Kurz 2/28

Today during class we analyzed what a counterclaim is. In this process we watched a scene of "Bowling for Columbine" involving the scene with Marilyn Manson. We had to talk as a class to come up with all of the claims used against Marilyn Manson and the way Manson and the director disproved them in the interview. We analyzed how Manson was refuting and disproving the ideas and theory that he was one of the biggest causes for the shooting. During this we also analyzed what kinds of counterclaims there are and how to use them. As a table we had a row of types of counterclaims and what they are and how each one can be used to make your argument stronger. Each person had to define the type of counterclaim and write our own counterclaim of that kind based on our claim for the research paper and explain each one . After we wrote the claims, four per person, we had to write 2-3 sentences refuting the claim for each one. The website for the types of counterclaims was posted by Mr. Rivers classroom and the types of counterclaims were the six columns. Each type of counterclaim had the definition right under the word when the little picture icon was clicked on. Each person's claims and answers were answered under the link in the answers on classroom. The counterclaims will soon be used in our paper depending on which one suits your argument better. This will be very helpful to know in the near future.

Olivia Agius 2/28/17

Today in class the focus was on counterclaims and how to use them in the essays we have been working on. At the beginning of the class we were asked two related questions: 1.What is a counterclaim? 2. How do you use one in your essay? As groups we then discussed it, before talking as a class and giving definite answers. We decided a counterclaim was defined as an anti-thesis, and it is opposing a claim. Then, we said we would use it in our essays to discredit or refute the opposing views in order to strengthen our claim. Next we watched a clip from the movie Bowling for Columbine which was focused on who people blamed after the Columbine shooting. Basically, all the blame went to one man; Marilyn Manson. The class discussed what some counterclaims against the director were that related to Marilyn Manson. As a class we came up with three, one being that Manson's music causes violence. From that we were asked how the director of the movie used Manson in order to discredit and refute the counterclaim. One example was that he showed Manson using logic and data to see not only normal but smart. The last thing we were asked to do today was to go into groups and work on an assignment on classroom called logical fallacies. Every table was given one row and were asked to describe the fallacies in the row, and then connect it to our own topics. My group was given the gambler's fallacy, composition fallacy, black or white, and anecdotal. There were a few more difficult fallacies, but overall it was easy to find a good definition to use. Tomorrow we will be working on this as well, and then post our answers on classroom.

Bayleigh Takacs 2/27

Today in class we worked on our outlines. Mr. Rivers` walked around the class helping students and answered any questions we had. Students made sure their outlines fulfilled all the requirements that are found below. In order to achieve the best grade possible, I would recommend a clean, organized outline with specific topic sentences. In my outline I have a topic sentence followed by more information about my topic sentence as well as evidence. Mr. Rivers` would be happy to help if you email him before the deadline, that is tonight, 2/27, at 11:59 pm.

Gillian Kee-2/27/17

Today in class we work on our outlines for our research paper, it is due tonight 2/27/17 at 11:59. The requirements for the outline are;
      -Thesis statement (30)

        Is it specific? (10)

        Is it clear? (10)

        Does it organize your paper? (10)

     Body paragraphs (60)

       Topic sentences (20)

        Film evidence + Analysis (20)

        Research evidence + Analysis (20)

    Layout (10)

        Visual consistency/clarity

I would recommend making it very organized not just because it is required, but it will help you later when you have to write the essay. MAKE IT VERY CLEAR, it will also help you. In my outline I had; 

1. A thesis statement 

2. 5 body paragraphs each with 2-3 quotes(1 from film, 1 from outside research) 

a conclusion and intro were not needed. 

In Today's class you only missed time to work on your outline, Mr. Rivers was walking around answering any last minute questions. If you did have questions and you were not in class today I would suggest emailing Mr. Rives. 

Nick Colaco 2/24/17

Today the class continued work on the outlines for our research papers. Mr. Rivers explained to us that we should be using at least two strong pieces of evidence for each of our body paragraphs, this includes one piece of evidence from our documentary and one piece of evidence from our outside research. We spent the majority of the class time working on our outlines and we finished with Mr. Rivers telling us that we should begin to write the next part even if we weren't going to finish it that day, he said that by starting off the next section it would allow us to jump back in easier when we came back to work on it.  Mr. Rivers also commented that the class should make more of an effort to keep up to date with the blog schedules in order to be sure not to miss our day to post.

Colin Higdon 2/24/17

Today in English class we continued working on our research paper outlines that are due on Monday night. We used various resources such as our note cards, example outlines, and class notes. These resources helped us construct a strong outline that we will be able to use when writing our actual research papers. Many people continued perfecting their thesis statements, some people crafted their body paragraph outlines, while others worked on integrating their note card quotes.

 

2-22-17 Connor Gormley

In today's class we talked about constructing beautiful thesis statements. If anybody is having difficultly starting their thesis statement it is helpful to start simple and then revise to get it more specific. To do this you should ask yourself questions like "who, what, when, where, why, and how". We then analyzed what makes a good thesis statement. First, a good thesis statement should establish an argument and layout a plan for your entire essay. Your argument should be clear and argue that your cause regards to being right, wrong, dangerous, necessary, should, or shouldn't. And your plan should be the "how?" of your essay. Before writing your thesis you should decide what kind of thesis that is best for your research. The old reliable thesis statement is the multi point where you state your argument and then the reasons why. This kind of thesis statement will probably not work for most research reports because most likely there will be more than three paragraphs. Instead it would be prudent to use a big picture which looks at the entire purpose of your report and go from there. Although, by doing that you should be weary of making your thesis statement to specific. When debating this is your head it is always better to stay on the side of being more specific. WE then proceeded to work on our outlines and thesis.