10% Solution Notes

The 10% Solution Cheat Sheet

To find your word count:
1. Click Tools.
2. Click Word Count.
3. Type in how many words your document is below your name.
4. Subtract 10%. The total is your goal (Draft 2 = Draft 1 – 10%).
5. Write down your goal below your current total. Meet or exceed it – don’t settle for close.
6. WHEN FINISHED, BELOW YOUR FIRST TWO NUMBERS, WRITE DOWN THE FINAL WORKD COUNT FOR YOUR DOCUMENT.
To perform the 10% Solution:
1. Click Edit.
2. Click Find.
3. Enter the syllable you are searching for.
For each syllable you search for, ask…
1. Do I keep it?
2. Do I cut it?
3. Do I change it?
*Whatever you decide, the decision should be made with this goal in mind – improving your piece.
**Remember that cutting or changing may require changing other things as well – see the big picture.
Syllables to search for:
-ly
pronouns
were
-ing
was
And (case sensitive)
But (case sensitive)
Because (case sensitive)
How (case sensitive)
of
-ion
very
by
that
was
about

Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30

Freshmen: Today I taught you about Ken Rand's self-editing technique, The 10% Solution. I am posting the cheat sheet here, so you can do it even if you missed class and the notes. You are to 10% your essay tonight (no reading homework for period 1 on Tuesday - period 6, you still have it), and no reading homework for either class on Wednesday, as this process should take you the better part of an hour the first time through.

Sophomores: Today we read for a bit in class and discussed The Power of One. We then moved into a close reading exercise called a Triple Entry Journal (3EJ), which you will do throughout your reading of this book (and the Echoes assignment - don't forget about that). We also looked at a couple of This I Believe essays and did some studying of literary themes, as well as touched on some themes from the Tao te Ching.

CNF: Today we finished chapter 5 from Blink and prepared for our seminar on Thursday. Get a copy of Freakonomics ASAP.

The Power of One Reading Schedule 2009

The Power of One Reading Schedule (not to mention the power of one reading schedule, ha ha - if everyone were on his or her own schedule we'd have mass confusion):
9/28 - begin text.
9/29 - Chapter 1 due.
10/2 - Chapters 1-3 due - about 13 pages a night.
10/9 - Chapters 4-7 due - about 12 pages a night.
10/19 - Chapters 8-11 due - about 12 pages a night. 7 questions to discuss on the first 11 chapters are due this date, as we will conduct a seminar for the first half of the text.
10/26 - Chapters 12-16 due - about 18 pages a night.
11/2 - Chapters 17-22 due - about 16 pages a night.
11/6 - Book due. 7 questions on the second half of the text are due; we will conduct a seminar again on this date.

Monday, September 28

Freshmen: Today we focused on Step 6, which is essentially the revision stage of writing. A second typed, revised and improved, draft is due next period. Period 7, read 20 tonight and tomorrow; period 1, read 20 minutes tonight. Start on vocab chapter 3, and don't forget about your letters to the editor.

Sophomores: Today we introduced The Power of One. See the reading schedule above.

CNF: Today we began chapter 5 from Blink; we will conclude it during the block period. You should have 15 notes, and I would like you to use the question stems I gave you as much as possible. Get Freakonomics as soon as possible.

Friday, 9/25

Freshmen: Today we took a vocab exam and looked at a couple of essays that have to do with spelling. Remember the findings of the study - spelling is not an accurate indicator of your intelligence, but it is an accurate indicator of your values: if you value what others think of you, you will take pains to spell correctly. And remember - those who make few spelling mistakes don't necessarily know how to spell every word, but do know (usually) when they have misspelled a word and take steps to correct it. Homework: read 20; a typed copy of your essay is due Monday.

Sophomores: Today we took a vocab exam and wrote a This I Believe essay from Pi's perspective as an adult. Remember to have The Power of One for Monday.

CNF: Today we listened to Kenna and watched a scene from All in the Family and tried to figure out who was right about them - the experts, or the fans, and also tried to figure out why a certain chair is or isn't comfortable.

