Current+Event+Assignment

Each week you must find and read one current event __essay__ from a popular newspaper or magazine columnist from a periodical such as //The Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Newsweek, Time, etc.// The piece you read should be an essay such as an editorial or commentary __where the writer takes a stand on the issue__, not an informative news article. (1) Write a journal entry using the questions listed below to guide your response. The journal entry must be word processed. (2) You must also attach a copy of the article (with its source cited on the article) to the journal response. ** Purpose: ** To promote reading of non fiction To increase student awareness of current issues in the world To increase vocabulary and reading comprehension To provide practice writing and forming opinions To practice analyzing rhetorical techniques used in essay writing Your response should be one to two pages typed, double spaced in a 12 point easy to read font. The goal of the response is for you to write a reaction to the piece you have read. It is a __first draft__, so focus on content, using specific examples and details from the article. (You should still run a spell check and write in complete sentences.) Your response should contain two parts: the first part is your personal response and reaction to the piece and the issue, and the second part is the __analysis of the essay__. //Don’t feel constrained by the guiding questions; you don’t have to answer all of them, but do consider the questions as you write//. Use this assignment as a chance to practice writing your opinion—find your voice and let it come through in your writing. ** Part 1 – ** Respond to the content of the essay. Do you agree or disagree with the writer’s views? Explain your viewpoint. What does this essay make you think about? How does this writer’s views support or contradict other opinions you have heard on this topic? What does the essay remind you of in your own life or in something else you have read or viewed? Why did you choose this essay to read? ** Part 2 – ** Analyze the writer’s craft What is the purpose or the writer’s intent in writing this piece? Who is the audience for the piece? Who was the writer trying to reach or impact? What phrases do you think are especially effective and why? What do you notice about the organization of the piece? How does the writer transition from one idea to the next? What do you notice about the beginning and ending? What is the tone of the piece? What are some lines or words that support your opinion? What are some unusual or excellent word choices the author makes? Bring the journal and portfolio to class each due date. Thursday, December 18 – Journal Response #1 Friday, January 9 - Journal Response #2 Friday, January 16 – Journal Response #3 Friday, January 23 - Journal Response #4 Your name Mrs. Endres English 11 - 18 December 2008 Journal Response #1 // Title of article and author  // Periodical title and date
 * Responding to a Current Event Essay **
 * Journal Response **
 * Due Dates and Checklist for Current Event Essays **
 * See back for Grading Criteria. **
 * Grading Criteria for each journal response (20 points in the Homework Category) **
 * Journal response is 1 to 2 pages in length, is word processed, and is completed on time.
 * Journal response contains two parts: a personal reaction and an analysis.
 * Content of the journal response reveals the student’s original, analytical and critical thinking. The student includes references to specific lines of the article in the journal.
 * Journal response is coherent, interesting to read, and the writer’s voice is clear.
 * Effort on this assignment is evident.
 * A copy of the article is included, and the source is documented on the article.
 * The correct heading and title is used.
 * __ Part 1  __**