NEED REPLY IN 15 HOURS or LESS

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You are articulating your project for the first time in this unit. What do you think about the process of creating a project so far? Have you found it difficult or appropriately challenging? What are some of the things that you have learned so far about the process and about yourself as a researcher? 

If you could go back in time to a few weeks ago, what are some of the things you know today that you would tell yourself? In other words, what are some of the key lessons you have learned? Similarly, what have you learned in researching that has made your process easier? Share these methods with your classmates; you never know whom you might help! 

Alternatively, you have been deeply situated in your research for the past few units. What have you learned about your topic that you did not know before? What do you find fascinating? What advice would you like to share with your classmates? 

PLEASE REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE? (A MINIMUM OF 125 WORDS)     

                                             CLASSMATE’S POST

So far me I have learned a lot on researching that I didn’t know. For example, I didn’t realize the power of the search engines that we use today, and the sources it provides. I think that it has provided a clear understanding on the topic that I have chosen. It has taught me to not just scratch the surface but look for a more deeper thought process on the subject. I have also seen the power of arguing a specific topic, and how you can absorb more information than what you started with. I have gathered some important information on drug testing athletes. I can see the importance of establishing a solid foundation, parent involvement, and the financial struggles that implementing drug testing for student athletes. I have also seen that some student athletes have been very vocal when they have been wrongly charged with a positive drug screen. They have spoken out and beat the wrongfully charges that they were passed down with.

pre-lecture reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS:

For this assignment, you are to ponder some reflection questions before listening to the lecture component. These questions aim to stimulate your thinking and focus your concentration on the topics to be explored in the lecture, as a means of provoking you into thinking philosophically while you attentively listen to the lecture. There will be multiple topics, but do not respond to them all. Rather, pick one topic to respond to that catches your attention or that you otherwise find intriguing. After you have selected your topic, spend 10 minutes pondering the topic’s questions and recording your thoughts. The reason for there being multiple questions within a topic is to assist with developing a response that has depth. For this assignment, do not be concerned about the number of thoughts you have on the topic. Rather, you should be concerned with the quality of your thoughts. In assessing your response, the teaching team will look to see how clearly and precisely you articulate your beliefs and how deeply you explain the reasoning for and assumptions underlying your beliefs. Here are the topics for you to consider:

Topic #2: What do you think are the causes of the pain and suffering we experience in life? Does awareness of these causes allow you to better cope and manage pain and suffering? Does awareness of these causes allow you to eliminate pain and suffering in your life? If so, how? As you articulate your position, clearly explain your reasoning for your position, and if appropriate provide a concrete real-life example that illustrates your position.

Pre-Lecture Reflection Rubric

Pre-Lecture Reflection Rubric

CriteriaRatingsPts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDemonstrates Critical Thinking  

10.0 ptsExcellent A clear statement of the main position can be found. Each reason for believing the position is made clear, and as much as possible, presented in single statements. The reasons clearly support the position, and the author demonstrates awareness of exactly the kind of support they provide. The reflection considers at least one counter-example, counter-argument, and/or opposing position, and provides original and/or thoughtful response.

8.5 ptsGood The main position is obvious, but there is no single clear statement of it. The reasons are all clear, although each may not be presented in a single statement. The premises support the thesis, and the author demonstrates awareness of the general kind of support they provide. The reflection considers a counter-example, counter-argument, and/or opposing positions, and provides a response.

7.5 ptsNeeds Improvement The position is present, but must be uncovered or reconstructed from the response. The reasons are not clear and must be reconstructed from the response. The reasons somewhat support the position, but the author does not demonstrate awareness of the kind of support they provide.

6.5 ptsUnacceptable No clear position can be found, the explanation and examples provided do not support the position, and/or no counter-examples, counter-arguments, or opposing positions are considered.

10.0 pts  

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity and Precision  

10.0 ptsExcellent All new or unusual terms are well-defined. Key concepts and theories are accurately and completely explained. Good, clear examples are used to illuminate concepts and issues. Information (names, facts, etc.) is accurate. All steps in the reasoning process are clearly articulated so that the reader can easily follow the thought process being presented in the reflection. The reflection is precise, in that it is specific and detailed, avoiding general and vague statements.