Thursday, September 24

Freshmen: Today we looked at a couple of essays that had to do with spelling. The essential question we focused on is, Is your spelling ability a reflection of your intelligence, edicaction, desire, or something else (yes, I intentionally misspelled education - tell me you read that on Friday and you get 5 points extra credit). The article postulates that our spelling ability is in fact a reflection of our values - the desire to spell well is as important if not more so than our ability to spell well in the first place. Think about that. Read for 20 minutes; vocab is due Friday; typed draft of your essay due Monday.

Sophomores: Today we conducted a seminar on Life of Pi - you did very well. Bring the book again tomorrow. Vocab exam tomorrow; we will begin The Power of One on Monday.

CNF: We conducted another excellent seminar on Blink; show up tomorrow to see what else we'll do.

Tuesday September 22 and Wednesday September 23

Freshmen: Today we focused on Step 5 in the essay process - draft and develop the information into a good essay. We also learned how to cite from our sources according to MLA format. You are required to use at least one blocked and at least one in-text citation in your essay. A TYPED draft is due in class on Monday, September 28. We also discussed what standard format looks like - typed, double spaced, 12 point font, nice looking paper, etc.

Sophomores: Today we finished Part III of Life of Pi and began preparation for our first Socratic Seminar. You are to use the notes I gave you (question stems, and expectations and guidelines for participants) and craft seven authentic questions you would like to pose to the group in our seminar on Thursday. Bring Life of Pi each day to class this week. Get The Power of One ASAP - we start no later than Monday. Vocab chapter 2 is due Friday.

CNF: Today we finished reading chapter 4 in Blink and took a total of 15 notes in preparation for our seminar on Thursday.

Monday, September 21

Freshmen: Today we took a quiz on leads and conclusions to reinforce what we learned last week. Tonight and tomorrow, you need to read for 20 minutes. Be sure to bring all your research to class next period as we will begin to focus on writing the essays. And remember, chapter 2 vocab is due on Friday - we will have a quiz that day.

Sophomores: Today we took some time to read and then looked at your most recent creation myth essays. You were given an assessment that corresponded to the one-pager I distributed earlier this year; if you so choose, you can revise the essay using the one-pager as a guide and resubmit it, along with your original essay and rubric, no later than Friday. Remember, Part II in Life of Pi is due Wednesday, and chapter 2 vocab is due on Friday.

CNF: Today we simply began reading Chapter 4 from Blink. I wanted you to take a total of 15 notes in preparation for our seminar on Thursday; this means you have all period on the block day to read as well.

Friday, September 9/18

Freshmen: Today we focused on which of your two leads was the one to use for your essay, and also discussed conclusion techniques to try (there were six: quote, anecdote, prediction, punched statement, echo, or instruction). You will use one of these conclusions in your essay. And for those of you who check the blog, you get some insider information: there is a pop quiz on the five lead and six conclusion techniques on Monday, so study if you want.

Sophomores: Today we finished up our study of some of Martel's rhetorical devices. Part II is due for next block period.

CNF: Today we did some prep work for Chapter 4, which we'll read in class Monday and block day. Have a good weekend.

Thursday, September 17

Freshmen: Today we learned 5 different lead techniques for writing essays: quote, anecdote, background, news, and announcement. You must pick two of these and write two separate leads for your essay. It must be typed for credit. Tomorrow in class we will decide which lead is the best way to go. Also, be sure to read for 20 minutes. Chapter 2 vocab is due next Friday.

Sophomores: Today we focused on imitating some rhetorical devices Martel uses in Life of Pi, mainly his use of repetition and use of lists. Part II of Pi is due next block, and Chapter 2 vocab is due next Friday.

CNF: I felt we had a fascinating discussion/seminar on Chapter 3 of Blink. We will work toward concluding the book in the next few weeks, so get a copy of Freakonomics ASAP.

Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16

Freshmen: Today we finished our discussion on what good essays look like and moved on to Step 3 in our process - Focus the Data. We looked at all the data you collected and figured out what story it told. Based on that, we formed a thesis statement (a defensible opinion) - for example, Raise the driving age, or, Factory farming is unhealthy for animals as well as consumers. Remember, your thesis is the foundation of your essay - everything must tie into it, so be sure yours is a solid one. Read for 20 minutes these two nights, start working on Chapter 2 vocab (due 9/25), and bring your research with you next period.

