Workshop!

Greetings Frosh!

Over the next week or so we will have our first TOEFL workshop.  Here is an outline of the procedure:

I - Be sure you've read all the TOEFL responses in your class only, and that you have posted comments to three individual responses.  Remember, once a post has three comments, the comments on that post are closed!  You will need to find a post that does not have three comments and post there instead.

II - Bring to class a copy of what you think is a good response to the prompt.  You should have marked it up, highlighting strengths.  You should come up with three solid reasons why you thought this response effective.

III - In groups of four, you will then discuss the merits of your selected response.  In your group, find commonalities with your group members as to what makes an effective response.  These could range from selection of examples, argumentative strength, style, etc.  The point is to identify the strategies that work most effectively for a solid TOEFL essay.

IV - Your group will choose a representative to present your findings to the class.  Feel free to use specific examples from the responses you brought to class.  Be prepared to hand in your final presentation.  It doesn't need to pretty, as long as I can easily understand your main points.

V - Be positive.  For the purpose of this exercise, you should focus on what works as opposed to what doesn't.  This will hopefully help everyone in the class write more effective TOEFL prompt responses.

You will be graded on your preparation for the assignment, as well as your participation in the group exercise.  Part of your grade will be an assessment of how well your group works as a whole, so please consider that if you are not prepared or do not participate, you affect your group's score as well as your own.

And remember: be happy!

El Generalissimo