Non-Fiction
In this unit we will read a variety of non-fiction texts, such as blogs and biographies.
Our goals for this unit:
- read and comprehend a variety of non-fiction texts
- understand the format of various types of non-fiction texts (eg. news articles, biographies)
- respond in writing with personal opinions based on factual information from the readings
- view and analyse a variety of speeches
- create and present a speech
Informal and Visual Essays
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Getting to Know Blogs
Task:
Take a look at the following Blog sites:
Take a look at the following Blog sites:
From the 4 options above, choose your favourite Blog site and complete the tasks below in a blog post on your newly created website.
1. Choose and read any 3 (three) Blog Posts from this site that interest you.
2. In Google Classroom,
-identify the blog site you have reviewed,
-list the three blog posts you have read,
-briefly summarize in one paragraph what one Blog Post is about,
-in a second short paragraph identify any details (words, images, ideas) that attract your attention and explain why you find those details interesting.
3. Now, in your new Blog Page, write your own blog post about the topic you have chosen. Remember to use specific examples to support your opinion. Look for images and related articles to support your ideas.
Your blog should be about 300-500 words long. Your blog post must have at least one link to a related article and at least one image.
Here are some things to remember about writing a blog post:
1. Choose and read any 3 (three) Blog Posts from this site that interest you.
2. In Google Classroom,
-identify the blog site you have reviewed,
-list the three blog posts you have read,
-briefly summarize in one paragraph what one Blog Post is about,
-in a second short paragraph identify any details (words, images, ideas) that attract your attention and explain why you find those details interesting.
3. Now, in your new Blog Page, write your own blog post about the topic you have chosen. Remember to use specific examples to support your opinion. Look for images and related articles to support your ideas.
Your blog should be about 300-500 words long. Your blog post must have at least one link to a related article and at least one image.
Here are some things to remember about writing a blog post:
- Posts should be two paragraphs minimum. You may deviate from paragraph structure to take a compositional risk (lists, poems, etc.).
- Remember that typical blogs have short paragraphs because reading on the screen causes more eye fatigue than does reading on the page.
- Format:
- single space paragraphs
- double space between paragraphs (to indicate a break in paragraphs and to give your reader’s eye a rest)
- do not indent paragraphs
- Links/images:
- Every post should have at least one link or image (preferably both).
- You may have more than one; there is no maximum.
- Do not copy/paste long URLs into the text of your post. Instead, highlight the relevant words in your post and embed the link so as not to interrupt the flow of the post.
- Tone/voice
- You should write your posts in your own style. This might mean being witty and clever, or it could mean being serious and straightforward. There is no one way to do this, as long as you remember to be school appropriate. This above all: to thine own self be true (you’ll get that reference in a few months).
- Yes, you may use first person pronouns if you’d like.
- Your voice may change from post to post as you figure out what works best for you, and that is absolutely fine (even encouraged!).
- You may express your opinions in your posts, but remember that any time you take a side for anything, you need support for your argument. If you just sound off about something you don’t like, it’s not arguing; it’s whining. :)
Biographies
BlogThink of a person from history or current events that you would like to meet. Use the link above to go to Biography.com to browse for some possible candidates and to learn more about the person you choose. (You can browse under the "People" heading where you will find information about more than 7000 people.)
Once you have selected a person, complete the following tasks:
Assignment: Complete a Blog Post with the following information:
Once you have selected a person, complete the following tasks:
- read the full entry
- watch a video if there is one
Assignment: Complete a Blog Post with the following information:
- why you chose this person
- what quality or achievement(s) you think makes this person most interesting
- write a Bio-poem for the individual you have chosen. Click here to find the outline for a Bio-poem.
- include at least 1 link to a related article and at least 1 image.
Final Task: Blogs
1. Think about the kinds of things you like to do outside of school. Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about.
Create a Blog Post on a topic that interests you.
Create a Blog Post on a topic that interests you.
- write about your personal experiences or opinions on the topic.
- Include images connected to your topic
- include links to related articles
- Your Blog Post should be about 400 words long.
- How did you become interested in this topic?
- Why is this an important topic to you?
- What personal experiences have you had?
- What stories can you tell related to this topic?
Final step: Edit and comment
With a partner do the following tasks:
Read your partner's blog post.
Talk to your partner about:
-what you like about their blog.
-any confusing information. Work with your partner to edit and clarify the post.
-any spelling, grammar or sentence structure errors you notice. Work with your partner to make corrections.
Respond to Blog Posts written by classmates:
Read your partner's blog post.
Talk to your partner about:
-what you like about their blog.
-any confusing information. Work with your partner to edit and clarify the post.
-any spelling, grammar or sentence structure errors you notice. Work with your partner to make corrections.
Respond to Blog Posts written by classmates:
- On your partner's Blog page, click on "Comments".
- Write a response to your partner's Blog entry.
- Remember to keep your comments positive.
- Remember that what you say will become public.