Comp 4LAP 2: Speculating about Causes

MLA Format and Research

Approximate time: 1 cycle

Rationale:Students are asked to write an essay about a particular phenomenon or trend that speculates about the cause to the phenomenon or trend. While understanding the phenomenon and/or trend is truly an independent evaluation, the essay requires the student to research what others may speculate about the phenomenon/trend while coming up with her own speculation about the cause. We all quite naturally try to explain causes, because we assume that everything has a cause, we predictably ask “Why?” when we notice something new or unusual or puzzling. Many things can be fully and satisfactorily explained. That early curiosity is an innate quality of humans. It is what triggered ancient Greek and Roman mythology. It is what fuels medical research. It is what draws you out of bed at night--against your better judgment--to investigate the strange noise that disturbed your sleep. When children ask “why is the sky blue in the day and black at night?” parents can provide and answer. However, many of our questions can never be answered definitively but can be speculated about based on the best available evidence and experience. Look at this assignment as a more formalized speculation about “why”.

Essential Questions: How does a strong thesis statement make for an effective essay?

Objectives: Upon completion of this LAP, students will be able to:1. Read and evaluate model essays2. Analyze one or more of the model essays.3. Review strategies for speculating about causes.4. Complete prewriting activities culminating in choosing and narrowing a topic and conducting and

recording the results of necessary research. 5. Write rough drafts including parenthetical documentation and Works Cited pages.6. Peer edit with a partner or group, conference with teacher as needed.

Materials: Binder Notebook Different color pens Highlighters Post-its

Assessment:

1. Independent Vocabulary Tests: See schedule.

2. LAP 2 Speculating about Causes Summative Essay: For this LAP, you will write a 800-1000 word essay speculating about the possible causes of a social phenomenon or trend (minimum of three sources required). The student will write a summative essay about causes, describing the subject, propose some cause for it, and argue that one (or more) cause is the best available explanation. This is a formal essay. Follow MLA in all respects. You will submit your LAP 2 Summative Essay to me by 3p.m. on Friday, February 10 th and to turnitin.com by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, F ebruary 10 th .

Speculating about Causes: A phenomenon is something notable about the human condition or social order-fear or failure.

A trend is a significant change that occurs over some period of time, generally months or years. It can be identified by an increase or a decrease.

Open Lab:Use OL to conference with your teacher.

Calendar: These dates are subject to change. If you are absent, please e-mail or see Mrs. Hackworth in Open Lab to see what you missed.

Day 1: _______Discuss Revisions from Sample EssayMLA ReviewDatabase ReviewHomework:Begin research for essay/have a topic for your essay by next class

Day 2: _______MLA/Research ContinuedIntroduce Speculating about Causes EssayDiscuss Topics Homework:Begin research on topic. Find three sources for next class. Have the MLA Citation Guide completed for each source.

Day 3: _______Sources Due/Citation Guides Due Work DayConferenceHomework:Work on essay

Day 4: _______Work DayConferenceHomework: Typed and printed rough draft due next class- If you do not have the typed and printed full rough draft at the beginning of class, you will not receive points for the peer edit.

Day 5: _______Printed Rough Draft DuePeer EditConferenceHomework:Essay due G-day, February 10th by 3 p.m.