Sophomores: Today we did a bevy of fascinating activities: We read; we reviewed vocab chapter 1 test; we learned all about the Richard Parkers out there; we looked at a couple of good This I Believe essays; we looked at the various themes in the Tao te Ching that are emerging; and we looked for echoes of the Tao in Life of Pi. Part II is due next block period. Chapter 2 vocab is due 9/25.

CNF: Today we read Chapter 3 in Blink, took three notes per section, and will discuss it on Thursday.

Monday, September 14

Freshmen: Today we took the chapter 1 vocab exam, though we are counting it only as a practice exam. The next chapter counts for real and is due Friday, September 25. Your homework is to read for 20 minutes and to complete your research on your topic (3x5s showing internet and non-internet print research and survey/interview. All research is due next period.

Sophomores: Today we focused on the reading skill of visualization as we read a few chapters from Life of Pi. You need to finish Part II for the next block period. We also collected your creation myth essays. Chapter 2 vocab is due Friday, September 25.

CNF: Today we discussed the results of your IATs and the issue of race in general. We will read Chapter 3 from Blink next period.

I think all three groups are doing absolutely fantastic - keep up the good work.

Friday, September 11

Hi. Have a great weekend and cheer on the Bulldog football team tonight and the Utes tomorrow night.

Freshmen: Today we concluded reading through the packet of essays and articulating what makes them so effective. Look over your list this weekend and add anything you might have missed. Read for 20 minutes this weekend. Chapter 1 vocab is due Monday and all your research (answers on 3x5 cards for internet and non-internet print research; interview or survey completed) is due in class on the next block period.

Sophomores: It was my hope that you would not procrastinate on your essays, but judging from what I have heard... Oh, well. Today in class we read the first two chapters of Part II from Life of Pi. Read Chapters 37-45 (including chapter 45) for Monday. We will do a crucial reading exercise that day, and you need to be current in the text to really get it. Also, your essay is due Monday.

CNF: We had a seminar today on Chapter 2 from Blink. Remember to take the IAT at Harvard - go to https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/ and click on DEMONSTRATION and take the RACE IAT - I think it is the top on on the list. Take it as often as you want, and feel free to take other ones as well. Write down your results.

Thursday, September 10

Freshmen: Today we continued to focus on what good essays look like. We will continue this tomorrow. Thus, we have moved back a few due dates. Here is your homework: Read for 20 minutes, vocab due MONDAY, research (internet, print, and survey/interview) due NEXT BLOCK PERIOD.

Sophomores: Today we looked at your 3 facts assignments and your summer read essays. Your homework is thus: chapter 1 vocab and Part I Life of Pi due FRIDAY, essay due MONDAY.

CNF: Over the weekend, I want you to take Harvard's Implicit Association Test. Go to https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/ Click on DEMONSTRATION and take the race IAT, as well as any others you may want to do. Write down the results of your IAT.

Tuesday, September 8/Wednesday, September 9

Freshmen: Today we continued Step 2 in our essay process - data collection. For your essay, you need 12 index cards, each with a good question about your topic con one side and very brief answers in bullet form with your source cited on the back. You should use these for your internet and print research. You also need to conduct an interview or administer a survey on your topic. All this data must be collected by Monday, 9/14. Read for 20 minutes, and remember, vocab chapter 1 is due Friday.

Sophomores: Today we took a quiz on chapters 1-23 from Pi, and looked at two essays from This I Believe. Your 3 Facts assignment is due Thursday, and due Friday are chapter 1 for vocab and Part I from Life of Pi. Due Monday are your essays.

CNF: Today we did some activities to introduce chapter 2 in Blink and started reading it. We will finish in class on Thursday; you need 5 notes on each of the two sections. We will have a seminar on Friday.

