Group member: Letizia Aquilimo, Yana Walia, Zushan Liu. We exchanged topics, Letizia’s was about pollution, Yana’s was about parents’ influence on their children, and mine was about school dorms. We talked about whether we need to use evidence to make our case more credible. I think we should also add some pictures to make the presentation more colorful.

Franklin attracted the audience’s attention and introduction well at the beginning of his speech. He mentioned that he would boldly tell the truth, and people with curiosity would be attracted by what he said.

Smell a Rat                                       suspicious

Feel Like a Million Dollars        something wonderful

Cat Got Your Tongue?                 falter 

Not Have a Leg to Stand On     There is no evidence to  

Spill the Beans                               let out a secret

After his meeting with Dr. William, he’s feeling like a million dollars. Looks like it’s true that Dr. Williams has magic potions.

Why do you know this? Someone spilled the beans?

I smell a rat, brian! Did you tell anyone else about this? Why do you falter, cat got your tongue?

My topic is to improve school dormitories and strengthen the control of violations. From my personal experience and that of friends, there is a lack of management of community members in school dorms. I often hear friends complain about their neighbors’ noise in the middle of the night and the strong smell of marijuana. Although these behaviors are strictly forbidden in school, it doesn’t stop some people who are not willing to consider others’ feelings. Here is my personal experience and that of a friend. I witnessed a drunk man stagger back to his dorm room at the front desk around 11pm, but the front desk ignored it. My first friend went to talk to her neighbour about a midnight fracas and was confronted the next day when someone blocked her door with a mop. I think these are very bad behaviors, we should stop them to maintain the campus environment. In my opinion, there are several simple solutions to solve these problems, such as special complaint channels to avoid the harassment of the complainants by the offenders. Establish a community order manager who is responsible for solving these problems.

The danger of silence | Clint Smith – YouTube

Group Members: Parker Qualls, Zushan Liu, 

Based on your brainstorming of ideas for argument speech in general, do some online research and select any one speech that you consider an effective example of persuasive speech. Then explain with examples what you find to be effective in terms of delivery:

Volume (appropriate to our space and audience): He seemed like he was talking among a group of friends, he did not need to be too loud because he was on a small stage with a small audience. He uses a speaker so he doesn’t have to be too loud.

Variety of tone (enthusiasm, confidence, and engagement throughout): He had that stereotypical “talk fast then get slower” type of motivational speech. This is used to create more of an impact on the audience with what he was saying. 

Eye contact with audience members (not floor, wall, or paper): He appeared to have consistent eye contact with the audience the whole time. 

Gestures and body movements that flow naturally and expressively: This speaker talks with his hands, so it does flow naturally and connect with what he is saying. He doesn’t really walk around either he just gets to the point and leaves. 

-When you complete your individual activity, you can discuss your selection and effective speech delivery features with your group members and choose anyone you like better from each group to share with the whole class.

Group members: Alvaro Corral, Izabella Williams, Zushan Liu

Activity 1

For a long time, my stepson, Jonathan, was unhappy to have me as part of his family, for he resented that he didn’t have both biological parents at home. I tried to get to know him better, but he would complain that I invaded his privacy. As a newcomer, I understood that our relationship would require effort from both of us. It was not enough that I was friendly. Jonathan also wanted us to be friends, and I was not happy with the two of us being strangers, but I waited for him to feel more comfortable around me.

Activity 2: Anne Marie collects antique bottles and loves to turn them into works of art. She will buy bottles if she likes them, but she prefers to find them in the ground. She will find bottles everywhere, but she picks them selectively. However, she has the best luck at construction sites on old farmland, where she spends most of her time. Often, bottles appear on the surface after a good rain, but they disappear very soon. She will use special tools for excavating bottles, including a set of brushes. She does not want to break the bottles as she removes them from the ground. After finding a new bottle, Anne Marie will add it to her display case and hang it on the wall as an artisti piece.

Race should be a social construct because everyone is genetically different from one another. So you can’t define race by genes. If race is defined by genes, then everyone is a separate race. Even white people have darker skin to be defined as “black”. Similarly, there are black people who are not black who are considered white by others.

Group member: Briana Do, Zushan Liu, Moriah Gilmore

Exercise 1:

Combine each sentence pair into a single sentence using either a coordinating conjunction or a conjunctive adverb. Then copy the combined sentence onto your own sheet of paper.

1. Pets are not allowed in Mr. Taylor’s building. He owns several cats and a parrot.

Answer: Pets are not allowed in Mr. Taylor’s building, however, he owns several cats and a parrot. 

1. New legislation prevents drivers from sending or reading text messages while driving. Many people continue to use their phones illegally.

Answer: New legislation prevents drivers from sending or reading text messages while driving, but many people continue to use their phones illegally.

