English 8 Semester 2 Review for Final Exam

English 8 Semester 2 Review for Final Exam

By Cynthia Phillips

​Purpose

The author's reason for writing the piece.

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It could be to entertain, to inform, to persuade.​

​Bias-

prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.​

​Bias

The bias of news sources is one of the main reasons bubbles exist. In a bubble, authors use language that confirms the perspective of readers; instead of challenging or informing readers, they make readers feel like they were right all along.​

The way authors present facts can also show bias. Authors may include some facts and leave out others, or interpret the facts in a way that fits their perspective and the perspective of their audience.​

Agenda

When a text has a bias, it may not be deliberate. Sometimes authors may simply not be aware how their perspective influences the purpose and message of a text.

Other times, an author might have an agenda: a deliberate purpose besides the obvious one. For example, an author may write a book that looks like it's meant to inform but actually has a persuasive agenda. These kinds of texts often present information in a biased way.​

​Rhetorical Triangle 2.2.1 pg. 3

​Claim

​The central argument of a text. It was a thesis in your informational essay.

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Must take a clear stand --- be firm, be direct, be assertive -- not balanced

or neutral.

Must be debatable​ --- has a serious argument against it. Not just a

statement of fact.

Must be provable --- there is real evidence out there to support it.​

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2.3.2 Page 2

​Evidence

Whether authors are backing up their supporting reasons or responding to a counterargument, they rely on evidence to be convincing. Here are some different types of evidence that appear in argumentative texts.​

Examples

Quotes

Statistics and facts​

Subject | Subject

2.3.2 ​

​Next week you will write a research argument essay....

First steps​

​3.1.1 page 2 Link to Procon.org

It must be broadly important,

evidence based and

narrow in focus.

Research question must be

relevant 3.1.1 page 4

narrow

researchable​

​Research gives you evidence to support your arguments.

Sources must be trustworthy.​

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• They have web addresses ending in .edu, .org, or .gov.

• They are found on well-known news sites.

• They have been published by universities, governments, or hospitals.

• They are written by doctors, scientists, or other experts.

• They list or reference other sources.

  more information about credibility of sources 3.2.1 page 9​

​3.1.1. page 7

​3.2.1 pp 11 & 12

A primary source is a source that reports a direct experience. The author might be an eyewitness to some event or a scientist who led the experiment the article is about.

​A secondary source is a source that does not report on a direct experience. The author might be a historian writing about a famous event but who wasn't present at the event. Or the author might be a reporter commenting on a new law who was not involved in writing or passing the law. Secondary sources often provide interpretations of the facts and examples in primary sources.

​Active vs Passive voice..... 3.3.1 page 4

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Verbs can appear in either the active voice, the subject of the sentence does the action of the verb. In the passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb.

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Active:​ The mechanic fixes the car.

Passive: The car is being fixed by the mechanic.​

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Active voice is clearer and stronger.​ Avoid passive voice.

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​Quoting vs. Paraphrasing 3.3.4 page 6

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The body paragraphs are where most of the evidence from your research goes: the facts, statistics, quotes, and examples that back up your supporting reasons. There are two ways to share this information with the reader. You can quote, or you can paraphrase. Review both options.

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​IMPORTANT:

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You don't want to write a "Quote Collage." The essay needs to be YOUR thoughts!

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​When you paraphrase .... Totally paraphrase. Doing a word for word paraphrase is plagiarism!​

Vague Pronouns

If it's unclear which noun a pronoun refers to, the pronoun is vague.

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Vague means ​of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear meaning.

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Some writers attempt to solve this problem by repeating words, but the best solution is to phrase ideas to avoid vague pronouns and repetition.

Unit 5: Vague Pronouns

Verb tense.... present, past, future​

Do not shift tenses inappropriately​

3.3.1 page 10 discusses all moods​

indicative, ​imperative, interrogative, conditional, subjunctive

More about the subjunctive:​

It is recommended that she prepare a short speech before the ceremony. We asked that he listen carefully to the directions before starting.

It is important that she agree to these terms.

Maya insisted that the student seek the aid of a tutor.

When you’re describing a wish or an impossible situation, use were instead of was.

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If I were you, I’d be careful.

If he were rich, he’d buy ten yachts.

Sally wishes she were taller.​

​Different types of media 4.3.1 page 2

​Setting rules in the group 4.1.1 page 5

​Take turns speaking-- raise hands?-- maybe choose a moderator

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Set a timer--so everyone gets a chance to share ideas. If group is an online group and sharing is done in chat.... could have a word or character limit.

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Stay focused--try to keep off topic chat to a minimum.​

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​Creating a Plan 4.1.1 page 7