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[Home|Course Description|Student Work|Tools for Writers|Searching]
Class Assignments
ISALC,
Lewis and Clark
College
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This is your first writing assignment in ESL 471. It has 3 objectives: 1) to give me an idea of your writing ability/style 2) to introduce yourself to the class (and the world, via the Internet), and 3) to find out how you think of yourself as a writer.
Assignment:
Part 1: Introduce yourself and tell us your reasons for coming to L & C. College. Also tell us your dreams for the future. (Minimum length = 200 words).
Part 2: Tell about your writing by comparing your writing to an animal and describing why your writing is like that animal. Is this the same when you write in English and in your native language? Be sure and explain the image of that particular animal in your culture. For example, is your writing hard to organize? Do you jump around from idea to idea like a rabbit!? Or perhaps you writing is very graceful and flows easily like a swan on calm water. These comparisons are based on a North American's image of these animals and might be different than yours. You can end Part 2 of the assignment by writing what you hope to achieve by taking this writing class. How do you hope to change your writing or your writing process? (Minimum length = 200 words).
Procedure:
You will write two drafts of this assignment. You may handwrite the first one if you want. The final draft must be typed, with all grammar and spelling corrected. You will print out your final draft. You will also bring me your computer disk on the due date because I will put your work on the Internet. You should name your computer file, <yournameintro>. For example, if your name were Yoko Ono, your file would be named, "yokoonointro" (don't leave any spaces).
In addition to your computer file, I want you to find a picture on the Internet of the animal(s) in your writing. You will save this image(s) to your computer disk and turn them in with your report. Follow these steps:
1. Go to the FreeFoto.Com in the animal section at http://www.freefoto.com/pictures/animals/index.asp2. Click on the name of the animal image you are looking for and choose an image you like.
3. Click on the image and hold down the mouse button until a menu appears.
4. Choose "Save Image As. . . " from the menu.
5. Click on "Desktop." Click on your disk. Click on "Open." Click on "Save." The image will be saved on your disk.
To get an idea of what this assignment will look like on the Internet, take a look at http://www.lclark.edu/~krauss/computersf98/home.html
Click on students' photos and you will see their introductions. The assignment is not exactly like yours, but will give you an idea.
Note: To see the resulting student work from this assignment, return to the course home page and click on any of the students in the class photo.
Assignment 2: Narrative: I Remember. . .
Pre-writing:
1. Complete the "Memory Matrix" which your teacher gives you.
2. Choose one event from the Matrix. At your computer, freewrite for 30 minutes.
3. Save your freewrite to disk. Print out your freewrite. Read it and circle parts of it that you might want to use in your composition.
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Assignment:
Using your writing from your brainstorming activity to help you get started, write a first draft of the following assignment. Due Friday at the beginning of class. Length: Minimum 500 words. Your thesis should be "I remember an experience which has really made a difference in my life. This experience showed me what <choose one> (pain, fear, anger, love, sacrifice, dedication, joy, sorrow, shame, pride) is really like."
Again, choose one or more graphics which can be used to illustrate your narrative.
Try to find a non-copyright image at WebCom Resources. If you cannot find one, then check Lycos Multimedia. If you are not sure if an image is copyrighted, it is best to follow these steps to ask permission for use.
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Choose one:
You can turn in your computer file and graphics file(s) on a disk OR
You can copy them to the class folder using the following steps:
1. Open Mac HD-->Class Specific Software-->ISALC-->krauss-->
esl 471, adv. writing-->Put Narrative+ graphic(s) here
2. Open your disk. Drag the writing file icon (and graphics file icon(s) ) to the folder
"Put Narrative+ graphic(s) here " This will copy the files to my folder.
3. You must also turn in a printed copy of your writing.
Name of text file: <narrfirstname> ex: narrakiko
Name of graphics file: <narrfirstname.jpg or gif> ex: narrakiko.jpg OR narrakiko.gif
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Points to think about:
1. Remember CLUESS as your write!
2. Also, before you turn in your first draft, check it to see if the following elements of a good Narrative are included in your paper:
• Setup (Gives the necessary setting or situation for the action)
• Conflict (This is the heart of the story--what was the problem, challenge, etc.)
• Struggle (What action was taken to try to solve the conflict?)
• Outcome (What was the result of the struggle? Was the conflict resolved?)
• Meaning (What is the significance in your life or to others of this story? Did you, or can others learn a lesson from this story?
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Note: To see the student work resulting from this assignment, click here.