8.5 ptsGood Most new or unusual terms are well-defined. Key concepts and theories are explained. Examples are clear. Information (names, facts, etc.) is accurate. Most steps in the reasoning process are clearly articulated and gaps in reasoning can be easily bridged. Most of the reasoning is precise.

7.5 ptsNeeds Improvement New or unusual terms are not well-defined. Key concepts and theories are not explained. Examples are not clear. Information (names, facts, etc.) is mostly accurate. It is difficult to follow the steps in the reasoning process and gaps in reasoning cannot be bridged. General and vague statements are used.

6.5 ptsUnacceptable The author does not acknowledge that key words have precise meanings. Information (names, facts, etc.) is inaccurate. The reflection has rhetorical questions and/or uses of slang.

10.0 pts

reply1

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This story was very different and at least to me very. It seemed like it would be more fitting if it was made into a manga. I think having that visual aspect of it would make it more comical than it is as a regular fiction story. What I liked about the story was how the frog was the narrator of the story in a sense because even though he is the beginning conflict of the story, he is the one who provides background information on not only why he is there but also who Mr. Katagiri is and how the rest of the story will basically play out. There is a book by Joseph Campbell called “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” This story reminded about the book because of the fact that the story follows this idea of what journey a hero takes when he is called upon and basically how he becomes the legendary he is today. I believe this is why even though this story was a bit out there, it was entertaining to read because we have read this type of story before with heroes from Greek mythology like Hercules to superheroes of today like Superman or the Avengers. They all follow this model.

   I thought it was very interested that he chose to make the entire story a dream of a probably mentally ill person. It kind of seems like Katagiri envisions himself as this courageous person. It kinds of seems like Mr.Frog is his conscious who is there to tell him and reinforce the idea that he can be courageous even if it does mean, just cheering on the sideline. He wants to feel important he imagines this giant disaster where is it the key to saving millions of lives and no one can stop it but him and Mr. Frog. This whole story is Katagiri trying to be a hero, something entirely different than what his life is probably is like. It also reminded me of Inception because we believe the first setting of the story is what it actually seems to be, then it seems that everything he was experiencing was made up because of the background information the nurse gives us at the very end.

Word Count: 369

A1.1 Step 1: Thesis Statement for Literary Essay

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Read: “Your Thesis Statement” in the Module One Resourcesfolder. For more detailed information, read “Draft and Revise a Thesis Statement” on pages 14-19 in Rules for Writers, 8th edition.

Directions:

  1. Choose one of the topics and approaches provided for you.
  2. Write a working thesis statement for the topic and approach you chose. Your thesis statement must be an analysis, not just a statement of fact about the novel. 
  3. Your professor must approve your thesis statement. If you did not receive at least a 70, you need to revise. You are permitted three attempts in this assignment, and the highest grade will be recorded.

 Click on A1.1 Step 1: Thesis Statement for Literary Essay to begin.

 Your Thesis Statement for the Novel Disgrace

Like any paper you have ever written for a first-year composition course, you must have a specific, detailed thesis statement that reveals your perspective. When writing about literature, your perspective must be one which is not overtly obvious. In this folder you will find a page titled “Choose One Topic and Approach.”  You will find several topics and approaches to choose from, but you will write your own thesis statement. When deciding on your thesis, pay attention to what to do/not to do here:

You would not want to write a thesis like this:

J. M. Coetzee’s novel, Disgrace takes place in post-apartheid South Africa.

That doesn’t say anything. Basically, it only states a fact about the story. It does not go beyond the obvious. Also what is not acceptable is the following:

Disgrace, a novel by J. M. Coetzee, traces a white middle-class professor as he faces disgrace for having sex with a student.

That doesn’t say much either. It is merely a one-sentence summary of the novel’s plot.

A better thesis would be something like this:

J. M. Coetzee’s Disgrace suggests that the white professor’s disgrace reflects the disgrace and shame of whites in post-apartheid South Africa. 