Friday, September 4

Freshmen: Today we focused on the first step of our seven-step essay process by taking the ideas for possible essay topics that you generated yesterday, choosing one, and defining it clearly as a topic. We then began Step 2, talking about all the different forms of information about your topic you need to start collecting: data, stories, quotes, numbers, surveys, just to name a few. New week we will continue with Step 2 and a technique we will call Question Based Research Strategy. For homework, you need to read twice for 20 minutes, work on chapter 1 vocabulary, start gathering sources about your topic, and bring your 3x5 cards next period.

Sophomores: Today we covered some basic literary terms and continued with focusing on schema connections. Here is your homework timeline:
-9/8 = Chapters 1-23 in Pi due.
-9/10 = 3 Facts assignment due.
-9/11 = Chapter 1 vocab due.
-9/14 = Creation Myth Essay due.

CNF: Today we applied some of the concepts from Chapter 1 by thin slicing a few interviews with couples and individuals' bedrooms, and by taking a version of the Big 5 Inventory. Have a good weekend. We will start Chapter 2 next week.

Thursday, September 3

Prediction: Utes 48-USU 14.

Freshmen: Today we started to brainstorm possible essay topics. We called the things that drive your thinking mental itches - those ideas and topics you just can't get out of your head. Writing is a great way to relieve that stress and learn about something that interests you. Your homework is to have at least 12 items in response to the questions I posed in class, 12 3x5 index cards for class tomorrow, and to read for 20 minutes.

Here are some of the questions we considered as we generated possible essay topics:
1. What stand have I taken, or choice have I made, or preference do I have that needs explaining?
2. What point of view needs my powers of persuasion?
3. What phenomena needs exploring?
4. What problem needs solving?
5. What issue needs explaining?
6. What interesting, true story can I tell?
7. What situation needs correcting?

Sophomores: Today we talked about schema connections, and in order to build your background knowledge about critical issues in Life of Pi, you were assigned a 3 Facts research assignment. This assignment is due 9/10. Your vocab and chapter 23 in Life of Pi, and your essay due date has been pushed back to 9/14 (you're welcome).

CNF: We had our first seminar on Chapter 1 from Blink - very stimulating, very interesting. Thank you, and good job. Your homework tonight is to email me a photo of your bedroom for an experiment we will perform in class tomorrow. Take it as is - no cleaning or tampering with the evidence!

Life of Pi Reading Schedule 2009

Life of Pi Reading Schedule:
Date: Chapter Due:
9/1 ; 9/2 - Begin Life of Pi
9/8; 9/9 - Chapter 23 Due.
9/11 – Part I Due. Begin Part II this day in class.
9/14 – Chapter 45 Due – Listen to 46 and 47 this day.
9/22 ; 9/23 - Part II Due. Listen to Part III in class this day.
9/24 - Seminar

***9/28 – We will begin The Power of One this date.

Mr. Baird Freshman and Sophomore First Semester Vocabulary Assignment

Mr. Baird Freshman and Sophomore First Semester Vocabulary Assignment

Each vocabulary chapter is due on the date assigned; a test will be administered that day and your book will be checked. You will generally receive a pass/partial/fail grade for the homework (50, 25, or zero), and the exam will be multiple choice on a scantron answer form. A missing book on the due date will result in a zero for that week’s assignment even if it is done. The majority of the work is to be done as homework, on your own – this means there will be little time in class to do it, and you should not work with another student in any way, shape, or form. Here are the due dates for chapters and quizzes:
9/11 Chapter 1
9/25 Chapter 2
10/9 Chapter 3
10/30 Chapter 4
11/13 Chapter 5
12/4 Chapter 6
12/18 Chapter 7
Semester exam 1-7 review

September 1 and 2

Freshmen: Today we introduced how we will do vocabulary this semester (see the blog entry) and discussed in-depth the three essential questions we focused on yesterday. You are to read 20 minutes tonight and Wednesday, and begin your vocab.

Sophomores: Today we introduced how we will do vocabulary this semester (see the blog entry), and began our first book, Life of Pi. We paid special attention to the author's note at the start of the text and discussed some issues that are applicable to what we are reading. Your homework is reading, vocab, and your essay.

CNF: Today we finished the intro to Blink and read the first chapter, which we will discuss next period. As you read, you are to take at least three notes (questions, comments, reflections, ideas, etc.) on the six sections - in other words, you will have 18 notes overall.