Review a Website from the Independent Study Lab
There are two ways to use the Lab:
1. Type http://www.lclark.edu/~krauss/toppicks/toppicks.html in your Web browser OR
2. If you are on campus: Open Mac HD--> Class Specific Programs-->
ISALC-->isalcwww--> Then double click on ESL Independent Study Lab.
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Assignment:
Use one Lab site and write a Review (to be posted at the ESL-ISL:)
Choose one of the sites listed below. Work on it for at least 20-30 minutes. Then, return to the Lab home page. Click on "Click here to send in a review of any site you try." Read the instructions carefully. Write the review with your *best* grammar and spelling. You will be graded on this assignment. You will not have a chance to revise/edit this assignment. So do your best on your first (and only) try! This assignment is due on Friday by 4PM.
NOTE: If you want to write your review using a word processor, you can do that. Then you will open the Lab, click on the "Review "link and "copy" and "paste" your writing into the box. Let me know if you need help with this.
NOTE: If you do one of the "Interact" activities, you will receive an extra credit grade. You can choose any Interact exercise you like.
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Choose one of these sites to complete the assignment:
Listening: Randall's Cyber Listening Lab, CNN Learning Resources, BrainPop, or BBC World Service
Vocabulary: Comenius Idioms, CNN Newsroom and WorldView for ESL
Reading: Study Zone (higher levels), Reading Exercises Using ISALC Student Compositions (Story 4), eHow, Tell Us Your Story: A Discussion Forum on Disabilities, Time 100 - The Most Important People of the Century
Writing: Dave's ESL Cafe, Electronic Postcards, Writer's Web, Purdue University On-line Writing Lab (OWL), University of Victoria Online Writing Course
Grammar: Eye on Grammar (Intermediate or Advanced), Study Zone (Intermediate or Advanced), Karin's ESL Partyland Quiz Center, A Guide to Grammar and Writing
TOEFL: TOEFL Prep - Login = lewisclark Password = pioneers
Fun and Games - Conjurer Magic Tricks, How Intelligent Are You? (I.Q. Test), Think of a number from one to nine!
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Note: Click here
to visit the ESL Independent Study Lab. Look for 
to
see Student Reviews. Click here
to see the electronic "Review" form which students use to complete
this assignment.
Pre-writing:
1. Find a picture of a person, place, or thing from your country about which you have strong feelings (positive or negative). You may get the picture from the Internet. If you prefer, you may look for a picture in a brochure or book. If you use the Internet, try to find a non-copyright image at WebCom Resources. If you cannot find one, then check Lycos Multimedia. If you are not sure if an image is copyrighted, it is best to follow these steps to ask permission for use.
2. On a piece of paper, write the following headings with space left underneath for writing: What I Can See, What I Can Hear, What I Can Touch, What I Can Taste, What I Can Smell
3. Under each heading, write a list of phrases about the picture your chose. Use descriptive words whenever possible. Ex: soft wrinkled cheeks; brightly singing birds; crispy, crackling leaves; sweet mountain grass; sickening, sour, leftover milk.
4. Choose at least five words from number #3. Look them up in the on-line Thesaurus (or a paper-based one if you have one). http://www.lightlink.com/bobp/wedt/wedt-artfl.html Write at least three synonyms for the five words you chose.
5. Write at least one metaphor, simile and example of personification using the phrases you wrote in #3. Ex. The waves of soft wrinkles in her cheeks (metaphor); The leaves crackled like oil on a hot skillet (simile); The sweet mountain grass, rising and falling with the wind, waved a sad goodbye. (personification)
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Assignment:
Using the work you did in Pre-writing to help you get started, write a first draft of the following assignment. Due Friday in class. Length: Minimum 300 words.
Imagine that your eyes are like a camera, seeing and recording everything. In your mind's eye, describe a person, place, thing, animal, natural phenomenon (almost anything you want!) from your country about which you have a strong feeling (positive or negative). Your description will be subjective, that is, you must not only describe the physical characteristics of your subject, but also appeal to the reader's feelings:
Here is a checklist which your description must meet. Use it before turning in your first draft!
_____ Describes the physical characteristics of the subject
_____ Appeals to readers feelings
_____ Uses figures of speech (metaphor, simile, personification
_____ Appeals to all five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch
_____ Use concrete, specific words rather than abstract words
_____ Conveys one dominant impression (what should the reader see/feel?)
_____ Has sufficient detail to support the dominant impression
_____ Order of details helps build the dominant impression
_____ Point of view is consistent (1st or 3rd person)
_____ Consider using a narrative framework for the description (ie include some action)
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NOTE:
1. When you finish, do a *great* job choosing a title which describes your topic, but do NOT include the name of the person, place, or thing in the title. People who see your work on the Web will have to guess which title belongs to which picture!