1. The coroner concluded that the young man had taken a lethal concoction of drugs. By the time his relatives found him, nothing could be done.

Answer: The coroner concluded that the young man had taken a lethal concoction of drugs, but by the time his relatives found him, nothing could be done.

1. Amphibians are vertebrates that live on land and in the water. Flatworms are invertebrates that live only in water.

Answer: Amphibians are vertebrates that live on land and in the water, however, flatworms are invertebrates that live only in water.

1. Ashley carefully fed and watered her tomato plants all summer. The tomatoes grew juicy and ripe.

Answer: Ashley carefully fed and watered her tomato plants all summer, so tomatoes grew juicy and ripe.

1. When he lost his car key, Simon attempted to open the door with a wire hanger, a credit card, and a paper clip. He called the manufacturer for advice.

Answer: When he lost his car key, Simon attempted to open the door with a wire hanger, a credit card, and a paper clip, finally, he called the manufacturer for advice.

Exercise 2:

Combine each sentence pair into a single sentence using a subordinating conjunction and then copy the combined sentence onto your own sheet of paper.

1. Jake is going to Mexico. There are beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Answer: Jake is going to Mexico, as there are beautiful beaches.

1. A snowstorm disrupted traffic all over the east coast. There will be long delivery delays this week.

Answer: A snowstorm disrupted traffic all over the east coast, so there will be long delivery delays this week.

1. My neighbor had his television volume turned up too high. I banged on his door and asked him to keep the noise down.

Answer: My neighbor had his television volume turned up too high until I banged on his door and asked him to keep the noise down. 

1. Jessica prepared the potato salad and the sautéed vegetables. Ashley marinated the chicken.

Answer: Jessica prepared the potato salad and the sautéed vegetables, while Ashley marinated the chicken.

1. Romeo poisons himself. Juliet awakes to find Romeo dead and stabs herself with a dagger.

Answer: After Romeo poisons himself, Juliet awakes to find Romeo dead and stabs herself with a dagger.

First of all, my topic is stereotyping and discrimination between people. Introduce the modern phenomena of discrimination and stereotypes, how they occur, in what areas, and against which groups of people. Talk about my experience of discrimination as a child to prove that stereotypes may be formed regardless of color or ethnicity. Find reports of stereotypes from psychological articles and compare them with your own experience. Talk about how stereotypes are passed from parent to child. Look online for the time it takes for stereotypes to fade and explain the actions we should take. Stereotypes are generally caused by the social atmosphere. When people around you start to talk about discrimination, your mind will automatically follow, which is a social phenomenon. We have to stop this from happening and get people’s education up. Finally, summarize the article.

Response activity

I read Letizia’s response and I think she did a good job. She mentioned sites I hadn’t noticed, and Jennifer helped the police understand the consequences of this bias in her talk. She says biases affect our decision-making and are the product of structural and social differences in the brain. Letizia then sums up the author’s experience: Jennifer removed her son’s racial prejudice, which made him thoughtful and tolerant. She thinks we should be proactive in telling people to stop racism.

Group members: Parker Qualls, Moriah Gilmore, Zushan Liu

Is this plagiarism or not?

Directions:  You will find a series of student produced texts based on sources.  Read the

original and then read the student text and decide whether the student has plagiarized.  If so,

how would you correct the problem? In the process of correcting, follow APA style to

demonstrate what the in-text citation should be like and create a References list for them. 

(Excerpts below are from the following text:  Clines, R.H & Cobb, E. R. (2012)

Research Writing

Simplified, 7th

Edition.

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.)

1.

Excerpt from page 23 of an article in 2011 by William Ellis entitled “Culture in Transition.”

World problems such as poverty, pollution, war, and hunger are inherent in the current system

of world order based on nation-states and economic competition. They can be solved if people

know and understand one another on a global, grass-roots basis.  By developing people-to-

people linkages irrespective of national borders, we can start to ameliorate global tensions and

inequities.

Student versions:

Is this plagiarism or not?  Y or N

__Y___William Ellis asserts that world problems such as poverty, pollution, war, and hunger are

inherent in the current system of world order based on nation-states and economic competition (p. 23).

Answer: Yes, because they use a direct quote from the paragraph and do not put it in quotes. 

__N___Global tensions and inequities can be solved if people begin to help one another on a 

grass-roots basis, moving beyond the current world order of economic competition (Ellis, 2011 p.23).

Answer: No, I think this is paraphrasing and they still give the author credit. 

__N___Ellis (2011) argues that global problems are often a result of exploitation inherent in

economic competition.  He contends that “grass roots….people-to people linkages irrespective

of national borders” can do much to ease global tensions (p. 23).

Answer: No, states that “grass roots….people-to people linkages irrespective

of national borders” can do much to ease global tensions (p.23)

__Y___Economic competition is at the basis of many of the world’s problems (Ellis 23). Only by

seeing ourselves as a single family without the separation of national boundaries can world

tensions begin to be eased.

