Summer Reading
All good writers have an opinion on the topic that they are writing about. They state their point clearly and concisely and then they attempt to prove their theory with facts and commentary.
In order to develop your writing skills, we begin by reading the work of good writers. By reading American Creation by Joseph Ellis, you will gain insight into events of the founding of the republic and a view into the personalities of the men who made the important choices that make our country what it is today. You will also develop the skill of determining the point the author is trying to make and how he attempts to prove it.
Tips to make this assignment easier for you:
1) Every few pages, (at least) you should ask yourself if you understand if you understand what the author is trying to say. If you read a page or 2 and think “I have no idea what I just read…” Then it is time to re-read. Do not move on if you don’t understand.
2) If you are having trouble with the author’s language you should try to read the text out loud to yourself. Also, look up words you are unfamiliar with in the dictionary (or dictionary.com). I write in easy definitions in books that I own.
3) If you feel uncomfortable with a text, it means the author is writing above your reading level. Our goal is to increase your reading comprehension and your ability to read at a more sophisticated level. The more practice you get with reading at this level, the better you will get at it. Keep in mind…Joseph Ellis writes above my reading level at certain points, and I have a college degree in history. I just read it out loud to myself and work out what he is trying to say.
In order to develop your writing skills, we begin by reading the work of good writers. By reading American Creation by Joseph Ellis, you will gain insight into events of the founding of the republic and a view into the personalities of the men who made the important choices that make our country what it is today. You will also develop the skill of determining the point the author is trying to make and how he attempts to prove it.
Tips to make this assignment easier for you:
1) Every few pages, (at least) you should ask yourself if you understand if you understand what the author is trying to say. If you read a page or 2 and think “I have no idea what I just read…” Then it is time to re-read. Do not move on if you don’t understand.
2) If you are having trouble with the author’s language you should try to read the text out loud to yourself. Also, look up words you are unfamiliar with in the dictionary (or dictionary.com). I write in easy definitions in books that I own.
3) If you feel uncomfortable with a text, it means the author is writing above your reading level. Our goal is to increase your reading comprehension and your ability to read at a more sophisticated level. The more practice you get with reading at this level, the better you will get at it. Keep in mind…Joseph Ellis writes above my reading level at certain points, and I have a college degree in history. I just read it out loud to myself and work out what he is trying to say.
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