2. Choose your graphic as described above OR bring your instructor a picture from a book, magazine, brochure, etc. It will be scanned it so it can be used on the Internet.
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Choose one:
You can turn in your computer file and graphics file(s) on a disk OR
You can copy them to the class folder using the following steps:
1. Open Mac HD-->Class Specific Programs-->ISALC-->krauss-->
esl 471, adv. writing-->Put Description + graphic here
2. Open your disk. Drag the writing file icon (and graphics file icon(s) ) to the folder
"Put Description + graphic here " This will copy the files to my folder.
3. You must also turn in a printed copy of your writing.
Name of text file: <firstnamedescrip> ex: akikodescrip
Name of graphics file: <firstnamedescrip.jpg or gif> ex: akikodescrip.jpg *************************************************************
Note: To see the students' work resulting from this assignment, click here.
Assignment #4 - A Process from My Country
Pre-writing:
1. Brainstorm a list of "how-to's" from your country: Here are a few ideas: How to. . . celebrate a birthday (wedding, anniversary, holiday, birth, death); make a good impression on the teacher (parent, religious leader, in-laws, army leader, business associate); study for an exam; play a particular game/sport; make a certain food; practice a certain traditional craft (origami, hunting with falcons, etc.);
2. Choose a process to describe. Make a list of *all* the steps needed to complete the process. Put them in the correct order and leave 5 lines between each one.
3. Go back and write 2-3 details about each step in the process.
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Assignment:
Using your writing from your brainstorming activity to help you get started, write a first draft of the following assignment. Due Friday at the beginning of class. Length: Minimum 500 words. Describe all the steps for a process from your country. This can be a serious or funny topic--it's up to you! Your paper will include:
1) an introduction which gives some background about the process (how, when and where it is used; why it is important in your culture). This could involved some "narrative action." Your introduction should move from general ---> specific, ending with a thesis statement. Also, your introduction should catch the reader's attention!
2) body = the description of the process in detail. The reader should be able to "do" the process by reading your paper.
3) conclusion - tell the reader how you feel about the process you described, how it is important to you. This should follow up and fit well with the introduction you wrote. You could continue the narrative action from the introduction in the conclusion.
4) title - Write it last! Choose a phrase from your essay. The title should be interesting and give the reader some clue about what the process description will be.
Again, choose an image to illustrate your writing. If you use the Internet, try to find a non-copyright image at WebCom Resources. If you cannot find one, then check Lycos Multimedia. If you are not sure if an image is copyrighted, it is best to follow these steps to ask permission for use.
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Choose one:
You can turn in your computer file and graphics file(s) on a disk OR
You can copy them to the class folder using the following steps:
1. Open Mac HD-->Class Specific Software-->ISALC-->krauss-->
esl 471, adv. writing-->Put Process+ graphic(s) here
2. Open your disk. Drag the writing file icon (and graphics file icon(s) ) to the folder
"Put Process graphic(s) here " This will copy the files to my folder.
3. You must also turn in a printed copy of your writing.
Name of text file: <firstnameprocess> ex: akikoprocess
Name of graphics file: <firstnameprocess.jpg > ex: akikoprocess.jpg
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Points to think about:
1. Remember CLUESS as your write!
2. Also, before you turn in your first draft, check it to see if the following is true:
o Can the reader do the process by reading your paper (even if she didn't know anything about it before?)
o Don't use transitions (first, second, third, next, after that, then, finally between every step in the process. Use these words only when it is necessary to make the order clear.
o Make *one* of the steps in the process the most important--attach a warning--- if you don't do x,y,z, then this process will be ruined, won't work, etc. . .
o Keep a consistent frame of reference (1st, 2nd, or 3rd person = I, you, or it)
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Note: To see the students' work resulting from this assignment, click here.
Pre-writing:
1. Brainstorm a list of possible topics:
Here are some possibilities. Or you can choose a topic of your own. Please check with your teacher if you choose your own topic.: attending/completing college in another country; getting a job; homelessness; alcoholism; gambling; drug addiction; moving to another home, country, etc.; starting an exercise/weight program; passing/failing a test; popularity of a TV program, singing group, etc.; overeating (obesity); under eating (anorexia); insomnia; adoption (international, transracial); teen parenthood; smoking,; ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder); dyslexia; taking steroids; divorce; death penalty; cloning; driving while intoxicated; living in a dorm; censorship; using the Internet; OR choose a topic of your own.
