Thursday, October 8
If possible, bring your laptop/tablet.
Please create OpenAI and Google accounts:
INTRODUCTION (example)
PART 1: Introduce the topic with a specific, thoughtful claim about reality.
In capitalist societies, children naturally inherit from their family a set of
beliefs that mirror the profit-driven society at large. These capitalist
beliefs, however, may come to clash with a child's personal values. When such a
conflict arises between personal and family values, an important decision must
be made that will define one's true identity.
PART 2: Introduce the story and author in a way that connects to PART 1
This clash between
family values and personal beliefs drives Tayeb Saleh's short story "A
Handful of Dates," as shown in the protagonist gradually recognizing his grandfather's capitalist mindset.
PART 3: Present the thematic message
Through the
protagonist's gradual transformation, Saleh emphasizes the need for younger generations to reject the capitalist values inherited from their families.
CONCLUSION (example)
PART 1: Rephrase the main point of your essay, that is, the author's message.
In "Below the Surface," Carter advocates for embracing life's adventures rather than letting safety become an all-consuming obsession.
PART 2: Clarify which literary element(s) the author uses to convey this message.
This theme of choosing courage over safety unfolds through the protagonist's dual transformation: first, as she confronts her fear of deep water, and then as she opens her heart to new relationships despite past heartbreaks.
PART 3: Discuss the significance of the author's message. Why is it an important message to communicate?
Carter's insight that true fulfillment lies beyond our protective walls highlights the downside of self-preservation. While self-preservation is instinctive, an excessive focus on safety can lead to a life half-lived, stripped of the very experiences that make it meaningful. By choosing security over risk, we may shield ourselves from potential harm, but we also deny ourselves opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
CLASS #11
FINAL COPY: color each sandwich and present your detail descriptions in bold.
The topic, transitional, and concluding sentence should remain in black.
The topic, transitional, and concluding sentence should remain in black.
1) DRAFT: TYPE THE DRAFT OF YOUR INTRODUCTION AND WORKS CITED PAGE.
As you type, you may correct only spelling, punctuation, and verb-subject agreement errors.You are strongly encouraged to use the Word EDITOR in Office 365.
2) CONCLUSION: WRITE YOUR CONCLUSION AT HOME ON THE BASIS OF YOUR IN-CLASS BRAINSTORM.
Draft your conclusion yourself (no AI assistance); any conclusions identified as AI-generated will receive a grade of zero on the final submission.
Follow closely the structure of this example of a conclusion.
3) FINAL EDITING STAGE: BY YOURSELF OR WITH AI (USING ONLY THE PROMPTS AVAILABLE ON MOODLE), PERFORM THE FINAL EDITS.
Students who prefer not to use AI can edit their essay by following the same rules.
Every single modification, at this stage, must be identified by inserting a comment into the word document. In each comment, clarify the modification that was made and, if you used AI, identify the permitted prompt that was used.
No need to insert a comment when correcting punctuation (a comma, period, or semicolon), when correcting the spelling of a word, when correcting verb-subject agreement errors ("he says") or verb tenses, when correcting or adding determiners ("the," "a," "an," "this," "that," "these," or "those").
No need to insert a comment when deleting a word or phrase without replacing it.
No more than four words in a given sentence can be added or replaced.
One sentence per paragraph can be modified beyond four words, including the introduction and conclusion.
If AI suggests words that you don't know how to pronounce, cannot define without a dictionary, or wouldn't typically use, do not use them. Everything you write should sound like you. While using AI for editing suggestions is allowed in my courses, your work should never sound like it was generated by AI. The use of AI should be transparent, blending seamlessly with your voice and authentic writing style.
4) MLA FORMAT: FORMAT YOUR DOCUMENT BY FOLLOWING CLOSELY THE MLA GUIDELINES.
