Ms. B's Sample Entry

“Exxon Mobil Criticized at Annual Meeting.” Morning Edition
Saturday. National Public Radio. WNPR, Connecticut. 31
May 2008.

Exxon Mobil is no doubt one of the most wealthy and successful companies in the world. NPR’s Scott Simon interviewed journalist Joe Nocera who attended the annual meeting of the company who reports that the prestigious Rockefeller family as part of the influential shareholders in the company asserted that that although Exxon Mobil is an “extremely well run company,” they have some concerns. Their primary concern is in response to global warming—what will the world’s energy use look like in 2020/2030? Will the world have shifted from oil and gasoline to more eco-friendly alternative fuels? CEO Rex Tillerton doesn’t think so and doesn’t plan on worrying about it, as he revels in the profit off the price hikes due to the supply and demand in the world today as India and China increase their need for oil.

I understand that people deny global warming exists. I understand that people who accept its existence see no immediate threat. I also understand human nature. If we have no sense of urgency, then often, we don’t respond. Generally reactive, rather than proactive, humans often address issues only when they see evidence of danger. A student failing may not attempt to make up work until grades are about to be submitted. A sunbather may not use sunscreen until someone he/she knows gets skin cancer. If something interrupts that which brings us pleasure, we don’t want to change until we have to. This applies, too, to this story. Of course someone like Tillerton, whose company gained a 40 billion profit, 32% return on capital, and share prices went up 22% this year would assume his company doesn’t have to worry about global warming or any widespread changes in the world’s energy consumption. He may not want to change, but I think we should. We are not CEOs of big companies, but we can do little things to make a big difference. Saving energy, walking, recycling—all of these will help if not only to reduce at some miniscule level the progression of the destruction of the earth, but also raise our quality of life. How much do can we do? Who knows. . .but we may as well start trying now.

Check out the link to this movie trailer! If you haven’t seen it yet, go out and get it today!
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount_classics/aninconvenienttruth/trailer/

Introduction to the Gospel

We all read Janet Tashjian's Gospel According to Larry. . .now we have an opportunity to explore our world in our own way.

For the first quarter of this semester, our class will be exploring our culutre today under the umbrella of choices and consequences. Each week, you will be responsible for EITHER reading and responding to a newspaper/magazine/radio piece that inspires some sort of musing on your part (you will be exploring editorials, political cartoons, articles, documentaries etc. on your own) OR be responding to your classmates' postings. Your role will alternate weekly. For example, one week, group A will post original article responses, while group B will respond to at least TWO of your classmates' postings.


Guidelines for Your Unique Weekly Contribution . . .(30pts)
Each week you will be responsible for ONE entry of no less than 250 words in response to an something that strikes you in the news. Remember: your post will be more persuasive if you are very specific, use paraphrases or quotation from your article, and provide questions to prompt your classmates' responses. See my first blog for an example.

• In this response, you will be responsible for a brief summary of the article in which you highlight the main argument/idea of the piece and a few supporting details for clarity.
• Next, you will have the opportunity to respond (respectfully yet honestly) to the topic of your chosen piece.
• It must be original, well organized, and well written. . .remember to use any literary and stylistic devices to make your writing more sophisticated.
• Finally, you must include the MLA formatted citation for the piece to which you respond. *http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

*****REMEMBER TO WRITE FIRST NAME LAST INITIAL AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH BLOG ENTRY

Guidelines for Response to Classmates. . .(20 pts)
Each week you will be responsible for TWO entries of no less than 250 words in which you comment on any of your classmates' posts. These posts must expand upon, questions, or supplement the chosen entry in a respectful and intellegent way.

*****REMEMBER TO WRITE FIRST NAME LAST INITIAL AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH RESPONSE

Grading Criteria
When you write your blog entries, remember that I will be grading it using this rubric. Also, remember that your classmates will be able to read your blog so do your best work.

5 100 – 90 %

·makes an appropriate response to the topic
·highly original
·paragraph(s) clearly organized
·clear sentence sense, variety and transitions
·shows superior command of language structure and vocabulary
·shows superior grasp of spelling and mechanics
·includes correct MLA citation (for )


4 89 – 80%

·makes an appropriate response to the topic
·somewhat original
·paragraph generally focused
·some sentence variety; few fragments or run-ons; some transitions
·grade level vocabulary
·some spelling and mechanical errors
·includes MLA citation with minor errors



3 79 – 71 %

· attempts to make an appropriate response to the topic
·somewhat original
·some paragraph order
·many simple sentences; fragments and run-ons; few transitions
·ordinary vocabulary
·many noticeable spelling and mechanical errors
·includes MLA citation with major errors



2 70%

·somewhat attempts to make an appropriate response to the topic
·originality not evident
·limited paragraph development
·simple sentences; many fragments and run-ons, no transitions
·ineffective vocabulary
·mechanics and spelling errors interfere with reading/meaning
·does not include MLA citation



1 69 – 59%

·lacks appropriate response to the topic
·originality not evident
·lacks organization
·unclear sentence structure
·ineffective vocabulary
·mechanics and spelling errors interfere with reading/meaning
·does not include MLA citation

0
·If you do not write a blog at all, you will get a grade of Zero!!!


Finally, please remember this is NOT a forum for personal issues with other students nor a forum to push any ideology. Of course opinion provides the foundation of this blog, but this is a community in which we are practicing divergent thinking. . .we want to expand our thoughts and selves, question the world around us and our ideas, not close ourselves off from other opinions.