Journal Blog #7: What happens next?

We're almost there. You have brainstormed and narrowed. You have developed background and context. You now have a thesis statement... you now have a point of focus. So, what happens next?

The reader should have a clear idea about where you are going by now. Your introduction has directed them in a certain way... now take the reader that way. Don't change direction and confuse the reader. You need to follow up your thesis with logical, interesting, and well-developed ideas. The ideas should be arranged in a thoughtful order. Each idea should be equally developed.

This requires some careful and creative planning, because communicating in writing is different from any other medium. You only have one chance. You can't stop and say "oh... what I mean is..." No. The words on the page is what you mean.

In this journal blog, share what happens next in your essay. Remember to include your ID# and Section # in your post. Aj. M

Journal Blog #6: Narrow down to your topic.

We have been working to brainstorm topic ideas and to organize those ideas that we could communicate in an essay format. It is so important to not just get an idea, but it is maybe even more important to understand where that idea comes from. We have been narrowing from a theme to a sub-theme to a field to a subject to a situation and to a topic...  I want to see this in this journal blog, and please say a little bit about what you expect this essay to explain.

It is hard to say how important this process is, because before you know it, you will start to write only to realize that you don't know what you're writing about. Take the time and think with care about these steps.

Remember to include your ID# and Section # in your post. Aj. M

Journal Blog #5: What is your area of interest?

It is now time to start thinking of what you're going to do. I have been leading you up to now, exposing you to a variety of texts and ideas about leaders and leadership. We have seen how good and bad essays are organized, and you have given it a try already in your in-class essay.

Any essay has to start with an idea. The only rule for the last assignment is that whatever topic you do has to, in some way, relate to our theme of leadership. Start thinking about where you're going to go. Take the next step and consider your sub-theme. In this journal blog, tell me what your sub-theme is and why you want to go that way. Is it related to your major? Is it a general interest you already have? Do you have a personal connection or experience to this idea? Let me know what you're thinking, so I can help you to continue narrowing down to a particular idea.

Remember to include your Section # and ID# in your post. Aj. M