RIOT: Online Portal to English 111 and English 211

Monday, July 28, 2008

first time

For 111 A and G:

Hello students. :) I'll be out for a week. But you have to work on your Second Minor Essay while I'm away. Note that we won't have a class on Monday, Aug 4.

I need you to think of a FIRST TIME. (Haha!) Perhaps your first time to eat durian? Or your first time to cross the street? How about your first time to see a horror movie? Think of something true to your experience. A hilarious first time. A memorable first time. From the boring to the most daring. :)

--- --- --- ---

MECHANICS

--- --- --- --- ----

1. Choose one mode of paragraph development. The long list includes the following: narration, description, illustration/example, definition, compare/contrast, division/classification, and causal analysis.

2. Write a 350-500 word essay about a first time using your chosen mode of paragraph development.

3. On the upper right hand corner of your paper, please write your name, course and year, section and the date you will submit your paper for grading (which happens to be Aug 6).

4. Kindly use Tahoma, size 12. Keep a margin of one inch on all sides. Double-spaced.

5. Do not forget to abide by the basic expectations in the presentation of a good written output e.g. indention, capitalization, punctuation....

6. Be loyal to your chosen mode of paragraph development. Say, if you have chosen description as your mode, the entire essay must resonate descriptive-ness as the dominant impression.

7. For 111-G, I left lecture notes about modes of paragraph development with Elshad, please see him if you wish to have a copy of it.

8. The deadline is on Wednesday, August 6.

9. Do well.

10. Questions? Just post it here.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

note

To 111 - Honors Class:

We're done with our two Minor Essays.
1. "What An Ateneo Education Means to Me?" and,
2. "Has Gloria Been Good to Philippine Democracy?"

We'll start working on our Major Essays this week.

It will include
a. descriptive, and
b. narrative essays.

(Please study the said modes of paragraph development.)

That will be the coverage of our coursework for the midterm. The course outline will be released within this week. :)

note

Hello Classes Eng 211 E and F:

We'll have the oratorical speech delivery tomorrow and on Tuesday as scheduled. You are not required to wear either business or Filipino attire. But those who wish to do so will merit extra points. That's part of the overall presentation. You cannot be absent. except of course for extremely forgivable reasons. See you. And do well. :)

Henry

Friday, July 25, 2008

0.....l/

CONGRATULATIONS TO

MARIZ (211 - E)

ANGELO (211 - N)

ASTRUD (211 - F)

FOR QUALIFYING IN THE ORATORICAL GRAND FINALS

and

MELISSE

DANIELLE

SHIRIN

(111 - A)

FOR QUALIFYING IN THE READING CHALLENGE GRAND FINALS

Monday, July 21, 2008

cbnw

CONTESTANTS FOR THE
BUWAN NG MGA WIKA 2008
ACTIVITIES

Reading Challenge

Eng 111 - Honors Class: Almira Ledesma, Christine Rubio, Shelmerry Que
Eng 111 - A: Melisse Fernandez, Danielle Puno, Sheren Sakaluran
Eng 111 - G: Jollie Mar Elago, Elshad Sali, Nina Janeen Climaco

On the Spot Essay Writing Contest

Eng 111 - Honors Class: Erold Bumotad
Eng 111 - A: Jordanna Latip
Eng 111 - G: Rey David Lim

Oratorical Contest

Eng 211 - E: Alyssa Mariz Montejo
Eng 211 - F: Astrud Eustaquio
Eng 211 - N: Angelo Martinez

Extemporaneous Contest

Eng 211 - E: Bryan Yu
Eng 211 - F: Marienela Wagas
Eng 211 - N: George Perez

bnw

Buwan ng Mga Wika 2008

Schedule of Activities

For Eng-111

Friday, July 25

2:00 - 4:00 MPCC Reading Challenge (Elims)

3:00 - 4:00 NCB 202 On the Spot Essay Writing Contest

Friday, August 08
1:00 - 5:00 Brebeuf Gym Reading Challenge (Finals)

For Eng-222

Friday, July 25

3:00 - 4:00 College AVR Oratorical Contest (Elims)

Friday, August 1

3:00 - 4:00 HS Lobby Extemporaneous Speaking Contest (Elims)

Friday, August 08

1:00 - 5:00 Brebeuf Gym Extemporaneous (Finals)
Oratorical Contest (Finals)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

For 111 - Honors Class: Essay 2

Has Gloria been Good
to Philippine Democracy?

