AL: Extra Credit: Texting

First of all, Nick, Ashley, and Linette had fabulous posts! If you want examples of high quality work, please examine their posts. They provide thoughtful responses full of insight.

Another thing I noticed was the errors in your writing. In numerous posts, there were misspellings and improper punctuation and capitalization. Consequently, I pose the following question to you: Has texting and social networking destroyed formal writing? Do students know the difference between formal and informal writing? Are students just careless, or do they not know the difference?

What are your thoughts/insights?

Gunter's Insight and Wisdom (Or Lack Thereof)

First of all my CPW cherubs, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comments. I really learned a lot from you guys. There were really two different types of blog posts: academic and personal. Although most of you hated the academic portion, I learned a lot about what many of you are struggling with. This helps me. (And yes, it was quite evident as to who actually listened to/read the podcasts and who did not.) Those who paid close attention to spelling, punctuation, grammar, and overall content sounded much more intellectual than those who did not. Keep working on this. Additionally, if you want an example of people who did a superb job with initial posts and comments read Carrie, Joey, and Gage's posts.

Outside of the grammar lessons, I also enjoyed reading about the stresses you have in your lives at this moment. It has only been ten short years since I was a senior; I forgot how stressful senior year is for students. You refreshed my memory. Don't worry. It'll all be over soon. You'll be off to college with other stresses. There are different stresses in each stage of life. I believe it was Alex who said that later on in life that everyone will wish they were back in high school. That is so true, but it doesn't make your stresses any less overwhelming.

Deciding the college you want to attend can definitely impact your future. Just because you decide you want to go to Chemeketa or your parents want you to go to Chemeketa, it doesn't mean that you won't get the college experience. Some of you really want to attend a university. If you start at Chemeketa, you can always transfer. Kole, you regret that you screwed around so much in high school. FYI: After you take twelve college credits, colleges no longer require your high school transcripts. If you don't have the grades for a university now, go to Chemeketa for a year. It is a lot cheaper. Do not fret. I am glad, however, you have learned from your mishaps.

SATs and ACTs are stressful. I will tell you that I had horrible SAT and ACT scores. I chose not to retake them. I was so burned out that I took on the attitude of Whatever is supposed to happen will happen. Consequently, I didn't get accepted into the only university I really wanted to attend. I survived. I am proud that you guys are sticking with it. That really says a lot about who you are.

Many of you are reexamining your priorities. Some realize that high school is almost over and trying to get involved in everything possible; others are done with high school and the drama it so often entails. Every person reacts differently to these types of situations. With this being said, you are 1/3 of the way done with your senior year. It has gone by fast. Your life will change as soon as you walk across that stage in June. Don't be scared. Change will happen, and you will grow from it.

My dad told me as I was leaving for my freshman year in college, "Angie, you can never come home." I didn't understand what he meant until I came home for the break. Even though you are all stressed and some are having trouble with parents, girlfriends, boyfriends, work, etc., try to enjoy your senior year. In a year from now when you return home for Thanksgiving break, you'll realize the truth in Nelson Mandela's statement, "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."

CPW: Stressed Out!

Senior year is extremely stressful for most people. What's going on in your life that is completely overwhelming?

AL: Authors

We have covered several different author and time periods this year. Which author has been your favorite so far? Why? Which author has been your least favorite so far? Why?

A.L.: Emerson's Aphorisms

Please cite the aphorism that struck you the most in "Self Reliance." Remember, an aphorism is a short statment that expresses wise or clever observations about life. Please elaborate on its meaning and the overall significance and connection to you. Was there anything you disagreed with regarding Emerson's insights? Explain.

Free-For-All: Grammar Girl and Comma Splices

So many people use commas incorrectly. One major problem with end-of-sentence punctuation are comma splices. What is a comma splice, you may ask? Well, listen to this podcast by Grammar Girl. Maybe you always earn a 3 in conventions on your CIM papers and want to bump your score up to a 4. This could be the perfect tool. First, briefly summarize what a comma splice is. Next, point out two things that you have learned from Grammar Girl's podcast. One person commented that this was the most useful tool about comma splices she has ever read. Do you agree?

Note: You will not be able to listen to this at school because the school's website will not allow students to download mp3 files. You'll have to listen to this one at home. If you are just dying to hear it and don't have access at home, you can read her transcript instead.

CPW: Grammar Grater Episode 71: What's Your Function, Again?

Listen to the podcast entitled "Grammar Grater Episode 71: What's Your Function, Again?" Recall a time when your teacher told you never to start a sentence with and or but. Briefly describe the situation. Do you believe your teacher simply did not understand the rule? (Remember, teachers aren't perfect and don't know everything.) Or did your teacher have another reason for teaching you this rule? Make a connection with Luke Taylor's podcast in your argument.

CPW: Grammar Grater Episode 20: Unfinished Business

Listen to the podcast entitled "Grammar Grater Episode 20: Unfinished Business." Do you think that the rule about not ending a sentence with a preposition is old-fashioned? Is this a rule that should be ignored by professors/grammarians? Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Taylor's argument that restructuring the sentence can make the sentence sound "clunky?"

CPW: Grammar Grater Episode 19: Passive Aggressive

Listen to the podcast entitled "Grammar Grater Episode 19: Passive Aggressive." (If you have problems listening, you can read the text.) Summarize Luke Taylor's point. Remembering what we have learned in class about the passive voice, does he have a convincing argument? What are your thoughts on the issue?

CPW: I Wonder as I Wander

In the past ten weeks or so, we have covered a lot of material. What is one thing you feel you have mastered in this time period? What is a specific item that is still perplexing? (We may or may not have covered it.) Make sure to provide a lot of detail.

AL: "Rip Van Winkle" and Battle of the Sexes

Dame Van Winkle is portrayed very poorly. Rip is referred to as a "hen-pecked husband," amongst other things. He always wants to escape her wrath. There seems to be a battle: Rip vs Dame. What movie, television show, or song portrays women in this light or has this same type of battle of the sexes? Clearly explain the comparison.

Additionally, do you think that our society has a double standard for men and women? Watch this YouTube video to see how society views Dame Van Winkle. Is this fair?

AL: "Rip Van Winkle"- Comic Tale?

Above all, "Rip Van Winkle" is regarded as a comic tale. Do you, as a 21st century reader, find the story humourous, or do you think it's too outdated to be funny to us today? Explain your response.

AL:"Rip Van Winkle" Behavior

Some argue that Rip Van Winkle has very adolescent behavior. How might this be true or untrue? Use specific examples from the text.