More Deadlines!

Just a reminder of the upcoming deadlines issued in class:

Friday 7th December – Second draft of discursive/persuasive essays

Monday 10th December – ‘Irish Airman’ critical essays

As always:

• Word Processed
• Font size 12 used
• 1.5 line spacing to allow for comments/marking
• Basic spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct
• Your name is on it!
• You have read it!

Remember to ask in class if you’re struggling with any element of analysis/evaluation.

Supported study is also on, Thursdays 3-4 in Mr Miller’s room.

Deadlines!

A reminder that you have two deadines coming up in the near future…

Creative Redrafts – Friday 23rd November

‘A Hanging’ Critical Essays – Monday 29th November

Plenty of forewarning with these, so make sure you don’t leave either of them ’til the last minute. Support will be on offer, as always, at lunchtimes and after school – just see me during class to arrange a time if necessary.

The last round of essays showed a great deal of improvement on the whole. Aim to keep the standard high with these – the prelim’s not too far away!

As always, please stick to the following guidelines for submission:

• Word Processed
• Font size 12 used
• 1.5 line spacing to allow for comments/marking
• Basic spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct
• Your name is on it!
• You have read it!

Discursive/Persuasive 1st Drafts Due Wed 14th November!

A reminder that your first drafts are due on the Wednesday after your (not my) long weekend. As always, make sure of the following:

• Word Processed
• Font size 12 used
• 1.5 line spacing to allow for comments/marking
• Basic spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct
• Your name is on it!
• You have read it!
• It has a title

For discursive essays, make sure your language is suitably formal and that you have presented a balanced argument.

For persuasive essays, ensure that you are using appropriate techniques to get your point across – you can’t simply present an imbalanced discursive essay.

No extensions, outwith of exceptional circumstances, will be granted with this deadline. You have plenty of notice and plenty of time to ask for help if you need it.

Discursive/Persuasive Essay Plans Due Monday 29th October!

A wee reminder that your essay plans and titles are due in on Monday. Make sure you include the following;

• Title
• Stance (Persuasive/Discursive & personal opinion)
• A brief outline of your points
• A list of the sources you plan to cite as evidence
• Your opening line

Have a look at the discursive/persuasive writing tab for the materials from class and for a list of interesting topics if you’re stuck or decide to change your mind at the last minute.

Creative Essays Due 22nd October!

Your Creative Essays are due in on Monday 22nd October. Remember, as always, to submit your essays according to the following criteria:

• Word Processed
• Font size 12 used
• 1.5 line spacing to allow for comments/marking
• Basic spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct
• Your name is on it!
• You have read it!

For all of you last minute procrastinators, here are a few links to creative writing websites to help you with the dreaded writers’ block:

http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2011/06/05/how-to-write-short-stories

http://www.storyinstitute.com/category/storygestions/short-story-topics

http://www.shortbreadstories.co.uk

Critical Essays Due 26th September!

Your Critical Essays for ‘Shooting Stars’ are due on Wednesday 26th September. As with your previous essays, stick to the following guidelines for formatting and submission:

• Word Processed
• Font size 12 used
• 1.5 line spacing to allow for comments/marking
• Basic spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct
• Your name is on it!
• You have read it!

As mentioned in class and in all the other posts relating to this essay, also make sure of the following:

• Structure is correct and follows PCQE
• Question is answered
• Reader Response is evident throughout

The essay question and helpsheets can be found on the ‘Shooting Stars’ tab at the side if required.

Any issues over the holiday weekend, drop me a message and I’ll get back to you when I can.

Creative/Refelective Essays Due Thursday 20th September!

A reminder that your second draft of your creative essay or your initial draft of your reflective essay is due on Thursday 20th September. Make sure your essays are handed in according to the following criteria:

• Word Processed
• Font size 12 used
• 1.5 line spacing to allow for comments/marking
• Basic spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct
• Your name is on it!
• You have read it!

Anyone with any legitimate problem with meeting the deadline come see me.

Essay Plans Due!

A wee reminder that your essay plans are due in on Friday14th September.

Remember, for your creative essay to include a basic outline of:

• Plot – The four key points
• Characters – The key elements of STEAL*
• Setting – The place in which the story occurs and some key descriptions
• Title

For reflective pieces:

• The focal incident
• Your perception of it then
• Your perception of it now
• Setting – As above
• Title

Those of you who were happy with your inital draft, ensure you focus on improving the key parts I’ve highlighted. Those who are starting from scratch, make sure your plot is tightly constructed.

A helpful sheet for those of you who are struggling with plotlines can be found here:

the-seven-plots

* Speech Thoughts Effects on others Actions Looks