5) BEST PARAGRAPH: ON THE LINE IMMEDIATELY UNDER YOUR TITLE, INDICATE WHICH OF YOUR TWO PARAGRAPHS YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE BEST.
If you do not identify your favorite paragraph, I will assume that the best is your first paragraph (since you received teacher's feedback on this paragraph).
If both paragraphs are of fairly equal quality in terms of length, structure, writing, accuracy, and focus on thematic message, I will place much greater emphasis on your stronger paragraph in my evaluation.
6) SUBMISSION: FINALLY, SUBMIT YOUR FINAL COPY, INCLUDING THE WORKS CITED PAGE, TO LEA BEFORE YOUR DEADLINE.
Again, color each sandwich and present the detail descriptions in bold.
Take care.
CLASS #10
NEXT CLASS: DRAFTING INTRO & CONCLUSION
and WORKS CITED PAGE
and WORKS CITED PAGE
1) 2nd PARAGRAPH: TYPE THE DRAFT OF YOUR 2ND PARAGRAPH EXACTLY AS IT IS, WORD FOR WORD.
AS YOU TYPE, YOU MAY CORRECT ONLY SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, AND VERB-SUBJECT AGREEMENT ERRORS.YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO TURN ON THE WORD EDITOR IN OFFICE 365 & MAKE ONLY THE MODIFICATIONS SUGGESTED BY THE EDITOR.CHANGE THE FONT COLOR OF EACH SANDWICH USING A DISTINCT COLOR (the topic and concluding sentences, as well as the transitional sentence, remain BLACK).PUT THE DETAIL DESCRIPTION (THE MIDDLE LAYER INCLUDING THE QUOTE) OF EACH SANDWICH IN BOLD.
DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR SECOND PARAGRAPH.
2) REVISIONS BASED ON TEACHER'S SPECIFIC FEEDBACK: AFTER RECEIVING YOUR TEACHER'S SPECIFIC FEEDBACK, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO MODIFY YOUR PARAGRAPH AT HOME. BUT:
★ ONLY MODIFICATIONS THAT AIM TO RESPOND TO A SPECIFIC COMMENT FROM YOUR TEACHER IN THEIR FEEDBACK ARE PERMITTED.
As a rule, your teacher's feedback follows this format: <TEACHER'S FEEDBACK]. The symbol "<" points to the sentence you can modify. The teacher's feedback, written in capital letters, indicates the type of modification you are permitted to make.
Other modifications can only be made in class during the handwriting sessions.
★★ NO AI ASSISTANCE IS PERMITTED AT THIS STAGE OF THE PROCESS. The permitted AI prompts on Moodle will be discussed next class.
Take care.
CLASS #9 (due Thursday Sept. 24)
NEXT CLASS: DRAFTING 2ND PARAGRAPH
> no paper documents to bring <
1) 1st PARAGRAPH: TYPE THE DRAFT OF YOUR 1ST PARAGRAPH AS IT IS, WORD FOR WORD, WITHOUT ADDING NEW WORDS.
★ NO AI USE PERMITTED AT THIS POINT.
★ AS YOU TYPE, YOU MAY CORRECT ONLY SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, AND VERB-SUBJECT AGREEMENT ERRORS.★ TURN ON THE EDITOR IN OFFICE 365 (THE PEN ICON IN THE HOME MENU) & BRING YOUR OVERALL SCORE TO 100%.
★ CHANGE THE FONT COLOR OF EACH SANDWICH USING A DISTINCT COLOR, LIKE GREEN & RED. The topic and concluding sentences, as well as the transitional sentence, remain black.
★ PUT THE DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF EACH SANDWICH (THE MIDDLE LAYER THAT INCLUDES THE VERY SHORT QUOTE & PAGE NUMBER) IN BOLD.★ SUBMIT TO LEA (AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BEFORE OUR NEXT CLASS) THIS COLORED PARAGRAPH AS A WORD (.doc) DOCUMENT (not a pdf) -- MAKING SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR THEMATIC STATEMENT AT THE TOP.
