Writing Challenges and Goals for 098

You want to succeed in English 098, and I want you to succeed! On many days when you come into class, there will be a blog post waiting for your comments. Sometimes the post will be related to readings we are doing. Other times, the goal of the post will be to help you clarify and focus your ideas for a paper we are composing. In all cases, you are expected to do the following:

First, contribute at least six sentences of your own ideas and content as a comment. That means you do not wait until almost everyone else has posted before you simply repeat what others have said. Second, make sure that we read your comment before you post it so that you are sure you have made an on-target response and that you also have the opportunity to make changes before posting.

Please comment on and give feedback to your classmates on their postings so they can improve. The goal is to create a non-judgmental and productive community of writers. The more we all write, the better we can become.

Here we go: This post has two parts. First, tell us about your favorite movie. Why is it your favorite? If you were to recommend it to someone else, what kind of specific information would you give so that the person would really want to watch it? Second, tell us about what kinds of things you like to read and why. You should not worry about sounding academic or intellectual. Maybe you read Life & Style magazine. Maybe you read apocalyptic literature. Maybe you read comic books. Maybe you read scientific journals because you love the concept of transhumanism.

Here's my sample comment which shows you the length and detail required.

My favorite movie is the original version of The In-Laws. I don't know how many times I've watched this film over the years. It's about a son and daughter from two very different families who are getting married. One father is an international spy (which everyone doubts until the end), and the other is a dentist. It's a hilarious comedy with great timing and amazing performances. There are so many genuine human emotions expressed through the film, but they're handled in funny ways. The movie definitely makes its point about judging people on first impressions and taking chances, but it does so in a forgiving and lighthearted way. It's as if the whole underlying point of the movie kind of sneaks up on the audience.

In terms of reading, although you would expect me to read contemporary or older classics, aside from student papers, I typically read two kinds of things. First, I read The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune because those two newspapers represent my two homes. Plus, the stories give me many ideas for readings and assignments in my classes. Second, I am a huge mystery fan, and mysteries come in many forms: cute and neat, bloody, scary, other-worldly, and totally absurd, to name a few. I don't even really care "who done it." What interests me is how the plot, characters and setting unfold.

Now it's your turn. . .