Mt. Nebo Writing Class: Writing (Eureka Week)

Writing!

1. Read chapters 11-16 of "The Bronze Bow."

2. Write this passage from the book in your best handwriting.

“We don’t need a brand,” Joel spoke quickly, in the reasonable friendly way that made everything he said so convincing. “If we choose carefully we can trust each other. We will carry the sign of the bow in our minds. You know—from the Song of David: ‘He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.’ That is our password.”

(Chapter 12, page 139)

3. Write 2 more pages in your handwriting books. Bring your books to class. You should be up to 40 pages completed. If anyone wants to go the extra mile and finish their books, I will give $$$ for finished books by Imaginative Arts week. If you work on it everyday, it could happen.

4. Letter Writing (Informative and Expository Essays). Go to this page for a refresher on how to write an essay. Essay Writing (Expository is a fancy word for investigating an idea.)

This weeks essay will be informative, but in the form of a letter. I want you to write to someone about your topic. This means start with an opener like;

Dear _____,

To whom it may concern,

Finish with something like;

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Your Friend,

Then sign your name.

"The purpose of an informative essay is to educate others on a certain topic. Typically, these essays will answer one of the five Ws: who, what, where, when, and why. Of course, they can also answer "how," indicating how to do something.

Informative essays must never express your opinion or try to convince others to take a certain action or stance. That role is expressly reserved for persuasive essays. Of course, if your informative essay is interesting enough, it may move readers to learn more about the subject, but they'll have to come to that on their own, thanks to the wealth of interesting information you present."

This essay would be similar to your research report and speech, but much, much shorter. Here are some interesting topic ideas, but if you have something that really interests you, go with that. Think of it as a question that someone asked you -- and you are giving them the answer to "inform" them of what you know about the topic. It should only be a one page letter.

How to open a bank account
World poverty
Procrastination and its effects
Homelessness
Air pollution
Recycling
Dream interpretation
History of women's right to vote
Foreign cultures
Folklore
U.S. stock market
Dog breeds
Biographies
Architecture in Paris
History of the Titanic
How to Donate Blood
A Brief History of Ireland
Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol and Heart Disease
How to Buy a House
Understanding Your Credit Score
The Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet
The Importance of Regular Daily Exercise
Top Three Causes of Global Warming
Reducing Carbon Emissions With Alternative Fuels
The Many Cost Savings of Hybrid Vehicles
Understanding Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Why Cleaning Your Air Ducts Is Important
If possible, have someone else read your essay and offer their ideas for improvement. Of course, don't forget to pay attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and other errors as well.

Knowledge Is Power

An informative essay is the best way to explain something complicated - in an uncomplicated way. Even though you're (hopefully) writing on a topic of interest to you, be sure to back up each claim with substantial facts and statistics. Let the content speak for itself, inviting readers to learn more.

5. Spelling Words

unexpected - not expected or regarded as likely to happen.

scowl - an angry or bad-tempered expression.

inferior - of little or less importance, value, or merit

plane/plain - Plane is a noun, often short for “airplane.” However, a “plane” can also be a flat surface or a tool used to create a smooth, flat surface. Plain is an adjective meaning “simple,” “unadorned,” or “easy to understand.” However, it can also be a noun that refers to an area of flat land.

synagogue - the building where a Jewish assembly or congregation meets for religious worship and instruction.

important - of great significance or value; likely to have a profound effect on success, survival, or well-being.

mourning/ - the expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died, typically involving following certain conventions such as wearing black clothes.

morning - the period of time between midnight and noon, especially from sunrise to noon.

legionary - a soldier in a Roman legion.

pilfered - steal (typically things of relatively little value).

equipment - the necessary items for a particular purpose.

various - different from one another; of different kinds or sorts.

chafing - the irritation of skin caused by repetitive friction, usually generated through skin to skin contact.

incredulous - (of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something.

solemnly - with deep sincerity.

hesitated - pause before saying or doing something, especially through uncertainty.

attention - notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important.

relieved - no longer feeling distressed or anxious; reassured.

intermittent - occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.