THIS IS THE LAST PROCESS TASK FOR THIS ESSAY PROJECT.
Note: If you are dissatisfied with any specific elements of your paragraph and would like me to comment on these elements in my feedback, add a brief note at the very top of your document. We will work together to help you improve your paragraph.
Take care!
PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE
| 1 sentence | TOPIC SENTENCE |
| 1 | INTRODUCTION TO DETAIL #1 |
| 1-2 | DESCRIPTION OF DETAIL #1 |
| 3-5 | ANALYSIS OF DETAIL #1 |
| 1 | TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE |
| 1 | INTRODUCTION TO DETAIL #2 |
| 1-2 | DESCRIPTION OF DETAIL #2 |
| 3-5 | ANALYSIS OF DETAIL #2 |
| 1 | CONCLUDING SENTENCE |
Essay 1: Tips on outline
Your first paragraph will analyze the main character's first transformation resulting in his rejection of his family heritage. In this paragraph, you need to analyze two details that allow you to examine this transformation
- first detail: a revelation (a new piece of information) that presents a new view regarding his family heritage (Note: you mention the initial state in the introduction to this detail, in its context)
- second detail: intermediate state (a rich detail illustrating the transformative effect of this new piece of information on the protagonist), resulting in the rejection of his Chinese cultural heritage: the protagonist's intermediate view (=fake resolution).
Your second paragraph will analyze the main character's second transformation. You need to analyze two details that allow you to examine this transformation:
- first detail: a specific revelation (a new piece of information) in his mother's letter that presents a new perspective on his cultural heritage or his past actions
- second detail: a rich detail illustrating the effect of this new piece of information: the protagonist's final view regarding his family heritage
CLASS #8
>>> NEXT THREE CLASSES <<<
IN-CLASS DRAFTING OF YOUR ESSAY
NEXT CLASS: 1st PARAGRAPH
You should bring printed paper copies of your outline and the story.
Story: with underlined passages only, no personal notes.
You can also bring printed copies of the essay guidelines and rubric.
1) PEER FEEDBACK: READ CLOSELY THE PEER FEEDBACK YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED ON YOUR FIRST SANDWICH (on Moodle).
2) SANDWICH & PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE: AS YOU PREPARE TO WRITE YOUR FIRST ESSAY, STUDY YOUR CLASS NOTES ON PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE AND EXAMINE CLOSELY:
3) GUIDELINES: EXAMINE THE ESSAY GUIDELINES & GRADING RUBRIC CLOSELY.
4) OUTLINE SUBMISSION: DEVELOP YOUR FINAL OUTLINE & SUBMIT IT TO LEA BEFORE THE 1ST WRITING WORKSHOP NEXT CLASS.
IMPORTANT: An outline is a structured set of keywords or very short phrases (3-4 words) that provides a framework for your essay, like a skeleton structure. It cannot include fully developed sentences exceeding 4 words -- except your thesis, two topic sentences, and quotes from the story. In class, you will put flesh on this skeleton and turn these keywords into complete sentences.
VERY IMPORTANT: Outlines that include analytical points written in complete sentences (of more than 4 words) will NOT be permitted in class.
5) PRINT: PRINT, AND BRING TO CLASS, THE STORY (pdf file) AND YOUR OUTLINE.
IMPORTANT: You can underline specific passages on the printed copy of the story (i.e., the four details you will analyze) but you may not add comments or notes. Your analytical points should all be integrated into your outline as points (3-4 words each).
Take care.
EXAMPLE OF A 3-PART SANDWICH
1. INTRODUCE THE DETAIL, ITS CONTEXT (WHEN, WHERE, WHO, AND WHAT), IN ONE OR TWO SENTENCES:
At the climax of Tayeb Saleh's "A Handful of Dates," the young protagonist observes the villagers, including his grandfather, as they distribute Masood's harvested dates amongst themselves.