That is debatable, maybe even controversial. Some scholars might disagree with the above statement. If your thesis statement is not completely debatable, it should at least make a statement that is not obvious, seeing the work in a different way through thought and discovery. 

For more details on writing a good thesis statement, check your handbook Rules for Writers and read “Draft and revise a working thesis statement“ pages 14-19.

Summarizing

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 (Need in 6 hours)

Last week, your written assignment consisted of analyzing a source. This week, you will summarize a source. These two skills are useful in different situations. Both will be necessary as you work on your researched argument paper for this course. You may even discover that you will use these skills in your personal and professional life as well.

Remember that the purpose of this summary is to present the information from the reading in condensed form; your paper should be objective.

  • Do not include personal opinion, personal judgments of the material, or personal narrative.
  • Be brief, be as accurate as you can, and try to capture the complete sense of the reading in your summary.

Step 1:

Use the Ebscohost link to search for the following article:

Friedman, T. L., & Mandelbaum, M. (2011). America really was that great (but that doesn’t mean we are now). Foreign Policy, (189), 76-78.

As you read the article, it may be helpful to take notes, or create an outline of the text.

Step 2:

Write a summary of the article. Your summary should meet the following guidelines:

  • Is between 150 and 250 words(no longer)
  • Includes direct quotations and paraphrased passages from the text which are cited in APA in-text citation style
  • Uses attributive tags that but establishes him or her as an authority in the field of study
  • Avoids personal opinion
  • Is written clearly, concisely, and accurately
  • Is written solely in third-person
  • Includes an APA style References page
  • Has been closely edited so that it contains few or no mechanical errors

Step 3:

Summary Exercise Checklist

Use these questions to evaluate your essay against the assignment requirements:

  • Does this summary meet the assignment criteria?
  • Does your summary present the main ideas in the original article?
  • Does this summary use effective transitions as it progresses from sentence to sentence?
  • Does this summary avoid personal opinion, casual language, or first or second person language?
  • Is there anything in this summary that could have been left out without losing its effect?
  • Is the summary effective? Does information need to be added or deleted to complete the assignment?

REPLY TO CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION

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Writing a research paper is a great undertaking, and now you are at the end of the process. No doubt, you feel emboldened by your accomplishment. 

As we have done throughout this course, you will be asked to reflect one last time. What did you find to be the most challenging about the process of writing this research paper? What did you find to be the easiest? What did you learn about writing in general throughout this course? What did you learn about yourself as a writer? What would you like to share in the way of advice for other students who take this course after you? Discuss how the concepts in this course can be applied to real-world situations and increase your chances of career or life success.

PLEASE REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE? (A MINIMUM OF 125 WORDS)      

                                           CLASSMATE’S POST

Without a doubt the most challenging part was just getting started. Even after I thought I had a topic, I realized it was too broad and had to revise it. I have always been threatened by writing papers, and this course has taken me way outside of my comfort zone. I am not sure that anything about the writing process was the easiest for me. I do however feel that having the words flow at my fingertip was the easiest. The words came easy after the I read and researched and understood the topic completely. I learned that there is a method to the madness.  I realized that as I worked through the process of writing a paper in the proper order, it was manageable. I learned that I am stronger that my fears. I learned that once I sat behind the keyboard, the words came. The rest was just a formal process of completion. I will always use the process of formal writing from this point forward. I have been one that just sat down and started writing in most cases, but now I will research and relate before doing so. I will also read and re-read everything. So many general errors that would make people think poorly of me are easily caught by just reading what I have typed before sending it.

General Ed 1

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  • ****Due in 12 Hrs!!!****
  • ISSUE I HAVE CHOSEN: HOMELESSNESS 
  • Your task is to find a national or international organization that is currently working to effect positive change for the issue you have chosen. For example, if you chose an environmental issue, you might decide to evaluate Greenpeace. Example social issues and organizations.
  • XYZ University has required you to find and read the following peer-reviewed article in the EBSCO library. EBSCO Quick Guide. 

