1. Quiz on books.
2. Work on projects.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
1. Write a three-part essay.
2. This is to be a minimum of one page.
3. First, tell what you plan to be doing the rest of the day after graduation.
4. Second, tell what you plan to be doing six months after graduation.
5. Third, tell what you plan to be doing five years after graduation.
6. Be sure to include an introduction with a thesis statement.
7. Also provide a satisfactory conclusion.
THIS IS DUE BY THE END OF THE PERIOD.
2. This is to be a minimum of one page.
3. First, tell what you plan to be doing the rest of the day after graduation.
4. Second, tell what you plan to be doing six months after graduation.
5. Third, tell what you plan to be doing five years after graduation.
6. Be sure to include an introduction with a thesis statement.
7. Also provide a satisfactory conclusion.
THIS IS DUE BY THE END OF THE PERIOD.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
1. Work on any work that needs to be completed and turned in.
2. Essay papers.
2. Essay papers.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Thursday, April 7, 2016
1. Make a resume.
2. If you do not have one, make a complete resume.
3. If you already have one, update it.
2. If you do not have one, make a complete resume.
3. If you already have one, update it.
Résumé Workshop
Media File: Résumé Workshop
This resource is enhanced by an Acrobat PDF file. Download the free Acrobat Reader
This résumé workshop provides detailed explanations, as well step-by-step processes, for creating an effective résumé. The Purdue OWL also maintains résumé quick tips resources and a résumé PowerPoint slide presentation. Please visit those resources for shorter discussions of the resume.
What is a résumé?
A résumé (also spelled resume) is a brief document that summarizes your education, employment history, and experiences that are relevant to your qualifications for a particular job for which you are applying. The purpose of a résumé (along with your cover letter) is to get an interview. Research has shown that it takes an average of ten (10) interviews to receive one (1) job offer, so your résumé needs to be persuasive and perfect. Given this, your résumé must beuser-centered and persuasive.
The general purpose résumé usually contains four sections:
- Contact
- Education
- Experience
- Honors, activities, and outreach
Writing the contact section of your résumé
This section of your résumé is definitely the easiest to write, but you do have a few options for design and content.
What is a contact information section?
Unlike other sections of your résumé, this section does not have a special heading like "Contact Information." Instead it simply lists the information below at the top of the page:
- Your full name
- Your e-mail address
- Your permanent address
- Your local or campus address (if applicable)
- Your phone number(s)
- Your web address/URL
- Your fax number, etc.
Of course, as with the rest of your résumé, you'll want to double-check that all the information you include is current and accurate. Mistyping your phone number could easily cost you an interview! Also, if you list an e-mail address, be sure to check your e-mail regularly or you may miss an important message.
If you live on campus, you should provide your campus address. But you may also want to provide your home address.
Designing your contact information section
Employers will probably look first and last at your contact information section, so it's well worth your time to make this section easy-to-read and appealing to the eye. Whatever design choices you make, try to coordinate them with the rest of your résumé. Here are some specific design options:
- Use page design strategies to present information in a usable format. For example, to help readers find desired information, you might place your name in a larger font size, center it, boldface it, or anything to make it stand out. If you have a permanent and local address, you might want to play with columns.
- You may want to add a graphic element such as a horizontal line to help section off your contact information. Make sure the visual does not distract from your textual information.
- Coordinate with your cover letter. One way to make your application documents a professional package is to match your cover letter and your résumé. You might do this by creating stationery or a letterhead for both documents. For instance, if you use two columns for your addresses and a double line on your résumé header, you might adapt it for the top of your cover letter as well. Make sure to use the same fonts (size also) for both documents.
Questions to ask
About you
- What are the different ways you may be contacted? How do you prefer to be reached?
About the company or organization
- What means of contacting you would be most convenient for the company or organization?
- Click the link at the top of the page for a sample résumé.
Job seekers at Purdue University may find value in the Purdue career Wiki here.
For more information about how to develop a résumé, visit these OWL resources:
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
1. Discuss business letters-- uses, formats, conventions, etc.
2. Write a business letter. You may make up the companies, reasons, names, etc., but keep it businesslike and use the correct format.
3. Turn in your letter to the "Business Letter" folder in Google Classroom.
4. This is due tomorrow.
2. Write a business letter. You may make up the companies, reasons, names, etc., but keep it businesslike and use the correct format.
3. Turn in your letter to the "Business Letter" folder in Google Classroom.
4. This is due tomorrow.
Parts of a Business Letter (from Purdue Online Writing Lab)
This resource is organized in the order in which you should write a business letter, starting with the sender's address if the letter is not written on letterhead.
Sender's Address
The sender's address usually is included in letterhead. If you are not using letterhead, include the sender's address at the top of the letter one line above the date. Do not write the sender's name or title, as it is included in the letter's closing. Include only the street address, city, and zip code.
Date
The date line is used to indicate the date the letter was written. However, if your letter is completed over a number of days, use the date it was finished in the date line. When writing to companies within the United States, use the American date format. (The United States-based convention for formatting a date places the month before the day. For example: June 11, 2001. ) Write out the month, day and year two inches from the top of the page. Depending which format you are using for your letter, either left justify the date or tab to the center point and type the date.