NOTE: Check this webpage for possible topics. Especially the topics marked "Our Page" have very good resources you could use for your research: http://www.tcom.ohiou.edu/OU_Language/project/index.html
2. Cluster ideas about your topic:
Draw a double bubble and put your topic inside it in the center of a piece of paper. To the left, list causes for the topic. (ask "Why?") To the right, list effects (ask "What is the result?").
3. Write a thesis statement:
Be sure your thesis states the "subject" and the "treatment." For example, in a paper on Obesity: Research shows that the modern American lifestyle is contributing to obesity becoming a major health problem with numerous serious consequences for the obese and their families.
Assignment:
Using the ideas from your cluster above and your thesis statement, write a first draft of the following assignment. Due Wed. Nov.3 at the beginning of class. Length: Minimum 500 words. (not counting the References page) Discuss the causes and effects of one of the topics listed above or a topic of your choice. The purpose of this paper will be to inform , NOT to persuade. Your tone should be objective. Your paper must include research from at least two sources. You must cite both sources within the body of your essay and provide a References page at the end of the essay.
Your paper must include:
1) an introduction which gives some background about your topic. Your introduction should move from general ---> specific, ending with a thesis statement. Also, your introduction should catch the reader's attention! Because you will do research on this topic, you may want to include some interesting statistics/facts that you find in the introduction.
2) body - discuss objectively the causes and effects. You may want to choose to emphasize either causes or effects. Organization: Two options: 1) alternate, first discussing a cause, then an effect OR 2) discuss causes in the first 1/2 of your paper and effects in the second half.
3) conclusion - do NOT tell the reader your opinion about the topic. The conclusion should restate the idea in your introduction/thesis. It should also explain why this is an important topic and why the reader should be well informed about it.
4) title - Write it last! Choose a phrase from your essay. The title should be interesting and give the reader some clue about what the cause/effect essay will discuss.
Again, choose an image to illustrate your writing. If you use the Internet, try to find a non-copyright image at WebCom Resources. If you cannot find one, then check Lycos Multimedia. If you are not sure if an image is copyrighted, it is best to follow these steps to ask permission for use.
NOTE: You must turn in copies of any articles you use for this paper!
Important Advice to Follow:
1. You may want to choose a topic which involves you or someone you know directly. For sure, choose a topic about which you already have some knowledge. You will do some research, but this is a 10 day assignment, not an 8 week research project!!
2. Decide which of the causes is the *most* important. Tell the reader this and write about that cause last. This will emphasize that cause and it will stay in the reader's mind.
3. Research: I suggest you look for information on your topic from the following sources in the following order:
a) Britannica Internet Guide - http://www.britannica.com/bcom/ (Available on and off campus). Type your topic into the search box. Sites are rated by stars (*, **, etc.). However, all the sites you will find are high quality and reliable. Look through *many* of the sites listed on your topic before choosing one. You should be able to find sites which discuss causes and/or effects of your topic.
b) Ohio University Web Pages, "Topics to Read, Talk or Write About." This is a very good source *if* you choose a topic from this website. http://www.tcom.ohiou.edu/OU_Language/project/index.html
c) Infotrac SearchBank - http://www.searchbank.com /searchbank/lacc_main (Available only from campus.) Choose "Expanded Academic Index" Click on "Keywords" before you enter a search term.
I don't suggest that you search for your topic on the Web with a search engine *unless* you are confident you can evaluate that the sources you find are good ones. Check with me if you have a problem finding reliable sources on your topic.
Documenting your sources
Remember, if you use someone else's words OR ideas, you must document your source. When you quote directly OR when you paraphrase another's words, you must document your source. If you do not, this is plagiarism. In the U.S., you can lose your job or be kicked out of your university for plagiarism! See this website for good examples of what plagiarism is: http://webware.princeton.edu/Writing/wc4g.htm
You do not have to document information in your paper which is "common knowledge." Here is a good website which explains what "common knowledge" is and how to avoid plagiarism. http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html
Your research will come from electronic sources. Complete information for documenting electronic sources can be found at http://www.apa.org/journals/webref.html
For purposes of this paper, the information below should get you started. Remember, with the information you provide, the reader should be able to locate your resources! That is the most important thing for this assignment.
How to cite sources in your paper.
For this paper, you will use APA form. There are *no* footnotes. You will cite the author in the body of the paper. You will have a References page at the end of your paper which lists the authors alphabetically and gives more information about how to find the source.
How to make a References page.
The References page should be started on a *new* page after your essay. The references (you will have two or more) will be listed in alphabetical order by author's last name. Notice the indentation style. Here is a sample reference page. These sources came from the Web. Notice that the date you "retrieved" (found) the information must be included. The Web address is *very* important. If the reader has that, she can find your article!
