Composition Classes

WRITE RIGHT WITH MRS. WHITE

English Composition Classes
Grades 9-12

Preparing students for
college and for life

Learning to write is not only an essential communication skill, but it also equips individuals to think, to organize those thoughts, and to present ideas clearly and in a logical order. In other words, this skill helps us in every area of our lives. For students, it helps them in their other classes as well.

2013-14 CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 20 & 21

If you live in or near Cleburne, Texas,

contact Mrs. White at composition@charter.net to enroll your student.

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Composition I, II, III

Registration Form

Class Information

Composition I - Tuesdays, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Composition II - Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Composition III - Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

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7th/8th Grade Writing & Grammar

Registration Form

2 day/week class: Tuesday/Thursday 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

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Terri White is the founder of the local home school support group in Cleburne, Texas. From 1983-99 she home schooled her three children. The White's children are grown and married, and they have several grandchildren. A 1972 magna cum laude graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Terri has written numerous articles for various publications and three books: Good News Bible Study, Successful Home Schooling, and Write Right with Mrs. White. As a graduate of "Leadership Cleburne," Terri served five years on the Board of Directors for East Cleburne Community Center, a nonprofit organization that works with at-risk youth and adults. She also served as ECCC Chairman of the Board for three years. Currently, Terri's English Composition classes are offered to high school age home schoolers.

Composition One is a foundational course. It focuses on fundamental composition skills, covering English grammar only in relationship to writing. Students are taught how to formulate ideas by using prewriting techniques such as brainstorming and clustering. To convey ideas clearly and accurately, they learn how to develop well-structured sentences. Using a step-by-step approach, students study the beginning essay form and work through all steps of the writing process to create effective paragraphs and short essays in various genres.   Prerequisite: Grammar

Composition Two masters the classic five-paragraph essay in all genres: descriptive, expository, narrative, and persuasive. Further sophisticated writing techniques are practiced to bring depth and maturity to writing. The students learn to draft an interesting, thought-provoking introduction with a thesis statement that controls the essay. Following that, they are taught to use logical thought processes and clear supportive reasoning in the body of the essay and to summarize the topic in the concluding paragraph. Prerequisite: Composition One (Exceptions are made on an individual basis.)

Composition Three is an in-depth course preparing students for college level work. Students will practice, practice, practice in class to master skills. They write a personal essay, research paper, timed essays, and learn advanced techniques. Anyone completing this course is prepared to CLEP out of College Composition and to take the SAT/ACT essay exam. Prerequisite: Composition II & a working knowledge of outlining.

STUDENT & PARENT TESTIMONIES

"I just wanted to say thank you for teaching Justin. It has been the best class he has taken to date. Three years ago, writing a strong, well-structured sentence was like climbing Mt. Everest. Now he writes five page research papers. He has come so far in his writing skills -   from loathing a writing assignment to having a positive attitude and confidence in the writing skills that he has learned.    He has also learned the benefits of perseverance! (2010). . .  I think you single handedly will have gotten him through college when it's all over. (2012) Cheryl

On that first day, I stepped into your class with doubt and fear of my potential. I now leave with confidence. I leave with peace. I leave with gratefulness - for all the time, care, and energy you gave; for your passion as a writer; for your discipline as a teacher; and your love as a friend. After a year and a half of class, I carry no regrets (yes, I wanted to die at certain times, but I always survived. I always learned). Above all, you taught me to be a better person - passionate, excellent, diligent, and humble - and for that I am most grateful. You've heard this from many others I'm sure, but from all of my heart: thank you!! May God bless you for the work you have done, the lessons you have taught, and the lives you have touched - all for His glory. I'll always remember. ~Ryan 2011

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"Before I took Mrs. White's class, I hated writing. I would sit there and stare of into space... It was torture. Mrs. White teaches you how to write by breaking it down. Now I actually like writing; it doesn't stress me out." ~ Justin 2009

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"I have good news, Mrs. White: I received my acceptance letter from DBU on Monday! So I just wanted to let you know that I will be a "Patriot" in the fall. But the big news I thought you would be interested in is that -- thanks ONLY to your classes -- I CLEPped out of Freshman English 1301. Should my accomplishment be recorded in the "Mrs. White's Student Hall of Fame?" I don't think so; but for me, it is a huge relief - my fall semester is English free! THANK YOU, MRS. WHITE!!" ~Bethany 2007

