eng110

unit 4 discussion 1: In this unit 4, you have learned about compare and contrast writing. For this discussion, you will read and respond to “Who Wants to Shop in a Big Box Store, Anyway?” at http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/25/who-wants-to-shop-in-a-big-box-store-anyway/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.  In your response, please answer the following questions: •Which compare and contrast method (i.e., point-by-point, block) do you think is being used? Be sure to explain why. •How would you describe the quality and clarity of the information given to compare and contrast? Please point out any information that could have been better explained and any opinions that could have been better supported. •What were your feelings on the organization of the essay? Did the structure make sense to you? Was anything missing? •Given the information given, who do you feel is the best audience? Be sure to explain why and give examples from the essay to support your response.

unit 4 discussion 2:  Review at least TWO of your classmates’ drafts. Post your feedback by replying to your peers’ initial posts. Guidelines for Conducting the Peer Review: •Begin by reading the entire essay. •Next, begin editing the essay for the micro details as described below: ◦The micro details deal with the smaller scale issues (spelling, grammar, word choice, punctuation, etc.). If you notice any micro issues as you go through your peers’ drafts, please note them on the draft.  •Lastly, work on revising the essay for the macro details as described below: ◦The macro issues deal with the large issues (content, fulfillment of purpose, addressing the appropriate audience, paragraph structure and cohesion, thesis statement and support, etc.). Usually, when a reader makes recommendations about macro issues, it means you will probably need to add content to your essay, delete content from your essay, move major chunks of the essay around, etc. To help you identify macro issues that may need some revision, I have supplied a set of questions you will need to answer for each of the two essays you review. (Please see below.)  1.What is the thesis statement and what expectation does the thesis create in you as a reader? What does it tell you about the essay’s purpose, direction, and organization? Is the thesis appropriate for the assignment? How can the writer better focus the topic and thesis? 2.Are the main points within the paper clearly and logically related to the thesis and developed in unified, coherent paragraphs? If so, provide some specific examples, and if not, point out which of the points do not help to support the thesis statement. 3.What type of organization does this essay use? (Point-by-point or subject-by-subject – see your textbook for definitions of these organizational strategies.) Is this organization effective in this essay? Why or why not? 4.Discuss the effectiveness of the introduction and the conclusion of this essay. If you can offer any suggestions on how to improve them, please do so here. 5.Overall, what are your reactions to the essay? What is the best feature or greatest strength of this essay? 6.If you were to change one thing about the essay, what would it be? Please don’t respond with “Nothing” certainly there is something in the essay which could be improved!   TIP: Don’t forget the positive feedback! It is great to offer suggestions for improvement, but remember to tell your classmates the good things they have included in their work as well.  Note: You will be evaluated on the content of your responses, so remember the following when completing them: •Be considerate •Be thorough •Write clearly and use complete sentences •Make constructive comments •Avoid rude remarks •Make helpful suggestions •Praise the positive