Please submit three copies of your essays next week.

Mechanics:
a. 500 words
b. 1 inch on all sides
c. double-spaced
d. Tahoma 12
e. short bond paper
f. Name, Course and Year, Subject and Date Submitted
on the upper right hand corner

Also, kindly follow the guidelines below in writing your essay.

1. Write a well developed introductory paragraph that contains detailed background information, a clear explanation or definition of the problem, and a thesis statement.
2. Establish three or more main points. Each must be developed with supporting details and rich analysis. Refutation paragraph must acknowledge the opposing view, and summarize their main points.
3. Write a conclusion that summarizes the main topics without repeating previous sentences.
4. Create a logical, compelling progression of ideas in your essay.
5. Like an ideal husband and wife relationship, make sure your verb agrees with the subject. Check your sentence structures, punctuation and capitalization.
6. Integrate your source material smoothly into the text.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

wat ay lernd tudey

I learned that skimming and scanning are tough topics to learn, and tougher to teach. That wrong spelling is negotiable. That correct pronunciation is funny. That sentences can start with a small letter. That they may end with no period. That the classroom is a marketplace - sometimes figurative, most of the times, literal. That students come in, and then they go out. That whatever mess they leave (paper, pins, and pens), the costumed teacher has to pick up. That clothes matter. That they occupy space. That when you look fine, you look too much like a teacher. That when you look like one of them, you're not playing the role of a teacher. That whenever the teacher leaves early, he stages a walkout. That if he dismisses them late, he's so serious. That if he's just right on time, hell, what a long class that was. That no student is absent, only they were sick. That no student is slow, only the teacher is bad. That no student ain't listening, only the teacher is dull. That class must go on regardless of the little monsters who sabotage the day. That class beadles can come late, and be regularly absent. That collecting money is a job for Finance to do. That, for some strange reason, the faculty is an extension of the Finance Office. That teaching is fun, sometimes funny, even crazy. That piles of essays-to-check entertain me. That I adore the sight of my red ink spilt on white paper. That the scent of ink is aromatic. That there are good students, and some exceptional ones. That there are always those who will be very eager to learn, and those whom I need to convince that learning is good for their health. That I miss how it was like to be a student. Hahaha!....

prek

ASSIGNMENTS

111 - Honors Class

"Has Gloria Been Good to Philippine Democracy?"
- 500 words -
(Kindly follow the format I gave in class.)

GROUP 1: MONDAY
GROUP 2: WEDNESDAY

111 - A
Study the Following:
1.Scanning, Skimming, Writing Marginal Notes
2.Summary, Paraphrase, Direct Quotation
3.Ways How to Avoid Plagiarism
4. Punctuation Use

111 - G
Find and Read: The Hazards of Moviegoing by John Langan

Friday, July 11, 2008

read

Eng 211 - E, N and F:

Read all articles below at will. Questions/Topics for the extemporaneous activity for those who haven't delivered yet will be largely taken from them.

1. Death and taxes by Conrado de Quiros
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080710-147468/Death-and-taxes

2. Is Sulu a Philippine province? by Randy David
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080621-143943/Is-Sulu-a-Philippine-province

3. ‘Bayan Ko’ by Isagani Cruz
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080705-146690/Bayan-Ko

4. Quiapo vendors by Consuelo Maria Lucero
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080703-146106/Quiapo_vendors

5. Embracing evolution by Manuel L. Quezon III
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080710-147466/Embracing-evolution

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

wee

ASSIGNMENTS

Eng 111 - Honors Class
For July 14
-On your notebook-
1. Scanning, Skimming, Writing Marginal Notes
2. What Makes a Good Summary?
3. Find, Read and Summarize "Dark Days for Philippine Democracy" by the New York Times.

Eng 111-A
For July 14
1. Find and Bring personal copies of "A Mother's Answer" by Gregg Lewis and Ben Carson, and "The Hazards of Moviegoing" by John Langan.
2. Summarize "A Mother's Answer" by Gregg Lewis and Ben Carson using five to six sentences only. Place your summary on a one half sheet of paper (crosswise).

Eng 111-G
For July 14

-On your notebook-
1. Scanning, Skimming, Writing Marginal Notes
2. What Makes a Good Summary?

