At Home Plate, Swinging Away Again

If you take a look to the left side of the page, to the list of HELPFUL LINKS, you'll see additions that are specifically directed to the Example Essay. If you're having difficulty in writing, developing, or conceptualizing any aspect of the paper and neither I nor the Brief Bedford Reader was helpful, take a look at one of those links. Just as the cat may be skinned any number of ways, information may be presented in a variety of ways--and hopefully, you will have found one that you understand and that clarifies how simple the Example Essay is.

Once you have your ideas, your initial draft and once you let someone else (a friend or family member, perhaps) read and help you with your paper, you're ready to compose your final draft. If you feel insecure about your writing or use of the conventions of Standard English, you may also want to get a tutor from the ARC to proofread your paper. Essentially what you're doing, as you post your essay, is the Dress Rehearsal. It doesn't have to be "perfect" but it needs to be presentable. You need to make sure that the essay you post is one you're satisfied with, more or less. After all . . . your audience is waiting. What you may also find is that those people who read your blog last time may go back to see what you wrote THIS time. Remember: I'll be assigning you blogs to read, and in the next post providing the criteria, but YOU will be able to read any blogs you like and you'll be able to comment on them, as well. As always, it is both an empowering and frightening prospect.

So. Whether it's at home, in the library, sitting in your car or under a tree, go ahead and post your Example Essay--LABEL IT EXAMPLE ESSAY -- that way, no one will wonder whether it is or isn't what they need to be reading and critiquing.

FINAL drafts will be due next Thursday for those classes that meet Tuesday and Thursday. That shoud give you time to receive comments, make revisions and perfect your paper. I'm looking forward to some "good reads."