TODAY

Once you start reading this, you should be silent and focused for the rest of the period. Yes, that means now.

"I write to discover what I think." -- Daniel Boorstin

Today, Team, I am asking you to think deeply and write clearly. Indeed, this is what I am asking from every single day in this course. These are our fundamental and ultimate goals.

I want you to write for the entire period today. The computer lab should be silent so as to allow you to achieve these two fundamental and ultimate goals today. I have opened several posts regarding Life of Pi. You choose which posts to respond to and how many posts to respond to--it's up to you. But you should try to write as much as possible during these 45 minutes, to think as much as possible during these 45 minutes. Work hard, diligently, efficiently so you get a LOT done. If Yann Martel can imagine this entire novel in 30 minutes, surely you can write a lot about it in 45.

Before you submit each of your comments, I want you to copy them into a Word document with your name and date at the top. You don't need to include the prompt--all you need to copy is your actual writing. At the end of the period, you will print out this Word document and turn it in to me for grading and response.

Here's how I will grade this (20 points today):

20-19: Original, analytical writing that closely studies the specific words of the text. Clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing. Thoughtful diction and syntax. Teaches me something.

18-17: Offers a lot of thoughtful, solid points regarding the meaning of specific words, images, characters, etc. in the text. Could push the points farther, but the writing is correct and clear and eloquent.

16-15: A few grammatical or usage errors. Offers some interesting ideas but could go into more depth or detail. On the right track--but needs to push it farther and deeper. Needs more textual analysis and support.

14-13: Tries to analyze and offer insightful comments but really needs a closer discussion of the details/words of the text. Writing needs revision in terms of syntax and/or style.

12-11: Surface-level discussion. Limited to mainly plot summary. Needs to demonstrate more effort in terms of both content and style.

10 and below: Disappointing. Did not take advantage of this time to think and articulate your smart thoughts.

Show me what you can do. I believe in you.