-On a one half sheet of paper-
3. Summarize "A Mother's Answer" by Gregg Lewis and Ben Carson using five to six sentences only. Place your summary on a one half sheet of paper (crosswise).

4. Find and Bring a personal copy of "The Hazards of Moviegoing" by John Langan.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

brg

To English 111 - G

Make sure you bring your copy of

"A Mother's Answer"

to class

Wednesday, July 09.

The classroom policy is that

if you do not have a personal copy of the assigned material,

there will be no reason to attend class.

See you.

Monday, July 07, 2008

erm

To English 111 - Honors Class

Your summary.

5-7 sentences only.

Next Meeting.

On the Manila Paper.

Saturday, July 05, 2008

read

Friday, July 04, 2008

n.b.

For Eng 211 E, N and F

Judging Criteria for

Extemporaneous Speaking Activity

1. Did the student present an organized speech?
2. Did the student clearly and effectively discuss, analyze, and evaluate the selected topic?
3. Did the student sufficiently answer the question?
4. Did the student show connections between particular events and large social, economic, and/or political trends and developments?
5. Did the student cite relevant evidence?
6. Was the speaker poised, sincere, and comfortable in delivery?
7. Did the speaker use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)?
8. Did the speaker use effective body language (gestures, facial expression, eye contact)?
9. Did the speech exemplify the highest standards of language usage and vocabulary?
10. Did the speaker avoid slang, poor grammar, and mispronunciations?

Mechanics

1. The speech should have a clear organizational structure and be easy to follow. The speaker should display good reasoning and logic, evidence and example in support of his/her ideas. Shallow thinking and broad generalizations do not provide adequate basis for drawing conclusions.

2. The speech should contain adequate amplifying and proof materials which support the position the speaker chooses to take in relation to the topic. Undocumented assertions or unclear explanations
are not satisfactory material. The speaker should adhere to the topic; digressions into unrelated areas indicate poor preparation.

3. The speaker should display a clear analysis of the topic. A summary retelling of a newspaper article is not a clear display of analytical thinking.

4. Speakers may express opinions or take sides on issues which are contrary to the personal opinions of the teacher.

5. The speaker will draw three topics five minutes prior to the time the speaker speaks. The
speaker will choose one of the topics and prepare a speech on it.

6. Topic choices are taken from front page articles of the Philippine Daily Inquirer from July 1 - onwards.

7. As soon as the topic is chosen, the speaker shall withdraw and prepare the speech without consultation and without reference to prepared notes or published books, magazines, newspapers, journals, and/or articles.

8. The maximum time for the speech is five minutes; the minimum is three minutes.

9. A speaker may bring a 4 x 6 index card on which he/she may outline notes.

10. At the end of the speech, the teacher may ask the speaker two to three questions relevant to the speech. Questioning will not go beyond two minutes.

THEME

The theme will revolve around national current events. Please read the Philippine Daily Inquirer to catch the most controversial topics and heated discussions that beset the country today.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

do re mi

ENG 211 E, N and F

Hi students-who-haven't-submitted-their-speech-drafts-yet, please see me not later than five o' clock in the afternoon tomorrow, Thursday. I'll be in the School of Liberal Arts (SLA) Faculty Workroom. See you. :) - Henry

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

huhum

Assignments will be posted by Friday, 12 noon.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

spdnfejgbrnvwncqn

Course Outline for Eng 211

Course Description:

This is a three unit course on the rudiments of public speaking. The course seeks to level up students' appreciation of the place and power of words in society through a survey of both classic and contemporary speeches. Using fun and interactive learning approaches in the presentation of theories of informative and persuasive communication, the course aims to level up students' transition to quality Asian Parliamentary format debating. It features a context-specific and strategy-oriented take on speaker roles and argumentation, as well as intelligent issue analysis of a range of topics which are bound to surface in contemporary debates.

Course Goals:
Upon the completion of this course, students will have:

expressed their thoughts and convictions satisfactorily through the English language as a result of developed skills in listening, note-taking, profound questioning, frequent training, and confidence-building;
delivered comprehensive arguments and executed strong clashes and counter-frames through Asian Parliamentary format debating;
been more receptive to ideas of change, tolerance and respect for diversity.

