week 1

1^st Assignment

Read the active reading strategies described in Chapter 2 of Essentials of College Writing.

Discuss how the SQ3R reading strategy is similar to and/or different from the way you read course material previously. Explain how using SQ3R improved your comprehension of the course materials.

• Be sure to use specific examples. You can also explore how you might apply this strategy in your everyday life.
• How might SQ3R affect the way you read the newspaper or online articles, for example?
• If using the strategy did not improve your comprehension of the course materials, explain why.
• Ask a question you have about this week’s assigned reading.

Your initial post must be 200 to 300 words in length

2^nd Assignment

Prepare: As you prepare to write your second discussion for this week, take a few moments to do the following:

• Read the Final Essay assignment instructions in Week Five (your draft is due in Week Three, and the Final Essay is due in Week Five).
• Review the Instructor Guidance for this week.
• Read Chapter 4 of Essentials of College Writing, paying close attention to the techniques for generating ideas.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on the techniques for generating ideas discussed in Chapter 4.

• Think about which techniques might be more helpful for you when choosing topics.
• Start brainstorming three to five ideas for your personal essay.

Write: In your initial post:

• Provide your three to five ideas (in list format) for your Final Essay.
• Write a paragraph explaining how you used the techniques in Chapter 4 to come up with those ideas.
• Share what you think the key elements of a narrative are (i.e., what makes a good story work).

Your initial post must be 200 to 300 words in length