Ok guys, let's face it: The only way to become a better, more potent writer is to keep writing over and over again. There is no hiding or dodging of this fact. It takes a lot of elbow grease to bring up you essay scores. If you are a casual student, looking to squeak by this class, this isn't the thread for you.
Now, for those of you who are still reading, I have an idea that may or may not benefit you. On this forum, we have a lot of bright students who have taken the initiative to utilize the internet to their fullest advantage. This action alone says that we are willing to go that extra step to improve upon our historic knowledge and writing skills.
My suggestion is, we start a thread, where each week, a few essay questions regarding various subjects (which will be dictated by the requests of the majority of the board members) will be posted up on the thread and every saturday or sunday, those who have managed to compose an essay of their own can post it up and it can be critiqued by the board members. You can come up with your own topic also as long as you post it with your essay.
By doing this, those who want it are receiving extra essay practice and more importantly, feedback from peers which can spark intellectual debate over essay writing which can improve the writing of those who critique.
I know it will be hard to find time to write an extra (let alone get your own homework done), but for those who can manage it, I think it will be a VERY beneficial experience.
My 2 cents.
Would this be non-fiction...or fictional essays.....or just essays responding to like DBQ's and other U.S, Government, A.P Related Essays........or like happy fun time writing essay critic?
AP History essays of course...
I think it is a fabulous idea. I know I need feedback on my essays.
I'd love to do this. I do need the practice and the critique. I seem to be going downhill with my essays. I recieved good scores on my first couple of essays and then they became progressively worse. I guess I get so nervous by the time I reach the essay that I'm having a hard time putting all my thoughts together. None of my teachers ever made us do any real essays like I'm doing this year, so essays are really all new to me. I've done reports and stuff, but it'd totally different being in a classroom, not knowing the question, and having to spit out an argument in 25 minutes.
Definatly need help!
Essays aren't that bad. If you get nervous, then take a deep breath (or two or three if you need them ;) ) and slow down your mind so that you can think clearly. If you need help in the structure I recommend GoPunchRocks' thread Guide to Writing and Effective Essay. I also posted there with some of my advice specifically for DBQ's. If you are still having trouble feel free to ask or to send me your essay if you don't want to post it. I'm always willing to help others :D .
http://www.course-notes.org/forum/showthread.php?t=814
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"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
"But," say Man, "the Babel fish is a dead giveaway, isn't it? It could not have evolved by chance. It
i'm in atlas
Alright, good, we just need a few more people to be in on this. I think this weekend I'll try to post up a product to get things rolling a little.
i think this is a totally good idea..and would totally help improve most of our writing skills.
We're still willing to open this, but we will need more people. The people who originally entered have already taken the test. Of course, if you want more essay practice you can always im me or e-mail me ([email protected] please, my yahoo mailbox got a bit full with lots of stuff) and I'd be happy to offer topics and critiques, or even walk you through writing one.
Ask and you shall receive :o .
[=RoyalBlue][=Comic Sans MS]
"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
"But," say Man, "the Babel fish is a dead giveaway, isn't it? It could not have evolved by chance. It
I am in! Post a topic so I can write it this weekend.
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