1. ESL 221 October 5, 2009

2. Research Question -> Thesis The following are examples of Thesis Statements written by members of this class The following are examples of Thesis Statements written by members of this class Together we will critique these statements to see how they might be improved Together we will critique these statements to see how they might be improved

3. Example 1 RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? TS: An important issue facing college students today is the transition from Highschool to College. A lot of students struggle in their first year. TS: An important issue facing college students today is the transition from Highschool to College. A lot of students struggle in their first year.

4. Example 2 RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? TS: In recession, college students are facing the financial problem due to overwhelming applications for lones and the late confirmation of loans TS: In recession, college students are facing the financial problem due to overwhelming applications for lones and the late confirmation of loans

5. Example 3 RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? TS: Being a college student has to how to take responsibilities on their own, be obligated to works they take charge, to money they own and manage, and to interpersonal relations they maintain. TS: Being a college student has to how to take responsibilities on their own, be obligated to works they take charge, to money they own and manage, and to interpersonal relations they maintain.

6. Example 4 RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? RQ: What is the most important issue facing college students today? TS: The three most important issues facing college students today are making friends, earning good grades, and managing stress. TS: The three most important issues facing college students today are making friends, earning good grades, and managing stress.

7. Responding to Writing Responses are the first step to developing a critical analysis of an article Responses are the first step to developing a critical analysis of an article By responding, we employ critical thinking skills to reach a better understanding of a piece of writing By responding, we employ critical thinking skills to reach a better understanding of a piece of writing As a result, we are more able to use articles as sources in our essays As a result, we are more able to use articles as sources in our essays

8. In-Class Reading Read “Responding to Writing” beginning on p. 15 is Sourcework Read “Responding to Writing” beginning on p. 15 is Sourcework Be sure to read the examples of student responses on pp. 16 and 17 Be sure to read the examples of student responses on pp. 16 and 17

9. Responding to Reading A response has two parts: A response has two parts: An introduction, which includes the author, title and idea you plan to discuss An introduction, which includes the author, title and idea you plan to discuss Your response or reaction to the article Your response or reaction to the article

10. Types of Responses Personal Experience Personal Experience Relates one or more ideas in the article to something you have experienced Relates one or more ideas in the article to something you have experienced Application Application Relates one or more ideas in the article to something you have read about or learned Relates one or more ideas in the article to something you have read about or learned Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Discusses one or more ideas in the article with which you strongly agree and/or disagree Discusses one or more ideas in the article with which you strongly agree and/or disagree

11. Group Activity We will break the class up into three groups We will break the class up into three groups First, read the article Coping with Procrastination beginning on p. 21 First, read the article Coping with Procrastination beginning on p. 21 Then as a group you will write a one- paragraph response to the article using the format assigned to your group (Personal Experience, Application, or Agree/Disagree) Then as a group you will write a one- paragraph response to the article using the format assigned to your group (Personal Experience, Application, or Agree/Disagree)

12. Why Do We Do This? In order to be able to utilize information from articles, we must gain a deep, critical understanding of the ideas in the articles. Responding to reading allows us the opportunity to think critically about writing and to go beyond simply skimming for main ideas. Doing so gives us a better grasp on the ideas we might use in our essays.

13. Homework Read the article located at http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_276185749.htm l/resources_printstory Read the article located at http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_276185749.htm l/resources_printstory http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_276185749.htm l/resources_printstory http://www.eagletribune.com/puopinion/local_story_276185749.htm l/resources_printstory Write a 2 paragraph response using any of the formats we discussed in class today Write a 2 paragraph response using any of the formats we discussed in class today Type your response and bring it to class Wednesday Type your response and bring it to class Wednesday