2. DESCRIBE THE DETAIL IN ONE OR TWO SENTENCES
...describe the detail in your own words while integrating, naturally into your own words, a very short quote (1-3 words)
...choose the quote carefully (it is the heart of the detail)
...do not include your analytical reflections in your detail description (just present the detail)
After consuming the dates, the boy, overwhelmed by the situation, runs to the riverbank and, in a moment of distress, feels compelled to "spew up" the dates (13).
3. ANALYZE THE DETAIL IN THREE TO FIVE SENTENCES
...begin the analysis with specific words that clearly refer to the detail being analyzed
...do not refer to new details in the story
...do not refer to the detail as "This" as in "This shows that..." (what is "this" exactly?)
...use [square brackets] is you modify the quote for integration
The boy’s deliberate act of purging the dates serves as a symbolic gesture, illustrating his rejection of the greed and materialistic behaviour he has just witnessed. The distribution of Masood’s dates reflects how his increasing poverty and debt have allowed others, including the boy’s grandfather, to profit from what was once his. By “spew[ing]” up the dates he has eaten, the boy rejects not only the fruit itself but also the unfair system of greed and exploitation that the dates have come to represent. At the same time, his rejection of the dates reflects his growing recognition that the palm trees and their fruit are more than material objects to be consumed and profited from, reinforcing Masood’s earlier belief that “Palm trees, my boy, like humans, experience joy and suffering.” [ << refer to another detail only if it was already disscussed in a previous sandwich]
1. THE FIRST PART, INTRODUCING THE DETAIL, CAN ALSO INTRODUCE ITS THEMATIC SIGNIFICANCE INSTEAD OF THE CONTEXT:
At the climax of Tayeb Saleh's "A Handful of Dates," the young protagonist's interaction with the dates becomes a poignant reflection on materialism and its detrimental impact on nature.
CLASS #7
NEXT CLASS: IN ONE WEEK
GROUP WORK: FOR STUDENTS WHO WILL HAVE COMPLETED
THE PROCESS TASKS #1-2-3 BELOW
★ BRING YOUR ANNOTATED PAPER COPY OF THE STORY ★
ACTIVITIES #1-2 MUST BE COMPLETED BY
MONDAY SEP. 14 , END OF CLASS (10AM or 2PM).
ACTIVITIES #3-4 MUST BE COMPLETED BY
THURSDAY SEPT 17 BEFORE CLASS.
1) 1st READING: READ & ANNOTATE THE SHORT STORY "THE PAPER MENAGERIE" BY KEN LIU. No submission. Just bring your annotated paper copy of the story to our next class.
More specifically: As you read the story for the first time, highlight/underline specific indirect details illustrating different aspects of the main character's three psychological states (initial, intermediate, and final), and find the revelations that cause the two transformations.
INITIAL psychological state >> exposition (before the trigger of the conflict)
INTERMEDIATE state >> fake resolution (temporary, wrong solution)
FINAL state >> final resolution (long-term, good solution in the very last paragraph)
★ TIPS: Among many other things, you may focus on the contrast between the paper tiger and Obi-Wan. You can also focus on language (speaking English, Chinese and remaining silent) and the significance of believing in magic. Regarding the 1st transformation towards the intermediate state, what events reveal new pieces of information to the protagonist and transform the way he sees himself, his mother, his Chinese heritage and the other American kids at school? Regarding the letter at the end, you need to focus on very specific/short passages that reveal new crucial pieces of information about the mother (what pieces?), transforming her son towards his final state. The last few paragraphs contain excellent indirect details to analyze this final state.
2) 2nd & 3rd READINGS: YOUR SECOND READING WILL TAKE PLACE ONLINE AS YOU WILL ADD COMMENTS TO AN ONLINE COPY OF THE STORY WITH ONE OR TWO OTHER STUDENTS.
