Blog Post #7 - Unit 9 (Languages)

For this blog post, you will write a persuasive essay about using languages. Revise the draft that you worked on in class on 11/18. You may want to refer to the example persuasive essay on p. 208. There are two options for this blog post:

1. Should there be one world language that everyone speaks?
2. Should Korea have more than one official language?

Posts should be made to your blogs before class on 11/25. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Essay #2 - due 11/20; Rewrite due 12/5

For the second formal essay, you will be writing about a debatable topic. You should write a persuasive essay convincing your readers to agree with your opinion on the topic. Essays should be properly formatted using Microsoft Word.  See the sample essay here to review the formatting and organization requirements.

Select one of the following topics. If you have other ideas for topics, please let me know.

1. Cyber bullying is an issue impacting elementary and secondary students in many countries around the world, including South Korea. What is the best way to prevent cyber bullying? Who should be responsible? The government? Schools? Parents? Write a persuasive essay convincing readers to follow your plan to address cyber bullying.
2. Many people volunteer their time to help others, either through non-profit organizations, churches, or other charitable venues. Think of an example of volunteer work you are familiar with and write a persuasive essay convincing readers to volunteer their time working with this organization.
3. The South Korean government has recently announced plans to issue new history textbooks in middle and high schools. Who should be responsible for writing history books, the government or private companies? Write a persuasive essay convincing readers to agree with you on whether the Korean government's plan is positive or negative. 
4. More universities are offering online courses, and it is even possible to earn a full degree without ever visiting the campus. Do you think students should be able to take all their classes online? Write a persuasive essay convincing readers why they should or should not take online classes.
5.  Proponents of all-girls schools believe that girls learn better when they aren't competing with or intimidated by boys, who statistically get more attention in the classroom. Do you think single-sex schools are a good idea? Why or why not? Write a persuasive essay convincing readers why they should or should not attend an all-girls school.
6. All Korean men must serve in the military for about two years. What do you think of this policy? Should military service be compulsory? Write a persuasive essay convincing readers why all men should or should not be required to serve in the military in South Korea.
7. According to some health organizations, many foods on our grocery store shelves are made with genetically modified ingredients. Many of these foods, however, do not have a GMO (genetically modified organism) label. Do you think there should be a law requiring manufacturers to label foods containing GMOs? Write a persuasive essay convincing readers whether or not foods with GMOs should be labeled.
8. Other ideas? If there is another debatable topic you would like to write about, please let me know.

Essays should be emailed to me at kbrebner@gmail.com by Friday, 11/20 at midnight. In the email, please include your essay as an attachment to the Microsoft Word file. In the email subject line, please write: IERW04 - Your Name - Essay #2.

Post the rewrite of your essay to your blog by 12/5.

As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Blog Post #6 - Unit 8 (Innovations)

For this blog post, you may choose to write about a new medical innovation or a new technological innovation. Do some basic research online and introduce a new and exciting advancement. This can be a new medical procedure, a  new type of technology, or a new invention. Explain the new innovation and why it is exciting, important, or significant. You can refer to the example on p. 184.

Revise the draft that you started in class on 11/4, and upload the final version to your blog before class on 11/11.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Formal Essay #1 - Rewrite (post by 11/11)

After looking over the comments and feedback I gave you on your first formal essay, please make some revisions. You should post the rewrite on your blog by copying and pasting it. You may also choose to create a Google Doc and share the link to the essay that way.

Your rewrites should be posted before class on 11/11. Additionally, please resubmit the paper that I wrote feedback on so that I can refer to the original when I look at your rewrite.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions.