Counter Argument: Summer Time!

Dear Writers,

In writing, we have learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Given the following thesis statement, please write a "counter argument" paragraph utilizing the writing skills we have practiced in class.

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

Thesis statement:

Kids should have an extra month of summer vacation. 

I look forward to reading your responses.



Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Counter Argument: Show me the Money!

Dear Writers,

In writing, we learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Today, I will give you a thesis statement for which you must write a counter argument paragraph. Remember a counter argument has the following structure:

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

         Although I love ice cream, some may argue that cake is better. For example, cake is used for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. However, one can have ice cream cake or cake batter ice cream for any occasion. I love ice cream because it is the most wonderful, versatile treat!

Now, it is your turn. Write a counter argument paragraph for the following  thesis statement: 

Kids should be paid for making good grades.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Counter Argument: T.V.

Dear Writers,

In writing, we learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Today, I will give you a thesis statement for which you must write a counter argument paragraph. Remember a counter argument has the following structure:

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

         Although I love ice cream, some may argue that cake is better. For example, cake is used for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. However, one can have ice cream cake or cake batter ice cream for any occasion. I love ice cream because it is the most wonderful, versatile treat!

Now, it is your turn. Write a counter argument paragraph for the following  thesis statement: 

Children should be able to have a T.V. in their room.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Counter Argument

Dear Writers,

In writing, we learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Today, I will give you a thesis statement for which you must write a counter argument paragraph. Remember a counter argument has the following structure:

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example, (evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentence restating your thesis.

         Although I love ice cream, some may argue that cake is better. For example, cake is used for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. However, one can have ice cream cake or cake batter ice cream for any occasion. I love ice cream because it is the most wonderful, versatile treat!

Now, it is your turn. Write a counter argument paragraph for the following  thesis statement: 

Homework is useless.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Point of View

Dear Readers,

We have discussed point of view in class. We learned about first person, third person limited, and third person omniscient. Then we analyzed some of Patricia Polacco's books and from whose point of view the story is told.

For example, Thank you, Mr. Falker was written in third person limited. The story is told from Trisha's perspective, but a narrator is telling it because it uses the pronoun "she." As a reader, we do not know everything, but only the thoughts and feelings of Trisha.

In our historical fiction book clubs, we have analyzed our book's point of view. What point of view is your independent reading book told? How does the point of view influence how the story is told, and what you know or do not know?

I look forward to reading about your book's point of view and why it matters.

Be sure to answer both questions in complete sentences, and edit your work before you submit it.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Book Club Update

Dear Literature Colleagues,

I hope you are enjoying your Historical Fiction Book Clubs! I would like to hear more about the book you are reading. Please write a  summary (at least 5 sentences!) about your historical fiction book, including characters, setting, and the plot (problem/solution). Assume I have not read the book and be sure to edit your work.

Your teacher,

Ms. Blackmon 

One Little Word

Dear students,

Each new year, two of my cyber-mentors challenge teachers to find their One Little Word (OLW). The OLW is one word that will represent, or symbolize, the year ahead. The word should be personal and thoughtful. My mentors spend weeks thinking about their OLW, making sure they select a word that will really guide them.

I have thought a great deal about my OLW. For 2014, I selected "trust" as my One Little Word. I selected "trust" because I don't always trust God's plan and try to make my own way. I need this word to remind me to trust not only His plan for me, but also to trust in the strengths and talents He has blessed me with, rather than worry about the future. Trust can apply to my life in so many ways - through friends, work, my students, my family, myself, and ultimately, God's plan for me. I will use this word to guide me through the days of 2014.

What is your One Little Word? How does this word apply to your life? How can you use your OLW to guide your year? Comment to this post with your OLW, and examples of how you can use your OLW this year. Here is a list of possible words to help you. Copy and paste this link if you need suggestions for a word.

http://aliedwards.com/2012/01/one-little-word-2012-the-words.html

I cannot wait to read your posts,
Ms. Blackmon