Inside Address
The inside address is the recipient's address. It is always best to write to a specific individual at the firm to which you are writing. If you do not have the person's name, do some research by calling the company or speaking with employees from the company. Include a personal title such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr. Follow a woman's preference in being addressed as Miss, Mrs., or Ms. If you are unsure of a woman's preference in being addressed, use Ms. If there is a possibility that the person to whom you are writing is a Dr. or has some other title, use that title. Usually, people will not mind being addressed by a higher title than they actually possess. To write the address, use the U.S. Post Office Format. For international addresses, type the name of the country in all-capital letters on the last line. The inside address begins one line below the sender's address or one inch below the date. It should be left justified, no matter which format you are using.
Salutation
Use the same name as the inside address, including the personal title. If you know the person and typically address them by their first name, it is acceptable to use only the first name in the salutation (for example: Dear Lucy:). In all other cases, however, use the personal title and last/family name followed by a colon. Leave one line blank after the salutation.
If you don't know a reader's gender, use a nonsexist salutation, such as their job title followed by the receiver's name. It is also acceptable to use the full name in a salutation if you cannot determine gender. For example, you might write Dear Chris Harmon: if you were unsure of Chris's gender.
Body
For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of action.
Closing
The closing begins at the same vertical point as your date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the first word only (for example: Thank you) and leave four lines between the closing and the sender's name for a signature. If a colon follows the salutation, a comma should follow the closing; otherwise, there is no punctuation after the closing.
Enclosures
If you have enclosed any documents along with the letter, such as a resume, you indicate this simply by typing Enclosures one line below the closing. As an option, you may list the name of each document you are including in the envelope. For instance, if you have included many documents and need to ensure that the recipient is aware of each document, it may be a good idea to list the names.
Typist initials
Typist initials are used to indicate the person who typed the letter. If you typed the letter yourself, omit the typist initials.
A Note About Format and Font
Block Format
When writing business letters, you must pay special attention to the format and font used. The most common layout of a business letter is known as block format. Using this format, the entire letter is left justified and single spaced except for a double space between paragraphs.
Modified Block
Another widely utilized format is known as modified block format. In this type, the body of the letter and the sender's and recipient's addresses are left justified and single-spaced. However, for the date and closing, tab to the center point and begin to type.
Semi-Block
The final, and least used, style is semi-block. It is much like the modified block style except that each paragraph is indented instead of left justified.
Keep in mind that different organizations have different format requirements for their professional communication. While the examples provided by the OWL contain common elements for the basic business letter (genre expectations), the format of your business letter may need to be flexible to reflect variables like letterheads and templates. Our examples are merely guides.
If your computer is equipped with Microsoft Office 2000, the Letter Wizard can be used to take much of the guesswork out of formatting business letters. To access the Letter Wizard, click on the Tools menu and then choose Letter Wizard. The Wizard will present the three styles mentioned here and input the date, sender address and recipient address into the selected format. Letter Wizard should only be used if you have a basic understand of how to write a business letter. Its templates are not applicable in every setting. Therefore, you should consult a business writing handbook if you have any questions or doubt the accuracy of the Letter Wizard.
Font
Another important factor in the readability of a letter is the font. The generally accepted font is Times New Roman, size 12, although other fonts such as Arial may be used. When choosing a font, always consider your audience. If you are writing to a conservative company, you may want to use Times New Roman. However, if you are writing to a more liberal company, you have a little more freedom when choosing fonts.
Punctuation
Punctuation after the salutation and closing - use a colon (:) after the salutation (never a comma) and a comma (,) after the closing. In some circumstances, you may also use a less common format, known as open punctuation. For this style, punctuation is excluded after the salutation and the closing.
SAMPLE LETTERS
SAMPLE LETTERS
Monday, April 4, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Thursday, March 31, 2016
1. Novel Assignment
NOVEL ASSIGNMENT
BOOKS HAVE TAKEN A BACK SEAT TO
COMPUTERS FOR MANY. HOWEVER, THERE ARE STILL TIMES IN WHICH A BOOK IS THE
PREFERRED OR NECESSARY MEDIUM. WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT THE ART OF FINDING, EVALUATING,
CHOOSING, AND BUYING BOOKS.
1. You are given $1000 (theoretically)
to spend on three (3) to five (5) books by British authors, and you will use
the following sites to purchase your books.
2. For each book, you must record the
following information:
·
The
name of the book
·
The
author
·
The
year the book was published
·
The
publisher of the book
·
The
location of the publishing company
·
The
type of cover, or boards (hardback, paperback, leather, etc.)
·
The
condition of the book (fine, good, poor, etc.)
·
Any
other pertinent information (first edition, signed, illustrated, dust jacket,
etc.)
·
Where
you purchased the book
·
The
price (including shipping)
·
The
reason(s) you selected the book
·
Your
opinion of the book.
·
The
special significance(s) of the book, if any
3. You will turn in your completed
information to the Book Project folder in Google Classroom by the first of class on Monday, April 4.
