November 9, 2020 Writing Activity

"A mask is not a political statement."

​President-elect Joe Biden uttered these words today during a speech he made regarding what we need to do to stay safe during this pandemic. What does this sentence mean, both for you and for our country?

Let's create an essay that defends this viewpoint. The words President-elect Biden said above may be used as evidence within your essay; this means they can provide proof that will support the sentences you will write.

We will work on our essay in several parts.

First, we will use our Reflection Journals to copy the quote exactly as it appears, using the quotation marks exactly as used on the left page of an open journal.

Next, we will write our thoughts and ultimate response to this statement on the right hand side of our open journal. Be sure to date this page on the top line. You may give your essay a title now or after you have completed the assignment.

When you have finished both activities, you will then remain on the Reflection page for the next tasks.

• Look back at the reflection you have written.
• Go through each sentence, and circle every verb you have used.
• Are these the most effective verbs you can use to defend what you're about to say?
• What exactly will you write to begin your essay effectively?

An example could be: Getting the current pandemic under control is not only in our hands--it is on our faces.

This statement is both figurative (as we make sense of the idiom "in our hands") and literal (with the idea that masks are worn on our faces). It is also debatable, which means it is an opinion (that someone could agree or disagree with) as well as a topic sentence for an argument essay. Every sentence detail that follows must be able to answer the question why, if we were to ask why this topic sentence should be believed!

In addition, President-elect Biden's words are examples of both personification and metaphor! Can you explain why? 

There are lots of literary devices used in our writing assignment today! Figurative writing allows us to use all our senses when expressing ideas. Will you use one in your own writing? 

NOTE: When we have our first drafts completed, we will then add clauses (both dependent and independent) to our writing. This will expand some of our sentences, add interesting details, and provide the rhythm needed in all our writing activities!!