The Transition to Diction

While every hour seems to be moving along at a different pace, we are all ending at the same place: diction week. From syntax, we will move onto the analysis of words - the shifts, the patterns, the was to describe with specific adjectives. Before jumping into a recap of today's classes, here are some terms and allusions that you may want to know for our diction analyses - or at least to show off your knowledge to the other class savants: Genii, Tyrian, Nymph, Nereid, Ozymandias, sylvan, Tempe, Arcady, citadel.

1: We spent the entire class on the team close read, finishing up its analysis, constructing team thesis statements, individual body paragraphs, and introductory possibilities. We will be finishing that up tomorrow.

3: We wrapped our instant feedback for the Alcott prompts - once again exhibiting how a strong introduction can involve the reader, how body paragraphs can build analysis and incorporate a plethora of evidence, and how concluding paragraphs can leave the audience with something more that a redundant regurgitation of what has been written earlier. Afterwards, you have your syntax quiz (as always, absentees, you have 48 hours to complete the quiz or schedule a make-up time), and then began looking at semicolons.

4: We started off by having a psychedelic experience with colons (Uh, it may be fixed? Uh, it may never be fixed? Uh, I'm supposed to monitor it). For homework, you are to complete the punctuation review activity. You received your Cindy syntax prompts - with the knowledge that your class has the highest class average and has improved this average over 2 points. And, we ended up on the floor after reading "A Birthday" and analyzing a quote by Marilyn Monroe to build our super scintillating thesis statement. More of that tomorrow!

7: How does it feel to be the class with the greatest improvement on this prompt? Enough about how this class moved their average score over 3 points on this past Cindy Syntax essay! During our time today, you completed the syntax quiz (48 hours retake/makeup opportunity absentees) and you reviewed your essays. And with that, I have completed grading, e-mailing, and blogging. I guess shopping is next. Or, crashing in a heap on the floor when I finally do go home! Proud of you!