Room+332+Language+Arts

Q3 Essay Topics

//__Your Quarter Three Writing Folder will consist of the following: __//

Topic=Reflection on halfway through eighth grade year (strengths, weaknesses/challenges, goals/how I will prepare for HS)
 * 1.) Third Quarter Reflection-**Final Essay Due 1/14/11

Topic=Biography of (famous person of your choice)
 * 2.) Famous Biography-**Final Essay Due 1/28/11
 * Must include bibliography citing at least three sources to be a complete assignment**
 * Online Citation Maker**

3.) **Analyzing The Theme of "Life Is Beautiful"**-Final Essay Due 2/4/11 Topic=Theme of "Life Is Beautiful" (be sure to summarize plot and give evidence to support your analysis)


 * See 8th Grade Reading-Collection 4-5 for resources**

Topic=choice of Reflection Essay, Biography Essay, or Theme Analysis Essay
 * 4.) Essay Re-Write #3**-Final Typed Re-Write Due 2/11/11 (revised deadline=3/11/11)

Topic=(choice based on topics presented in class)
 * 5.) Science Fair Project Abstract-**Final Typed Abstract Due 2/11/11

6.) **Science Fair Project Speech**-Final Written Speech Due 2/18/11 Topic=Description of Science Fair Project (using note cards) (specific performances to be determined during week of 2/21/11) -performance assessment-no written document is due in folder

7.) **A Celebration of My Culture Essay**-Final Essay Due 2/25/11 Short story in which the characters depict a tradition of your culture (ethnicity, group)

8.) **Holocaust Research Paper**-Final Essay Due 3/4/11 Topic=your choice of topics presented in class (independent research assignment)
 * Must include a bibliography citing at least three sources to be considered a complete assignment**
 * Online Citation Maker**

9.) Essay Re-Write #4**-Final Typed Re-Write Due 3/11/11**
 * Topic=choice of A Celebration of My Culture Essay or Holocaust Research Paper**


 * Quarter Four **


 * 4/6/11**


 * Sentence Fragments Link: OWL: Sentence Fragments**


 * Sentence Fragments Quiz: Quiz**
 * (if you get an error message, copy and paste this link in your browser: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/cgi-shl/quiz.pl/fragments_add1.htm )**


 * AutoBio Poem Book Assignment **
 * Due MAY 6th!!**




 * Ballad Poetry Characteristics of a Sonnet Ode Poetry (and many other terms) Haiku Poetry**


 * Concrete Poem Example:**




 * __8th Grade Writing Portfolio__ **

Requirements/Description: **Your 8th Grade Writing Portfolio will be presented in an online format using Google Sites. You will create a site that includes all of these requirements. Your site must be completed by May 20th.**

Presentation: **Each 8th grade student will present their online portfolio to Ms. Morrison, Mr. Johnson, and their home base teacher at the end of May. You will give an overview of your portfolio and answer any questions they have for you. Your presentation will be 5-10 minutes.**



__Getting Started**__ //5/9/11-Create Google account and an outline of your site//
 * If you do not have a Google account already, please create one. Your username should be something that demonstrates good digital citizenship (don't give away personal information) and presents you in a professional way. If you already have a Google account, you might think about creating a new account that is just for school/professional use.
 * Sign into your account and go to "Sites" (under the "More" tab). Click "create new site".
 * Please set your settings so that your site is private for now.
 * Name your site "8th Grade Writing Portfolio: First Name Last Initial" (i.e. 8th Grade Writing Portfolio: Lyndee B")
 * Select an appropriate layout and design for your online portfolio. Change the titles and start to organize the format. (i.e. subheads for each required essay)

//5/10/11-5/13/11-Collecting/posting your essays//
 * Be sure that each of the essays you will be including is typed and saved in a Word document.
 * If you are missing an essay, you will need to re-write it for inclusion in your portfolio.
 * You may begin uploading your essays onto your Google site once they are complete and ready for publication. Be sure you have proofread your work--you may also want to ask a few peers to take a look at your work before you post it. Each essay should first be copied into a Google Doc and then inserted on your page.
 * Each type of writing (Expository, Reflection, Poetry, etc.) should be a separate page on your site.

5/16/11-5/20/11-Finish portfolio
 * Complete your portfolio site (see above)
 * DUE MAY 20th!

5/23/11-5/27/11-Prepare for portfolio conference Portfolio Conference Schedule: 5/27-Room 332 6/1-Room 331 6/3-Room 312