Vizenor, N., Souza, T., & Ertmer, J. (2016). Benefits of participating in service-learning, business-related classes: Assessing the impact on community partners. Journal for Research in Business Education, 58(1), 1-15. (Note: please be sure to check the Business Source Complete database for this article).

Paper Requirements: 

Complete the following steps.

Step 1: Introduction – Introduce the social issue you have selected. Explain to your reader why this issue is important and why they should be interested. What are the benefits of service learning in causing positive change for this issue? Provide at least one citation from a peer-reviewed article to support your claims in this section.

Step 2: Community Organization – Introduce the organization you have selected. Briefly describe the organization’s historical background. What is the primary focus of the organization? How does the organization meet the communities’ needs?  Provide at least one citation from a peer-reviewed article to support your claims in this section.

Step 3: Conclusion – Provide a summary of the social issue and how the organization addresses the social issue. Summarize the benefits for students and the community of performing service learning at this organization.  Provide at least one citation from a peer-reviewed article to support your claims in this section.  

Step 4: References – On a separate reference page, list all the references you have cited in your paper to support your claims.

Business Decision Making Project Part 1

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Business Decision Making Project Part 1

Identify a business problem or opportunity at a company where you work or with which you’re familiar. This will be a business problem that you use for the individual assignments in Weeks 3 to 5. It should be a problem/opportunity for which gathering and analyzing some type of data would help you understand the problem/opportunity better. 

Identify a research variable within the problem/opportunity that could be measured with some type of data collection.

Consider methods for collecting a suitable sample of either qualitative or quantitative data for the variable.

Consider how you will know if the data collection method would be valid and reliable. 

Develop a 1,050-word analysis to describe a company, problem, and variable.

Include in your submission:

·         Identify the name and description of the selected company.

·         Describe the problem at that company.

·         Identify one research variable from that problem.

·         Describe the methods you would use for collecting a suitable sample of either qualitative or quantitative data for the variable (Note: do not actually collect any data).

·         Analyze how you will know if the data collection method would generate valid and reliable data (Note: do not actually collect any data).

Format your assignment consistent with APA guidelines. 

 

 

Discussion English Composition 1

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Discussion 1: Complete this Worksheet. Each worksheet is building toward helping you write and complete your final paper. While the instructor may provide direct feedback, please check your grade to see how you progressed on this assignment.

Discussion 2: Comment on three of your peers’ posts. Feel free to ask them questions or for elaboration on something they said. The only requirement is to be kind and have a discussion (be specific and encouraging). If a teammate already has five comments, then choose a different teammate to interact with so that they feel included.

Instructions:

For your Public Space Essay, you will need to visit a public space of your choosing or reflect on a picture of a public space. Please list a combination of physical or pictured public spaces below.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Choose one of those five public spaces and tell me why it matters to you.

[post your answer below]

Tell a Story

In your Patterns Plus Book, please read Chapter 2 on Narration. In that chapter, you will see a paragraph pattern. Use that pattern to tell a story about the public space you selected and write a short narrative (100 words – 250 words), following the book’s suggested pattern: 

Topic Sentence:

Incident 1:

Incident 2:

Incident 3:

Incident 4:

Incident 5:

Conclusion:

Style Exercise:

In your book, read John Updike’s story “The Movie House” (pg 18), and Elizabeth Bishop’s “Geography” (pg 25). Now take the story you wrote and try and modify your story to match the style of John Updike or Elizabeth Bishop. Basically, I want you to pretend that you can write like they can. Pretend to be them. I know many of you like to copy. Try and copy them here but with your story. Good luck!