Answer: Yes, it is not a full proper citation

__Y__Ellis (2011) argues that world problems are caused by overpopulation and that the only

possible solution is an enforced tax on families who have more than one child (p. 23).

Answer: Yes, it is not plagiarism because the author does not say this so they should not be giving credit

 to the author

Original Text:

Alaska’s wetlands provide many benefits including: food and habitat for wildlife, fish and

shellfish species, natural products for human use and subsistence, shoreline erosion and

sediment control, flood protection, and opportunities for recreation and esthetic appreciation.

Hall, Jonathan V., W. E. Frayer, and Bill O. Wilen. Status of Alaska Wetlands.4 Nov. 1997.

Web. 12 Mar. 2011.

Student Version:

Alaskan wetlands offer advantages such as erosion and flood control, homes and food for

wildlife, and natural beauty and products for humans’ benefit.

This version is incorrect, as it should have (Hall, et al. 1997)

Correct: Alaskan wetlands offer advantages such as erosion and flood control, homes and food for wildlife, and natural beauty and products for humans’ benefit. (Hall, et al. 1997)

2. Original Text:

Assertive individuals tend to feel more in control of their lives, derive more satisfactions from

their relationships and achieve their goals more often. They also will obtain more respect

from, and inspire confidence in, those with whom they interact since they tend to be viewed

as strong characters who will not be easily swayed.

Hargie, O., Saunders, C., & Dickson, D. (2000). Social Skills in Interpersonal Communication.

London: Routledge, p. 271.

Student Version:

Because they are not readily influenced, assertive people gain respect from others, and they

experience success in guiding their own lives, nurturing good relationships, and achieving

their goals (Hargie, Saunders, and Dickson, 2000, p. 271).

This citation is correct! 

Correct: Because they are not readily influenced, assertive people gain respect from others, 

and they experience success in guiding their own lives, nurturing good relationships,

and achieving their goals (Hargie, Saunders, and Dickson, 2000, p. 271).

3.Original Text:

A new to recycle bald tires has been developed by researchers at the University of Georgia

Agricultural Experiment Station. Instead of hanging them on trees as swings, they’re using

them as mulch around the base.

“Tires Return as Mulch.”

Popular Mechanics

94.2 (2000): 22. LEXIX-NEXIS. Web. 31 July

2011.

Student Version:

A Popular Mechanics article notes that University of Georgia researchers have found a new

use for worn tires: instead of having them on trees as swings, they’re using them as mulch

(“Tires Return”).

Answer: I think the first part of the student version is okay, but the part that is word 

for word needs to be in quotations. (Popular Mechanics, et al. 2011).

Correction: A Popular Mechanics article notes that University of Georgia researchers have found a new

use for worn tires: “Instead of having them on trees as swings, they’re using them as mulch.”  (Popular 

Mechanics, et al. 2011).

I read Abhiraj Gill’s response. Although I haven’t read the article yet, I can see from his analysis that the article is about a group of female students who created a group with common goals, experiences, and mutual support. Then, AJ mentioned that the women in the article had experienced the same dilemma, which helped them better connect, which was something I didn’t expect. AJ then mentioned that his resonance with the article was that he had a hard time adjusting to being the only Indian student in an American school for the first time. He wanted to have a group of people from his hometown, as mentioned in the article. I have the same idea as him, and now I come to study in the United States for the first time. Luckily, there seemed to be a lot of Chinese and overseas Chinese here, and I felt rlex every time I spoke to the Chinese staff in the canteen.

Activity 2

The author of the video mentioned that “Think for yourself teacher might be wrong”, which she saw in her mother’s class when she was young, impressed her a lot.  Later, when she became a teacher, she began to devote herself to changing social racial conflicts and became an anti-racist teacher. She sees it as a teacher’s growth for her, and she wants to pass it on to her students and children.

Group Members: Xena Neira, Zushan Liu, Yana Wlia

PRACTICE

Please review the following sentences for errors in parallel structure. 

Correct the sentences by rewriting them. Not all sentences are incorrect. 

Answers may vary.

1. My dog is not only friendly but also playful.

→ My dog is friendly and playful.

2. We can go to the park or dancing in the classroom.

→ We can go to the park or dance in the classroom.

3. Jeremy likes to read historical, realistically and speculative fiction.

→ Jeremy likes to read historically realistic and speculative fiction

4. When I went to the bar, I want to dance, drinking and punch on the rowdy faces.

→ When I go to the bar, I want to dance, drink, and punch on the rowdy faces. 

5. Buying a car is not a decision to take lightly nor be careless about.

→ Buying a car is not a decision to take lightly.

6. Tyler is for the legalization, not criminalization of marijuana.

→ Tyler is for the legalization of marijuana. 

