Welcome to Write For Your Life!
Welcome to the Write For Your Life (Ms. Dennis' Classroom) Website. This website is designed to assist students who are taking English classes here at DMCI and it is full of resources, links and 'how tos' to help you navigate through the world of English.
Writing should soothe your soul and move you. I always tell my students that it is important to write from your heart and from your greatest areas of interest.
There is a writer deep within all of us and sometimes we are just waiting for the right feeling, emotion and moment to unleash the magic. Take a deep breath and take a risk and write for your very life. You will be happy you did.
- Ms. A. Dennis
A Good Book Can Be a Secret Door
As readers, we enter the world of books for a variety of reasons. It could be as a way of escaping into (or out of) something or a way of learning about other experiences. Regardless of our entry reasons, good books can act as a secret door where writing escapes from the page and becomes part of who we are.
Mac Barnett delivers an engaging Ted Talk in which he explains why a good book is a secret door. Click on the link below to access this best selling author's take on the power of reading and writing. http://www.ted.com/talks/mac_barnett_why_a_good_book_is_a_secret_door |
Welcome to the World of E-books!
The Winnipeg School Division has made it possible for students and staff to access e-books for FREE. To do so, please click on the following link and follow the steps below.
http://wsdlibrary.lib.overdrive.com Staff: User ID: Novell username Password: 1234 Students: User ID: student number Password: Last 4 digits of student number |
Winnipeg Public Library Resources
If you are unable to download the book that you are looking for, you can also try accessing the Winnipeg Public Library's e-book collection by logging into you account using your library card and the last 4 digits of your telephone number. Click on the link below to visit the WPL Website Database.
https://winca.ent.sirsidynix.net/custom/web/content/patronlogin.html or http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/ (you will need to click on My Account if using this link) |
Plagiarism Tutorial
Do you want to test your plagiarism know how? Are you wondering what you can and cannot get away with when it comes to researching and using information? If so, then take a few minutes to visit the online Plagiarism tutorial below. It is highly recommended that all students complete the tutorial PRIOR to submitting any work in any English class.
http://www.lib.usm.edu/legacy/plag/plagiarismtutorial.php
http://www.lib.usm.edu/legacy/plag/plagiarismtutorial.php
Find a Great Book Using the AR Bookfinder and The Lexile Framework for Reading
Looking for a great book? Tired of making random selections when visiting the library? Do you want to check the reading level (B.L.) or lexile level for a particular book or find out if there is an online quiz available? Click on the links below to access the Accelerated Reader Book Finder or The Lexile Framework for Reading. Once there you can click on the Collections Tab to see what other students are reading or use the Advanced Search option to search for books of a particular interest level or topic and add them to your own AR Bookbag. You can then print the AR Bookbag results and take them with you when you go to the library or bookstore. Happy Searching!
http://www.arbookfind.com/usertype.aspx
https://lexile.com/
http://www.arbookfind.com/usertype.aspx
https://lexile.com/
Developing an Effective Thesis Statement
How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay or How to Make Lemonade
Click on the following link from Smart Study for a simple, yet effective way to to craft a 5-paragraph essay.
http://smart.study/blog/how-to-write-a-5-paragraph-essay-that-will-amaze-everyone/
http://smart.study/blog/how-to-write-a-5-paragraph-essay-that-will-amaze-everyone/
MLA Assistance: Citing Your Sources
Most of us don't intentionally want to take someone else's ideas and pass them off as our own, however it is something that occurs more often than not.
How can you ensure that the information that you're including in your paper gives credit to the original author? By properly citing your sources!
Click on the files/links below to access information that will help you imbed quotations; use facts; and include ideas that were not your own.
Sources:
http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/writing/mla
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
Owl Purdue (Online Writing Lab): MLA Works Cited - Electronic Resources
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
MLA Sample Paper
mla_sample_paper.pdf | |
File Size: | 285 kb |
File Type: |
How to Insert Quotations
essay_assistance_how_to_insert_quotations.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
EasyBib: Free Bibliography Generator
if you are wondering how to generate citations in order to create a Works Cited Page or Bibliography, click on the link below.
http://www.easybib.com/
http://www.easybib.com/
Titles of Books and Short Stories and MLA Format
mla_format_and_short_stories.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Citing Electronic (Web-based) Sources
citing_electronic_sources.pdf | |
File Size: | 143 kb |
File Type: |
In Text Citations for Electonic Sources
in-text_citations_for_electronic_sources.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Citations When No Author is Listed
citing_authors_or_no_authors_in_mla_format.docx | |
File Size: | 18 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Easy Bib MLA Reference Link
http://content.easybib.com/citation-guides/mla-format/how-to-cite-a-parenthetical-citations-mla/
http://content.easybib.com/citation-guides/mla-format/how-to-cite-a-parenthetical-citations-mla/
Bibme.org - Online Bibliographic Generator
MLA Format Cover Page
The Modern Language Association (MLA) does not require you to create a cover page when you complete your research paper, but some instructors may require you to have it. In addition, a paper with a cover page sometimes looks more professional.
