Paragraph Assignment # 4 - How to better deal with Stress (How To)
First Draft due Thursday May 18
In class, we watched two separate TED talks that examined our "Stress Response" as humans and suggested ways in which we might better manage stress in our lives. (Both TED talks are linked below). After watching and discussing both videos, students were asked to write a "How To" paragraph explaining how someone might apply the advice from the TED talks to managing of stress in his or her life. The paragraph should begin with a hook & topic sentence followed by at least three ideas (each supported with example/explanation/evidence), and a closing sentence.
To help you out:
Some of the main ideas discussed were:
Kelly McGonigal - Changing your stress beliefs, seeking comfort(hugs), caring for others (Oxytocin)
Amy Cuddy - Power posing (testosterone/cortisol), "Fake it til you become it"
To help you out:
Some of the main ideas discussed were:
Kelly McGonigal - Changing your stress beliefs, seeking comfort(hugs), caring for others (Oxytocin)
Amy Cuddy - Power posing (testosterone/cortisol), "Fake it til you become it"
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Paragraph Assignment # 3 - 2 week vs. 1 week Spring Break (Opinion)
First Draft due Friday May 5
Students were given the task of first finding some articles about the School Board decision to revert back to a 1 week Spring break for the next three school years. They were asked to have an opinion about the decision, and to write an opinion paragraph using both personal ideas and factual evidence in order to support their perspective. Being able to find relevant, supporting information in non-fiction text is a valuable skill that many middle school students struggle with. Student writing should include an interesting hook followed by a strong, clear statement of opinion, several sentences that support the opinion with facts, ideas and examples, and a closing sentence that re-states the opinion and may include a "call to action."
Links to articles on the 1-2 week debate.
https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/kamloops-thompson-schools-return-one-week-spring-break/
http://cfjctoday.com/article/555974/school-district-73-shortens-spring-break
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kamloops-parents-have-mixed-reaction-to-shorter-spring-break-1.3942085
Links to articles on the 1-2 week debate.
https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/kamloops-thompson-schools-return-one-week-spring-break/
http://cfjctoday.com/article/555974/school-district-73-shortens-spring-break
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kamloops-parents-have-mixed-reaction-to-shorter-spring-break-1.3942085
FINAL: PUBLISHED DRAFT - Due Monday Feb 20
For the published piece, students selected their favourite of the two pieces we completed during second term (assignments below). This assignment was expected to be typed according to the specifications on the published work guidelines (below). Assignments will be handed in with good copy on top, then editing checklist, and then rough draft(s). The marking rubric is also attached below.
published_work_guidelines.odt | |
File Size: | 35 kb |
File Type: | odt |
paragraph_editing.odt | |
File Size: | 31 kb |
File Type: | odt |
writing_rubric.docx | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Paragraph Assignment # 2 - A Time I got Injured (Narrative)
First Draft due Jan 23.
Students were given the task of composing a short narrative (true story) of a time where they, or someone they were with got injured. The focus here, is not on the severity of the injury, but on the telling of the story. Students were instructed to consider: the setting, the characters and the description of the event. What happened? How? Why? It is important in telling a story that the reader has a detailed picture of what is happening in order to understand. Student writing should include a creative/interesting hook, a topic sentence and a closing sentence. 10 sentences min.
Paragraph Assignment # 1 - My Utopia/Dystopia (Descriptive)
First Draft due Dec 7.
Students were given the task of composing a descriptive paragraph about the best or worse place they have ever been. While this may not align exactly with the true definitions of utopia/dystopia, writing about a place you have actually been makes it much easier to paint a vivid description. In their paragraphs, students were encouraged to use strong descriptive vocabulary & sensory descriptors (sight, sound, smell, feel, taste). Use of figurative language such as metaphors or similes was also encouraged. Paragraphs were expected to include a creative/interesting hook, a topic sentence and a closing sentence. 10 sentences min.