Timed+Writing+Tests

Tests
There are two tests in this class:
 * Test 1 on October 23
 * Test 2 on December 4 (the last day of class)

"Take-home" prompts to practice with: [|quiz_timed_practice.doc] Sample student essay on practice prompt 1: [|quiz_timed_practice_sample.pdf]
 * Timed Writing Practice**

Note: You will not be graded; this is simply writing practice. When you are finished, you can make an appointment with Laura to discuss your essay. Here's the prompt sheet to work from: [|additional writing practice.doc]
 * Would you like more practice? Optional essays for practice:**

We will have a practice session on Timed Writings in class on Friday, October 9 (graded as a quiz). [|quiz_timed_writing2.doc] [|Writing Sample prompt 2.pdf]
 * Timed Writing given on Friday, October 9**

We will have a practice session on Timed Writings in class on Friday, October 16 (graded as a quiz). In-class, timed writing practice on these prompts: [|quiz_timed_writing3.doc] Sample essay on prompt 1: [|Writing Sample 16oct09 1.pdf] Sample essay on prompt 2: [|Writing Sample 16oct09 2.pdf]
 * Timed Writing 3 given on Friday, October 16**

We will have a practice session on Timed Writings in class on Friday, November 6 (graded as a quiz). In-class, timed writing practice on these prompts of Compare/Contrast: [|quiz_timed_writing4.doc] Check out the Compare/Contrast Methods in Chap. 6: p. 168 Alternating p. 169 Block p. 174 Time Order
 * Timed Writing 4 given on Friday, November 6**

**__Test 2 Notes from Nov. 24__**
 * Claim – Argument!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 * Lawyer in court: choose a side, make a claim, explain, use support, concluding comment.
 * Understand the prompt
 * Language (2-3 mistakes), examples: Get or Articles: a w/ count/non-count
 * Structure or organization
 * Rhetorical (argumentative) Process: narrative, compare/contrast, cause/effect,
 * Figurative language

**__Timed Writing Practice from Dec. 1__**
Argumentative Prompts Topic #1 Nowadays, the private life of a politician is not very private. In your opinion, should citizens be concerned with the private affairs of a politician or political candidate? Be sure to support your ideas with specific explanations and relevant details. Topic #2 What is necessary for a small group of people to work effectively together on a project? Be sure to support your ideas with specific explanations and relevant details.


 * Directions: Type out your group thesis and topic sentences.

 **In-class practice Dec. 3. Directions: Type out your group thesis and topic sentences.

Thesis: Vacation time should be mandatory for American workers because it helps people to r__ecover/refresh/renew__ and be the most __productive__ employees they can be. Topic Sentences: 1. Time away from one's job is vital in order for individuals to restore the well-being. Explain: healthy and happy. 2. When people feel happy they are more likely to be productive because happy people work more effectively than those who are angry all the time. Explain: work well with others (good mood)/teamwork; happy people tend to be healthy people who don't take as many days off for being sick. Conclusion: Vacation time should be mandatory so that people can reduce stress and be more happy. When they are happy they have a healthy spirit and mind.
 * 1. American workers receive the least paid vacation time among wealthy industrial nations. Do you believe that vacation time should be mandatory for workers? Why or why not? Be sure to support your ideas with specific and relevant details.

2. What are the differences between what you imagined (i.e., before you arrived here) your USA university experience would be, and what your actual experience has been until now? Use critical thinking skills here and stay away from overused or stereotypical argument. Thesis: When I planned to come to the U.S., I thought the dormitories would be more co-ed and people would keep their information private; however, the reality is that men and women live more separately and Americans like to gossip (are not as private as I expected). topic sentence: 1. I imagined that men and women would live in dormitories together on the same floor, but actually, they live on separate floors. (Explain and -critical thinking- why is this okay or good?). 2. (interaction) Even though they live separately, they aren't as private as I would have expected them to be. Men and women may not live together, but they interact with each other everywhere else.

3. During finals week, many students feel a great deal of stress as they study for and take exams. What advice would you give to a new student to help him or her overcome this stress? Be sure to support your ideas with specific and relevant details.

4. Choosing a major is an important decision. What factors are important to consider when choosing a major or field of study. Be sure to support your ideas with specific and relevant details.** 