### Class Summary Report
**Title:** Essay Preparation and Presentation Skills Workshop
**Synopsis:** This lesson focused on preparing students for their upcoming presentations and finalizing their essays. The class reviewed essay due dates, engaged in peer review exercises, and discussed presentation techniques and grading criteria. The goal was to ensure students could effectively communicate their arguments and had a clear structure for both their essays and presentations.
**Attendance:**
– No students were mentioned as absent.
– Several visiting students attended the class.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Essay Due Date Extension:**
– The due date for essays was extended to March 20th.
2. **Peer Review Exercise:**
– Students reviewed each other’s essay drafts, focusing on clarity of the chosen amendment and the structure of thesis statements.
3. **Presentation Preparation:**
– The structure and delivery of presentations were discussed.
– PowerPoint use was recommended but optional.
– Grading criteria: 50% etiquette, 50% content.
4. **Essay Formatting and Submission Guidelines:**
– Detailed instructions on essay formatting were provided.
– Essays are due on March 20th.
5. **Interactive Q&A:**
– Students asked questions regarding presentations, essay writing, and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Essay Completion:**
– Remind students to write the background paragraph if they haven’t already.
– **Presentation Practice:**
– Encourage students to practice their presentations, timing them to fit within the 5-7 minute limit.
– **Formatting Review:**
– Reiterate the importance of proper formatting for essay submission.
– **Plagiarism Clarification:**
– Clarify the use of similarity checkers and the difference between similarity and plagiarism.
– **Game Preparation:**
– Prepare a game for the last class before spring break, as mentioned.
**Homework:**
– **Presentation:**
– Prepare and practice the presentation for next Monday.
– **Essay Submission:**
– Finalize essays and submit by March 20th.
– **Formatting Practice:**
– Ensure essays are properly formatted according to the guidelines provided.