition between middle school and high school is huge, as you will soon discover. This is a time when you are expected to increasingly gain independence so that you are ready to be an autonomous college student. Your practice begins now. You are responsible for knowing the policies and procedures laid out in this syllabus and detailed in handouts throughout the year. “Not knowing” is not an excuse. Additionally, I welcome and encourage students to speak to me regarding any issues. And while I welcome communication from parents, communications that stem from you first keeps matters simple and the story straight. It will also exercise that independence thing. You should cc your parents in any emails you send, as I will do the same when writing you.

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Final Advice for Success

I look forward to a wonderful year with you and your ninth grade self. A positive attitude, ongoing effort, and improvement count. Work hard, stay confident and always, always, always ask for help.

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Please sign and return this sheet by ________________________

I have read, understood and will adhere to the classroom expectations, requirements, and conduct for English 9H, 2016-2017.

________________________________ ______________________________

(Print Student Name) (Date)

________________________________

(Student Signature)

I have read, understood and support the classroom expectations, requirements, and conduct for my student’s English class and will help my student adhere to them.

________________________________ ______________________________

(Print Parent/Guardian Name) (Date)

________________________________ _______________________________

(Parent/Guardian Signature) (Parent/Guardian Phone Number)

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Reading List for 9th Grade Honors

Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher (Summer Reading)

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

1984 by George Orwell

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

In addition to the novels, selections include works from The Language of Literature and other publications. Selections include but are not limited to

“American History” by Judith Ortiz Cofer“Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville“The Beginning of Something” by Sue Ellen Bridges“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe“A Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote“The Gift of the Magi” by O’Henry“A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor“The Last Days of Muhammad Atta” by Martin Amis “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier “Marine Corps Issue” by David McLean“The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant“The Open Window” by Saki“Popular Mechanics” by Raymond Carver“The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson“Regret” by Kate Chopin“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber“The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" by Ernest Hemingway“The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty“The Story of a Good Little Boy” by Mark Twain“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin“A Telephone Call” by Dorothy Parker“To Build a Fire” by Jack London“Two Kinds” by Amy Tam“Where Have You Gone Charming Billy?” by Tim O’Brien“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut“A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner“The Bass, The River, and Sheila Mant” by W.D. Wetherell

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“Through the Tunnel” by Doris Lessing“Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates

Each Unit is supported by and enhanced with supplemental materials that include primary documents, essays and lots and lots of poetry, from the 16th century to today. Poetry selections include works from the following authors (in totally random order).

Billy Collins (lots)Theodore Roethke Emily DickinsonJohn UpdikeWilliam ShakespeareJohn DonneLangston HughesE.E. CummingsCarl SandburgJohn KeatsAlice JonesTaylor MaliPaul SimonBruce SpringsteenGwendolyn BrooksPablo NerudaWilliam Carlos WilliamsWalt WhitmanMatthew ArnoldAmy LowellWilliam BlakeEzra PoundRobert FrostSylvia PlathDylan Thomas

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The following documents are used consistently throughout this course

Use and familiarity with these documents are key to your success in English 9 Honors

Keep this packet and these documents at the front of your binder along with syllabus for easy and quick reference

I will provide duplicates of these documents as relevant; these should be filed behind the appropriate tabs in your binder

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Homework Policy

Daily homework is written on the DAILY AGENDA and posted on the website

Homework is due at the START of class the day after it is assigned unless instructed otherwise. I collect it after the bell rings so no points if you submit it after the bell.

DO NOT USE CLASS TIME TO PREPARE YOUR WORK FOR THE BOX – that is the “home” part of homework.

All missed assignments must be submitted the day after you return from an excused absence or after the number of days you were absent– no later. Keep in mind you can always check the website if you want to get a jump on the work – EARLY SUBMISSION FOR MISSED WORK IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.

o Example 1 – You miss a Wednesday, you return Thursday = The homework assigned Tuesday is now due on Thursday; the homework assigned on the day you were absent is due Friday (the day after you return).

o Example 2 – You miss a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday = The homework assigned Monday is due on Friday; the homework assigned on the 3 missing days is due 3 days (the number you missed) from the day you return or Tuesday of the next week.

ANYTHING ASSIGNED A WEEK OR MORE AHEAD OF TIME IS DUE ON THE ASSIGNED DATE – ABSENCES DO NOT BUY YOU AN EXTRA DAY.

CRITICAL: If you are absent the day a major assignment is due (e.g., term paper, homework packet, oral presentation):

o you must submit the completed assignment by the time your class meets or have someone submit it to the front office.

o Send the entire document through email. This will serve as your final document.

o Failure to do either will result in a 0 for that assignment. An email to me explaining any “special” circumstances MAY buy you time or consideration, but do not count on it. I am firm on this policy.

o Notes from parents will not excuse a late project or essay that has been assigned a week or more in advance.

o You may NOT miss assignments due to a school event or trip. If you are at school or a school event, you owe the assignment.

