Preparing for Your Mock Interview

During your next mentor meeting, on Tuesday 6/03, you will be participating in a Mock Interview with our mentor volunteers. In other words, you will simulating an actual job interview. The goal is to get you prepared for the real thing. Here's what you can expect:
1) You will be interviewed by a panel of 2 -3 mentors which will NOT include your own mentor.
2) They will ask you questions similar to what you would expect to be asked on a real job interview. The questions will be based on the Sample Interview Questions you worked on with your mentor at the last meeting.
3) The panel of mentors will evaluate you based on how you perform during the interview. Your grade in advisory will be partly based on this evaluation.

Here's what you need to do in order to have a successful interview:
1) Dress appropriately as if you were going to a real interview.
2) Practice your handshake and making positive eye contact. Your handshake should be firm, but not overpowering.
2) Come prepared to the interview with a copy of your resume.
3)Practice what you will say and know how you will answer each sample interview questions.

Visit the links below for help in preparing for your interview:
How to Ace a Job Interview (Video)
How to Dress for a Job Interview (Video)
How to Answer 10 Tough Interview Questions 
5 Questions You Should Never Ask in a Job Interview 
Seven Seconds to Make a First Impression
Get that Job! (Virtual Interactive Game)

Bless Me, Ultima

We've embarked on a new unit in which we are reading the novel Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya. While reading, we have been discussing elements of writing such as characterization, symbolism and figurative language. Below are links to the class notes, a reader's guide for the novel and the Dialectical Journal Assignment.

Characterization
Symbolism
Figurative Language
Reader's Guide
Dialectical Journals

Make-Up / Extra Credit Assignment

The following assignment is intended to serve as a make-up/extra credit opportunity for people who would like to improve their grade. It is NOT REQUIRED, but I strongly suggest that, if you are missing an assignment, you do it.  It is due on FRIDAY (11/1) by the end of the period. 

Directions:
1) Read: Los Angeles schools' plan for non-English speakers: Segregation or solution?

2) Summarize: Write a summary of the article in which you do the following:

• Describe the issue/debate - What are people arguing about?
• Discuss BOTH SIDES of the debate - What does each side say? What is the main claim made by each side?

3) Evaluate: Write another paragraph where you express your opinion on the debate and evaluate the arguments of each side. 

• Which side do you believe has a stronger argument? 
• What evidence do they cite that is particularly persuasive/convincing? 
• Which side do you agree with? Why? EXPLAIN. 

Last Minute Tips

Explaining Your Evidence - It's not enough to just list evidence - facts, statistics, examples - you MUST also EXPLAIN why this evidence is important. What does it prove? (Hopefully, your claim!) Make sure you are making that connection for your reader. Tell your reader how the evidence proves your claim.

Tips for Creating a Works Cited Page
1) You MUST have a Works Cited page or you will loose A LOT of points;
2) Your Works Cited Page must be on a separate page;
3) Your Works Cited Page must be alphabetized using the author's last name;
4) Remember the "Hanging Indent" - each line after the first line of the citation is indented.
5) If you are still confused, watch the video again, MLA Works Cited VIDEO, and/or visit the Purdue OWL for more information. When you are done, your Works Cited page should look like this:

Peer Editing

If you think you are finished with your essay, please print out a copy. Next, find a partner and exchange papers. Pick up a Peer Editing Guide from Ms. D. Complete the Peer Editing Guide for your partner's essay. Once you are done, give the guide back to your partner. Turn the peer editing guide in for 10 points of extra credit on your essay.

How to Do an MLA Works Cited Page

Introduction

Is writing a Works Cited Page (also called a bibliography) confusing to you? Well, you are not alone! Watch this practical and helpful video to get over your fear of the Works Cited Page and learn some helpful hints for doing one correctly. You will watch the video and answer the corresponding questions.

Video

The MLA Works Cited Page (11:41)

Critical Thinking Questions

1. How are sources ordered on a works cited page?
   
2. What is a "hanging indent?" Describe the helpful tip given in this presentation for doing your hanging indent in MS Word.
   
3. What info do you need to include in a citation for a simple website?
   
4. What website is suggested at the end of this video as a helpful, reliable guide to use for MLA? (I recommend that you visit this helpful site after completing this assignment!)

Final Steps...  
Continue working on your essay or your Works Cited Page. I have decided to extend the due date for this essay until the end of class on Wednesday, 10/30.  Next week, in addition to working on your essay, we will engage in some peer editing and I may offer an opportunity for extra credit to those who are finished early.

Only three days left...

Hey Guys,
As you can see, I am out today. Mr. Luttbeg has been kind enough to cover this class for me, so please be on your BEST behavior. As of today, you have three days left of in-class work time to complete this assignment. It is due on Monday, no excuses. Please utilize the resources I have provided to you, the sample essays and the sentence frames, to improve your own essay. The most important thing is to make sure you have a clear, strong claim. You MUST take a clear position/side on your issue. Second most important is to make sure that your claim is supported with evidence. I'm sure Mr. Luttbeg will be happy to help you with your writing.

See you tomorrow,
Ms. Davenport