English 101
Response to Trimble
Due dates for responses:
Wed 9/28: Chapter 1, “Thinking Well.”
Wed 10/5: Chapter 2, “Getting Launched.”
Wed 10/12: Chapter 3, “Openers.”
Wed 10/19: Chapter 4, “Middles,” and Ch. 5 “Closers.”
Wed 10/26: Chapter 6, “Diction.”
Wed 11/12: Chapter 7, “Readability.”
Please write separate responses for each chapter. Note that on 10/19, two responses are due.
Format: Word-processed and double-spaced. Number each answer according to questions 1-4 below. Do not re-type the questions.
Length: 1 page or a little less, depending on the length of the chapter.
Purpose: To prepare for class discussion and practice. To demonstrate involvement with the reading. To practice summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting.
Grading: These responses will be turned in and each chapter’s response counts for 8 points. You earn all the points if your response
- Follows the assignment below;
- Uses your own words where required, showing that you understand the material.
- Correctly introduces and formats all quotations and paraphrases, and provides page numbers (See the “About Seminar Papers” sheet for more about this).
- Shows that you read all the assigned material and are actively thinking about it; if you make general comments without referring specifically to the material in the chapter, you will not be showing that you read all the material.
- Is proofread.
The Assignment
- Using all your own words, and in complete sentences, summarize the overall main point of the chapter. Depending on the length of the chapter, this will take anywhere from one to five sentences. After each sentence, include a parenthetical citation that includes the page number or numbers where this point was made.
- Using your own words, and in complete sentences, list 5-8 of the most important sub-points of the chapter (the number depends on how long and detailed the chapter is). After each sentence, include a parenthetical citation that includes the page number or numbers where this point was made.
(over)
- Take-away quotation: From this chapter, what is the one quotation from Trimble that seems most memorable and/or most useful? Why? Use a simple lead-in or an introductory sentence ending with a colon to introduce the quotation, give the quotation in quotation marks, and include a parenthetical reference giving the page number. Explain why you think that quote is memorable.
- Revolution: In what ways might the information in this chapter revolutionize your writing? Think boldly and creatively about this.