Individual Conference

Here's the schedule for the individual conference. Please mark the time on your diary.
You have to show up ON TIME; otherwise, it will be considered as the absence of two classes. As mentioned in class, the classes on 23rd and 26th will be canceled. 

	4/21 (Wed)		4/23 (Fri)		4/26 (Mon)
2:00	1 Nhan	2:00	4 Shuang	2:00	11 Jack
2:15	2 Jeong Ki	2:15	5 Miguel	2:15
2:30	3 Anqi	2:30	6 Bek	2:30	12 Wendy
2:45		2:45	7 Wanlan	2:45	13 Han
3:00		3:00	8 Ke	3:00	14 Eunji
3:15		3:15	9 Xin	3:15	15 Brooke
3:30		3:30	10 Deng	3:30	16 Xianchen
				3:45	17 Lucas

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Presentation Schedule

4/28 (Wednesday)

• Xin
• Anqi
• Xianchen
• Bek

4/30 (Friday)

• Kecheng (Lucas)
• Nhan
• Qian (Brooke)
• Siqing (Wendy)
• Shuang

5/3 (Monday)

• Liang
• Han
• Ke
• Miguel
• Eunji

5/5 (Wednesday)

• Hainan (Jack)
• Jeong Ki
• Wanlan

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Friday's task!

Hi all,

The wonderful Spring Break is almost there, yay! :D Here's a task you're supposed to do before you enjoy the Spring Break. Please click on this, and rename the file name as soon as you get it. After you finish the task, please put the file to your essay3 folder in Dropbox.

Enjoy,
Joy!

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It's time to choose a topic!

Hi all,

We have two essays left: an argumentative essay and a research paper. As I told you in class, I do not want anyone of you to get stuck in the end of the semester, so I would like you to choose a topic that you can recycle for your research paper.

Basically, you can choose a topic for argumentative essays first, and keep in mind that it is important to choose a specific topic, which seems to be controllable. Do not try to talk about 'World Peace' or 'the Freedom of Human Beings,' which you cannot cover in your 3-5 page long papers. Instead, you would be able to look at this site to explore various topics for the argumentative essays. Again, please narrow down the topic as much as you can. Let's say, if you choose a topic such as "Violence in the Media," then focus on more detailed claim, like "the Side-Effects of Violence in the Media in American TV Shows to Teenagers."

It is always better to talk to me in advance if you are in trouble. I am willing to help you choose a topic if needed.  :D


Joy

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Argumentative essays (2)

In argumentative essays, the introductory paragraph should have a thesis statement that shows your opinion on the issue. If often mentions the opposing view first.

• E.g. Police departments say that the laws to control teenage gangs are necessary, but I believe that such laws are unfair, unconstitutional, and counterproductive.

When you state an opinion, you should indicate that it is an opinion by using a transition expression.

• In my opinion, everyone should be allowed to own a gun.
• In my view, no one should be allowed to own a gun.
• I believe that a Honda is better than a Toyota.
• I think a Lexus is better than a Honda.

In the body paragraphs, support your opinion with reasons. Each reason is a paragraph in the finished essay.

E.g. Theses statement: Although many people feel that doctors must do everything possible to keep their patients alive, I believe that euthanasia should be legalized for three reasons.

• Reason A: These patients have no change of recovery. --> body1
• Reason B: Medical costs are very high. --> body2
• Reason C: The family suffers. --> body3

In the concluding paragraph, you may (1) restate your thesis statement in different words or (2) summarize your reasons. In your final comment, you may call for action, as in the following example. Your final comment should be powerful –one that your readers will remember.

Joy

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Argumentative essays (1)

An argumentative essay is built around a specific statement (or main premise) that is debatable within the field in which you are studying. In other words, your readers may agree or disagree with the statement. Your essay will need to support that statement in a manner that convinces your readers of its truth.

Debatable statements
Statements with which other people might or might not agree. These are sometimes called "arguments", "assertions", "propositions" or "premises".

• E.g. Solar energy is the best way of meeting Australia's energy needs in the 21st century.

Non-debatable statements
Statements with which nobody would normally disagree or argue. These are sometimes called "facts".

• E.g. Coal and oil are the main sources of energy in Australia in the 20th century.

Remember!

When you write an argumentative essay, your topic sentence is an opinion. You can support your topic sentence with both opinions and facts. It is better to use facts, but it is possible to use opinions. Your paper will be stronger if you use more facts, however.

Joy

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Free Grammar Tutoring

Greetings all,

I write to let you know great information about FREE grammar tutoring. There will be three one-hour individual tutoring sessions during March and April. Tutors will be students in MATESL program or undergraduate students, whose native languages are English. Please leave comments if you're interested. :) Also, if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Tania Ionin at tionin@illinois.edu. 

Joy 

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