4. You will receive a test grade for this,
although if you have, in my opinion,
one of the following, you may opt for an automatic grade of 95:
a. Most interesting collection
b. Oldest collection
c. Best quality collection
d. Most coherent collection
Monday, March 28, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
1. Projects due tomorrow. (Yes, this is a change.)
2. We will present on Wednesday.
2. We will present on Wednesday.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
1. Paper/project on A Tale of Two Cities
WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED:
1. If it is a project on the computer, turn it in to Google Classroom-- A Tale of Two Cities Project.
2. If it is a paper on the computer, turn it in to Google Classroom-- A Tale of Two Cities Project.
3. If it is a paper on paper, turn it in to Mr. Bone's desktop-- his actual desktop.
YOU WILL PRESENT THIS IN CLASS.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
DIY PROJECT
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THEMES:
1. the ever-present possibility of resurrection, or
2. the necessity of sacrifice, or
3. the tendency toward violence and oppression in revolutionaries.
OR CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MOTIFS:
1. doubles, or
2. shadows and darkness, or
3. imprisonment.
OR CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMBOLS:
1. the broken wine cask, or
2. Madame Defarge’s knitting, or
3. the Marquis.
OR CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING QUOTES:
1. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way. . .
2. The wine was red wine, and had stained the ground of the narrow street in the suburb of Saint Antoine, in Paris, where it was spilled. It had stained many hands, too, and many faces, and many naked feet, and many wooden shoes. The hands of the man who sawed the wood, left red marks on the billets; and the forehead of the woman who nursed her baby, was stained with the stain of the old rag she wound about her head again. Those who had been greedy with the staves of the cask, had acquired a tigerish smear about the mouth; and one tall joker so besmirched, his head more out of a long squalid bag of a night-cap than in it, scrawled upon a wall with his finger dipped in muddy wine-lees—blood.
DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Write a paper (but not a boring paper), or
3. create a video, or
do something artistic, or
do something artistic, or
4. come up with another technology-based application, or
do something else.
do something else.
Be really creative and impressive.
I do not want a powerpoint presentation (yawn). Last year, almost everyone did that.
I do not want a powerpoint presentation (yawn). Last year, almost everyone did that.
DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Expound upon the subject(s) and/or meaning(s), and
2. give examples, and
3. include personal thoughts and ideas, and
4. be creative, and
5. add something extra.
DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Be thorough, and
2. be accurate, and
3. be grammatically correct, and
4. be creative.
WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED:
1. If it is a project on the computer, turn it in to Google Classroom-- A Tale of Two Cities Project.
2. If it is a paper on the computer, turn it in to Google Classroom-- A Tale of Two Cities Project.
3. If it is a paper on paper, turn it in to Mr. Bone's desktop-- his actual desktop.
YOU WILL PRESENT THIS IN CLASS.
RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PROJECT (I WILL CONTINUE TO ADD TO THIS.)
You will have time in class to work on this project. Do not waste that time. I will expect a paper or project worthy of your ability and the time available. If you give me a one- or two-paragraph paper, your grade will reflect that. A simple project that shows little creativity and/or technology will also reflect that.
Use your strengths to your advantage or expand your universe and try something new and different. I would like to see you use some technology with which you were previously unfamiliar. I would, likewise, be happy for you to show me something I can use.
Some odd examples that have popped into mind (some of these may not necessarily work well with the assignment:
-- late night commercials about products in Paris during the Revolutionary Period
-- bad A Tale of Two Cities lip reading
-- a theme paper in cartoon or comic book form
-- A Tale of Two Cities board game
-- a rap song on a CD
-- a poem read by an animated penguin
-- an interview with Charles Dickens
-- an interview with one of the characters
-- a Revolutionary Period Entertainment Tonight
-- a printed Revolutionary Times newspaper
-- a newspaper article about events in the novel
-- a map with important spots noted
-- a paper with pictures unrelated to France or the Revolution but still tell the story
-- a travelogue or brochure
-- a twitter (or other social media) discussion with a French student about the subject
-- HGTV's "House Hunters" showing off the different homes in the story
-- crime scene report from Lucie's most recent Paris lodging
-- animation of how a guillotine works
-- the trial of a character left
You will have time in class to work on this project. Do not waste that time. I will expect a paper or project worthy of your ability and the time available. If you give me a one- or two-paragraph paper, your grade will reflect that. A simple project that shows little creativity and/or technology will also reflect that.
Use your strengths to your advantage or expand your universe and try something new and different. I would like to see you use some technology with which you were previously unfamiliar. I would, likewise, be happy for you to show me something I can use.
Some odd examples that have popped into mind (some of these may not necessarily work well with the assignment:
-- late night commercials about products in Paris during the Revolutionary Period
-- bad A Tale of Two Cities lip reading
-- a theme paper in cartoon or comic book form
-- A Tale of Two Cities board game
-- a rap song on a CD
-- a poem read by an animated penguin
-- an interview with Charles Dickens
-- an interview with one of the characters
-- a Revolutionary Period Entertainment Tonight
-- a printed Revolutionary Times newspaper
-- a newspaper article about events in the novel
-- a map with important spots noted
-- a paper with pictures unrelated to France or the Revolution but still tell the story
-- a travelogue or brochure
-- a twitter (or other social media) discussion with a French student about the subject
-- HGTV's "House Hunters" showing off the different homes in the story
-- crime scene report from Lucie's most recent Paris lodging
-- animation of how a guillotine works
-- the trial of a character left
THIS PROJECT IS DUE ON MONDAY, MARCH 28, AND WILL BE PRESENTED THEN.
