Assignment #7: Effective Communication Blog

Argument Essay Samples

First, read four examples of argumentation essays: "The Penalty of Death" (p. 154), "Execution" (p. 156), "Fighting for Our Lives" (p.158), "Crypto-Security and a Strange Thing Called Key Recovery." (p. 164).

Next, answer two of the following questions on the blog:

1)     Examine your emotional response to H. L. Mencken's argument for capital punishment.  How do various features of his tone and language encourage you to accept or reject his argument?  What personal experiences or beliefs make you more likely to agree or disagree with his position?  Present your analysis in progress; that is, trace your emotional reactions as you read through each section of Menken’s essay. How did you feel when he said X?  What did you think when he said Y? 

2)     Analyze the types of evidence that Anna Quindlen uses in her essay, “Execution.”  Identify what are fact, judgment, eyewitness testimony, and expert testimony. Sort out the kinds of evidence that make it difficult for Quindlen to decide where she stands on the issue.  Then analyze which argument – H.L., Menken’s or Quindlen’s – is more effective.  Explain the reasons for your decision. 

3)     Evaluate Jamie Miles’s THREE drafts (found on pages 137, 147, 162). Then write him a blog to convince him which of the three drafts he should place in his writing portfolio for final assessment.  Your purpose is to convince him to submit his “best” essay.  Your problem is to determine which of these essays has the “best” argument.  Be sure to give reasons with evidence from the best essay.

Finally, for full credit, respond to at least one other student’s blog answer.

This assignment is due by Friday, November 30, 2012 by 9 AM.

PROJECT:  Read the Purdue University website on how to write a cover letter.  Follow one of the samples.  Remember you are applying to a college.  The site is at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/698/1.  Your Cover Letter is due Monday, December 3, 2012.

Assignment #6: Effective Composition Blog

Resume Workshop

AS OF 11/28/12, THIS ASSIGNMENT IS COMPLETE AND NOLONGER
CAN BE SUBMITTED VIA THIS BLOG. SEE MR. DAWURSK TO
COMPLETE AS AN ALTERNATIVE LATE ASSIGNMENT.

This week, you will be going through an on-line resume workshop created by Palomar College Career Center of San Marcos, CA.  You will need to read through every section of the workshop including

1. The Introduction,
2. Preparing The Resume,
3. Resume Clinic,
4. Online Resume,
5. Cover Letter, and
6. Resume Samples. 

After you have read each section (#1 through #5) you will make a two sentence comment on the blog sharing at least one thing you felt was the most important information to you for that section.  You will have 5 separate comments (one for each workshop section) for this part of the assignment.

Next, you will then look at the sample resumes (section #6) and choose the layout you are most interested in.  Simply leave a 6^th blog stating which sample you intend to follow (for example: “I will be using the chronological format under Kelly – preschool”). 

 

Finally, you will then begin creating your own resume using the format you chose.   

• Your SIX TOTAL BLOGS are due by Friday, November 16, 2012. 
• Your resume must be e-mailed to Mr. Dawursk at dawursk@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

The workshop is located on the internet at:
http://www.palomar.edu/counseling/resume/index00.html

Assignment #5: Effective Composition Blog

My Reflections on Resumes and Cover Letters

AS OF 11/28/12, THIS ASSIGNMENT IS COMPLETE AND NOLONGER
CAN BE SUBMITTED VIA THIS BLOG. SEE MR. DAWURSK TO
COMPLETE AS AN ALTERNATIVE LATE ASSIGNMENT.

• For the past week you have been working with your group on a specific topic about resumes and your group was to prepare a 10 minimum slide presentation for class by Tuesday 11/6.  Please summarize in your own words what you learned about your topic (groups 1 & 4: Resume Strategies;  groups 2 & 5: Cover Letter Strategies; groups 3 & 6: the History of  Resumes). 
• Include what strategy or information was the most enlightening to you and why.   After you have submitted your minimum one paragraph blog, then respond to at least one other student's blog for full credit. 
• This blog assignment is due by Monday, November 12 at 9 AM.