[Post Here]

Rubrics 

Argument essay (peer review)

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Argument Essay Assignment

I need a draft and a final essayAssignment DescriptionFor this essay, you should choose a topic from the Gale resource on Opposing Viewpoints (see below) and write a 4-5 page essay that argues a clearly defined position about that topic. The essay should have an introduction that has a clear thesis statement and demonstrates the relevance of your topic, several body paragraphs that each make focused claims, and a conclusion.In upper level courses, you will often be asked to demonstrate your ability to converse with other scholars in your field. Your job is to change the reader’s mind about a particular subject and persuade the reader into believing your argument. Your paper must be written so that it is accessible to readers from a different perspective. In other words, be fair and unbiased when acknowledging what others say about your topic, but then prove why they are wrong using logical reasons and credible evidence. In this essay, you must synthesize various sources while persuading the reader to accept your viewpoint. You do not want to simply report what others are saying, but engage in a dialogue with them.Purpose and Learning ObjectivesThe purpose of this assignment is to practice persuasive writing and synthesis of sources. You will increase your critical thinking skills by analyzing yours and others’ assumptions, evaluating multiple perspectives, and developing a clear position. Writing, research, and eloquent written expression are vital for a successful future. You will express all of these skills in this assignment. This essay will be used as the English department assessment for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s mandated core curriculum assessment of Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). This essay will address the SLO objectives of critical thinking and written communication.Your research paper should demonstrate the following learning objectives:

  • Awareness of the audience to whom you are speaking
  • Awareness of the purpose of your argument
  • Ability to enter into a scholarly conversation
  • Ability to write a qualified and narrow argumentative thesis statement
  • Ability to synthesize information from various sources
  • Ability to craft an argument with different types of relevant, credible, and detailed support
  • Ability to research  and identify academic sources
  • Ability to summarize, paraphrase, and quote while citing correctly in MLA to avoid plagiarism
  • Ability to converse in standard, academic English

Minimum Requirements

  • 1,200-1,500 word essay (4-5 pages)
  • An interesting and informative title
  • A clearly stated thesis in the introduction that articulates your position and what you want to argue in your paper.
  • Logical and clear reasons supporting your argument
  • A document formatted in correct MLA format
  • 5 sources (peer-reviewed journals, books, and reliable web sources) 
  • One of your sources must disagree with your argument and be used to create a counterargument. A counterargument occurs when you show what the opposing side claims and then refutes that side. For instance, if I am arguing that public schools should require children to be vaccinated unless a documented medical reason prohibits vaccination, then I might cite a source that argues that vaccinations are dangerous. I would show one or two main reasons the source gives and then show why those reasons are invalid as I prove my point about the need for vaccines.
  • A refutation of opposing arguments (in the counterargument)
  • A synthesis of sources; do not simply summarize your source material, but show how they are connected and respond to them.
  • A works cited page in MLA format with corresponding in-text citations. The works cited page should be included in the same document as your essay.

If you fail to meet the minimum requirements, you should not expect to earn higher than a D on the essay (but perhaps much lower).Due DatesRefer to the assignment calendar for due dates for this assignment.Remember, the grade for the peer review is separate from the grade for the essay. See the guidelines for peer review for instructions about completing the peer review process.Process of Completion Here are a few steps that might help you develop your essay:

  1. Choose your topic from the ones provided for this unit (see below).
  2. Once you’ve found a topic, determine if it needs to be narrowed or if a particular focus might help the argument. 
  3. For instance, if you were writing about obesity, you might need to find a slant that creates a more interesting argument than “obesity is a problem” (of course it’s a problem!). Narrowing helps a bit, but not enough: “to avoid obesity, Americans should exercise more” (of course Americans should exercise more!). But what if we narrow the topic further: “schools in Texas need to ban unhealthy foods from the lunch menu and eliminate vending machines with unhealthy snacks and sodas.” This sentence establishes a more focused and nuanced argument than the earlier topic of obesity. To create a more interesting topic, you might then move to question who is responsible for obesity. Is it individuals, corporations, cultural norms, the government, or some other entity? What can we do to change the culture in the United States so that obesity is not so prevalent? The more focused and nuanced the topic, the better the paper usually is. Starting with the topics from the list below, try to find a focused topic for your essay.
  4. After narrowing your topic, you should make a list of everything you know about the topic and everything you want to know. This list will guide your research.
  5. Now, you’re ready to start researching. Be sure to only include reliable sources in your research and to take careful notes to avoid accidentally plagiarizing your sources later. As you research, remember that plagiarism is still a serious offense even if you just forget to cite a source. Always keep notes of where you get information and be prepared to cite the information correctly.
  6. Be sure to allow a few days to draft your essay. You want to be sure you don’t forget any of the wonderful arguments you developed during the invention and research phases. You may also want to outline the major points of the essay before drafting.
  7. Always allow several days to revise the essay. You will get comments during peer review, and you should consider those comments carefully.
  8. Finally, be sure to edit your essay for mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and proofreading. 