Week 1: Orientation

Week 2-3: Public Speaking Essentials: Remarks of Senator Barack Obama in South Carolina (South Carolina Primary Win Speech), Hillary Clinton's Remarks in Washington, DC (Suspension of Candidacy)
What is Public Speaking?
The Benefits of Public Speaking
Characteristics of a Good Speaker
How to Overcome Stage Fright
Modes of Delivery (Impromptu, Extemporaneous, Memorized, Reading from a Manuscript)
Structure and Pattern of Speech Writing
Uses of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Week 4: Writing a Speech: Salvador P. Lopez' Bataan Has Fallen, Corazon C. Aquino's Restoring Democracy by the Ways of Democracy
Survey of Filipino Great Orators
Characterize the Role of Speeches in Philippine history
Writing an Oratorical Speech

Week 5-7: Skills Training: Memorized Speech and Extemporaneous

Week 8: Introduction to Asian Parliamentary Debate Format
History
Format
Dynamics
Rules
Motion
POI

Week 9: More Debate Features
Matter, Manner, Method
Arguments and
Rebuttals

Week 10: MIDTERM

Week 11: Speaker Roles:
Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition
Deputy Speakers
Whips
Reply Speech

Week 12-13: Issue Analysis: (suggested topics)
“Pinoy Exports”,
“In the Name of the Father”,
“World Peace”,
“It's Sexy Time”

Week 14: Adjudication: Insider's Perspective

Week 15-16: Classroom Debate Exercises

Week 17: Inter-Class Debate

Week 18: FINAL EXAM

---- ---- - ---- ----

Requirements

Pre-Midterm Exam
Written Speech: “Filipino Insight” (Draft and Final)
Extemporaneous Speech (1)
Memorized Speech (1)
Long Quiz on Asian Parliamentary Debate
Team Matter Quizzes (5)
Classroom Recitation

Post-Midterm Exam
Team Table of Arguments (1)
Individual Argumentative Paper (1)
Team Adjudication Sheet (1)
Debate (1/2)
Team Matter Quizzes (5)
Classroom Recitation

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

n.b.

ASSIGNMENTS

For Eng 211 F (Due on 6/30, Monday)

Submit Speech: "What Does It Mean to be a Filipino Today?"
(Tahoma, 12, Double Space, 1 inch - all sides, short bondpaper, 350-5000 words)

For Eng 211 E, F and N

On Tuesday, July 1, we'll have Matter Quiz # 3.
Theme: PDI frontpage news items: Check June 30 and July 1 issues.

For Eng 111 A, G, and the Honors Class

Keep bringing your pencils.
See you in class.

---------
To Do: (This part is for myself.)

> Facilitate appointment of class beadles.
> Bug people who haven't submitted index cards yet.
> Donate copies of course outline.
> Check validated forms of illegal pedestrians.
> Discuss DSA's policy on class attendance.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

brrrr

To Honors Class and 111 G:

Please bring your

pencil and eraser

tomorrow

(Wednesday)

for

the

CEM

Test.

See

you

class

the

dot

.

Henry

Sunday, June 22, 2008

tu-tu-tut

-------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

la la-la

ASSIGNMENTS

For Eng 111-X (Due on 6/23, Monday)

1. 4 x 6 index card

2. 1 x 1 pic

3. check this blog (you just did)

4. Read: Fr. Tony Moreno's Inaugural Address(Bring a personal copy of it to class on Monday.)

5. Submit Essay: "What an Ateneo Education Means To Me?"

For English 111-A (Due on 6/24, Tuesday)

1. 4 x 6 index card
2. 1 x 1 pic
3. check this blog (you just did)

4. Search/Study: Skimming, Scanning, Writing Marginal Notes, and Writing a Summary

For 211 E (Due on 6/23, Monday) 211 N (Due on 6/24, Tuesday)

1. 4 x 6 index card

2. 1 x 1 pic

3. check this blog (you just did)

4. Submit Speech: "What Does It Mean to be a Filipino Today?" (Tahoma, 12, Double Space, 1 inch - all sides, short bondpaper)

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

and then there was...

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

No, there wasn't a raging bush of fire that spelt out these items to me. But they're as important. Like cows for Hindus, grains for Sudanese refugees, or autonomy for native Tibetans, the items below must be kept sacred.

1. You shall be a student in my class. To survive the linguistic jungle where big words are fat elephants ready to pound on you, make sure you have the right weapons. An impressive short list will include your pen, one whole sheet of paper, and notebook. Jot down notes whenever you can. Do not hesitate to bug me with your questions. I'd welcome them the way evening gives way to morning – smooth and painless. I'm not going to be a perfect teacher. But you sure should expect the best that I can be every time we meet. And nothing less is expected from you.

