Day 5:
Today we will return to the vocabulary journal, paraphrase one another's writing,
and discuss how to organize an
effective essay.
Vocabulary exercise: (Depending on class size)
Compile a list of one to five vocabulary terms that each student found particularly interesting.
Say why you chose your particular word.
Paraphrasing: Work together in groups to paraphrase a complete paragraph from JE 3.
List and paraphrase each sentence separately.
Focus on rewriting a sentence so that it says more in less words (make sentences as pithy
as possible.)
We will go through individual examples and have groups explain why they chose particular
word replacements
and why they may have had to cut things out.
In Class Group Work:
In groups compare notes on Wednesday's event. Go over what each of you have written and select what
you consider to
be the five things that best describe your reaction to the event. List them with space inbetween.
Now remember back to when you were at the event. Try to picture your exact reaction
to the details you found significant. Remember back until you see exactly what aspect
gave you the
emotion. Then write down whatever feelings, images, or connections came to
mind, making it clear so the reader will see them too and have the same feeling
as you.
After you have done some writing, go back over what you have said and select
the most significant details. A good description is not an undifferentiated
catalogue, the verbal equivalent of a photograph. Good description is highly
selective. Build a descriptive paragraph around these details. We like the term
telling details for those you think are most revealing in sharing with readers
the essential character and feel of an experience. Your goal is to cause the
other person who reads your paragraph to think and feel as you did. Achieve
this without telling your readers how you thought and felt. Let the details
do the telling. Show rather than tell.
Stay in your groups to compare answers: Particularly notice your peer's reaction to
what you have compiled. Try to gauge what details prompt the strongest reaction from your reader.
We will compile a list of significant details on the board.