Entry 7: Practice Writing

Directions: Choose one of the topics below. You will have 30 minutes to write a short essay on the topic. Compositions written on other topics will not be graded. Your essay should be about 250-300 words.

1) Many people engage in dangerous or unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or failing to wear seat belts, although they are fully aware of the risks involved. Please explain the reasons for this phenomenon.

2) "Television programs have no educational value." Discuss.

Please type your essay first in a word document, then copy and paste it onto the blog.

Entry 6: Topic Proposal

With a partner, post a topic proposal for your persuasive argument essay to the blog. If your partner is not here, you must work individually on the assignment - it is still due today by the end of class. Your proposal should include:

- an explanation of the topic: what is the issue?
- an explanation of the argument for and argument against the issue, and what side you will be arguing.
- one supporting reason for and against the issue
- why you and your partner chose this topic
- who you see as a potential target audience: who would be interested in this information? (besides the obvious - members of this class)

Your proposal should be a minimum of 150 words, and is due by Monday, Sept 20, at the end of class. If you use any information from an outside source in your proposal, you must include a link to that source!

Entry 5: The Freshman Fifteen

Click on the link below to go to a National Public Radio story about college students:

Read/listen to the story Books, Stress, Pizza: A Recipe for the Freshman 15?


In your comments, explain what the story says are the causes of the freshman 15 (at least one), and explain one way that students can avoid putting on the freshman 15. Then share your response to the story: do you agree or disagree, how do your experiences relate to this story, do you agree with the methods used in the report?

Your response should be at least 150 words and include a quotation from the original article with a reporting phrase.

Your response is due by midnight, Friday 17. Don't forget to comment on one of your classmates responses!

Entry 4: Building a Mosque at Ground Zero

Watch and listen to the news story about the controversy over building a mosque at Ground Zero.



Why do some Americans have a problem with building a mosque near ground zero? Do you think that their fears are justified? Why/why not?

Other Americans are in favor of building a mosque anywhere. Which side do you agree with? Explain your reasons.

Remember to write 150 words and comment on a classmate's response by the end of class, Wednesday, September 8.

Entry 3: Teacher Evaluations

The L.A. Times (the newspaper in Los Angeles) recently created a huge controversy when they published the results of the ratings of different teachers. Teachers were judged by their students' test scores, along with some other criteria. Copy and paste the link to read and listen to the story.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129282823&ps=rs

Do you agree with this method of evaluating teachers? Please state whether you think this is fair or unfair and give at least one reason to support your answer. How do you, as a student, think that teachers should be evaluated? What is the best way to decide whether a teacher is doing a good job?

Remember you must respond to the questions, write 150 words, and comment on a classmate's response (unless you are the first one). This is due Friday, September 3, by midnight.

Entry 2: Future Appliances

Watch the video on future appliances. Then write a response to the questions below in the comments.



If you could invent a future appliance (or invention) what would you invent? Explain why you chose this invention, and also explain how it would work. Try to use descriptive language to show the reader a mental picture of your invention.

You may also comment on which of the inventions in the video you think is the best, and why.

Remember to post your response, as well as a comment on a classmate's response, by midnight, Friday, September 3.

Entry 1: Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Copy and paste the address below to listen to a story on the controversy about using embryonic stem cells for research.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129406274

In the U.S., some people support using embryonic stem cells for research. Other people oppose using embryonic stem cells for research.

What is your opinion about embryonic stem cell research? You need to show understanding of both sides of the argument in response, and include two reasons to support your answer.

Your comment should be at least 150 words, and you need to agree or disagree with another student. Due Friday by midnight.