Update Oct. 15

We did not do a Bellwrite today.  We read Annie Dillard's article "Seeing." As we read, we discussed not only WHAT Dillard was saying but also HOW she says.  Some of the tools writers use to communicate are the following:

• Diction (word choice)
• Images (including literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, oxymoron)
• Syntax (how sentences are structured)
• Organization (how paragraphs are put together)

We talked about how effective writing appropriately balances abstract concepts with concrete images. Effective writers must use concrete images and examples to earn the right to use abstractions. We noted that Dillard spends a great deal of time with concrete images and then occasionally "pops up" to higher levels of abstractions only to then dive again into solid details.

Homework: Finish reading Dillard's article. As you read, annotate abstractions and concrete images, use of precise diction (vocabulary that you learn), literary devices, and strong images.