Create a Google Doc & Share it with me. Name it: DA Planning & Prep. Number the document and answer the questions below in order.
1. Choose your Central Question. If you do not have a question today, choose one from the LIST I have created for you
2. Using bullet points, list all the historical, cultural, or personal context you know
3. Underneath this list, Write your opening paragraph with the question included (phrase it as a question)
4.Now, share your document with TWO other classmates (get up and talk to someone new, don't always just speak to the person next to you) Both students need to look over your opening paragraph and provide edits, suggestions for your question. I should be able to see their edits when I look at your document
5. Next, choose your sources - find at least four. One needs to be a class source . Find them in this order
Class, Ebsco, your choice , your choice
6 Read & annotate - choose at least 2 pieces of direct evidence from each & include the quoted material in your document. Then, right below the direct evidence (DE) put it into your own words & label the evidence. Does it provide context, is it taking a side , does it directly or indirectly answer your question?
7. List any & all connections between your sources. You can use bullet points for a list for this
8. Choose the two sources you feel are best or most appropriate for your essay and write their MLA citation here
9. Organize your thoughts - here I want you to number your paragraphs and write a header (name , idea, summary for each one ) so you can see the outline of your ideas before you start writing (this will be your outline and help to provide accurate and meaningful transitions between paragraphs)
10. Have two (different) students look over your outline & ask questions, make suggestions , etc. I should be able to see this reflected on the documents in the form of comments, suggestions, etc. Use difference colors for each student editing or suggesting so I can see who says what
11. Finally, Start drafting - at this point you will have the following: opening paragraph with your question, two sources & DE from each & MLA citations for each, & an outline for the essay
Questions to Ask Yourself Prior to Turning in Your DA:
1. Choose your Central Question. If you do not have a question today, choose one from the LIST I have created for you
2. Using bullet points, list all the historical, cultural, or personal context you know
3. Underneath this list, Write your opening paragraph with the question included (phrase it as a question)
4.Now, share your document with TWO other classmates (get up and talk to someone new, don't always just speak to the person next to you) Both students need to look over your opening paragraph and provide edits, suggestions for your question. I should be able to see their edits when I look at your document
5. Next, choose your sources - find at least four. One needs to be a class source . Find them in this order
Class, Ebsco, your choice , your choice
6 Read & annotate - choose at least 2 pieces of direct evidence from each & include the quoted material in your document. Then, right below the direct evidence (DE) put it into your own words & label the evidence. Does it provide context, is it taking a side , does it directly or indirectly answer your question?
7. List any & all connections between your sources. You can use bullet points for a list for this
8. Choose the two sources you feel are best or most appropriate for your essay and write their MLA citation here
9. Organize your thoughts - here I want you to number your paragraphs and write a header (name , idea, summary for each one ) so you can see the outline of your ideas before you start writing (this will be your outline and help to provide accurate and meaningful transitions between paragraphs)
10. Have two (different) students look over your outline & ask questions, make suggestions , etc. I should be able to see this reflected on the documents in the form of comments, suggestions, etc. Use difference colors for each student editing or suggesting so I can see who says what
11. Finally, Start drafting - at this point you will have the following: opening paragraph with your question, two sources & DE from each & MLA citations for each, & an outline for the essay
Questions to Ask Yourself Prior to Turning in Your DA:
- Did you include an original title?
- Did you check to make sure you are using MLA formatting?
- Have you provided a bit of context that introduces your question?
- Have you clearly articulated your question?
- Have you phrased it as an actual question?
- Does every sentence in your introduction serve a purpose? Are there unnecessary, flowery statements that could be omitted?
- Check for summary. Do you overly explain your text without reference to your question? Or analysis of your direct evidence?
- Does each paragraph serve a distinct purpose? Is it easy to tell what the purpose of your paragraph is from the topic sentence?
- Are there transitions between paragraphs or ideas? How did you organize your paragraphs?
- Reread the introduction and then the conclusion. Did you stay focused on the question or did you veer off towards another topic/question?
- In light of your research, did you answer the central question?
- Did you proofread for grammatical mistakes?
- Did you omit unnecessary words such as: very, really, many, a few, etc? Did you proof read for diction and change words when necessary that are more impactful or provide more specific connotations to your subject matter and purpose?