If your instructor requires your paper to have a cover page, he/she usually provides specific instructions on what you should put on the cover page. Here is the general MLA Format cover page: this page should include your school or university name, your research paper title, your name, your class, your professor name and your paper’s due date.
I have included a sample image below.
Source: http://academictips.org/mla-format/mla-format-cover-page/
If your instructor requires your paper to have a cover page, he/she usually provides specific instructions on what you should put on the cover page. Here is the general MLA Format cover page: this page should include your school or university name, your research paper title, your name, your class, your professor name and your paper’s due date.
I have included a sample image below.
Source: http://academictips.org/mla-format/mla-format-cover-page/
Exploring the Differences Between Narrative, Expository and Persuasive Essays
You have been asked to write an essay...but what type should you write? What is the difference between Narrative, Expository and Persuasive essays?
Remember...
A Narrative Essay (Storytelling/Connections)
•Tells a story
•Has a clear beginning, middle, and end
•Sequence of events is very important and story can follow plot chart pretty well.
•Needs to have words that move reader through time. For example, Before,
after, during, next, etc…
An Expository Essay (Fact/Opinion Based)
•Tells how to do something or how to define something
•Needs supporting details---more than just a list of examples
•Could use Cause/Effect or Comparative structures
A Persuasive Essay
-Attempts to convince others that your opinion/viewpoint is correct
Please view the Powerpoint below for further details and essay components
Remember...
A Narrative Essay (Storytelling/Connections)
•Tells a story
•Has a clear beginning, middle, and end
•Sequence of events is very important and story can follow plot chart pretty well.
•Needs to have words that move reader through time. For example, Before,
after, during, next, etc…
An Expository Essay (Fact/Opinion Based)
•Tells how to do something or how to define something
•Needs supporting details---more than just a list of examples
•Could use Cause/Effect or Comparative structures
A Persuasive Essay
-Attempts to convince others that your opinion/viewpoint is correct
Please view the Powerpoint below for further details and essay components
effective_writing_for_narrative_expository_and_persuasive_styles.ppt | |
File Size: | 202 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Grammar and Writing Resources
When you write, it is important to be able to express yourself in a seamless and natural way. That often means that you need to revise or edit your work to ensure your reader can clearly understand the meaning behind your writing.
Syntax or sentence structure is very important to both the style and mechanical components. Ensuring that you use the Subject/Verb/Object in the correct order will help you with this. Double check that you are also using the correct tense. If you have started your sentence using past tense (I did, she went, we were etc.) - then it is important to ensure that you continue to use that tense for the remainder of the thought.
I have included several links to online sites that will help you practice your writing skills and brush up on your grammar and editing knowledge. The revision process is a vital part of your writing and improving these skills will ensure that your thoughts and ideas are delivered to your audience they way they were intended.
Click on the following links and become the writer you want to be!
Purdue OWL Writing Exercises
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/
Online Grammar Checker
http://www.nounplus.net/
Grammar and Plagiarism Checker
http://www.grammarly.com/
No Red Ink - Improve your Writing Skills
https://www.noredink.com/
Go Grammar - Online Grammar Games
http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html
Grammar Bytes - Online Game
http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm
BBC Skillwise - Online Games
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english
Grammar Ninja Game
www.kwarp.com/portfolio/grammarninja.html
Syntax or sentence structure is very important to both the style and mechanical components. Ensuring that you use the Subject/Verb/Object in the correct order will help you with this. Double check that you are also using the correct tense. If you have started your sentence using past tense (I did, she went, we were etc.) - then it is important to ensure that you continue to use that tense for the remainder of the thought.
I have included several links to online sites that will help you practice your writing skills and brush up on your grammar and editing knowledge. The revision process is a vital part of your writing and improving these skills will ensure that your thoughts and ideas are delivered to your audience they way they were intended.
Click on the following links and become the writer you want to be!
Purdue OWL Writing Exercises
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/
Online Grammar Checker
http://www.nounplus.net/
Grammar and Plagiarism Checker
http://www.grammarly.com/
No Red Ink - Improve your Writing Skills
https://www.noredink.com/
Go Grammar - Online Grammar Games
http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html
Grammar Bytes - Online Game
http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm
BBC Skillwise - Online Games
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english
Grammar Ninja Game
www.kwarp.com/portfolio/grammarninja.html
Lessons From a Writer
David Alexander Robertson is of Irish, Scottish, English, and Cree heritage, as well as a bestselling graphic novelist and writer who has long been an advocate for educating youth on indigenous history and contemporary issues. Most recently he has been recognized for his work in the field of indigenous education and won the John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer in 2015.