Remember, you can always use your Redemption Points for assignments (see policy posted in class and in class syllabus)

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Redemption Policy and Submission 

Redemption days buy you an extra day to submit assignments. Weekends DO count toward the number of days used. You get five per semester. Submission: Followed to the letter. You must: Turn in the work by your period the next day Write at the top of the assignment “Redemption” Write the date the work was due Write the date the work is submitted. Write the number of days of Redemption you are claiming Hand the assignment directly to me.

 Note: Redemption does not apply to all assignments; ask first to avoid disappointment. 

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English 9 Honors Binder Organization

Note: This handout repeats the organization outlined on page 3 in the syllabus.

You must bring a neat, well-organized notebook to class everyday. It must be:– a three-ring binder large enough to hold the entire semester’s paperwork

(no smaller than 2 inches). – It must be neatly organized– Use appropriate materials rather that post it notes or tape as tabs (knock yourself out,

buy the real thing)– It must have neatly marked tabs and be arranged in the order listed– All papers must be in the rings – no papers in pockets– THIS BINDER IS DEDICATED ENTIRELY TO ENGLISH – do not include other

course work. EXCEPTION: AVID students.

Please make lovely, neat tabs for numbers 1-7 and arrange in the following order:Startup material (it’s this packet you’re looking at now) on top of the first tab in the same order as on the websiteDOL/Grammar – I will give you the handouts, you keep them in order.Vocabulary –Includes all Vocabulary Lists. Arranged from oldest (on top) to newest (on bottom). Should include vocabulary list on top, then the worksheet (if applicable), then sentences, and finally the test in that orderWriting – Here you will maintain any writer’s workshop materials or writing practice work. Study Unit – Include all materials related to our unit of study – that’s anything I give you and anything you produce Notes – Taking notes is a key to this class. Students will use the Cornell method of note-taking. You will use these notes to review and study; often you will use your notes on tests and times essays. It is critical then that you maintain organized and current notes. I will randomly collect your notes to ensure you are actively thinking and applying your knowledge.Essays – With essay logsMisc. – Anything left over

Materials You Will Include in Your Binder: Current text –a MUST Marble Notebook for journals Several pens for writing Five red pens for editing and correcting Pencils for Scantron quizzes Highlighters Colored Post-It tabs (the little thin ones for marking pages) Highly recommended but not required:

– Post It notes– White Out– Glue Stick– Mini Stapler

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Taboo Words and Forms to Avoid

In high school you must take care to write with academically appropriate language. Therefore, avoid taboo words and conventions. These words not only suck the life out of your work but represent a basic, immature, and unimaginative understanding of language. You as advanced students of English must strive to move beyond these lowly forms and conventions. You are responsible for knowing these words and conventions on all academic writing, including essays, homework packets, and vocabulary sentences.

thing, thingsstuffa lot ofokay, okcommon adjectives (good, bad, happy, sad, mad) choose more precise languagewannagonnakidguykind of/sort ofNowadaysCommon modifiers such as very, extremely, incredibly (chose a precise word)could of, would of, should of (could have, would have)& instead of andContractions (won’t = will not)Text messaging terms: lol = hilarious, 2 = to, 4 = for, GF = death First person in academic writing except personal narratives: I, we, us, our, meSecond person: youUse of the word Mr. before an author’s namenumbers ten and under are spelled out unless part of a date, street numbers or proper names. Numbers over ten are spelled out if they start a sentence.slang (my bad, emo, fugly, peeps, dawgs, homies, sup, rad)anything obscene (in direct quotes, use only the first and last letters, replace each missing letter with an asterisk = s**t) jargon (“technical talk” example: Bilateral probital hematoma (jargon)  for a black eye, or “shiner” (SLANG)clichés (I got your back 24/7; and I’d go to the moon and back for you)prove – as it applies to arguing mean and matter (you do the proving)true or truly – as it applies to the essence of somethingThe fact that = thatIn order to = to

Additionally avoid Avoid using “one” when referring to an anonymous person – reword the sentence to appear address the people you are actually referencing, like Americans, individuals, women, pioneers, etc. “Talks about” when referencing a writer’s statement in a novelBeing (find stronger verbs)

