In-class Brainstorming 2/28/2011

The purpose of this free-write is to gather a list of topics that could be used to help you narrow a broad topic into a focused thesis. Make three lists, 10-15 items per list, based on the following questions:

• What subjects are you most passionate about?
• What subject do you have the most knowledge about?
• What subjects do you want to learn about the most?

From here, pick one of the broad subjects/topics on any of your three lists, and ask yourself the following questions:

• Who or what is involved?
• What do I know about the subject in general, and/or the people/events involved?
• What, specifically, would I like to find out about the topic?
  

In-class writing 2/14/2011

Write about the worst job or work experience you've had to deal with. What made it so bad? Was it the people you worked with, the job itself, or the events you were dealing with outside of work that made this the worst job ever? You could write about having to work a traditional nine to five job, or something less conventional like having to help a relative/friend move or doing yard work for an elderly neighbor. Here are some suggestions/questions to consider when drafting:

• Describe the people you worked with
• Describe your role/responsibilities
• Was it a single even that stuck out to you, or was it a series of events?
• What was going on in your life outside of work at this time that may have impacted the situation?
• How did this job/experience change/affect you?
  

If you can't think of a negative work experience that had some sort of impact on your life, consider writing about a school assignment where something went wrong.

In-class writing 2/7/2011

Think of a specific event or a span of time when something embarrassing happened to you. What were the events that led up to that moment, and what occurred that made you feel embarrassed? Describe, in detail, the most embarrassing moment of your life, or a series of embarrassments that you experienced.

I provided a few examples in class: how I messed up my best man speech at my friend's wedding, and how my overactive sweat glands ruined my life in high school. What was your moment?

Subjective Case vs. Objective Case