Since Laurie would never post anything like this about herself on her blog as she is too humble, I thought I would take a moment to applaud her in the efforts that she has undertaken to go back to school. I guess you can call this my first official blog high jack. While her schooling has been somewhat stressful on our family, she has done remarkably well. She consistently turns in her assignments that put her at the top of her class. I thought I would share some of the comments that her instructor's have posted on the community chat boards for you to enjoy.
Tue, Sep 30, 2008 -- Essay 2 In-Text Citation
Hello Folks--I've just read your Discussion Board postings for Essay 2, Tasks 1 and 2. I appreciate the depth of thought that people are exploring in identifying and discussing the complex elements of place. This reflective thinking will help you as you write Essay 2. As part of Task 2, I asked you to read about MLA style in-text citation in Penguin, then try to correctly integrate a quotation from Sanders's essay. Of course, everyone gets full points for trying! Now that you've wrestled with figuring this out, please carefully read the mini-lesson on in-text citation that I have just added into the Essay 2 folder. Many of you came quite close to correctly framing, citing, and integrating your quotations. Please see
Laurie Mencl's posting for a correct example. Notice how she has framed the quotation with a lead-in (author's name and attributive verb), put the quoted words inside quotation marks, provided the page number in parenthesis (only the page number because the author's name is already in the lead-in) and has moved the period to follow the last parenthesis.
Fri, Sep 19, 2008 -- Professor's Response to Writing Workshop Essay 1 First Drafts
After reading everyone’s First Draft of Essay 1, I would like to reinforce several points. This would be a good time to re-read the Essay 1 assignment and mini-lectures to make sure that you are fulfilling the assignment.
Thesis Statement: Some people’s essays are missing a thesis statement. For this assignment your thesis statement must identify the tradition or ritual that is your topic and make a claim of significance. I require that your thesis statement appear in the traditional location as the last sentence in your first paragraph. For a good example of a thesis statement see Laurie Mencl’s essay.
Finally, in a conversation with her professor, this is what the professor told Laurie about some of the work she has been turning in. "You know what I love most about your postings is the honesty. I never feel that you are trying to impress me but instead that you are truly examining the issues we are dealing with in our readings and discussions. Wonderful!!!"
If she keeps this up, I'll be the one staying at home taking care of the house and the children, while she is out in the workplace!
Sorry Laurie, but dad2my6kids thought this would be a great idea to share! Love ya!