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There is (are) (there is a woman I know who is insane about her dog = A woman I know is insane about her dog)Gerunds are words that take a form of to and add an ing to the verb “ Paul is reflecting on the war” should read “Paul reflects on the war.”The author wants to show/the author intends (assumes)Do not refer to the reader (the reader will see that....) elementsDo not refer to the quote (the quote is important because…)Passive voice. The review will be performed by Ms. Miller = Ms. Miller will perform the review; Ms. Gerber’s food was cheered by all = Everyone cheered Ms. Gerber’s food “What people don’t know/realize is” (assumes)Rhetorical questions except in intro and conclusionThe author “is able to” – this implies a lack of qualifications.Generalizations – always be as specific as possibleSyllogistic logic – we aim to prove through explanations and examplesKnow your standard heading for class work and the standard heading for MLA. They are different:

MLA Standard Headingplace on left side of paper

Double space – no more, no lessNote order and abbreviations

Standard Heading for McNeela Work

(place on right side of paper, at the top)

Joe M. Student

Ms. McNeela

English 9 Honors

18 Nov. 2014

Joe StudentPeriod 1

November 18, 2014Ms. McNeela

Additionally:When you write about fiction, use present tense.Non-fiction is written in authentic tenseNever critique (“Steinbeck beautifully and accurately portrays the life of dispossessed migrants.” This is not your job nor are you qualified to judge iconic American literature – simply argue your thesis).Omit all summary – ARGUE instead

Finally: KNOW THY AUDIENCE – Your audience is me, your teacher, who has read the works countless times. You do not need to say “Jim, a slave, is set adrift on the vast Mississippi River.” I am well aware Jim is a slave. Nor do you need to relate that “The protagonist in the novel is a boy named Huckleberry Finn, who takes a journey down the river.” Likewise, you should assume I know the name of the protagonist. This type of writing

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reads as fluff and filler and a pretty clear indication that you don’t have much to say regarding your argument.KNOW THY REGISTER – unless specifically stated, assume the register for academic writing is formal – do not adopt a friendly, casual demeanor with your reader, do not invoke second person, and do not EVER summon the egregious first person (I, we, us, our). EVER.

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Language Registers

There are five language register or styles. Each level has an appropriate use that is determined by differing situations. It would certainly be inappropriate to use language and vocabulary reserved for a boyfriend or girlfriend when speaking in the classroom. Thus, the appropriate language register depends upon the intended audience (who), the topic (what), purpose (why) and location (where). I will tell you which language to use for a specific assignment, so please familiarize yourself with them.

You must control the use of language registers to enjoy success in every aspect and situation you encounter.

1. Static RegisterThis style of communications RARELY or NEVER changes. It is “frozen” in time and content, e.g. the Pledge of Allegiance, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Preamble to the US Constitution, the Alma Mater, a bibliographic reference, and laws.

2. Formal RegisterThis language is used in formal settings and is one-way in nature. This use of language usually follows a commonly accepted format. It is usually impersonal and formal. A common format for this register are speeches, e.g. sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, speeches, pronouncements made by judges, announcements.

3. Consultative RegisterThis is a standard form of communications. Users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communications. It is formal and societal expectation accompanies the users of this speech. It is professional discourse, e.g. when strangers meet, communications between a superior and a subordinate, doctor and patient, lawyer and client, judge and lawyer, teacher and student, counselor and client.

4. Casual RegisterThis is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, vulgarities and colloquialism are normal. This is a “group” language. One must be a member to engage in this register, e.g. buddies, teammates, chats, emails, blogs and letters to friends.

5. Intimate RegisterThis communication is private. It is reserved for close family member or intimate people, e.g., husbands and wives, boyfriend and girlfriend, siblings, parent and children.

Rule of Language Use:One can usually transition from one language register to an adjacent one without encountering repercussions. However, skipping one or more levels is usually considered inappropriate and even offensive.

Source: Montano-Harmon, M.R. “Developing English for Academic Purposes.” California State University, Fullerton.

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What is Rhetoric?

In its long history, rhetoric has enjoyed many definitions, served many purposes, and included many different disciplines.

What we can say about rhetoric, in a very simple way, is that it is the art of persuasion.So who uses rhetoric? We all do? A politician who wants your vote; a lawyer who wants you to acquit his client; a salesman who wants you to buy his product; even a little child who wants you to give him a cookie; we all use rhetoric because we all shape language to our purposes, and we all use persuasion.

Today, the definition may be a bit confusing as it embraces both positive and negative connotations. Rhetoric can refer to exaggerated or inflated talk, much like what we hear in political speeches. Since rhetoric refers to persuasion through carefully crafted words, it can be used as a negative term because it suggests that the speaker (or writer) uses words falsely, instead of using "plain talk" to convey something. It sounds good, but what is it really saying? It’s a lot of style without a lot of substance.