2. You shall be responsible for your own education. We expect you to attend class regularly, but if you're only reason for absenting yourself is that there's this important basketball game you had to catch or an appointment with your hair stylist that cannot be rescheduled or your dog has just died and you were busy fuzzing over its funeral, never attempt to bug me about giving you a makeup quiz or an extension for your requirement. Unless, of course, if you are up to an hour-long homily from me about the mission and vision of this school. Considerations will be granted, yes, but not loosely to pedestrians who come and leave class as they wish.

3. You shall keep an open mind. In class, you'll be asked to argue both in favor of propositions or principles you do not personally subscribe to. There's allowing priests to marry, chemically castrating rapists, euthanizing terminally ill patients, and tons more of topics which will make you feel like toothpaste lubed out of its shelter. An open mind is always willing and ready to look into new angles. Some people call it “bula”. We refer to it as “critical bubbles”.

4. You shall practice honesty at all cost. Cheating will be meted with the full force of the school's rules and regulations. Accomplices to the crime will be penalized as well. Equally. I firmly believe that the classroom experience must resist the abominable culture of tolerating cheating which happens outside. Your insurance company is a hoax. Your parents' taxes are pocketed by cheats. Your president is a fake. But you're not going to be next in line.

5. You shall respect the law on intellectual property rights. Boy, someone's work is his work. Not yours. Just because you agree with the writer's opinion does not mean you could as easily claim it as your own and submit it to me. Cite your sources. Pen your own thoughts.

6. You shall follow format for written assessment activities. I'd issue the format in accomplishing all short quizzes in class. The most basic is that it should bear your name, course and year, date and section all written on the upper right corner of the paper. Only black or blue pen will do. For your requirements, simply encode them on a short bond paper bearing the details required. And we only use Tahoma, font size 12, double-spaced for the main text. You need not decorate your paper with buttons, laces, pebbles, fish scales, or raging crayons spread all over. I am not a fan. Your crisp ideas and basic presentation will do.

7. You shall respect your mates. You may think you're the brightest dude or gal in campus, but misplaced arrogance will be fined harshly. In class, we share our ideas, and respect individual points-of-view regardless of how weird, obscene or alien-sounding it is. We rebut arguments we do not agree with, and strongly show agreement or opposition to proposals presented, but never do we hit a person below the belt.

8. You shall abide by deadlines. When the deadline expires, you'll be given a three day deadliest deadline grace period. We do not include Sunday in the said grace period. Penalties in the form of point deductions will be applied. No mercy shall be given after this time period has elapsed.

9. You shall check this online portal regularly. Don't tell me I didn't warn you. I shall post everything you need here. We have several computer laboratories in school. Make those pc's do some intelligent work. If the lab's full, and you catch someone shamelessly drooling over Friendster, muster all energy you can and march towards that person, then threaten to cause her a nosebleed due to a barrage of mutinous oral arguments if she doesn't yield her seat to you. This part is called “application of learning”.

10. You shall graduate from this class “with honors”. There's no Dean's List for a moral life, but I prayyou take it seriously. I hope that from this class you learn not just to verbally wrestle with your mates, but also the responsibility that goes with it. If you patiently scour the pages of history, you'll discover how the power of speech has been used and misused by many. From tyrants like Hitler to Marcos, words have been transformed into persuasive tools of propaganda that saw man descend to the pits of civility. I hope you help write a page unlike before, and use the same powerful tool to become better human beings.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

riot

Soldiers die in Iraq, Afghanistan and some other loony bins. Darfur is a crime scene. Hillary was beaten by Obama. Oil prices are breaking records, shattering economies, and making your daily allowance seem so small! We still think Gloria is a cheat. And NFA rice is the new Red Ribbon craze. The ice caps are melting (oh my!), those chubby pandas drowning, you whining. Have you been reading the papers? The world is a riot. Now don't just go to sleep.

Friday, June 13, 2008

ta-dah

Hello Citizens of the Republic. My name is Henry Segovia. I hope you found it easy locating my online portal. This is where I shall post all classroom policies, brief notes, reading assignments, and anything I find relevant and helpful to our classroom discussions. Feel free to post your questions and comments, and I'll try to reply to each as soon as I can. :p