Monthly Archives: February 2023
Here is a model book report by a 7th grade boy. Notice that the essay is well organized with a clear thesis, topic sentences, and conclusion. The Guns of Navarone by Alistair MacLean tells the gripping story of a combat team with orders to destroy a German gun emplacement. Set during World War II, this suspenseful tale brings to life the secret world of espionage. During the winter of 1943, one thousand Allied soldiers were trapped by German forces on the…..
Students have certain expectations about English class. The teacher talks alot. It’s a good idea to look pleasant , cooperative, and interested. If possible, sit in the back behind a tall student. Be sure to grab someone’s class notes. That attitude has to go! What do students expect from their English teachers? Quick feedback. Return tests and essays promptly. Understanding assignments. Take part of or an entire class period to review the material. Find out what students don’t know and…..
In his essay “Politics and the English Language,” George Orwell provides six simple rules for all writers of English. If a writer were to follow only six guidelines in their writing, these may well be the best six. As Orwell notes in his essay, simply following these rules won’t make for good writing, but it’s a step in the right direction. Encourage students to heed his advice. Place Orwell’s rules on your classroom wall and refer to them frequently……
Abbreviations for Common Errors At the start of each school year, reproduce and distribute this handout. It lists abbreviations the teacher can place in the margin of students’ essays. After essays are graded and returned, require each class to correct errors. Assuming essays were typed, students make corrections on their work using a brightly colored pen. The teacher can then efficiently check corrected work that is returned during class or the following day. Incentive: reduce grade for uncorrected essays……