A short summary of your plan is due on Tuesday, March 22, for a daily grade. Include:
your topic,
a general idea of what you intend to say about it,
and the format you will use to present your ideas.
A short summary of your plan is due on Tuesday, March 22, for a daily grade. Include:
your topic,
a general idea of what you intend to say about it,
and the format you will use to present your ideas.
DIY PROJECT GRADING RUBRIC
Addressed the subject properly & completely 30
Personal thoughts & ideas explained 20
Sound reasoning; good examples; ideas backed up 20
Correct grammar; complete sentences; spelling 10
Something extra 20
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
1. Write a one-page minimum essay in which you predict what will happen in the last two chapters of A Tale of Two Cities.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Monday, March 7, 2016
1. Read Book 3, Ch. 11 & 12, in A Tale of Two Cities.
2. Quiz on Book 3, Ch. 10-12.
2. Quiz on Book 3, Ch. 10-12.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Monday, February 29, 2016
Thursday, March 3, 2016
1. Quiz on Part 3, Ch. 8-9, in A Tale of Two Cities.
1. Read Part 3, Ch. 10.
1. Read Part 3, Ch. 10.
Monday, February 29, 2016
1. Read Part 3, Ch. 5-7, pp. 232-247, in A Tale of Two Cities.
2. Quiz on Ch. 5-7.
2. Quiz on Ch. 5-7.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
1. Read Part 3, Ch. 2, pp. 217-222, in A Tale of Two Cities.
2. Quiz on Ch. 1 & 2.
2. Quiz on Ch. 1 & 2.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
1. Turn in test.
2. Discuss Part 2, especially Chapters 22-24, in A Tale of Two Cities.
3. Read Part 3, Ch. 1, "In Secret", pp. 207-216, in A Tale of Two Cities.
2. Discuss Part 2, especially Chapters 22-24, in A Tale of Two Cities.
3. Read Part 3, Ch. 1, "In Secret", pp. 207-216, in A Tale of Two Cities.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
1. Test on Part 2 of A Tale of Two Cities.
2. Test is open book and take-home.
3. It is due tomorrow.
2. Test is open book and take-home.
3. It is due tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
1. Work on proposals.
2. Problem was due yesterday.
3. Plan is due tomorrow at beginning of period.
4. Final proposal is due Friday.
2. Problem was due yesterday.
3. Plan is due tomorrow at beginning of period.
4. Final proposal is due Friday.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Write a proposal. The following are things you need to address. However, you are not limited to these. There may be other things that may come up, either in your study or by me as devil's advocate.
I. Identify a problem or issue here at school.
A. What is the problem?
B. Why does this need to be addressed?
II. Lay out a plan to solve that problem.
A. What is the plan? Give details.
B. How did you come up with this plan?
C. Who will implement the plan?
D. How it will be done?
E. What are the costs and how will it be financed?
F. How long will it take?
G. What are any foreseeable kinks in the plan?
H. How will those be worked out?
I. Who will need to OK the plan?
J. How will you get the necessary permissions?
K. Can it actually be done?
L. Is there anything else to consider?
III. Justify the plan.
A. How does this plan solve the problem?
B. Are there any other possible solutions?
C. Why is this plan the best choice?
D. Is it worth the time, money, and trouble?
You may work by yourself or with partner(s). If you choose to work with a partner, you will share whatever grade you make.
Be thorough. Do not give a one-sentence answer to the questions above. Substance is more important than style, although having both is better. Make sure you or someone else proofreads your final proposal; it should be neat, complete, and accurate.
The issue is due at the end of class today, Tuesday, February 16. A daily grade will be given for this.
The plan is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, February 18.
Thursday, February 18. A test grade will be given for this. All points must be addressed, although this is considered a rough draft.
The completed proposal is due by 3:45 on Friday, February 19. A test grade will be given for this. All points must be addressed completely. This will be in final draft form.
This should be done on your Chromebooks. Folders are in Google Classroom for each part due.
I. Identify a problem or issue here at school.
A. What is the problem?
B. Why does this need to be addressed?
II. Lay out a plan to solve that problem.
A. What is the plan? Give details.
B. How did you come up with this plan?
C. Who will implement the plan?
D. How it will be done?
E. What are the costs and how will it be financed?
F. How long will it take?
G. What are any foreseeable kinks in the plan?
H. How will those be worked out?
I. Who will need to OK the plan?
J. How will you get the necessary permissions?
K. Can it actually be done?
L. Is there anything else to consider?
III. Justify the plan.
A. How does this plan solve the problem?
B. Are there any other possible solutions?
C. Why is this plan the best choice?
D. Is it worth the time, money, and trouble?
You may work by yourself or with partner(s). If you choose to work with a partner, you will share whatever grade you make.
