WRITERS' WORKSHOP

Oxford Tutorials/N. Lund

Assignment Schedule: Fall Semester

PARTS OF SPEECH & SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION

Week/Lesson

1. Introduction to the Eight Basic Parts of Speech

a. memorize definitions for the eight basic parts of speech
   b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)

   c. find the subjects and predicates in “Practice Quiz 1”
   d. prepare for a quiz on the basic parts of speech

2. Nouns:

a. memorize definitions for the four basic types of nouns
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
d. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
e. prepare for a quiz on the different types of nouns
3. Pronouns:

a. memorize definitions for the six basic types of pronouns
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
d. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
e. prepare for a quiz on the different types of pronouns
4. Verbs: Tenses
a. memorize definitions for the six verb tenses
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
d. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
e. prepare for a quiz on the different verb tenses
5. Verbs: Main and Auxiliary

a. memorize the differences between main verbs and auxiliaries
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor via
        email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
d. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
e. prepare for a quiz on main verbs and auxiliaries
6. Verbs: Auxiliary and Linking

a. memorize the differences between auxiliaries and linking verbs
b. learn the meaning of “predicate nouns and adjectives”
c. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
f. prepare for a quiz on linking verbs and auxiliaries
7. Verbs: Active/Passive Voice; Transitive and Intransitive

a. memorize the differences between active and passive voice
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. learn the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs
d. write ten sentences using each type at least five times
e. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
f. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
g. prepare for a quiz on active and passive voice
8. Verbs: Moods
a. memorize the differences between the three verb moods
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
d. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
e. prepare for a quiz on verb moods

9. Adjectives:

a. memorize definitions for the five major kinds of adjectives
b. study the “Ten Sentence Patterns with Examples”
c. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
d. pick five favorite adjectives from the “Beyond Cool” list below and
write five sentences using each of those adjectives at least once
e. see how many adjectives you can find in the literary passage below
f. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
g. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
10. Adverbs:
a. memorize the definition of an adverb
b. memorize the four most common adverbs (VENT)
b. memorize seven common conjunctive adverbs (FAT HAMS)
c. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
f. prepare for a quiz on adverbs

11. Prepositions & Interjections:
a. memorize definitions for prepositions and interjections
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
d. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
e. prepare for a quiz on prepositions and interjections
12. Conjunctions: Coordinating
a. memorize the definition of a coordinating conjunction
b. memorize the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)
c. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
d. examine 2 Cor. 4:16-18; see how many coordinating
conjunctions you can find
e. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
f. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
g. prepare for a quiz on coordinating conjunctions

13. Conjunctions: Subordinating
a. memorize the definition of a subordinating conjunction
b. memorize the basic types of subordinating conjunctions
c. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
d. complete the sub. conjunctions Practice Exercise & Quiz
e prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
f. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
g. prepare for a quiz on subordinating conjunctions

14. Verbals: Gerunds; Infinitives; Participles
a. memorize the three main types of verbals
b. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
c. complete the Practice Quiz
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
f. prepare for a quiz on verbals
15. Clauses and Phrases:
a. memorize the definitions of a clause and a phrase
b. study the seven types of phrases
c. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
d. complete the Practice Quizzes on Clauses and Phrases
e. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
f. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
g. prepare for a quiz on clauses and phrases
16. Sentence Construction:
a. read “Ten Ways to Start a Sentence”
b. read “Twenty Sentence Patterns”
c. memorize “Six Ways to Start a Sentence”
d. write ten sentences using the format sent by the tutor
         via email (Due: 48 hours before class)
e. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
f. prepare for a quiz on literary terms (5 terms)
g. prepare for a quiz on clauses and phrases

Assignment Schedule: Spring Semester

LITERARY ANALYSIS & ESSAY WRITING

Week/Lesson

1. Thesis Statements:
a. memorize the definition of a thesis statement
b. explain differences: “thesis,” “topic,“ “theme”
c. write ten thesis statements
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)
2. Letter to the Editor (100-150 words)

a. create a thesis statement on an assigned topic

b. write a short paragraph supporting that thesis
in the form of a Letter to the Editor

c. demonstrate an understanding of proper English usage
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)
3. Introductory Paragraphs:

a. identify the key components in an introductory paragraph

b. write a series of effective "hook" sentences on the topic:
“Is the adjective ‘cool’ overused in our culture?”
c. demonstrate an understanding of proper English usage
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)
4. Five Paragraph Essay Outline:

a. identify the key components in the five paragraph format

b. write an outline of a five paragraph essay on the topic:
“The meaning of the word ‘hero’ in our culture.”
c. include a thesis statement and three supporting points
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

5. Transitional Words and Phrases:

a. choose transitional words and phrases for your essay

b. identify and demonstrate these kinds of transitions:

similarity; exception/contrast; sequence/order; time;

example; emphasis; place/position; cause/effect;

support/evidence; conclusion/summary
c. write ten sentences using each type at least once
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)
6. Expository Essay (200-300 words)

a. write a five paragraph expository essay on the topic:
“The meaning of the word ‘hero’ in our culture.”
b. create and develop a coherent thesis that conveys a distinct

perspective on an assigned subject with a consistent focus

c. use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, appropriate

modifiers, and active rather than passive verbs

    d. rewrite ambiguous sentences and sections in your essay
to improve logic and clarity
    e. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
    f. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

7. Literary Analysis

a. read and respond to historically significant literary works
assigned by the tutor

b. distinguish between literal and figurative meanings

c. identify and evaluate literary devices
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

8. Book Review (200-300 words)

a. write a book review to introduce your classmates to one of your
favorite authors.
b. combine elements of: an expository essay (briefly explaining the
setting, main characters, plot); and a persuasive essay (making
judgments about the quality and importance of the book and
sharing your reactions to it.
c. use the five paragraph essay format

d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

9. Paraphrasing:

a. identify and evaluate sequencing of ideas in selected passages
assigned by your tutor

b. analyze and evaluate the logical integrity of the arguments
c. write the main points of the passages in your own words
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

10. Aristotle's Treatise on Poetry

a. notice what Aristotle says about the importance of metaphor

b. examine Aristotle’s view of an effective plot

c. learn Aristotle’s famous definitions of “tragedy” and “beauty”
d. write ten sentences using at least one different metaphor in each
e. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
f. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

11. Short Narrative (150-300 words)

a. write a short narrative about a dog and a cat

b. apply Aristotle's insights wherever possible

c. develop at least one central metaphor
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

12. Universal Themes

a. identify six universal themes employed in fiction
b. find at least one literary example for each theme

c. evaluate the use of one of those themes in a specific book

c. write an outline of your discoveries to share in class
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

13. Final Project: ”Hook” Sentence
a. gather ideas for a persuasive essay on the topic:
“The Purpose of Life;” make a list of ideas to share
b. include what you’ve learned about universal themes

c. write a tentative “hook” sentence for the essay
d. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
e. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

14. Opening Paragraph & Outline:
a. write your opening paragraph for the final essay

b. include an effective hook and clear thesis statement

c. include a smooth transition between the hook and thesis
d. write an outline for the five paragraph essay
e. prepare for a vocabulary quiz (10 words)
f. prepare for a quiz on English authors (4 authors)

15. Persuasive Essay (300-400 words)

a. finish writing your five paragraph persuasive essay:
“The Purpose of Life;”
b. demonstrate a coherent thesis that conveys a distinct

perspective on the topic with a consistent focus

c. use precise language, action verbs, sensory details,
appropriate modifiers, and at least one metaphor

16. Final Project: DUE
Be prepared to share your essay in class.