11.4

Regretfully (I really do wish I could be with you today!), I am in Melbourne at a training. I REALLY need you to complete the work I've left so that we can stay on track!

=Task : Free Write=
 * 1) Last class you selected one topic and wrote a claim. Now, FREE WRITE on that topic in your Writer's Notebook.
 * Write for at least six (6) uninterrupted minutes.
 * We're not worried about spelling, punctuation, organization...
 * This exercise is meant to help you flesh out the ideas you have in your brain!
 * I'll be checking these when I return.

=Task 2: Research Your Topic=
 * NOTE: 3B class--before doing this, you need to complete the task from last class that we didn't get to (Writing Workshop section). **
 * 1) **Read about the topic you've selected.**
 * Before you can pen a convincing argument, you need to know about the topic and understand different people's views on that topic.
 * Do a bit of research to locate and read at least **three (3) articles** from three different sources.
 * **ONE of the articles most be an opinion** (editorial) on the topic--not just a news article telling about the issue.
 * These sites are great places to search for editorials (opinions) on current issues:
 * Opposing Views
 * The Learning Network (from //New York Times//)
 * Daily OpEd
 * 1) **Write a blog post sharing your research.**
 * List each article you read, and include a link to the article.
 * Summarize the article.
 * Write a paragraph explaining your claim on the topic and giving evidence to support your claim.
 * What claim are you making?
 * What reasons/evidence might you give to support your claim?

=Task 3: Independent Work Time=
 * 1) Check the following assignments to make certain you have submitted the work. If you don't see your name, you need to finish the work, and add a link!
 * **2nd Quarter Reading List** (an empty blog post titled "Second Quarter Reading": you'll add to it throughout the quarter)
 * 3B
 * 4B
 * **Blog Post: 3 books you want to read** this quarter and explanation of why you've selected these titles.
 * 3B
 * 4B
 * **Wiki Discussion: Topic, Text Inspiration, and your claim** (assignment from last class).
 * 3B
 * 4B--we didn't get to this last class. You need to do this TODAY!
 * 1) Read, Read, Read!!!!!!!