Grammar Help: Semicolons

Today, we reviewed the pronouns exercises you were given yesterday and then discussed the rules for using semicolons. I showed a Powerpoint:
                                   (grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ppt/semi2.pps) 
and gave you questions to answer. All of this is to help you ace your "15 Common Errors Post-Test on Tuesday. On Monday, we will look over comma usage. 

Thurs. Oct. 29, 2015: Pronoun Usage

Today, we reviewed the answers to the questions on parallelism. I then instructed the students to get out a piece of paper and answer questions presented on the board.
We then scattered these randomly and marked them.
I then handed out information on Pronoun usage, which we read actively and discussed.
We then went back over the questions presented and discussed the answers.
You were then given a sheet with two "Exercise 6" assignments on it to complete for practice identifying and fixing pronoun problems.

Wed. Oct. 28, 2015: Parallelism

Today, we reviewed the answers for the misplaced and dangling modifiers questions given yesterday. I then gave a Powerpoint on parallelism as well as a handout on the rules. You were then given questions to answer to demonstrate your understanding of parallel structure.

Tues. Oct. 27, 2015: Test Prep

Today, students were informed that they will write a post-test for the 15 common errors that they have been studying. The date for that exam is Tuesday, November 3.
Missing an exam means that the student will have to write an alternative one when they return to school. It is best not to miss, as I am prepping specifically for the one I am giving.

The areas that will need to be studied for this exam are as follows:

Misplaced modifiers
run ons
sentence fragments
tense usage
pronoun usage
apostrophe possessives
parallelism
comma usage
semicolon usage

Through discussion, the students have decided we will use class time to study the following areas and on the days indicated:

Tuesday (today) Misplaced and dangling modifiers
Wednesday Parallelism
Thursday pronoun usage
Friday semicolon usage
Monday Comma usage

You have been aware of your problems since you got the pre-test back in mid September. You were to work on mastering these areas of concern. If you have been doing this work, the test should be manageable.

You were given more details on the rules for misplaced modifiers as well as two exercises to complete for tomorrow's class. If you were not here, these are in your portfolio.

Mon. Oct. 26, 2015: Discussion on Editorial Assignment

Today, we discussed the editorial assignment which was returned. I specifically addressed comma splices, run-ons, colon and semicolon usage and tone.
I also informed you that there will be a test on the 15 common errors in the next 10 class days (I will provide a date tomorrow).

Thurs. Oct. 22, 2015: Novel Study One Month Check-in

Today, you were given an assignment to complete that you needed to do with your novel. If you did not bring your novel, class consensus arrived at the decision that a writing assignment would be justified (those students wrote a letter of apology using a business/block letter format).
Tomorrow, we will discuss the exam you wrote earlier and do a reflection.

Wed. Oct. 21, 2015: Editorial Writing Class

Today, you continued to work on and complete your Canadian issues editorial. These are due at the end of school today.
You also must remember to have our independent novel here tomorrow as you will be completing an activity using it.

Tues. and Wed. Oct. 20,and 21 2015: Writing Class

These two days are writing classes in which you will write and revise your editorial. It is due at the end of the day on Wednesday.
Be sure to bring your independent novels for Thursday's class as you will be doing a one month novel check in and will need it to  complete this assignment.

Fri. Oct. 16, 2015: Writing Class: Issues Editorial

Today, you will work on creating your editorial. You will have access to the computer cart. Do not waste time. This assignment is due by the end of the day (I need a hard copy submitted) on Wednesday, October 22.

Thurs. Oct. 15, 2015: Editorial Assignment Explained

Today, you actively read "Majority fo Canadian Students don't know the National Anthem: UVic Study."
This was a timed reading (15 minutes).
I then gave you your writing assignment for this unit (an editorial) and an exemplar to use as a guide.

If you were not here, the question you have to answer is as follows:

      "Should the Canadian National Anthem be altered to reflect a more gender-neutral stance or should it not?"

I have put information about this in your portfolio. If you are working on it this weekend, keep in mind that you have to show the argument of both sides and ha e three sources in your editorial as well as a "Works Cited" page.
This assignment will be due by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 22.

Wed. Oct. 14, 2015: Unit Exam

Today, you wrote a unit exam that examines your reading and comprehension skills as well as your ability to read actively. While there were only two readings, they were to be read actively, which takes time. If you were not here, you will need to see me to set up a time to write the alternative.

Tues. Oct. 13, 2015: Multiple Choice Test Prep

Today, we discussed the multiple choice reading comprehension exam you will be writing tomorrow. If you miss this exam, you will have to write an alternative within three days of returning to school. This will also have to be completed during a lunch hour.

Thurs. Oct. 8, 2015: Issues Discussion and Reading

Today, we continued our discussion about Canadian Issues. I passed around my own active readings from yesterday's class (the niqab issues) and then we added notes to our issues discussion. The most important item that was added is as follows:

      "not normal" = "not familiar"

In other words, just because we are not familiar with something doesn't mean it is negative or can be dismissed; every issue should be considered and not determined just on bias. It is the facts that need to be weighed,

Wed. Oct. 7, 2015: Issues: readings and discussion

Today, we discussed issues in relation to the words of the national anthem and other issues brought to light. I then gave students two articles to read. Both of these can be googled and printed at home:

Banning the niqab harms an open society. So does wearing it

OMER AZIZ

Special to The Globe and Mail (Web)

Published Monday, Mar. 16, 2015 10:47AM EDT

Last updated Monday, Mar. 16, 2015 2:55PM EDT

Muslim convert attacked while wearing niqab in Toronto

SEAN FINE - JUSTICE WRITER

Globe and Mail (Correction included)

Published Sunday, Oct. 04, 2015 9:34PM EDT

Last updated Monday, Oct. 05, 2015 11:41AM EDT

These are to be read actively for tomorrow's class.

Tues. Oct. 6, 2015: Issues Discussion

Today, we discussed the reading students were to have actively read for today: "Don't Mess with the National Anthem."
I modeled an article critique to show how to do these (review). I also posted the created critique on the board as an exemplar.
Students were then given the reading "Interim Counsellor calling for 'O Canada' Change.
They are to have it read actively for tomorrow's class.

Mon. Oct. 5, 2015: Paragraph reflection; Anthem Reading #2

Today, you were given your marked paragraphs back. You were instructed to cover up my comments and read the paragraph as if for the first time to see how many mistakes you see now that time has passed. You were then to examine my comments and answer/submit the following question:

Based on the rubrics you received and we discussed, do you think your mark is fair? Explain. What will you do in the future to improve your mark?

I then gave you the reading "Don't Mess with the National Anthem," from Maclean's Magazine to actively read for tomorrow's class.

Fri. Oct. 2, 2015: Rubric Discussion

Today, we discussed the rubrics for writing assignments. This involved examining the rubric as well as the assignment itself. I will be handing back the paragraphs soon and want to ensure you all understand the rubrics. It is the same one that has been used in all English classes from Grade 10 up.

Thurs. Oct. 1, 2015: "Political Correctness..." Exercise

Today, you guys were to have actively read "Political Correctness Laughed off Stage," by Peter C. Newman.
I then showed you my own active reading of this article and we discussed the steps of active reading as well as the development of the "So What" in a critique.
I then had you form groups and answer questions related to the reading with only the aid of the reading and the intellect of the members in the group.
If you were not here, you will be able to make up this assignment at lunch hour.