You will find the link to your online copy of the story in the chat room of Teams (Office 365). Click on this arrow to know how to access this chat:
CLICK HERE to know how to access this chat.
1. Go to Office 365: https://m365.cloud.microsoft/apps/
2. Sign in with your Champlain student credentials (available on your schedule).
3. Click on "Teams" in the list of apps.
4. Click on "Chat" in the left menu of Teams.
5. You should see a chat conversation I created with you and two other students. In the conversation, you will find a link to an online Word document. Click on this link.
BY DUE DATE, EACH STUDENT NEEDS TO HAVE INSERTED AT LEAST 12 INDIVIDUAL THOUGHTFUL COMMENTS OR REPLIES.
EACH COMMENT OR REPLY MUST DEVELOP OVER AT LEAST TWO THOUGHTFUL SENTENCES. Do not simply identify details; you must analyze them as you examine, for instance, their possible significance, what each detail reveals about the main character, and how each detail connects to other details in the story.
YOU CAN COMMENT ON A NEW DETAIL OR REPLY TO A COMMENT FROM A PEER IF YOU HAVE SOME NEW ANALYTICAL POINT TO MAKE. Simply agreeing or disagreeing does not count as a thoughtful reply.
Here is how you can insert a comment on an online Word document (click on the image):
3) WORKSHEET / LEA SUBMISSION: UPON COMPLETION OF THE ONLINE GROUP ACTIVITY, DOWNLOAD, FILL UP & SUBMIT TO LEA THIS PRELIMINARY OUTLINE BEFORE OUR NEXT CLASS.
BRING A PRINTED COPY OF YOUR PRELIMINARY OUTLINE TO OUR NEXT CLASS.
4) SLEEPWALK / MOODLE FORUM: ADD ONE POST AND REPLY TO TWO PEERS.
IN YOUR MAIN POST, INCLUDE TWO ELEMENTS: (1) YOUR VERSION OF THE THEMATIC MESSAGE OF THE SHORT STORY "SLEEPWALK" AND (2) YOUR ANALYSIS OF ONE DETAIL USING THE 3-PART SANDWICH STRUCTURE DISCUSSED IN CLASS.
Type your thematic statement/message; make sure it corresponds to these five characteristics of a good thematic statement.
Skip a few lines.
Type your sandwich as one single paragraph.
Put the middle layer (where you describe the detail) in bold by clicking on 'Advanced' settings in the bottom-right corner of your post.
OFFER DETAILED FEEDBACK -- IN AT LEAST FOUR THOUGHTFUL SENTENCES -- TO TWO OF YOUR PEERS.
Simply saying that you "like" it or that it is "good" is obviously not acceptable. Be specific and identify clearly what was well done and/or what is missing.
For instance... does the thematic statement include the 5 characteristics of a good thematic statement?Or... Is the sandwich structure complete? Is the detail (first) introduced without being fully revealed? Is the detail description (2nd part) specific and clear? Is the page number provided at the end of the detail description? Is the analysis (3rd part) long enough? Does the analysis develop over multiple sentences? Is the analysis clearly and constantly focused on the one detail being analyzed? Does the analysis relate to the main idea/message in the thematic statement?
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!
CLASS #6 (due Sept. 10)
NEXT CLASS:
★ BRING YOUR PAPER COPY OF SLEEPWALK ★
1) READING: READ THE SHORT STORY "SLEEPWALK" (pp. 7-17) FROM THE COMIC BOOK ANTHOLOGY SLEEPWALK BY ADRIAN TOMINE (PDF).
As you read, look for small indirect details -- important details that first look unimportant -- about the protagonist Mark and his current and/or changing psychological state.
Print the PDF file (click here) if you have not yet received your copy of Sleepwalk.
2) MOODLE FORUM: RESPOND TO THE SHORT GRAPHIC STORY "SLEEPWALK" BY CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEDICATED MOODLE FORUM.
