FINAL DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT OF 2013!

Purpose
This assignment is about analyzing a novel by comparing the authors thesis with that of your own, on points of validity and effectiveness. We are doing this to help you practice identifying theme, character development and conflict during and post reading. This assignment will give you the opportunity to work on note taking, establishing the difference between summary and analysis, and practice using literary terminology.

Structure of the assignment

The vocabulary of questions
Here is a list of the most common assignment instruction key-words with an explanation for each. Note: The explanations given for these words can be a rough guide only. You must always go by the total meaning of the title or question. Read the question carefully: do not jump to conclusions about what is required on the basis of these words only.

Analyse

Compare

Consider Contrast Define

Describe Discuss

Explain

Explore

Requires an answer that takes apart an idea, concept or statement in order to consider all the factors it consists of. Answers of this type should be very methodical and logically organised. Requires an answer that sets items side by side and shows their similarities and differences. A balanced (fair, objective) answer is expected. Requires an answer in which the students describe and give their thoughts on the subject. Requires an answer that points out only the differences between two items. Requires an answer that explains the precise meaning of a concept. A definition answer will include a definition, probably expanded. Requires an answer that says what something is like, how it works and so on. Requires an answer that explains an item or concept, and then gives details about it with supportive information, examples, points for and against, and explanations for the facts put forward. It is important to give both sides of an argument and come to a conclusion. Requires an answer that offers a rather detailed and exact explanation of an idea or principle, or a set of reasons for a situation or attitude. Requires an answer that examines the subject thoroughly and considers it form a variety of viewpoints.

Illustrate

Justify

Prove/Disprove

State

Summarise/Outline

Requires an answer that consists mainly of examples to demonstrate or prove the subject of the question. It is often added to another instruction. Requires an answer that gives only the reason for a position or argument. Answer the main objections likely to be made of them. Note, however, that the proposition to be argued may be a negative one (e.g. Justify the abolition of the death penalty.) Both of these require answers that demonstrate the logical arguments and/or evidence connected with a proposition prove requires the 'pro' points, and disprove requires the 'contra' points. Requires an answer that expresses the relevant points briefly and clearly without lengthy discussion or minor details. Require an answer that contains a summary of all the available information about a subject, i.e. only the main points and not the details should be included. Questions of this type often require short answers.

Responding to the question

On our Classics Course Website, there will be a general discussion question posted, one that is applicable to the four literary works studied this month. You will be expected to answer a general discussion question pertaining to the four literary works studied this month. This includes A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. Naturally, you are only required to respond to the question using the novel or literary work that you have studied. Your response should be well-structured and should adhere to the criteria used in the oral discussion question. You will be marked on how well youve interpreted the question, and how well you are able to use examples from the text as well as literary terminology to express your ideas. Similarly to the oral discussion question, you will also be graded on grammar. This means that I will expect well-structured sentences with proper punctuation placement and correct word choice and vocabulary (no slang or informal constructions). Your response should be clear and concise. At maximum, it should be 12 lines long. In addition to posting your own response, you will need to comment on one other persons post. The types of comments can include questions about what the author of the post has written, connections you can make to the post (Use I statements I made a ___ connection to your idea of ____. Through this experience I can better understand ____), an agreement of ideas (although you must state WHY you agree with the author, or a disagreement of ideas (you must state WHY you disagree and provide your own opinion on the matter [In my opinon_____. I know this, or I believe this because_____]). Whatever avenue you wish to pursue in responding to the question, you need to make sure that you are tactful, courteous and respectful.

YOU HAVE UNTIL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013 TO RESPOND TO THE QUESTION.
The discussion question will be posted on Sunday, December 1.

Grading
The grading scheme for this assignment is as follows:

Discussion Question Rubric Name____________________________________

0Unsatisfactory Organization Is the presentation easy to understand? Presentation has no sequence. Audience cannot follow the material.

1Satisfactory Presentation has limited organization. Beginning, middle, and end are present, but unclear. Audience has difficulty following the presentation.

2Proficient Presentation has a logical, interesting sequence. Order of presentation makes sense. Beginning, middle, and end are obvious. Most details are in the right place.

3Outstanding

Subject Knowledge Does the presenter have a clear understanding of their subject? Supporting Details Did quotes or clear examples from the text enhance the presentation? Addresses the Question Is the response relevant and

Limited or no grasp of subject. Can provide only vague or no answers to questions.

Presentation has a logical, interesting sequence. Clear direction moves audience through the presentation. Beginning gains attention. Details fit and build to main point. End provokes thought. Student has limited Demonstrates clear Demonstrates full knowledge, is knowledge of material. knowledge of subject uncomfortable with Elaboration or explanation (more than required). material. Provides only may be limited. Can Explanations are limited answers to answer questions when thorough and clear. questions. asked. Provides excellent answers to questions. Supporting details connected to presentation, but may lack clarity, be too limited, or lack insight. Supporting details reinforce presentation and are generally effective. Information presented provides insight and informs audience. Examples from the text are appropriate. Supporting details reinforce presentation and are effective. Information presented provides insight and informs audience. Examples from the text are appropriate. Thoroughly addresses all parts of the discussion question.

No or limited supporting details. Poorly selected information.

Fails to address all parts of the discussion question.

Addresses parts of the discussion question.

Addresses most aspects of the discussion question.

contain a logical train of thought? Substantive Nature of Post Is the response detailed, or a one liner? Language Use Did the presenter use clear, correct, appropriate English?

Not substantive.

Attempts a substantive response but needs more detail.

Substantive with clear details and examples.

Substantive. Added depth to the overall conversation.

Language detracts from the presentation. Language may be inappropriate.

A mixture of effective and ineffective language. May use slang or jargon. May use too complex language for the audience.

Presented in generally effective language. Only minor problems in grammar, word choice, pronunciation, or tone. Literary terminology is used.

Presented in natural, smooth language. No distracting problems in grammar, word choice, pronunciation, or tone. Literary terminology is used.

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