Daniel McIbtyre students were very fortunate to hear David speak in person as he delivered the keynote address to Grade 11 English students at the 2016 Write Stuff Writer's Conference, an event developed by the DMCI English teachers.
Here are 5 of his writing tips:
1. Read a lot- read all the time.
2. Write a lot-write all the time.
3. Share your work-get comfortable sharing your work. Have a thick skin.
4. Be diligent-don't give up because it's hard.
5. Believe in yourself- believe that you can do it.
Click on the following link to read more about David.
http://www.darobertson.ca/
Daniel McIbtyre students were very fortunate to hear David speak in person as he delivered the keynote address to Grade 11 English students at the 2016 Write Stuff Writer's Conference, an event developed by the DMCI English teachers.
Here are 5 of his writing tips:
1. Read a lot- read all the time.
2. Write a lot-write all the time.
3. Share your work-get comfortable sharing your work. Have a thick skin.
4. Be diligent-don't give up because it's hard.
5. Believe in yourself- believe that you can do it.
Click on the following link to read more about David.
http://www.darobertson.ca/
Why Reading is Important!
Why do we need to read? Why is reading so important?
According to Pearson UK,
"Evidence suggests that children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading tests than those who don’t, but also develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures. In fact, there’s evidence to suggest that reading for pleasure is more likely to determine whether a child does well at school than their social or economic background."
There are many reasons to read but I always tell my students that reading is like a magical portal to success. Simply stated, when you read - doors will open. Studies have shown that reading can bridge gaps between classes and that although people may not come from wealth or have been born into high society, if they become readers, they can achieve more greatness and success than those individuals who started off with a perceived advantage in life.
Lastly, reading is directly connected with writing. The more you read, the better writer you will become. The better writer you are, the better you will be able to communicate in any aspect of your life. Once again, opening those life doors for all of you.
The following link contains an excerpt from Wendy Lesser's book, Why I Read. As you read her words, take a moment to reflect on why YOU read.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/why-read-books_n_4549783.html
According to Pearson UK,
"Evidence suggests that children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading tests than those who don’t, but also develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures. In fact, there’s evidence to suggest that reading for pleasure is more likely to determine whether a child does well at school than their social or economic background."
There are many reasons to read but I always tell my students that reading is like a magical portal to success. Simply stated, when you read - doors will open. Studies have shown that reading can bridge gaps between classes and that although people may not come from wealth or have been born into high society, if they become readers, they can achieve more greatness and success than those individuals who started off with a perceived advantage in life.
Lastly, reading is directly connected with writing. The more you read, the better writer you will become. The better writer you are, the better you will be able to communicate in any aspect of your life. Once again, opening those life doors for all of you.
The following link contains an excerpt from Wendy Lesser's book, Why I Read. As you read her words, take a moment to reflect on why YOU read.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/why-read-books_n_4549783.html
Teen Poetry Contests
If your creative juices have been flowing in the form of poetry - why don't you enter your work in one of the online poetry contests below?
In the past, we have had several DMCI students published in National publications. Perhaps this year will be YOUR year!
Polar Expressions Publishing Contest
http://www.polarexpressions.ca/StudentContests.html
In the past, we have had several DMCI students published in National publications. Perhaps this year will be YOUR year!
Polar Expressions Publishing Contest
http://www.polarexpressions.ca/StudentContests.html
Chakra Meditation and Music
For those of you who enjoyed the soothing music that was played in class as you worked, I am including a link to the website that I used as well as some information about chakras and why you felt more at ease after listening to the zen healing music selection.
CHAKRA is a sanskrit word that denotes circle and movement like a wheel.
Chakras are centers of spiritual energy.
Chakras are psychic centers in the body that are active for 24 hours.
Each chakra has the following:
1. Has a presiding deity.
2. Corresponds to a Plexus in the human body.
2. Represented by an animal.
3. Petals.
4. Different colours.
(Source: http://cuddapahswami.org/chakras_1)
CHAKRA is a sanskrit word that denotes circle and movement like a wheel.
Chakras are centers of spiritual energy.
Chakras are psychic centers in the body that are active for 24 hours.
Each chakra has the following:
1. Has a presiding deity.
2. Corresponds to a Plexus in the human body.
2. Represented by an animal.
3. Petals.
4. Different colours.
(Source: http://cuddapahswami.org/chakras_1)
Why Gratitude is an Important Part of your Life
Gratitude means being thankful by counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything were a gift, and always being aware of how much you’ve been given. Gratitude changes your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present. It's about changing your perspective and seeing the glass as half full. What fills your heart? Source; http://www.thechangeblog.com
Click on the link below to see gratitude revealed...
http://gratituderevealed.com/portfolio/gratitude/
http://gratituderevealed.com/portfolio/gratitude/