Read closely the detailed instructions at the top of the forum.
You will respond to the short story "Sleepwalk" by adding your own individual post -- containing one image as well as a detailed explanation.
You will also need to reply to one peer.
Take care.
CLASS #5 (due Tuesday Sept. 8)
NEXT CLASS
workshop on close reading & annotation
If you struggle with formatting the header and page numbers, watch this video closely.
>>>>>> MLA FORMAT <<<<<<
2) LEA SUBMISSION: ONLY ONE SUBMISSION PER GROUP OF TWO: UPLOAD YOUR TWO FINAL DOCUMENTS TO LEA SEPARATELY : [1] YOUR STORY and [2] YOUR FINAL PLAN (click here to download a new blank copy); your story must follow your final plan very closely.
Submit Word files. Do not submit PDF files.
Before submission, please review closely the instructions and grading rubric.
Here are some key elements of this assignment:
- in your story, the 6 parts must be identified clearly (with topic lines & numbers: #1-6)
- the final document must be in MLA format
- your final plan must correspond to your final story
- your conflict (A & B) must be a universal need versus universal obstacle
- your entire story must remain focused on A vs B and doesn't refer to other needs or problems
- your total word-count must be between 500 and 600 words.
- Also, your use of the permitted ChatGPT prompts - available on Moodle - must be transparent: for every single modification, 'insert' a comment in the margin to explain the specifics of the change.
Take care.
AI POLICY: Important reminder
Restricted Usage: Unless explicitly permitted by or discussed with your teacher, the use of digital text or image generators (such as ChatGPT, QuillBot, Copilot, or Gemini) is not permitted at any stage of the production or thinking process for written assignments or graded work. Non-compliance will be considered academic dishonesty.
5 CHARACTERISTICS OF A THEMATIC STATEMENT
★ CLICK HERE to see the five characteristics of a good thematic statement.
THEME: THE MAIN MESSAGE/IDEA CONVEYED BY AN AUTHOR IN A STORY.
THEMATIC STATEMENT: ONE COMPLETE SENTENCE THAT EXPRESSES THAT MESSAGE. This thematic statement can become the thesis, or main claim, of your essay.
A GOOD THEMATIC STATEMENT SHOULD CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING 5 CHARACTERISTICS:
- BE EXPRESSED AS ONE SINGLE SENTENCE
- PRESENT ONE SINGLE MESSAGE/IDEA (try to avoid the use of "and" as it may present your message has twofold, not single)
- PRESENT A MESSAGE THAT IS UNIVERSAL; that is, it should NOT refer to the characters or specific events in the story; most people, or at least many people, should be able to relate to this message.
- PRESENT A SPECIFIC, THOUGHTFUL & INTERESTING MESSAGE; avoid vague and general ideas that can relate to a high number of stories; you need to find the one universal message conveyed by this one specific story.
- REFER TO THE AUTHOR (his name) & THE TITLE OF THE STORY; this reveals the origin of the message.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
- To find the thematic message of a story, you may first begin by identifying a single-word TOPIC that is being presented and explored, like 'family,' 'technology,' 'friendship,' 'racism,' or 'equality.'
- Then, you need to ask yourself: what does the author have to say about this topic? Why did he write a story about equality, for example? What message does he want his readers to learn?
- You may also consider what the main character learns in the story. Often, the main character's transformation reveals how the author wishes to transform his readers. The revelation, the one new piece of information that transforms the protagonist's view, is often the message you are looking for.
EXAMPLE OF A VERY GOOD THEMATIC STATEMENT:
In the short story "Harrison Bergeron," Kurt Vonnegut suggests that total equality is not an ideal worth striving for, as it can limit individual freedom.
* Note that this thematic statement is universal (it does not refer to characters or events in the story) and specific/interesting (it is not too general or vague).
IMPORTANT:
- Do not write: "the author proves that...." A story does not prove anything. It is not a scientific experiment. A story suggests/presents/brings to our attention a set of ideas.
