Saturday, December 29, 2012

December Holiday Essay #2: Due January 7, 2013


My Ideal___________ Essay. Due January 7, 2013

Follow the instructions below ONE at a time. You will be applying your lessons in grammar and writing constructive sentences to this assignment.

1. Identify three optimum personality traits for ONE of the following
  1. a best friend
  2. a romantic partner
  3. a teammate
  4. a teacher
  5. a parent
  6. a leader

2. In three (3) paragraphs, explain:
  1. each trait
  2. why each trait is valuable
  3. what kind of detriment the antithesis of each trait would mean in a relationship
3.   Use the following as supporting details:
  1. an anecdote from your life
  2. a hypothetical situation
  3. an example from the real world, a book, television show or film

4. Write an intro and conclusion afterwards which
  1. answers what makes an ideal ___________
  2. moves from broad to specific (intro)
  3. moves from specific to broad (conclusion)
  4. hooks the reader

  1. Check for a variety of sentences (simple, declarative, complex, imperative), then:
  1. add a variety of sentences in each paragraph
  1. Include 10 sophisticated vocabulary words from this class underlined
  1. Find another person to read your paper for:
  1. clarity of idea
  2. spelling or punctuation errors
  3. if the assignment is complete
  4. variety of sentences
  5. awkward or ambiguous ideas.

Your final copy:
  • Due Monday, January 7, 2013
  • Must be typed in full MLA format
  • Must include a draft (typed or handwritten with someone else's comments)
  • Between 5-7 paragraphs (no less or no more)
  • Include ten vocabulary words from Unit 1 or 2 of the Vocabulary Workbook
  • Body paragraphs with a transitional phrase, clear topic sentence, supporting details, detriment of antithetical qualities and concluding sentence

December Holiday Essay #1


MY CHOSEN VOCATION - DUE 01/07/13


Name:                                                                                  Date Given:                                        Date Due:                            Period:
Essay:    MY CHOSEN VOCATION
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”  -Larry Elder

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Goals are dreams with deadlines.  ~Diana Scharf Hunt

The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers.But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.  ~Sarah Breathnach

Compose an essay of at least five paragraphs but no more than seven which identifies, explains and elaborates on ONE vocation or career you are considering. Please follow the following format in completing your essay:
1.Describe the significant moment you realized you wanted to pursue this particular path.
2.Identify the traits you possess now that make you ideal for this career.
3.Identify the steps you are now taking or plan on taking to ensure you will become a greater success.
4.Explain the academic, personal and training skills required to achieve success at this vocation.
5.Elaborate on your ultimate goal in this vocation (Ph.D.? Oscar winner? President? Championship?) and use a living example of a person you admire in this field.

STEP 1: Free-write about two or three careers you have or are currently considering, focusing on when and why you want to pursue them. Do not over-think. Just write. Then identify the one you are most excited about.                                                                                                                           5 points

STEP 2: Complete a self-inventory chart. Put your name in a circle in the center and list as many qualities about yourself (10-15 is a strong goal). Then check off the ones that are a match for the career you wish to pursue.                                                                                                                          5 points

STEP 3: List all the activities you are now a part of or are planning to be a part of (sports, clubs, classes, and community organizations). Then circle the ones relevant to your chosen vocation.        5 points

STEP 4: Do some research online, at a library or by interviewing a real person (yes, a real human being you’re just meeting) about what it takes to get to that career. Research school, training, personal skills, advantages and disadvantages, salary, promotion, etc.                                                        5 points

STEP 5: Write a full rough draft that gives each section listed above at least one paragraph.  10 points

STEP 6: Find a person (family, friend, teacher, stranger) to read and critique your paper and then have them print, sign and date when he or she provided criticism.                                                10 points    

STEP 7: Follow my steps for revision, editing and publishing (mrwalkerfda.blogspot.com) and be tough on yourself, before you print out a clean, 99% infallible copy for publishing.

STEP 8: Type your final version using MSWord and in MLA format. Include all the stages of work listed above on looseleaf.                                                                            
STEP 9: Submit on time ensuring you have at least 15 vocabulary words, transitional phrases, complete sentences, 5-7 sentence paragraphs, a hook, thesis, and citation of any source you used.  50 points

STEP 10: Share with the class!                                                                                      10 points

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