Jacobson, J. W. (1995). A history of facilitated communication: Science, pseudoscience, and antiscience: Science working group on facilitated communication. American Psychologist, 50, 750&endash;765. Retrieved January 25, 1996 from the World Wide Web: http://www.apa.org/journals/jacobson.html
Sleek, S. (1996, January). Psychologists build a culture of peace. APA Monitor, pp. 1, 33. Retrieved January 25, 1996 from the World Wide Web: http://www.apa.org /monitor/peacea.html
Choose one:
You can turn in your computer file and graphics file(s) on a disk OR You can copy them to the class folder using the following steps:
1. Open Mac HD-->Class Specific Software-->ISALC-->krauss--> esl 471,
adv. writing-->"Put Cause/Effect+ graphic(s) here."
2. Open your disk. Drag the writing file icon (and graphics file icons) to the folder "Put Cause/Effect+ graphic(s) here." This will copy the files to my folder.
3. You must also turn in a printed copy of your writing AND copies of your articles!
Name of text file: <firstnamecause> ex: akikocause
Name of graphics file: <firstnamecause.jpg > ex: akikocause.jpg
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Note: To see the students' work resulting from this assignment, click here.
Assignment #6: Comparison and Contrast: Culture Capsules
Pre-writing:
1. Brainstorm a topic with a partner:
Decide if you are going to write about a person, place, or process (activity). Choose a topic which will cause you to look "below the surface" so you can make interesting comparisons and contrasts. Also, people reading your Culture Capsules should come away with information which is new to them.
2. Make lists on your topic:
Both you and your partner should list everything you know about your topics. Make two separate lists. Don't stop to think if the information will be useful--just get down as much as you can.
3. Cluster ideas about your topic:
Look at the lists that you wrote. With you partner, see if you can cluster the list. You may want to use different colored pens. Circle all of the items which logically go together with the same color pen.
4. Compare your list with that of your partner:
What similarities and differences to you see between your list and your partner's list? Are there more similarities or differences? Decide with your partner if you want to focus on similarities or differences in your paper.
NOTE: If you focus on differences, you still must write for a short time about the similarities and vice-versa.
NOTE: Don't always choose the obvious! Topics with many obvious differences might be written about in a more interesting way by looking at the "not so obvious" similarities--and vice versa.
5. Make an outline:
Choose from the two ways of organizing a comparison/contrast essay. (l) subject by subject or (2) point by point Don't forget to fill in details to go with the main points!
6. Divide up the writing responsibilities: Decide who will write the introduction, who will write the conclusion, and how you will divide up the writing of the body.
Assignment:
Using your outline write a first draft of the following assignment. Due Friday 11/19 at the beginning of class. Length: Minimum 600 words. Write a comparison/contrast of the topic chosen by you and your partner. Note: You will turn in only one essay written by both you and your partner.
• Your tone should be objective. Your purpose is to inform, NOT to persuade.
• You must find at least 2 websites and 3 pictures (for each person) from the World Wide Web to support your writing. (You already know how to save pictures to your disk. Your teacher will show you how to save "bookmarks" to your disk to save the websites you find). When choosing images, try to find a non-copyright image at WebCom Resources. If you cannot find one, then check Lycos Multimedia. If you are not sure if an image is copyrighted, it is best to follow these steps to ask permission for use.
• You must find words in your essay which will be used as links to your websites and graphics.
• You must create a web page and make all of the links. (Your teacher will show you how to organize your files and make the appropriate links)
Your essay will include:
1) introduction which gives some background about your topic. Your introduction should move from general ---> specific, ending with a thesis statement. Also, your introduction should catch the reader's attention! You will want to put some links to sites and graphics here to catch the reader's attention.
2) body - Using 1)by subject or 2)point by point, write about the similarities and differences of your topic between your and your partner's culture. You must discuss both similarities and differences, but you should focus on one or the other. Put lines under words which you think you will use as links when you make your web pages. Do this in pencil, NOT on the computer!
3) conclusion - Try to draw some conclusions about your topic. What is the most important thing that you learned about your partner's culture? about your own? Were you surprised to find that your cultures shared things in common? or were the cultures even more different than you had anticipated? Invite the reader to follow all you links and learn as much as possible about your topic.
4) title - Write it last! Choose a phrase from your essay. The title should be interesting and give the reader some clue about what the "Culture Capsule" will discuss.
NOTE: It is very important that you make a backup copy of your essay, your bookmarks and your graphics images. I will keep copies of these if you like. Just ask me!
Note: To see the student work resulting from this assignment, click here.
Created by: krauss@lclark.edu
Updated: 12/14/00