To Start:
I’m out sick today, so there’s no starter or closer.
 
In Class:

• Fill out the self-critique form and turn it in to earn credit for the day.
• Go through your op-ed, using this checklist.
  
  • If you need a refresher on MLA formatting, I suggest the Purdue OWL site.
• Make the revisions you identified, so that you're ready for peer critique tomorrow.

 
At Home:
Bring two printed copies of your Op-Ed to class for peer critique tomorrow. You must have them before class begins to earn your stamp. No exceptions.

To Start:

• Get out your outline and show me for a stamp.
• Sign up for a conference.
• Get to work!

In Class:
We're drafting our Op-Eds. 

To Close:
How many words have you written for your Op-Ed?

​At Home:​
Continue working on your Op-Ed. Rough drafts are due at the beginning of class on Monday.

To Start:
Pick one of the four example Op-Eds in the outbox and begin reading it.

In Class:
We're exploring the style and format of Op-Eds, using this form. 

Then we're outlining our own Op-Eds, using these guidelines.

To Close:
Summarize the primary difference(s) between a five-paragraph essay and an Op-Ed.

At Home: 

• Finish your Op-Ed outline.  They are due tomorrow in class.
• Make sure that you're 100% ready for SLCs tomorrow evening.

To Start:
Try to start a fight!

​Write a "4 Corners" statement about your issue that a reasonable person could agree, disagree, strongly agree or strongly disagree with.

In Class:
A strong thesis:

• Must be arguable (not a fact).  Ex: Sweatshops in the developing world actually benefit the workers.
• Must immediately catch the reader’s attention (be dramatic).  Ex: The consumption habits of you and I are to blame for the suffering of poor people all over the world.
• Must be clear and concise (think short and punchy).  Ex: The WTO undermines democracy all over the world.
• May use a concessive if it is helpful, but you don’t have to if it doesn’t work for you.

Let's get brainstorming!

1. Using this form, write three potential theses for your op-ed. They could be three similar ideas worded differently, or three entirely different ideas.
2. Trade papers with someone who isn't sitting next to you and complete a round of critique.
3. Revise your thesis based on their feedback.
4. Show Ally your thesis to get a stamp when you think you are done.
5. Begin gathering six to ten pieces of evidence from your research notes for your op-ed.

To Close:
Re-write your finalized thesis.
​
At Home:
Finish gathering evidence to support your thesis. Ypu'll need it to outline your op-ed tomorrow.

To Start:
Today's stamp is worth triple points. To earn it:

• Organize your binder.
  • Without throwing starters or classwork away.
  • Front and back pockets need to be empty.
  • Papers need to be sorted into sections.
  • Papers should be chronological order.

In Class:

• Get out your project handout.
• Review the project calendar and products.
• Brainstorm ideas on the board.
• Begin preliminary research.

To Close:
What idea(s) do you have for your op-ed topic so far?

At Home:
Do 15 to 30 minutes of work, either on your resume or your preliminary research.