Lesson 8

Lesson Goals

• Can I apply correct and effective syntax, usage, mechanics, and spelling to communicate ideas and achieve intended purposes?

• Can I use effective formatting, style, and citations to present ideas for specific audiences and purposes?

Texts

Materials

Reference Guides

• Conventions Reference Guide
• Integrating Quotations Reference Guide

Activity 1: Read – Write

We will edit our essays for spelling and grammar.

Conduct a spelling and grammar check for accuracy. When the computer prompts you with a red or blue line, indicating there is an error, what evidence from the text supports that the suggestion is right? Hint: it will not always be the first choice.

Activity 2: Read – Discuss

We will engage in a peer review of our sentence variety, sentence structure, and conventions to help us strengthen and revise our essays.

Trade drafts with a partner. Read your partner’s essay, this time analyzing its usage, conventions, and style. Pay close attention to the following issues:

• using correct punctuation with quotations

• maintaining present tense

• using periodic sentences for emphasis

• using a colon or semicolon where appropriate

• using effective parallel structure

Meet with your partner to review and discuss your observations about sentences and conventions.

Participate in a whole-class debrief to share insights and observations after the review activity.

Activity 3: Write

We will make final revisions to our essay based on our partner’s feedback.

Revise your essay based on peer feedback. Complete your revisions for homework if needed. Be ready to submit your final, revised essay in the next lesson.