4. Simple
1. The Book of Unknown Americans
tells the story of the love between
a Panamanian boy and a
Mexican girl
5. Compound
1. Their daughter Maribel suffers a near-fatal
accident, so the Riveras leave México and
come to America.
2. Mayor Toro also lives in the Redwood
Apartments; he is a high school sophomore
whose family arrived from Panamá fifteen
years ago.
3. Mayor and Maribel grow closer; however,
violence casts a shadow over their futures in
America.
6. After settling at the Redwood Apartments,
they discover that Maribel's recovery will
not be easy.
Even though they try to fit in, every task
seems to confront them with language,
racial, and cultural obstacles.
Complex Sentences
7. Although Arturo and Alma keep a close
eye on Maribel, her budding romance
with Mayor grows, and their love gives
them both a new strength.
Compound Complex
Sentences
8. Find the four sentence types in
your paragraph!
Simple
Compound
Complex
Compound/Comple
x
9. Write a letter containing at least three
paragraphs (350-600 words), which both reflects
on your development this quarter and explains
why you are ready for the next level. The
reflective response goes in the front of your
portfolio—as an introduction to your work for the
teachers evaluating the portfolio.
Assignment Directions:
10. Outline for Reflective Essay
1. Paragraph 1: Describe what you learned this
quarter
a. We brainstormed this in class at our last
meeting.
2. Paragraph 2: Describe your individual writing (and
reading)process.
a. You did this for homework.
3. Paragraph 3: Identify and explain your writing (and
reading) goals for next quarter and beyond.
a. We will brainstorm this in class today.
11. In the first paragraph, describe
what you learned this quarter.
Paragraph 1
1. Review your notes from our class brainstorm
about course content you have learned this
quarter. Identify 1-3 of the most valuable skills you
have learned.
2. Turn your ideas into a PIE paragraph
3. Point in PIE Example: Although I have learned
many useful skills this quarter, understanding
process writing and quote sandwiches have
been the most valuable to my success as a
writer.
13. Paragraph #3
Past: Describe your writing process and
abilities before this class.
Present: Describe your individual strengths and
current process as a writer
Future: Identify your writing goals for next
quarter and beyond.
14. Organization is the internal structure of the writing that frames the
ideas in a logical pattern
Voice is the tone of the piece -- this is the personal stamp that a
writer brings while keeping in mind his or her purpose and audience.
Word choice are the words chosen to convey
meaning -- it's important to use the right word in
the right place.
Sentence Fluency is an auditory trait. It
focuses on how words and phrases
sound and flow throughout the text.
Conventions is the mechanical
correctness of the piece, including
grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Presentation is how the writing
looks on the page. Make the
overall appearance pleasing
to the eye. Follow MLA format
Ideas are the heart of the message that makes up the meaning of the
piece.
15. What the committee looks for:
Clear organization
Well-developed, focused
paragraphs
Specific examples, details
Well-constructed sentences
Correct grammar and punctuation
16. Homework
Finish all three
paragraphs of
your reflection
essay
Bring two copies
to class on
Thursday
Try to use MLA
format!
