Wednesday, January 26th around 9pm

Good evening,
below I have posted the two handouts from today:
1. Unacceptable Errors
2. Oral Presentation

See you Friday!


UNACCEPTABLE ERRORS

In English 20, students should already be very proficient in word usage. We do not have time for grammar lessons. (I will, however, provide short ‘mini’ lessons when I feel they are warranted.) The following errors that are commonly made on student papers are considered unacceptable.

For out of class essays, each unacceptable error takes ten points off your final earned grade. You may correct unacceptable errors and receive the points back if you choose to revise. Remember, you may ONLY revise ONE of the three out of class essays.
1. there – place Put it over there.
2. their – possessive pronoun That is their car.
3. they’re – contraction of they are They’re going with us.
4. your – possessive pronoun Your dinner is ready.
5. you’re – contraction of you are You’re not ready.
6. it’s – contraction of it is It’s a sunny day.
7. its – possessive pronoun The dog wagged its tail.
8. a lot – always two words I liked it a lot.
9. to – a preposition or part of an
infinitive I like to proofread my essays carefully.
10. too – an intensifier, or also That is too much. I will go too.
11. two – a number Give me two folders.
12. In today’s society Instead use “Today” or “In America” or “Now” etc
13. right(s)/write(s)/rite(s) rights are a set of beliefs or values in which a person feels entitled: His rights were read to him before he was arrested for stalking Dave Matthews. Writes is a verb indicating action taken with a pen, pencil or computers to convey a message: Michelle writes love letters to Dave Matthews in her sleep. Rites are a series of steps or events which lead an individual from one phase in life to the next, or a series of traditions that should be followed: The initiate began his rite of passage ceremony at the age of thirteen.
14. definitely/defiantly This error USUALLY occurs when a writer relies solely on spell-check. You really must learn to become the final editor of your work. Definitely is an adverb and it means without a doubt. Mary will definitely miss the Dave Matthews Band concert. Defiantly means to show defiance. She was in a defiant mood. It is an adjective. Or it could be used as an adverb. She was defiantly rude and sullen towards the professor.
***********************************************************************
An accumulation of the following errors can affect your grade, but not one error, ten points down. The number depends on how serious the error is, and how often you make it. Some do not slow up the reader as much as others.

• Misuse of the word “you”. You must actually mean the reader when you use the word “you”.

• Avoid use of contractions in formal expository writing. (can’t, shouldn’t, didn’t, etc.)

• Agreement of subject and verb. Both must be either singular or plural.

• Fragmented sentences, comma splices and run-ons. Be sure to proofread your papers carefully before turning them in.

You will not pass English 20 if you cannot write an intelligent sentence in correct English.
*****************************************************************************************************************

Oral Presentation Information
for English 20, Sections 1, 4, 7 and 11
Spring 2010
Instructor: Catherine Fraga

When? During class on May 9 and 11

(Sign ups will take place later in the semester.)

Out of class essay #3 will be assigned later in the semester and the details will be given later as well. However, the topic is no secret: it will be based on the Character Journal you will keep for each episode we view of “Breaking Bad.”

As a way to bring the semester to a close, each of you will give a short presentation concerning the topic and the content of your essay #3 to the class. You will briefly summarize your character analysis and highlight the main assertions and supportive evidence found in your essay.

This is not a speech class so it is not required that you give your synopsis of essay #3 while standing in front of the classroom. You certainly can if you wish, but just sitting at your desk is perfectly acceptable as well.

You are welcomed to use any visual or auditory aid if you wish.

The presentation should not exceed approximately three minutes.