CM107 Composition w/ Jayme Bunch, Dec. 7 8:00 PM ET WELCOME to Seminar 5 We will begin on time. Meanwhile, enjoy chatting. Hang on! We are almost half way there! “A brave heart and a courteous tongue. They shall carry thee far through the jungle, manling.” – Rudyard Kipling

Let’s get started, Class! Welcome to Seminar #5: How is everyone today? Do you have any questions about the course up to this point?

Unit 5 Work Reading: In the scenario link you will find links to 2 articles. The first is by Malcolm Gladwell titled, “Million Dollar Murray” (You can access it thru the library & in Docsharing). The second is by Al Siebert, titled “From Homeless to Harvard” – Liz Murray’s story. In addition to the content in the scenario, please become familiar with the concepts in chapters 18 and 20 of The Kaplan Guide to Successful Writing.

Unit 5 Work Discussion Board: After reviewing the 2 articles: Think about the distinct points of view in these two articles. Both Murrays face the same problem, but their perspectives are worlds apart. Consider this: how would Liz Murray define homelessness versus Murray Barr’s definition of homelessness? What can you identify that made their seemingly similar paths diverge? Support your ideas with references back to reading materials and video to back up your claims (about 100 words) (Make sure to cite your sources – it might be helpful to review last unit’s seminar on incorporating sources) Also respond to 2 of your peers (around 50 words each) NO PROJECT THIS UNIT!

Finding electronic articles? Here's how it works: you might want to write this down -go to the library website ( -click on ‘Electronic Articles’ under the Online Resources tab -You will now see a large list of databases to the right – click on the first one: Academic Search Premier -This will bring you to the Advanced Search page. You should see the option to “Choose Databases” near the top of the screen. Click on that link! -This will bring you to the database selection page. Go ahead and click the “select” box near the top of the screen, which will select all of the databases. Click ‘OK -Now you want to enter your topic into the search engine. Under the “limit your results” field, click on “full text” (meaning that the whole article is available online) and “scholarly/peer reviewed” (meaning that all the articles will be academic/credible sources). -Click “search” and….Instant academic sources available completely online! Hint: Gladwell’s “Million Dollar Murray” is located in the Academic Search Premier database.

An expository essay seeks to explain or clarify to the audience on a given topic. Most professions have a need for informative writing. Types of expository writing can include s, reports, product descriptions, product comparisons, letters, etc. Expository writing

Academic assignments and essays often fall under the category of expository writing. Hallmarks of expository writing: Precisely-worded Focused around a central idea Logically sound (uses adequate support) You come across examples of expository writing every day: Magazine articles Newspaper articles s and memos Instruction manuals

First person point of view First person pronouns (I, me, my, mine, we, our, us) should be used very sparingly in formal writing. The essay is about the topic, not about you, so take yourself out of the essay as much as possible. There are a few exceptions. The final paper does ask you to introduce yourself as a ‘life coach’ in the introductory paragraph.

2 nd person point of view For academic writing, do not use the words “you” or “your” unless they are part of a direct quotation. This rule will apply to all of the essays, including the expository essay.

3 rd person point view You will be able to use 3 rd person point of view in formal writing (he, she, it, they, theirs, his, hers, its, etc.) These terms are a bit generic, so feel free to include more descriptive words. Examples: Each, Every, One, Individual, Parents, Students, Patients, Doctors, Americans, Citizens, Taxpayers, Educators, Teachers Can you think of any more examples?

Thesis statements: Thesis = topic + point or main idea A thesis is ONE SENTENCE that tells the point you are going to make in the paper. A thesis tells the reader what the writing will be about.

Writing a thesis statement: Once you know your topic, think of a question or questions you would like to have answered about your topic. Who, what, where, when, why, how? Choose one or more to research. Your thesis may be the answer to your question.

Research Questions: For example, let's say your topic was keeping children safe online. You would ask questions about your topic: WHO are child molesters? WHO are their targets? WHAT do they do to children online? WHEN do they do it? HOW do they do it? WHY do they do it? WHERE do they do it?

You can clearly see the three main ideas in this thesis: Geico has different marketing strategies for teenagers, adults, and senior citizens. Key Point 1 = teenagers Key Point 2 = adults Key Point 3 = senior citizens

Your thesis statement belongs after your introduction and is usually found as the last sentence of the introduction. Ideally, the thesis should be not only the end of the introduction, but also the transition into the overall theme of the essay.

So the final paper will have 5 basic parts: Introductory paragraph: Introduce yourself to your client: you will need to identify a person who needs help—this can be someone from history, fiction (books, television, movies), a celebrity, or someone from your life. Write an thesis to clarify who he or she is and why this person needs to embark on a helpful journey. 1st body paragraph: Background info. Determine the goal by noting the threshold he or she needs to cross. Explain its significance. 2nd body paragraph: Process analysis. Define and expand upon the steps he/she will need to take to cross that threshold. For instance, if you are offering exercise and nutritional advice, offer an extended definition for health or wellness or even nutrition. 3rd body paragraph: Cause/Effect. Indicate the short and long-term benefits of this journey Conclusion: recap your plan and restate your thesis. End this action plan with more positive input and inspiration for this person. Point to a greater significance.

So for the final, our thesis will need to clarify who the person is, and why he or she needs to embark on this journey. AND To incorporate the 3 key points – look to purpose of the body paragraphs: 1). Make a goal 2). Detail the steps to accomplish that goal 3). Identify the rewards of that goal Let’s practice with a well known historical figure: Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr.

Identify person who needs help: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Why he needs to embark on this journey: proves one man can make a difference Three key points: 1). Make a goal: To promote equality in civil rights 2). Detail the steps: Speak out against injustices 3). Identify rewards: Changes in perspectives of equality Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proves that one man can make a difference through his commitment to promoting equality in civil rights, speaking out against injustices, and changing the American perspective of equality among races.

That’s it for Seminar 5, Class! What questions do you have? Thank you for attending! Please let me know if you have any questions.