7. Sally needs a new stove, dishwasher and knives for her kitchen.

→ Sally needs a new stove, dishwasher, and knives for her kitchen.

8. My first grade teacher taught me how to write, how to read and play tic-tac-toe.

→ My first grade teacher taught me how to write, read and play tic-tac-toe

9. She will not admit it, nor will she be apologizing.

→ She will not admit it, nor will she apologize.

10. The whole wheat pasta is better than enriched wheat pasta.

→ Whole wheat pasta is better than enriched wheat pasta

11. Literature classes teach students to analyze texts, thinking critically, 

and improve writing.

→ Literature classes teach students to analyze texts, think critically, and improve writing.

12. Beets are just as nutrient rich as rutabagas even though they are not in season.

→ Beets are just as nutritious as rutabagas even though they are not in season.

13. Drunk drivers are thoughtlessly taking the lives of other people in their own hands,

risk their own lives, thinking only about their own pleasure and fun, and not consider 

the consequences of their actions.

• Drunk drivers are taking the lives of other people in their own hands, risking their own lives, only thinking about their own pleasure, and not considering the consequences of their actions.

Group member: Alvaro Corral, Zushan Liu, Letizia Aquilino

Please read the following passage carefully and improve the sentences by changing their verb tenses and appropriate subordinating conjunctions (joining words, such as who, whose, which, that, whereas, because, etc.). Also, remember FANBOYS to help you use correct punctuation. Please highlight the changes you make to these sentences.

1- A wise old gentlemen retired and bought a home near a Middle School. Mostly spent his summers in his cottage.  then the school year begins, and his peace and quite came to a sudden halt.

Correct: A wise old gentleman retires and buys a home near a Middle School. He mostly spends his summers in his cottage. Then the school year begins, and his peace and quiet come to a sudden halt.

2- On the first day of school three boys came down. The alley beating merrily on every trash can they see, and the same thing happens the next day and the next, and the noise started driving the wise old man crazy. Time for action.

Correct: On the first day of school three boys come down. The alley beats merrily on every trash they can see. The same thing happened the next day and the next. The noise starts driving the wise old man crazy. It is time for action.

3- The next afternoon he stops the drummers as they banged their way down the street. He says, “You kids are a lot of fun! I love hearing your drumming, because it is so cheerful, and it reminds me of what I use to do at your age, will you do me a favor?”

Correct: The next afternoon he stops the drummers as they banged their way down the street. He says, “You kids are a lot of fun! I love hearing your drumming, because it is so cheerful, and it reminds me of what I used to do at your age, will you do me a favor?”

Correct: The next afternoon he stopped the drummers as they banged their way down the street. He said, “You kids are a lot of fun! I love hearing your drumming, because it is so cheerful, and it reminds me of what I used to do at your age. Will you do me a favor?”

4-The boys looked at him suspiciously. “What?” they ask. “I’ll give you a dollar if you promise to come around every single day and keep beating on those trash cans,” said the man.

Correct: The boys looked at him suspiciously. “What?” they asked. “I’ll give you a dollar if you promise to come around every single day and keep beating on those trash cans,” said the man.

5-The boys was thrilled. Everyday they pounded on trash cans and collected a dollar.

Correct: The boys were thrilled. Everyday they pounded on trash cans and collected a dollar.

6- After about a week, the wise old man stops the boys again and this time he looked a little bit sad, I still love you’re drumming, he said to the boys. However I’m afraid spending a dollar a day is hard on me, I’m on a fixed income. From now on, I’m only going to be able to pay you 50 sense to beat on the cans.

Correct: After about a week, the wise old man stopped the boys again and this time he looked a little bit sad. “I still love you’re drumming.” he said to the boys “However I’m afraid spending a dollar a day is hard on me, I’m on a fixed income. From now on, I’m only going to be able to pay you 50 sense to beat on the cans.”

7-The boys weren’t too happy, but they decided to accept 50 cents a day, and they continued beating on all the trash cans. After another week the clever old man stopped the boys again. “I’ve got more bad news,” he said. “My Social Security check hasn’t come yet, so I’m not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents a day. Is that all right”

Correct: The boys weren’t too happy, while they decided to accept 50 cents a day and continued beating on all the trash cans. After another week, the clever old man stopped the boys again. “I’ve got more bad news,” he said. “My Social Security check hasn’t come yet, so I’m not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents a day. Is that all right”

8- “Are you kidding?” said one of the boys. “We’re not going to waste our time beating on those trash cans for only a lousy quarter! We quit!

Correct: “Are you kidding?” said one of the boys. “We’re not going to waste our time beating on those trash cans for only a lousy quarter! We quit!

9- The wise old man smiled and enjoyed his peace and quiet.

Correct: The wise old man smiled and enjoyed his peace and quiet.