As a junior at Texas Tech, Bethany writes, "You were one the best teachers I have ever had. I don't know if I told you, but I CLEPed out of all the rest of my English courses!" ~Bethany

Now Bethany B. is preparing to launch into her career at a registered dietitian (2011): "Mrs. White, as I sit at Starbucks completing the tasks of my internship and preparing for my future career, I am so thankful for all that you taught me about grammar and sentence structure so many years ago. While writing is still not my talent or passion, I now appreciate the many exercises and assignments that you usually had to "force" me to do! I am a much better person because of it! I just wanted you to know that your sweet, calm voice is still in head when I write summaries, curriculum, letters, etc. You made such a lasting impact on this future dietitian! ~Bethany

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"Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the effort you invested in me. I would be completely sunk if I hadn't taken your composition classes. Now [in college], I am actually the 'go to girl' if anyone needs help making their papers more interesting." ~Helen

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"You are a marvelous teacher, Mrs. White. Because of you, my writing skills have improved tremendously - now I enjoy writing." ~Cheyenne

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"Next fall I will be attending the Honors College at Texas A&M University - Commerce. Because they require strong writing skills in this program, three years of your composition classes have prepared me for academic success. Thank you for equipping me to reach my goals." ~ Hana

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"I want to thank you so much for improving my writing skills. A few weeks ago, I read through my old essays and laughed at how much I improved over the year. I love being in your class because you make writing fun and interesting. I'm looking forward to next year!"  ~ Mary

At her graduation from high school, Mary writes, "Mrs. White, I have been so blessed to know you over the past few years, and I don't mean that from just an academic point of view. You have been an honorable, godly role model in my life. Thank you so much!" ~2011

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"Because of your teaching, Mrs. White, I no longer stress over my papers, and I actually enjoy writing them. Did you know that I CLEPped out of College Composition? All thanks to you! I'm going to miss you when I leave for college, but I'll stay in touch. ~Michala

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"I just wanted to say thank you for teaching Justin. It has been the best class he has taken to date. Three years ago, writing a strong, well-structured sentence was like climbing Mt. Everest. Now he writes five page research papers. He has come so far in his writing skills -   from loathing a writing assignment to having a positive attitude and confidence in the writing skills that he has learned.    He has also learned the benefits of perseverance!" ~ Cheryl

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"I am in my first college English class this semester and received one of my essays back yesterday. After our instructor informed the class that few received full credit and that he usually makes numerous corrections, he handed the essays back to us. Not only did I receive full credit, but he also only corrected two errors. Moreover, he wrote, 'You write with flair and overall superior skill.' I KNOW I could not have done so well in this class if I had not completed Mrs. White's writing classes. THANK YOU MRS. WHITE!!!!" ~Bethany

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We are so pleased with what Caleb is learning from you. You came highly recommended, with good reason.  ~Lori

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In Composition 3, students write a personal essay at the end of the year. Drew wrote about his life long struggle with Auto Inflammatory Diseases and his paper is included on http://www.stopcaidnow.com/ , a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children suffering from Auto Inflammatory Disease (CAID). Click on "Family Stories" for Drew's essay.

I passed the College Composition CLEP!! Thank you, Mrs. White, for teaching me write from wrong. ~ Drew

Now in college, Drew writes, I'm currently two days into college classes, and my classmates and professors are already raving about my writing. The Chaplin in my section of the dorms just asked me if I'd let him send a paragraph I wrote for my very first assignment to one of the deans. Maybe some of your lessons stuck with me after all. :) Thanks for being my favorite teacher!

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Former students who are now in college: "Mrs. White, we can no longer use the word "thing" in our essays, and we feel good about it, too!" ~Rachael & Carrie 2011

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Former student who is now in college: I didn't struggle with any of my writing assignments in this first semester of college, thanks to you, Mrs. White. ~ Abi 2011

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Michael has learned so much in your composition classes these past two years. He has seen how your class helped his brothers in high school and college. He really does enjoy writing - thanks to you!. All three of my boys are very grateful to you for everything you have taught them. ~Sally 2012

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I want to say "thanks" for teaching my three boys. They are all doing great in high school in college. Writing is their strength and they have you to thank. ~ Deedra 2012

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I learned that Mrs. White really does know what she is talking about and actually helped me become a better writer. ~Journi 2012

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I wanted to offer my most profuse thanks for all the time and trouble you invested in me this past school year. Your instruction took me further in writing and communication than I thought possible. Before I took your class, I was an "impulsive writer" - pulling whatever random facts out of my brain I could get a hold of and throwing them in haphazard manner on the paper. Now, thanks to you, I have a never-fail plan that equips me for a lifetime of communication. A blank page is now not an insurmountable obstacle to my sanity, but a wealth of possibility. You have given me an invaluable tool, and I am thoroughly grateful! ~ Moriah 2012

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The 25 minute essay: There was a break through here this week over writing the 25 minute essay.