Be thorough. Do not give a one-sentence answer to the questions above. Substance is more important than style, although having both is better. Make sure you or someone else proofreads your final proposal; it should be neat, complete, and accurate.
The issue is due at the end of class today, Tuesday, February 16. A daily grade will be given for this.
The plan is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, February 18.
Thursday, February 18. A test grade will be given for this. All points must be addressed, although this is considered a rough draft.
The completed proposal is due by 3:45 on Friday, February 19. A test grade will be given for this. All points must be addressed completely. This will be in final draft form.
This should be done on your Chromebooks. Folders are in Google Classroom for each part due.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
1. Quiz on Book 2, Ch. 22-24, in A Tale of Two Cities.
2. Read Book 3, Ch. 1, pp. 207-216, in A Tale of Two Cities.
3. Write a response to Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal". It should be a minimum of one-half a page.
2. Read Book 3, Ch. 1, pp. 207-216, in A Tale of Two Cities.
3. Write a response to Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal". It should be a minimum of one-half a page.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
1. Discuss types and elements of a proposal.
2. Read Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" below.
3. Find elements of a proposal in his essay.
Elements of a Proposal
2. Read Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" below.
3. Find elements of a proposal in his essay.
Elements of a Proposal
A proposal argument is one of the most common and effective forms of argumentation. Done well, it can influence the opinion of even the most opposed audience member. While there are a variety of methods in constructing this type of argument, the audience, purpose, and basic components remain the same and must always be included. A proposal argument defines a problem and suggests a remedy, solution or course of action for a specified audience; additionally, this style of argument examines various sides of the issue so that the audience is well-informed.
Audience & Purpose
When writing a proposal argument, define your audience and your purpose. The tone and structure of your argument can vary widely depending on these factors; for example, a proposal argument to invoke limits on welfare would look very different if you are writing it to a senator as opposed to welfare recipients. Knowing your purpose makes the paper’s effectiveness easier to ascertain. If your purpose is to persuade your school’s president that core classes should not be required, use that purpose to evaluate whether or not the argument is successful.
Description of Problem
One of the core elements of a proposal argument is a description of the existing problem. This description can include extensive historical or social context, a review of the surrounding issues and a clear and complete discussion of the significance of the problem. Keep your audience in mind so that this description shows how the problem applies directly to them and their lives, values and cares. Use concrete details, vivid examples and compelling facts to show how the problem has immediacy in the lives of your readers. This description is the key to setting up your argument for success.
Proposed Solution
In a proposal argument, you go beyond explaining the problem; you also present a solution that is well-considered and will resonate with your audience. The solution most likely will take research so you can back it up with facts. Use this section of your essay to set out your proposal in detail, showing any kinds of costs associated, how the solution will work in a step-by-step fashion, the difficulties and successes anticipated in undertaking the solution and how this proposal will solve the problem you laid out. This is the section to explore the solution in a manner that causes your audience to buy into your ideas.
Justification for Solution
You can have an excellent solution, but in order to convince your audience to accept it, you must justify how the solution you set out will impact your selected audience and work for them. This area is not a place for emotional appeals; rather, it is a place for solid facts and concrete conclusions that prove the efficacy of your argument to your audience.
| A Modest Proposal |
| For Preventing The Children of Poor People in Ireland From Being A Burden to Their Parents or Country, and For Making Them Beneficial to The Public |
| By Jonathan Swift (1729) |
| It is a melancholy object to those who walk through this great town or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads, and cabin doors, crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags and importuning every passenger for an alms. These mothers, instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in strolling to beg sustenance for their helpless infants: who as they grow up either turn thieves for want of work, or leave their dear native country to fight for the Pretender in Spain, or sell themselves to the Barbadoes.I think it is agreed by all parties that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom a very great additional grievance; and, therefore, whoever could find out a fair, cheap, and easy method of making these children sound, useful members of the commonwealth, would deserve so well of the public as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation. But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars; it is of a much greater extent, and shall take in the whole number of infants at a certain age who are born of parents in effect as little able to support them as those who demand our charity in the streets.  ”I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled ...” As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years upon this important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of other projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in the computation. It is true, a child just dropped from its dam may be supported by her milk for a solar year, with little other nourishment; at most not above the value of 2s., which the mother may certainly get, or the value in scraps, by her lawful occupation of begging; and it is exactly at one year old that I propose to provide for them in such a manner as instead of being a charge upon their parents or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall on the contrary contribute to the feeding, and partly to the clothing, of many thousands. There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas! too frequent among us! sacrificing the poor innocent babes I doubt more to avoid the expense than the shame, which would move tears and pity in the most savage and inhuman breast. The number of souls in this kingdom being usually reckoned one million and a half, of these I calculate there may be about two hundred thousand couple whose wives are breeders; from which number I subtract thirty thousand couples who are able to maintain their own children, although I apprehend there cannot be so many, under the present distresses of the kingdom; but this being granted, there will remain an hundred and seventy thousand breeders. I again subtract fifty thousand for those women who miscarry, or whose children die by accident or disease