- You do NOT have to agree with the author's message.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
- A story always contains multiple possible themes. What you need is a theme that brings together many details from the story. Writing an essay will be easier if your theme relates to, let's say.... 70% of the story.
- If you want your thematic statement to relate to most of the story, make sure that it relates to the two sides of the main conflict faced by the character.
CLASS #4 (due Sep. 3)
NEXT CLASS
>> BRING YOUR FINAL PLAN, DRAFT & LAPTOP <<
1) FINALIZE YOUR PLAN: WITH YOUR PARTNER, REVISE YOUR PLAN BASED ON CLASS NOTES & ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES.
Your thematic statement -- the last element of your plan -- presents the main message you are trying to convey to your readers. Make sure it corresponds to the five characteristics of a thematic statement presented in class.
To reach 70%, your thematic statement should clearly relate to your universal conflict (A vs. B) and the final resolution (revealing the right way your readers should resolve this conflict).
If you aim for 90%, your thematic message will also include a reference to the fake resolution (what your readers should not do).
2) 🤖 AI FEEDBACK: WITH YOUR PARTNER, USE A SPECIALIZED CHATGPT BOT TO RECEIVE FEEDBACK ON YOUR THEMATIC STATEMENT FOR YOUR SEQUEL TO 'BROTHER & SISTER.'
IMPORTANT: If you modified your message based on the AI's feedback, make sure to be transparent about your use of AI-assistance. Indicate clearly the specific changes you made in your forum post (see next point).
Here is the link to the chatbot to receive feedback on your thematic statement: Feedback bot (thematic message)
To access this ChatGPT chatbot, you will need an OpenAI free account. Here is the link to sign up to OpenAI: https://chatgpt.com/
3) 🧑 HUMAN FEEDBACK & MOODLE FORUM: EACH MEMBER OF THE GROUP: ON MOODLE, IN THE FORUM TITLED "THEMATIC STATEMENT FOR SEQUEL TO BROTHER & SISTER," POST THE THEMATIC STATEMENT FOR YOUR GROUP'S STORY.
INCLUDE ONE SENTENCE TO COMMENT ON QUALITY OF THE AI FEEDBACK YOU RECEIVED ON YOUR THEMATIC STATEMENT. Did you revise your statement based on this feedback? If so, how?
ALSO, IN AT LEAST THREE COMPLETE AND FULLY DEVELOPED SENTENCES, GIVE THOUGHTFUL FEEDBACK TO ONE OTHER STUDENT.
Read the instructions at the top of the Moodle forum very closely.
4) DRAFT (LEA submission): WITH YOUR PARTNER, BEGIN TO DRAFT YOUR STORY (at least 250 of the required 500-600 words), and SUBMIT, INDIVIDUALLY, YOUR GROUP DRAFT TO LEA.
At this point, your draft does not have to be complete and include the 6 parts (see guidelines and grading rubric); it should still include at least 250 words, which should allow you to reach the temporary or fake resolution (part 3).
Each member of the group needs to submit the group draft to LEA.
Remember: This is a draft. It will not be perfect. You will have time, next class, to improve it.
Next class: Please bring your plan, draft, and laptop.
Take care.
CREATIVE ASSIGNMENT: Guidelines
★ CLICK HERE to see the instructions for your first creative project.
WRITE A SHORT 500-to-650 WORD SEQUEL TO THE FIRST PART OF "BROTHER AND SISTER." YOUR STORY MUST FOLLOW CLOSELY THE 6 STEPS OF A TRADITIONAL PLOT SEQUENCE AND FLOW LOGICALLY FROM OUR CLASS DISCUSSION OF THE FIRST PART OF THE STORY.
1) Fill out the PLAN (file HERE!) and determine the main conflict, fake resolution, final resolution and thematic point of your story before you begin writing.
