please make sure you’ve turned in to me your thesis statement and topic sentences and ideas for evidence (i.e. make an outline) for your Frankenstein’s Legacy essay. OR If you are the kind of writer who prefers to just start writing, feel free to write out your first two pages of your essay instead of doing an outline. Here are some notes on considerations to keep in mind when writing an essay that you can look over as you need to: The Anatomy of a Strong Body Paragraph An interesting and clear topic sentence which reinforces your thesis without directly repeating your thesis To create an attention grabbing topic sentence, try one of the following strategies adopted from Chris Juzwiak’s book Touchstones. Create a contrast Identify the major issues you’ll discuss in your paragraph Use creative language or ideas While in a perfect world we view school as a place of learning, authority questioning, and idea generating, the reality is that teachers can be mind-numbingly dull, sarcastic, and cruel. Victor Frankenstein experiences both types of teachers in the novel Frankenstein Developing an operational definition of the term “human” is imperative to understanding the novel Frankenstein. Bad things happen in cities in the novel Frankenstein suggesting that Shelley is making an argument about the wholesomeness of the country vs. the sins of the city. 2. Interesting and relevant evidence in the form of quotations, strings of short quotations, summaries, and summaries with short quotations. A strong body paragraph should have approximately three primary pieces of evidence For your essay I recommend having 3 or more strong pieces of evidence for each body paragraph in your essay. Vary the types of evidence you use in your essays A short quotation with a lead in phrase A string of short quotations with a lead in phrase A short summary with a lead in phrase (keep it clean; don’t add any commentary to your summaries) A short summary with short quotations embedded within it and a lead in phrase (keep it clean; don’t add any commentary to your summaries) Quote with lead-in phrase: Frankenstein makes a snap judgement that the creature he created is a “catastrophe” (45). String of short quotes with lead in phrase: The creature is described as having a face of “horrid contrasts,” and as “malignant” and a “wretch” by his creator (45, 89, 89). Summary with lead-in phrase: Frankenstein relies on Clerval to care for him after he creates the creature and falls into a feverish sickness. Clerval nurses him back to health for several months before Frankenstein is well enough to hear any news of his family (49-51). Summary with short quotes and lead-in phrase: Frankenstein describes the steps he takes to create Frankenstein in a dark and sinister way. He uses body parts he buys illegally to create what he soon learns is a “catastrophe” (45). Commentary, interpretations, and arguments about the evidence you include in your body paragraph Strategies for commenting on evidence: Elaborate on other dimensions of a key issue in the evidence Although Frankenstein does not say so directly, he apparently assumes that_______________. Provide additional specific examples to illustrate a point in the evidence Give advice related to the evidence This evidence makes it clear that Frankenstein must be a villain ____________ because…. Whatever our disagreements about the details of the situation may be, I’m sure that most readers will agree that ____________. Agree or disagree with the opinions stated in the evidence This evidence is problematic because__________ Shelley makes a compelling point because__________ While some critics may disagree with Frankenstein’s argument because_________, here I find myself agreeing with her because__________ When it comes to the topic of ___________, most people will readily agree that_____________. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of______________. As I suggested earlier, defenders of ____________ can’t have it both ways. Their assertion that ____________ is contradicted by ____________. Make an ethical judgment about the evidence (is your evidence persuasive or not?) This is a clear example of a hasty generalization because… The Frankenstein is guilty of the slippery slope fallacy because…. Although the speaker in this quote is guilty of setting up a straw man argument, I still agree with his main point that__________because___________ Compare the evidence to a relevant world event This instance of ___________ is strikingly similar to _____________…. As I read this evidence I found myself thinking of _____________ because ____________. Indeed, both situations are quite similar… Dos and Don’ts for Thesis Statements Do not announce what you will talk about in your essay in your thesis. Don’t do what’s in the following example: In this essay I will discuss ways to quit smoking. Do not ask a question in your thesis. Don’t do what is in the following example: Will we ever know the most clear cause of prison violence? Do not settle for your thesis statement to merely identify the major support points in your essay. This is something that you might have done in other previous classes. In my class, I want you to have the courage to try something different and more interesting. The following example is not a very interesting thesis statement. Example: A successful party involves good food, great music, and lots of friends. Do create a contrast in your thesis (see templates below). Example, Although turning the vacant lot on California Avenue would involve a significant amount of time and effort, the park would yield many benefits to our city for years to come. Do use creative and vivid language. Don’t settle for blah vocabulary words. Example: Glendale is plagued with vacant lots which stymie our city’s reputation as the “jewel city.” To beautify the city we must convert these derelict eyesores into spaces of beauty and pleasure: recreational facilities such as parks and picnic areas. Do use this class to try something new; I know you can write a decent thesis statement or you wouldn’t be in this class. Use our course as a chance to try out some different ideas about how to write an effective argument. Ideas for Building Strong Thesis Statements On the one hand critics of Frankenstein argue ____________________, on the other, some argue _______________.In my research I analyze____________________in order to determine______________________. The conclusion of Frankenstein suggest ____________________. But a close analysis shows__________X______________. Although_______X_______ may seem trivial, it matters because _______________________. My first impression of the text/character(s) was that ______________________. Now, however, having ________________ I have come to see _____________________. The evidence from the text shows that _________________________. This matters/is important because _____________________. Ultimately we can determine that X and Y (and Z, if you have a Z) are similar in the following ways ________________. These similarities are significant because _____________________________. After analyzing the book Frankenstein, it is clear that X and Y (and Z if you have a Z) are different in the following ways________________. These differences are significant because ___________________________________. Despite the fact that X and Y (and Z, if there’s a Z) are similar, they are also significantly different. For example, while X___________,Y________________ (and Z__________). These similarities and differences are significant because _______________________________. My argument is that ____________________. This is significant because______________________. you already know

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.