within the year. There only remains one hundred and twenty thousand children of poor parents annually born. The question therefore is, how this number shall be reared and provided for, which, as I have already said, under the present situation of affairs, is utterly impossible by all the methods hitherto proposed. For we can neither employ them in handicraft or agriculture; we neither build houses (I mean in the country) nor cultivate land: they can very seldom pick up a livelihood by stealing, till they arrive at six years old, except where they are of towardly parts, although I confess they learn the rudiments much earlier, during which time, they can however be properly looked upon only as probationers, as I have been informed by a principal gentleman in the county of Cavan, who protested to me that he never knew above one or two instances under the age of six, even in a part of the kingdom so renowned for the quickest proficiency in that art. I am assured by our merchants, that a boy or a girl before twelve years old is no salable commodity; and even when they come to this age they will not yield above three pounds, or three pounds and half-a-crown at most on the exchange; which cannot turn to account either to the parents or kingdom, the charge of nutriment and rags having been at least four times that value. I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection. I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout. I do therefore humbly offer it to public consideration that of the hundred and twenty thousand children already computed, twenty thousand may be reserved for breed, whereof only one-fourth part to be males; which is more than we allow to sheep, black cattle or swine; and my reason is, that these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not much regarded by our savages, therefore one male will be sufficient to serve four females. That the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in the sale to the persons of quality and fortune through the kingdom; always advising the mother to let them suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump and fat for a good table. A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends; and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter. I have reckoned upon a medium that a child just born will weigh 12 pounds, and in a solar year, if tolerably nursed, increaseth to 28 pounds. I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children. Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent French physician, that fish being a prolific diet, there are more children born in Roman Catholic countries about nine months after Lent than at any other season; therefore, reckoning a year after Lent, the markets will be more glutted than usual, because the number of popish infants is at least three to one in this kingdom: and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of papists among us. I have already computed the charge of nursing a beggar's child (in which list I reckon all cottagers, laborers, and four-fifths of the farmers) to be about two shillings per annum, rags included; and I believe no gentleman would repine to give ten shillings for the carcass of a good fat child, which, as I have said, will make four dishes of excellent nutritive meat, when he hath only some particular friend or his own family to dine with him. Thus the squire will learn to be a good landlord, and grow popular among his tenants; the mother will have eight shillings net profit, and be fit for work till she produces another child. Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flay the carcass; the skin of which artificially dressed will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen. As to our city of Dublin, shambles may be appointed for this purpose in the most convenient parts of it, and butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs. A very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem, was lately pleased in discoursing on this matter to offer a refinement upon my scheme. He said that many gentlemen of this kingdom, having of late destroyed their deer, he conceived that the want of venison might be well supplied by the bodies of young lads and maidens, not exceeding fourteen years of age nor under twelve; so great a number of both sexes in every country being now ready to starve for want of work and service; and these to be disposed of by their parents, if alive, or otherwise by their nearest relations. But with due deference to so excellent a friend and so deserving a patriot, I cannot be altogether in his sentiments; for as to the males, my American acquaintance assured me, from frequent experience, that their flesh was generally tough and lean, like that of our schoolboys by continual exercise, and their taste disagreeable; and to fatten them would not answer the charge. Then as to the females, it would, I think, with humble submission be a loss to the public, because they soon would become breeders themselves; and besides, it is not improbable that some scrupulous people might be apt to censure such a practice (although indeed very unjustly), as a little bordering upon cruelty; which, I confess, hath always been with me the strongest objection against any project, however so well intended. But in order to justify my friend, he confessed that this expedient was put into his head by the famous Psalmanazar, a native of the island Formosa, who came from thence to London above twenty years ago, and in conversation told my friend, that in his country when any young person happened to be put to death, the executioner sold the carcass to persons of quality as a prime dainty; and that in his time the body of a plump girl of fifteen, who was crucified for an attempt to poison the emperor, was sold to his imperial majesty's prime minister of state, and other great mandarins of the court, in joints from the gibbet, at four hundred crowns. Neither indeed can I deny, that if the same use were made of several plump young girls in this town, who without one single groat to their fortunes cannot stir abroad without a chair, and appear at playhouse and assemblies in foreign fineries which they never will pay for, the kingdom would not be the worse. Some persons of a desponding spirit are in great concern about that vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed, and I have been desired to employ my thoughts what course may be taken to ease the nation of so grievous an encumbrance. But I am not in the least pain upon that matter, because it is very well known that they are every day dying and rotting by cold and famine, and filth and vermin, as fast as can be reasonably expected. And as to the young laborers, they are now in as hopeful a condition; they cannot get work, and consequently pine away for want of nourishment, to a degree that if at any time they are accidentally hired to common labor, they have not strength to perform it; and thus the country and themselves are happily delivered from the evils to come. I have too long digressed, and therefore shall return to my subject. I think the advantages by the proposal which I have made are obvious and many, as well as of the highest importance. For first, as I have already observed, it would greatly lessen the number of papists, with whom we are yearly overrun, being the principal breeders of the nation as well as our most dangerous enemies; and who stay at home on purpose with a design to deliver the kingdom to the Pretender, hoping to take their advantage by the absence of so many good protestants, who have chosen rather to leave their country than stay at home and pay tithes against their conscience to an episcopal curate. Secondly, The poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own, which by law may be made liable to distress and help to pay their landlord's rent, their corn and cattle being already seized, and money a thing unknown. Thirdly, Whereas the maintenance of an hundred thousand children, from two years old and upward, cannot be computed at less than ten shillings a-piece per annum, the nation's stock will be thereby increased fifty thousand pounds per annum, beside the profit of a new dish introduced to the tables of all gentlemen of fortune in the kingdom who have any refinement in taste. And the money will circulate among ourselves, the goods being entirely of our own growth and manufacture. Fourthly, The constant breeders, beside the gain of eight shillings sterling per annum by the sale of their children, will be rid of the charge of maintaining them after the first year. Fifthly, This food would likewise bring great custom to taverns; where the vintners will certainly be so prudent as to procure the best receipts for dressing it to perfection, and consequently have their houses frequented by all the fine gentlemen, who justly value themselves upon their knowledge in good eating: and a skilful cook, who understands how to oblige his guests, will contrive to make it as expensive as they please. Sixthly, This would be a great inducement to marriage, which all wise nations have either encouraged by rewards or enforced by laws and penalties. It would increase the care and tenderness of mothers toward their children, when they were sure of a settlement for life to the poor babes, provided in some sort by the public, to their annual profit instead of expense. We should see an honest emulation among the married women, which of them could bring the fattest child to the market. Men would become as fond of their wives during the time of their pregnancy as they are now of their mares in foal, their cows in calf, their sows when they are ready to farrow; nor offer to beat or kick them (as is too frequent a practice) for fear of a miscarriage. Many other advantages might be enumerated. For instance, the addition of some thousand carcasses in our exportation of barreled beef, the propagation of swine's flesh, and improvement in the art of making good bacon, so much wanted among us by the great destruction of pigs, too frequent at our tables; which are no way comparable in taste or magnificence to a well-grown, fat, yearling child, which roasted whole will make a considerable figure at a lord mayor's feast or any other public entertainment. But this and many others I omit, being studious of brevity. Supposing that one thousand families in this city, would be constant customers for infants flesh, besides others who might have it at merry meetings, particularly at weddings and christenings, I compute that Dublin would take off annually about twenty thousand carcasses; and the rest of the kingdom (where probably they will be sold somewhat cheaper) the remaining eighty thousand. I can think of no one objection, that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it should be urged, that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom. This I freely own, and 'twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor houshold furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury: Of curing the expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our women: Of introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance: Of learning to love our country, wherein we differ even from Laplanders, and the inhabitants of Topinamboo: Of quitting our animosities and factions, nor acting any longer like the Jews, who were murdering one another at the very moment their city was taken: Of being a little cautious not to sell our country and consciences for nothing: Of teaching landlords to have at least one degree of mercy towards their tenants. Lastly, of putting a spirit of honesty, industry, and skill into our shop-keepers, who, if a resolution could now be taken to buy only our native goods, would immediately unite to cheat and exact upon us in the price, the measure, and the goodness, nor could ever yet be brought to make one fair proposal of just dealing, though often and earnestly invited to it. Therefore I repeat, let no man talk to me of these and the like expedients, 'till he hath at least some glympse of hope, that there will ever be some hearty and sincere attempt to put them into practice. But, as to my self, having been wearied out for many years with offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal, which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real, of no expence and little trouble, full in our own power, and whereby we can incur no danger in disobliging England. For this kind of commodity will not bear exportation, and flesh being of too tender a consistence, to admit a long continuance in salt, although perhaps I could name a country, which would be glad to eat up our whole nation without it. After all, I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion as to reject any offer proposed by wise men, which shall be found equally innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual. But before something of that kind shall be advanced in contradiction to my scheme, and offering a better, I desire the author or authors will be pleased maturely to consider two points. First, as things now stand, how they will be able to find food and raiment for an hundred thousand useless mouths and backs. And secondly, there being a round million of creatures in human figure throughout this kingdom, whose whole subsistence put into a common stock would leave them in debt two millions of pounds sterling, adding those who are beggars by profession to the bulk of farmers, cottagers, and laborers, with their wives and children who are beggars in effect: I desire those politicians who dislike my overture, and may perhaps be so bold as to attempt an answer, that they will first ask the parents of these mortals, whether they would not at this day think it a great happiness to have been sold for food, at a year old in the manner I prescribe, and thereby have avoided such a perpetual scene of misfortunes as they have since gone through by the oppression of landlords, the impossibility of paying rent without money or trade, the want of common sustenance, with neither house nor clothes to cover them from the inclemencies of the weather, and the most inevitable prospect of entailing the like or greater miseries upon their breed for ever. I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the public good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich. I have no children by which I can propose to get a single penny; the youngest being nine years old, and my wife past child-bearing. The End  Note: Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), author and satirist, famous for Gulliver's Travels (1726) and A Modest Proposal (1729). This proposal, where he suggests that the Irish eat their own children, is one of his most drastic pieces. He devoted much of his writing to the struggle for Ireland against the English hegemony. |
