What's Most Important?

As you gather your research and write your paper, you should be asking yourself "what is most important?" over and over again. For example, when you are taking notes from a research source -- a book, magazine or online article -- don't waste time copying every tiny tidbit. Take down only the facts and quotes that will help you write your paper. By now you have written your thesis statement and outline. When you gather information, grab only what fits into your thesis and outline.
Read this article. Now tell me in your response to this post: if I am writing a paper about how much money the Harry Potter franchise has earned at the box office, what are the facts/quotes I would choose from this article? What would be the most important pieces of information for my paper? Write your answers in complete sentences; please write a minimum of three sentences.

Now It's Time to Tackle Its

Another frequent error among writers young and old is choosing the wrong form of its/it's. As with they're/their/there, the two words are homophones, so sound alike but have different functions.
Its is a possessive pronoun meaning "belonging to it." "Every dog has its day," would be an example. Here "its" refers to the dog.
It's is a contraction for it is. "It's cold outside," we might say, meaning "it is cold outside."
See this article for more information. Then edit the passage below, correcting any errors related to its/it's or any other mistakes you see.

"Its going to rain," I announced, pulling my umbrella out of it's cover. "I can't recall when its been this wet," Drusilla responded as she snapped the dog's leash in place for it's afternoon walk. I knew then that it would be a legnthy evening at home with Dru and the dog. At least the dog would get to eat it's dinner, Dru had me on an outrageous diet which mean no dinner for me. I watched the dog wag its tail as Dru guided it toward the door. "Don't tell me its getting dark already!" she exclaimed. "I was hoping the son would continue to shine for at least a few more minits."

There, They're Their, Was That So Hard?

One of the most common spelling/grammar mistakes among high school sophomores -- and others -- is using the wrong form of there, their or they're. These three distinct words sound alike when spoken aloud (we call them homophones) hence the confusion.
A quick reminder: they're is a contraction for they are. Do not use this form unless you can substitute they are. Their is a plural possessive pronoun showing ownership. There is a demonstrative pronoun referring to a physical or metaphorical place.
See this website for more information and examples, then re-write the paragraph below, filling in they're, there or their as appropriate.

___________ is a strange feeling in the air tonight. It seems all the young people at this party have shed ____________ inhibitions and are letting ___________ true selves show. ________ having a great time; I can just tell. Still, I am reluctant to join in ____________ fun. ________ just not my kind of people. I feel out of place at _______ party. Maybe I'll have a better time over _________ at Austin's house. His friends seem more my type.

You go JT!

Today I am posting a link to an article about popular actor/former boy band star Justin Timberlake. This is a three-page article; however I want you to SUMMARIZE ONLY THE FIRST PAGE. Feel free to read the rest as it is a strong example of great writing.
The page has nine paragraphs. I would like you to summarize it in TWO OR THREE paragraphs. Use your own words; do not quote from the article itself. A good technique is to read the page twice, then quickly jot down what you think it said. Go back to the article and check yourself to make sure you remembered accurately, then develop your notes into a full summary.
Go here to read the article.
Remember SUMMARIZE THE FIRST PAGE ONLY IN TWO OR THREE PARAGRAPHS. Post your summary as a response to this blog entry.

Applause for the Apostrophe

In today's entry, pay close attention to how apostrophes are used. Are they used correctly? Go to this website for a reminder of the proper way to use apostrophes to show ownership or possession.

Edit the passage below for grammar, usage, spelling and readability. Post your edited version as a response to this blog entry. Remember, you might need to correct something other than the apostrophes.

John's mother was tired. She had danced all night at the witch'es ball and her feet hurt. She wanted to call her friend Mrs. Hearnes, but she had heard Mrs. Hearnes' phone was disconnected. As she settled in for a long day of resting, she feared boredom would come calling because boredom was one caller who was never late no matter what the cause no matter what the hour no matter what the day. So instead of giving in to boredom, she turned on Johns's television and waited for "Mr. Burns's Daily Report" to begin.