In literature – and for the purposes of this class - rhetoric is what convinces the reader/or listener to feel a certain way about a topic. It is the art of conveying a point in a convincing, eloquent, and effective way. Rhetoric is what makes some writing beautiful and other writing bland.

The study of rhetoric goes back to ancient Greece, when speakers began to practice the art of persuasion in courts of law. The ancients realized that presentation is as important, or perhaps more important, as facts.

Remember, it’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. For evidence of how style can motivate outcome, visit the website American Rhetoric, at

According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion." He described three main forms of rhetoric: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing by the character of the author. We tend to believe people whom we respect. The writer/speaker must be someone worth listening to or the writer/speaker must cite someone whose opinion matters in proving an argument.

o Use: When Michael Jordan became the spokesperson for Nike, it was an ethical appeal because it implied that if a person wore that sneaker, they could be as good an athlete as Michael Jordan. Note that the “Got Milk” ads also appeal to our identification with celebrity. Even “The Most Interesting Man in the World” ads for Dos Equis beer rely on the viewer placing their trust in a noted “expert”. Ethos also appears in advertisements that use doctors to endorse medical products, or those that use "seals of approval" like when cars are endorsed by JD Powers and Associates.

Pathos (Emotional) means persuading by appealing to the reader's emotions. We can look at texts ranging from classic essays to political speeches to contemporary

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advertisements to see how pathos, emotional appeals, are used to persuade. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can be used to enhance an argument.

o Use – Many advertisements in print and on television rely on visual images and spoken word to cut right to your emotions. Think of the “Save the Children” spot that shows tattered orphans in environments of extreme poverty. Think also ads for Folger’s coffee which appear at Christmas when the family returns home, only to crown the event with a rich, aromatic blend. Think of the Calvin Klein ad that shows only joyful, impossibly good looking young people frolicking in the outdoors. All of these ads summon some sort of emotion whether it is compassion, a sense of homecoming, or the need to belong, we can relate.

Logos (Logical) means persuading by the use of reasoning. This was Aristotle's favorite appeal because it relies on good sense. Logic is used to support a claim. Most academic writing, including ours, will center on good solid reasoning. We'll look at deductive and inductive reasoning, and discuss what makes an effective, persuasive reason to back up your claims.

o Use: Many advertisements will appeal to your sound sense of reason and logic. That’s why comparing Product X with Product Y is so successful. Another common tactic is “identify and nullify” where the ad exposes a commonly held belief but then proceeds to invalidate the myth with “the facts”. The Mac vs. PC commercials use this approach as do several car companies that compare American to Japanese cars.

For each of the writing assignments I assign, I will also provide you with the appropriate rhetorical appeal and the appropriate voice. Remember, knowing your audience and the proper register are key to effective persuasion. Now that you have the tools, go on and convince me.

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General Preparations and Submission Instructionsfor Each Essay Log

Use this essay form; do not create your own. Make sure the essay is in the landscape (not portrait format) Start an essay log for each essay on a new page Essays should take multiple pages on a log. Use a pen or type. You may find it easier to type so that you can cut and paste the same comments for the same

corrections. List all comments (both positive and constructive) List comments as they are written; do not changing any wording. Do not summarize or paraphrase. List comments in the order they appear Include editing marks as they appear on the page (you may have to write the word and provide the editing mark over it) Include the same corrections/comments as many times as they actually appear (do not put taboo – 5 times; include 5

times). If the same corrections appear more than once, you may include the same action plan. Leave a single blank space between each entry (both the teacher comments/ and the action plan) Number each individual comment; make sure the corresponding action plan has the same number as the correction. Do not crowd the page.

Include the latest essay behind the newest essay log. Include all old essay logs behind the newest essay (you need not include old essays) Staple all the pages of the same essay log together. Paperclip all essay logs together Make sure you include the standard heading at the top right-hand corner

Write the Entire Essay Prompt

Provide the entire essay prompt. Include the context section in this section.You need only include the prompt on the first page of the essay log.

Grade

Include both the

letter and percentage

Teacher CommentsInclude all teacher comments and marks EXACTLY as

written. Do not summarize or interpret.

Action Plan(Note a specific course of action (step by step) to

correct this error. Do an action plan for each teacher comment

I want to know exactly what you will do to address the problem. No credit for reactions rather than

plans

Write the Entire Essay PromptEssay # 1

Grade Teacher Comments(Include ALL comments, both positive and constructive).

For Cover Sheet – Please put teacher comments under this section but do not write an action plan for the remarks on

Action Plan(Note a specific course of action (step by step) to

correct this error. Do an action plan for each teacher comment

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the cover sheet. Do not summarize or paraphrase – write comments as they

appear on your paper.Make sure you include feedback each time it appears

I want to know exactly what you will do to address the problem. No credit for reactions rather than plans

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