Thursday, November 8, 2007

Things to discuss next week

so/very/too

Independent clauses and punctuation

Prepositions and articles

Present perfect

Sentence combining

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Week 1: Writing Topics

Here are your first writing assignments. I have divided them into two cagegories: academic and non-academic. Pick one of the assignments in your category. Get the assignment to me by Friday, if you can.

Non-academic:

Job application letter. Write a one-page (single-spaced) letter applying for a job. In your letter, you should introduce yourself, discuss your work history and strengths, and sell yourself to the employer. Why should the employer hire you? Why would you be a strong employee?

Letter to the editor. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper responding to a news story or editorial (and please include the URL of the story or editorial in your letter). Keep your letter short (one single-spaced page), organized, and focused.

Job goals. Explain what kind of job you would like, and exactly why you want that kind of job. Refer to your past work history (jobs you have had before).

Academic:

College admissions essay. Write a one-page (single-spaced) essay applying to a university. In your essay, you should introduce yourself, discuss your academic strengths and interests, and sell yourself to the admissions committee. Why should the university admit you? Why would you be a strong student?

Wikipedia article. Write a one-page (single-spaced) article for Wikipedia, on any detailed topic you like (I suggest that you choose a topic that is fairly detailed. A general topic would be far too long.) Cite your sources. Remember that the purpose of the article is to explain the topic.

Explain your field of interest. In one page, explain to me your academic interest. Assume that I know nothing about your field, and use basic English, but be as detailed as you can. This is harder than it sounds.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Welcome!

This is the first (test) post. More later.