We have spent the last week reviewing parts of essay writing, including different types, strengthening arguments, and organizing information. Students have completed, (or should have completed) two writing assignments by now where they applied their knowledge so that I know they are on the right track. This is all a bit of a process – a process where students submit drafts, I provide descriptive feedback and suggestions for improvements, and the student does a rewrite. Yes, it’s a lot of work and yes, it can be tedious, but the skills of organizing information and constructing a well-supported piece of writing are invaluable.

There are a few things that have stood out from all three classes as we review essays:

• Comma Splices remain the most common of all grammatical errors. Why are they so difficult to master? Hopefully highlighting them on essays and discussing them in class will give them they attention they deserve
• Description and Detail are strong in most student’s writing. All of those years spent drilling the importance of “reasons, examples, and explanations” have paid off!
• Edit Your Work! I was a little disappointed with some of the spelling, grammar, and mechanical errors in submissions. This is frustrating when spell-check is so readily available.

So, this week, we will continue exploring some of the finer points of essays as each class begins a larger unit culminating task and prepares for an Essay Unit Test. Practice makes better!

ENG3U: We will explore the argumentative and expository essay this week. You will examine persuasive techniques and fallacious arguments. Your unit test is scheduled for Thursday, February 11. Also, remember to keep reading Frankenstein. We are starting that unit next!

ENG4C: This week, we will work on the “Important Issues Essay” as a way to put essay skills, (such as organizing, supporting, editing, and revising) to use. You will also have a unit test on Thursday, February 11. Have you started reading Crow Lake yet? It’s coming up!

ENG4U: Our class will examine a number of essay examples from Echoes 12, especially expository essays, as they seem to be more unfamiliar with students. You will also be responsible for a larger argumentative essay this week. Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 11 as a test is scheduled. Finally, I recommend beginning The Great Gatsby, as that unit will begin very soon.

Yes, it’s busy, but busy is good – and students who commit to the work and take advantage of the feedback process will undoubtedly improve their language skills, making them much gooder and awesomer better readers and writers.

While it’s only the middle of the week, it’s been great so far. Each class is full of enthusiastic students who are keen on taking their literacy skills to the next level. This week, we’re talking essays in each class, reviewing such things as the generation of awesome thesis statements, the organization of information, and the focus on assessment and evaluation.

ENG3U students are writing narrative essays focusing on an important moment in their life, connecting it to a “so what” idea that teaches a lesson or inspires their readers. We are also examining essay examples, including completed pieces and individual pieces such as thesis statements.

ENG4C students are also writing about important moments as a basis to begin using descriptive feedback to improve individual student’s writing. This class will switch gears to argumentative essays and begin their first large essay assignment, on an issue important to them.

ENG4U students have been discussing some of the theoretical ideas around essays, including the notion that an essay can transcend beyond words, as we noted by watching this short video:

We will continue examining the major types of essays over the next week as students demonstrate their knowledge and hone their skills.

Thanks for some great work so far!

Hello, and welcome to semester two at GCHS!

I am excited for many great opportunities this semester. While it will undoubtedly be a busy semester, my hope is that students find classes engaging and relevant. We’ll be going over a variety of literature, writing, communication techniques, and media studies in each course as we deepen our understanding of voice, purpose, and audience. We’ll read and write both fiction and non-fiction in various forms, we’ll have some great discussions, and we will gain an appreciation for all things English.

We’ll be jumping right into things this week, starting with a look at forms of writing, including essays. Here are some things you can do right away to help make your semester successful:

ENG3U – Grade 11 English, University

• You can join the ENG3U Remind service by clicking here and following instructions.
• Begin reading Frankenstein so that you are able to fully participate in our first novel study. The first few chapters may be tough, but persevere!
• You are responsible for registering to TurnItIn.com, a plagiarism detection tool. You will require the following information: Class ID: 11882416   Password: wilson3u

ENG4C – Grade 12 English, College

• You can join the ENG4C Remind service by clicking here and following instructions.
• I suggest beginning the novel Crow Lake so you can fully participate in the first novel study unit, which is coming soon!
• You are responsible for registering to TurnItIn.com, a plagiarism detection tool. You will require the following information: Class ID: 11882428   Password: wilson4c

ENG4U – Grade 12 English, University

• You can join the ENG4U Remind service by clicking here and following instructions.
• Please begin reading The Great Gatsby, which will be the focus of our first novel study
• You are responsible for registering to TurnItIn.com, a plagiarism detection tool. You will require the following information: Class ID: 11882433   Password: wilson4u

As always, I welcome questions or comments. If you need help with something, then ask! I’m available throughout the day or via email. Have a wonderful first week back!