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
1. Finish grading revising and editing pre-tests.
2. Read article on understanding the writing process.
2. Read article on understanding the writing process.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
1. Revising and editing pre-test.... Yes, that is what I said.... Revising and editing!
Monday, February 8, 2016
Monday, February 1, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
1. Finish character trials, if necessary.
2. Read Book 2, Ch. 24, "Drawn to the Loadstone Rock", pp. 195-204, in A Tale of Two Cities.
2. Read Book 2, Ch. 24, "Drawn to the Loadstone Rock", pp. 195-204, in A Tale of Two Cities.
Monday, February 1, 2016
1. Students will pair up.
2. Each pair will choose a character from British literature.
3. The character will be on trial for something he or she has done in a story.
4. One of the students will prepare a two- to four-minute prosecution of the character.
5. The other student will prepare a two- to four-minute defense of the character.
6. Mr. Bone will act as judge but will not render judgment.
7. The class will act as jury and will decide judgment of the character through simple vote.
8. Unlike a criminal trial, in which the accused must be proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt; this will be more like a civil trial, in which the the guilt must simply be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
9. Each side will be given only one chance to present an argument.
10. Each student will receive a test grade for his or her individual presentation. The successful side will receive 5 bonus points.
11. Each pair of students will also receive a test grade for the overall presentation-- coherence, cooperation, preparation, etc.
12. This will be due on Thursday, February 4th.
13. Trials will be on Thursday and Friday, February 4th and 5th.
2. Each pair will choose a character from British literature.
3. The character will be on trial for something he or she has done in a story.
4. One of the students will prepare a two- to four-minute prosecution of the character.
5. The other student will prepare a two- to four-minute defense of the character.
6. Mr. Bone will act as judge but will not render judgment.
7. The class will act as jury and will decide judgment of the character through simple vote.
8. Unlike a criminal trial, in which the accused must be proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt; this will be more like a civil trial, in which the the guilt must simply be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
9. Each side will be given only one chance to present an argument.
10. Each student will receive a test grade for his or her individual presentation. The successful side will receive 5 bonus points.
11. Each pair of students will also receive a test grade for the overall presentation-- coherence, cooperation, preparation, etc.
12. This will be due on Thursday, February 4th.
13. Trials will be on Thursday and Friday, February 4th and 5th.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Friday, January 29, 2016
1. Read Book 2, Ch. 22, "The Sea Still Rises", pp. 184-188, and Ch. 23, "Fire Rises", pp. 189-194, in A Tale of Two Cities.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
1. Catch up on essays. If you are missing an essay (or more than one), use this time to catch up.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
1. Write an essay in which you use classification to put things in some sort of order.
Many subjects can be explored through classification: that is, identifying and illustrating different types, varieties, and methods.
Fifty Topic Suggestions: Classification
- Classification Essay: think about the categories we place things in everyday and the characteristics of those categories. The topic you choose should allow you to argue that something has been misplaced.
Classification Essay Examples
To write this type of essay, we'll need to think about things that should or should not be placed in a particular category.
Example: Batman (that's our topic!) is not a superhero (category people place him in), but is simply a local vigilante(category he belongs in).
Ask yourself: Why do I think that...?
- Does not possess super powers (powers most humans don't possess).
- Chooses to be a hero, rather than being "chosen" by others/other forces.
Example: Cheerleading (That's our topic!) should be considered a sport (It belongs in the category, "sports").
Ask yourself: Why do I think that...?
- cheerleaders go to "practice" and must be in good physical shape
- cheerleaders work together toward a common goal
- cheerleaders must "try out" for their squad and often compete against other squads
Many subjects can be explored through classification: that is, identifying and illustrating different types, varieties, and methods.
Fifty Topic Suggestions: Classification
- On-campus jobs for students
- Roommates
- Hobbies
- Music on your phone or MP3 player
- Study habits
- Stand-up comedians
- Self-centered people
- Online educational resources
- Gardeners
- Drivers
- Reality shows on television
- Sales clerks
- Television detectives
- Road trips
- Dancing styles
- Video games
- Customers at your work place
- Ways of boring people
- Cheaters
- Shoppers
- Rides at an amusement park
- First dates
- Videos on YouTube
- Stores in the mall
- People waiting in line
- Churchgoers
- Attitudes toward exercising
- Reasons for attending (or not attending) college
- Baseball pitchers, football quarterbacks, or soccer goalies
- Styles of eating in the cafeteria
- Ways of saving money
- Talk-show hosts
- Vacations
- Methods of studying for a final examination
- Friends
- Comedians
- Ways of quitting smoking
- Attitudes toward money
- Television comedies
- Diets
- Sports fans
- Attitudes toward politics
- Ways of coping with a cold
- Note-taking strategies
- Attitudes toward tipping in restaurants
- Political activists
- Portable music players
- Different uses of social networking sites (such as Facebook and Twitter)
- High school teachers or college professors
- Ways of protecting the environment
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