The main conflict of your story should consist of:
(A) a specific human need that you personally can relate to
vs.
(B) a common and relatable obstacle preventing this need from being satisfied
vs.
(B) a common and relatable obstacle preventing this need from being satisfied
Both A and B must be UNIVERSAL concepts many readers can relate to; in other words, A and B cannot refer directly to specific characters.
The conflict between A and B should emerge very clearly from the triggering event. The triggering event makes your main character aware of the impossibility of satisfying a specific human need (A) because of the presence of a universal obstacle (B).
Your entire story develops as the main character - the one we agreed in class represented human needs - attempts to resolve this one conflict by getting rid of A, getting rid of B or making them equal (A =B).
As a rule, the fake resolution represents a failed or not ideal attempt to resolve the conflict (what readers should NOT do), and the final resolution represents the successful attempt (what readers should do).
The main message (thematic idea) of your story should emerge from the final resolution. This message should clearly relate to the two sides of your conflict: A and B.
2) Identify, on your final copy, the following 6 parts with sub-titles & numbers (#1 to 6). Failure to do so may result in a failing grade as your teacher may not be able to evaluate your understanding of the basic elements of plot. Make sure to clearly separate those various parts with a blank line.
1 Exposition
- the setting (where the action takes place)
- the one main character
- the initial situation: this initial HAPPY situation does not yet include the main conflict of the story; that is, the main characters accept this initial situation without trying to improve it.
- the triggering event causes the main conflict (A vs. B) to arise and makes the current situation unacceptable to the main character
- if you prefer, you may present two triggering events in rapid succession, one that makes the protagonist feel a new need (A) and another that makes them realize they cannot satisfy this need due to an obstacle (B)
- if you prefer, you may present two triggering events in rapid succession, one that makes the protagonist feel a new need (A) and another that makes them realize they cannot satisfy this need due to an obstacle (B)
3 Fake/temporary resolution
- the fake resolution represents the first (failed) attempt to resolve the conflict
- make sure to present the temporary resolution in a clear/obvious manner; your reader must know exactly what happens to A & B: A disappears, B disappears, or a balance is achieved between A & B
4 Climax
- the climax represents a terribly sad situation where the protagonist is thoroughly failing to resolve the conflict
5 Event that triggers the final resolution
- make sure to present the final resolution in a clear/obvious manner; your reader must know exactly what happens to A & B: A disappears, B disappears, or a balance is achieved between A & B
- your final resolution must differ from your temporary resolution; for instance, if the temporary resolution is "getting rid of A," your final resolution must either be "getting rid of B" or "A=B."
6 Final situation
- this is a general description of the situation following the resolution
3) IMPORTANT NOTES:
- There is no obligation to include dialogue; focus on the action, on what happens, and where.
- Fairytales are written as a sequence of very short (1 to 3 sentences) paragraphs.
- Use consistent verb tenses; most stories are told in the simple past.
- Fully edit your text before submission; for instance, get rid of all spelling and punctuation errors.
4) FORMAT OF FINAL COPY: MLA
- typed & double spaced
- no cover page (see the Essay Writing website)
- with page numbers (see the Essay Writing website)
- include word-count at the end of your story (500 - 600)
🤖 5) AI-ASSISTANCE
IMPORTANT: The permitted writing prompts allow you to modify individual words, one word at a time, for instance, by fixing a punctuation error or changing a word. You cannot rewrite a sentence based on a suggestion by the AI tool.
- the only permitted prompts are available on Moodle in AI Support
- every single change made to your assignment based on an AI suggestion must be clearly indicated by inserting a comment in the margins
- every single change made to your assignment based on an AI suggestion must be clearly indicated by inserting a comment in the margins
- when using AI to edit your writing, keep your voice, style, and tone consistent throughout the text
- use words you know without the use of a dictionary and sentence structures you would normally use to communicate.
I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO READING YOUR STORY!
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