When 'desk rage' strikes the office

By Ben Amato | Newfield High School

ELA Multimedia Program When 'desk rage' strikes the office By Ben Amato

Cautionary Essay Writing Lesson ELA Standards 1, 3 and 4

The stress of the business world can cause strife with your co-workers and in your own life. Today's lesson looks at the effects of tension in the workplace and what you can do to ease the turmoil.

TV Component CBS News carried the story of stress in the office and its emotional toll. View the video clip twice and then take the Multiple-Choice Quiz.

Newspaper Component The article in today's Newsday titled "When 'desk rage' strikes the office" details how stress can cause behavioral changes in the workplace. Read the article and using the facts and details within, complete the Comprehension Crossword Puzzle.

Language Arts Component Critical lens

Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it. Jane Wagner and Lily Tomlin

Stress is a byproduct of the real world. Our careers, relationships and health can be affected by the tensions we have in our lives. And the results can be very negative on all levels.

Situation Write a CAUTIONARY ESSAY to inform people about the signs and dangers of stress in the workplace.

The Nature and Structure of a CAUTIONARY ESSAY A CAUTIONARY ESSAY seeks to warn readers of some threat or situation that may affect them. It uses facts and details to present the situation and advises the precautions to take to lessen the risk and danger. A CAUTIONARY ESSAY is usually written in three sections.

INTRODUCTION This paragraph begins the essay and starts off with a STATEMENT OF TOPIC. In the opening sentence, DESCRIBE the causes, symptoms and effects of STRESS in the workplace. Present details about the SETTING, where and when tensions arise and the CAST - the people most prone to stressful situations. End this section with your OPINION about stress in the workplace.

BODY This section of the essay offers SPECIFIC DETAILS about stress and how it can sour an entire office. Organize this section in ORDER OF IMPORTANCE, with the most critical details coming first and the less important ones later in the paragraph. The point of this style of essay is to WARN and INFORM people about a situation, so be very clear on what people can and should do to remain healthy. Only at the end of the entire essay should your opinions and feelings be revealed.

This section may be longer than just one paragraph, depending on how many facts and details you gather from the article and television news story. Use the Comprehension Crossword Puzzle and the answers to the Multiple-Choice Quiz as a RUBRIC so you can see if all the important facts have been included and described.

CONCLUSION The final section of the CAUTIONARY ESSAY is where you TELL your readers how you feel about stress and tension among co-workers. End this section with a look to the future. What can be done to ease stressful situations at work?