In-class writing #2: You are still amazing!

Here's the writing prompt in a fun google doc

OR

Here it is ... (remember: you can use the tips from our last class or the comments from your last in-class writing)

The Creature’s Disposition

One of our guiding questions is: What factors inform our identity? Let’s apply that question to the creature as he asks himself,  “What was I?” (124).

In a clear and cohesive PARAGRAPH, answer the following question:

What is the most important factor that shapes the creature’s identity?

Be sure to begin with a strong and arguable thesis, use textual evidence to support your claims (citing page numbers in parenthetical notation at the end of each piece of evidence), and proofread when you are finished. A paragraph is NOT an essay. It is simply a paragraph with one idea presented. Your job is to be complete, concise, and insightful. You can do it!


Some hot tips on a solid paragraph. I recognize we have only reviewed the SPA parts, so know that not everyone will understand all of these elements. That’s ok. Try to do better than the last time. Keep up the good work!

1. Topic Sentence: The paragraph’s thesis.

2. Transition:  Guide your reader to your first idea.

3. Statement:  Supports your thesis.

4.  Context: Introduces quote or summary sentence or phrase that indicates the situation from which the quote was taken.

5. Proof:  The quote (with author & page number in parentheses at the end of the quote).

6. Analysis:  Interpret the quote. State why this quote proves the topic sentence.

7. Transition:  Provide another guide or link to second idea.

8. Second Main Idea: Statement

9. Context for second quote.

10. Second quote: Proof

11. Analysis of second quote.

12. Commentary:  Relate topic back to larger thesis of paper.

Instructions for electronically handing in your paper

1. When you are finished with your paper, save it as a PDF to the desktop.
2. Open a web browser and go to www.dropbox.com.
3. Sign into your dropbox account.
4. Find the folder you share with me, and me alone!
5. Drag your paper from the desktop into our shared folder.
6. Check in with Mary to make sure she has access to the paper.
7. Log out of dropbox.
8. Email paper to self as back-up
9. Quit the web browser
10. Throw essay in trash
11. High-5 self for being so awesome.