Potential Topics Choose your topic from the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database: http://ic.galegroup.com.dcccd.idm.oclc.org/ic/ovic/?p=OVIC&u=txshracd2500 

  • U.S. Borders (Emigration & Immigration)
  • Cuba & Immigration
  • Children of illegal immigrants
  • Public Transportation
  • Civil Rights
  • Popular Culture
  • Culture of Beauty
  • Celebrity Culture
  • Renewable Energy
  • Animal Experimentation
  • Technology & Education
  • Vaccines
  • Privacy
  • Criminal Justice
  • Millennial Generation
  • Genetically Modified Foods

My topic is : Genetically Modified Foods

  • Instructions for Peer Review Peer reviews are an essential part of the revision process, as it’s important to receive feedback on your writing. Even the best writers ask for others to read their work. All you need to do is turn to the acknowledgement section of many books to find praise for others who have read drafts of the book. All important writing should be read by someone else prior to submission.  To earn credit for peer review, you must submit a draft to the peer review discussion board by the due date and comment on one of your classmates’ drafts by the second due date (the schedule lists two due dates: the first is when you must submit your draft; the second is when you must submit your responses to others). You must submit a draft AND comment on someone else’s draft to earn any credit for peer review. Just submitting a draft OR just commenting on someone’s draft will not earn credit. Posting Your Draft 
  • To post your draft, go to the discussion board for peer review included within the unit.
  • Create a new thread and post your draft as an attachment.  Your attachment must be saved as a .doc or .docx document. Please ensure that your draft uploads correctly.
  • Responding to Classmates 
  • Select a classmate’s thread and download his/her attached draft.
  • Reply to his/her thread to indicate the draft is under review (i.e. John Dow is currently reviewing the document).  Do not select the paper if someone else is already reviewing.
  • Read the draft carefully and respond to the questions listed below, either in a new document or at the top of your classmate’s document. At the very least, you must answer the questions, but you can also use the “Comment” function in Microsoft Word to write comments to your classmates within the essay (put your cursor where you want the comment, go to the “Review” tab in Microsoft Word, and select “New Comment”).
  • Complete the review and save the document to your computer.
  • Once you have completed the review, reply to your classmate’s thread and upload the review.
  • Questions for Peer Review 1. Read your peer’s essay from beginning to end just to let its ideas wash over you.  What are your initial thoughts? Did your peer satisfy the requirements of assignment?  Please explain in detail.  2. Review the essay’s title as well as its introduction and conclusion.  Think about the relationships among these three components. Do they match or do they disagree? Make note of strengths or weaknesses in these crucial areas.  Please explain in detail.  3. Find the essay’s thesis.  Is it clear? Is it well positioned? Paraphrase (put in your own words) the thesis of the essay to check your understanding. Review the assignment guidelines to ensure that your peer’s thesis is on target. Make note of strengths or weaknesses in this area. Please explain in detail.  4. Focus on the individual paragraphs of the essay.  Does each paragraph have a topic sentence that previews the ideas of the paragraph? Observe the essay’s development of paragraphs.  Does each paragraph have a single main idea that relates to the thesis?  Are there any paragraphs that seem disconnected or out of place?  5. Consider the essay’s use of the English language.  Are sentence structures, grammar, spelling, punctuation and mechanics employed effectively, or do errors distract the reader from understanding and enjoying the writer’s analysis? Make note of strengths and weaknesses in this area.  Please explain in detail.  Remember: When in doubt about how to do the peer review, be honest, helpful, and constructive. Saying “Great job! Don’t change a word!” never helped anyone to be a better writer.