Erie Community College
Title III
English Composition Assignment
Interdisciplinary Course Materials
Office Management
Course: EN020/021/023 Improved College Writing
Course Outline Topic: Simple Essay (paragraph Extension)
A. Content
The writer works to:
1. be able to write a connected set of simple paragraphs (descriptive, narrative) on subjects which are close to his/her own experiences
B. Development/Organization
The writer works to:
1. use the paragraph-writing skills indicated above (11A and B) within the simple essay paragraphs
2. sustain a major idea throughout the paragraphs of the simple essay
Project Title: Distinguish the difference between valid and invalid sources for use as support of a thesis statement. Students will then incorporate these skills in the writing of a simple essay that uses evidence to support the thesis.
Project Description: In small groups, students will analyze blogs and determine the criteria for valid and invalid sources. Students will then present their findings to the class. Students will then write simple essays (paragraph extensions) utilizing this knowledge.
Authors: J. Thunhorst and S. Ballard
Curriculum Expert: S. Ballard
Semester Created: Fall 2007
A. Essential Question: This project requires the writing of an essay that clearly demonstrates the ability to distinguish the difference between valid and invalid sources. The writer must analyze information, determine the appropriate approach, and organize in a logical manner the information he/she wishes to communicate. The writer must adopt the appropriate tone to demonstrate his/her understanding of the situation along with the ability to rectify any misunderstandings.
B. Introduction: Choose two different blog sites to scrutinize. Use the guidelines suggested (see attachment) to judge the blog site’s validity. Group work and classroom exchanges will reinforce the understanding of research and support needed for essays. Write a simple essay incorporating evidence researched from valid blogs.
C. Basic Directions:
- Review the hand-out entitled Evaluating Blogs for Credibility
- Utilizing this hand-out, research valid and invalid blogs
- Share your research findings in groups
- Present findings to the class
- Individually, write a simple essay supported by information gathered from a valid source
D. Things to Learn before Starting the Project:
1. Learn about blogs by researching encyclopedia entries and reading a current article on the subject of blogs.
2. Examine the criteria used to evaluate blogs for validity.
3. Determine groups for students to share progress and information.
4. Review criteria for writing simple essays supported by valid sources.
E. The Project Assignment: Draft a simple essay in which at least one valid source is incorporated into the text.
F. Student Resources: Review the hand-out entitled Evaluating Blogs for Credibility (see attached) to use as a guideline for researching blogs for valid information to include in a research paper.
G. Faculty Resources: (teacher notes, websites, books, technology, etc.)
H. Grading Rubric Introduction 20%
Paragraph 2 20%
Paragraph 3 20%
Paragraph 4 20%
Conclusion 20%
Erie Community College
Title III Grant