Both E and S mentioned that practicing writing the 25 minute essay in your class has helped them. E said she has more confidence that she can do it now and stated it was due to these extra classes.

S had to write an essay to apply for a staffing position at the upcoming summer encampment. He worked on it last night, and when he was finished, he remarked that the practice writing the 25 minute essay helped him a lot. How wonderful to hear that fear has been diminished and replaced by confidence! ~ Chris 2012
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I just want to thank you for teaching me all that you did! With what I learned in your classes, I am the top in my college English class. Frequently, students ask me to help them with their papers and to teach them writing techniques. Also, my teacher is very impressed with my writing skills. Thanks for being a great teacher. ~ Jennifer 2012
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Poem from 2004-05 Composition 2 Class:

�MRS. WHITE�

Mrs. White taught us to write

It could have been disaster,

But she prevailed

And not one failed

The essay we all mastered.

There were some times when we were blind

To what she tried to say

But it got through

Till we finally knew

Our minds weren�t made of clay!

Even when our marks were low

And our papers filled with red,

Her kind and caring spirit

Always would shine through it

And our hearts weren�t filled with dread!

We learned a skill, and it will fill

Our lives with many chances

To communicate

Things small and great,

And in society make advances.

Thanks, Mrs. White!

My 2008 Composition 3 class wrote a "mock essay" patterned after author Patrick McManus' story "Get Lost." www.mcmanusbooks.com/ We forwarded the essay to Mr. McManus and he replied below. After his letter, I have included the story that my students wrote entitled "Get Stupid." ~Terri White

Dear Ms. White,

I thought the �Get Stupid� essay was excellent. Hana, Thomas, & Hannah have hit upon a technique I used with one of my very first published pieces. As you no doubt know, it�s the Reversal. Nancy Davidson, then the Northwest editor of Sunset Magazine, told me about it. I think I was still in college at the time and it was a great revelation to me. Over the years, rather than use the wise old man who sets a high standard for youngsters, I used an ignorant old man who set a low standard, Rancid Crabtree. Where others write about how to get found, I write about how to get lost. Where others write about the greatest dog in the world, I write about the worst, Strange. Here your students are still in high school and they write about the advantages of being dumb, a perfect reversal. They are off to a great start, due, I suspect, to the talents of their teacher.

Best regards,

Pat McManus

GET STUPID

by Hana Huff, Thomas Huff, & Hannah Stewart

April 2008

   Much has been written to help dummies -- Mac for dummies, sewing for dummies, boiling water for dummies -- but how do you obtain the state of stupidity and uphold the noble title of stupid?

    I discovered early in life that I had a natural talent for demonstrating stupidity, a talent that through practice and discipline I honed to a sharp edge. By my senior year of high school, I had so stupefied my teachers that they awarded me, on graduation night, the "Wayatoodense Achievement Award" -- the first and last of its kind. It always captures the attention of prospective employers as they decipher my resume.

    I guess it worked. For the past ten years, I have toiled in the Research Department of Pierre Plastic Palms. Pierre, South Dakota, is renown for its palms. As maintenance engineer for the company, I have been cogitating the palm's ability to sustain their polished green appearance with such an appalling lack of H2O.

    On my lunch breaks, I took it upon myself to covertly research this phenomenon. I volunteered to dispose of my colleagues' beverages. Instead of delivering them to the nearest trash receptacle, I offered them to the palms. Over the next few weeks, the trees sampled water, coffee, Propel, Red Bull, Gatorade, Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, Sprite, pomegranate juice, apple juice, and even Monster energy drinks. But it wasn't until I tried green tea that my labors bore fruit. My co-worker, A. Choo, suddenly ceased his sniffling and sneezing. Mr. Hacker, after passing the palm, terminated his consistent cough. Eureka! I had found the cure for the common cold: green tea extract, palm bark, and faux Spanish moss with just a hint of floral foam.