This document provides information for the first class of EWRT 1A taught by Dr. Kim Palmore. It includes an agenda with topics like an introduction, brainstorming activity, and outlining an essay. Students will choose survival supplies for a hypothetical weeks-long trip into the woods and write an argument essay defending their choices. The document gives categories of supplies to pick from and instructs students to discuss their options in groups. It provides guidance on writing an outline, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion for the essay. The homework is to post an outline, bring a hard copy to class, and prepare to do an in-class writing exam.

1. Welcome to EWRT 1A
Dr. Kim Palmore
Office F1-1L
ph. 408 674 3005
Class 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gv0H-vPoDc

2. Agenda
Review Introduction
Questions?
Brainstorming Activity
Introduce essay #1
Outlining
Thesis
Topic Sentences
Counterargument

3. This class is
going to be so
easy!
Is this class
too hard?
Will I be the
teacher’s
favorite?
Is this class
History 10?
I will be the
favorite!

4. Let’s get ready to write!
You are headed into the woods for
several weeks. The possibility that you
will encounter carnivores, bad water,
rough terrain, weather, insects, and
poison ivy is very real. You are
wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis
shoes. You have an empty daypack.
From the lists on the next slides,
choose which additional supplies you
would take with you on your trip. Note
in detail why you would choose
these items.

5. Group 1 (Choose 2)
Blanket (one wool double)
Sleeping Bag (one single,
nylon and down)
Two extra pair of socks
(wool)
A rain coat (yellow)
Reflective heat jacket
Hiking boots (water proof)
Group 2 (Choose 1)
Waterproof matches (one
box of 20)
An empty container/bottle
(One gallon-plastic)
Rope (25 feet)
Tarp (8x10)
Iodine Tablets (one jar of
20)

6. Group 3 (Choose 1)
Bow & Arrows (6)
Small Knife (6” blade)
A large heavy sword (2.5
feet, 10 lbs.)
A hammer (common
household type)
A fishing line & hook (100
feet of line and 3 hooks)
Group 4 (Choose 1)
A box of crackers (16 oz.)
A package of beef jerky (16
oz.)
A bottle of water (one
gallon)
A package of cheese (16
oz.)
A bag of apples (10 small
apples)

7. After you finish choosing your supplies, get into groups
of three or four and discuss your choices. Explain your
reasons for choosing your supplies to the other people
in your group. It will behoove you to argue vigorously
so you all understand the benefits of each item. When
you have all settled on your final lists, note not only why
you are taking certain supplies, but also why you are
not taking others.

8. Write an essay arguing for the supplies you have
chosen to take with you into the wild. Present the
issue to readers, and develop an argument for the
purpose of confirming, challenging, or changing
your readers’ views on which supplies are the
most important for survival.
Your final essay should be around 750 words. You
don’t need outside sources for this essay.
Essay #1: The argument essay: an in-
class writing exam

9. Introduction and
Thesis
Focus your presentation of the issue: Your introduction
should explain to the reader both the situation you face
and why you have limited resources.
Thesis: Compose a thesis that makes your position
unambiguous, appropriately qualified, and clearly
arguable. (Your thesis will likely be near the end of your
introduction).

10. Body Paragraphs
Paragraph one: topic sentence supporting your first item.
Give reasons for your choice and support them with examples,
scenarios, or anecdotes.
Paragraph two: topic sentence supporting your second item.
Give reasons for your choice and support them with
examples, scenarios, or anecdotes.
Additional Paragraphs: Repeat using the same or similar
strategies

11. Counterargument:
Write a counterargument that addresses why you
wouldn’t take the items the other people in your group
think are very important. You should address specific
supplies others in your group chose to take. You may
do this in each body paragraph as you argue for your
choice, or you may do it as a separate paragraph after
you finish arguing for your tools.
For example, you might start by writing, “while some
people might prefer a sleeping bag, I found it to be a
poor choice compared to the blanket.” Then you can
explain why.

12. Conclusion:
If your adventure is over, describe how it ended and how you
have recovered, suffered, or benefitted from it.
OR
If the adventure is ongoing, consider predicting your future in
the wild.
What are you chances of success?
What do you see as your biggest challenge?
How might you fail?

13. Homework Class 1
 Post #1 Outline
with thesis
 Bring: A hard
copy of your
outline; pen;
Bluebook;
 Be prepared to
take in-class
essay test #1

14. When you finish your homework for class #1:
Do your online class:
presentation 2
Finish the in-class
work
Do and post the
homework on the front
of the website, under
homework slide #2