Course Evaluation

Evaluate your progress in English class this year. In what areas did you develop most? What areas still need work? What did you think of the class overall? What could have been better?

Intraracism: Victim? Perpetrator? Witness?

Describe a personal experience you had with intraracism. How did it make you feel? Why? Why is or isn't it a problem?

Reminder: Email your Power Point Presentations to me tonight!

Denim Terrorists

Suppose a group of terrorists wearing jeans attacked the United States, and people associated denim jeans with terrorism as a result.
Why would or wouldn't you continue wearing jeans?
What would you say to justify your decision?
What would your choice say about who you are?

Presenting...

By Wednesday, you must create a presentation for your essay. Presentations should have:

 

At least eight  (8) slides

No more than 15 words per slide

At least four (4) images related to your story, theme, and personal experience

Only pertinent information from your essay!

 

Reminder: Essays due today by 8 p.m.! 

Essay DUE MONDAY!

Finish your essay this weekend. Email it to me by Monday, June 6 at 8 p.m. [gmail: mshoffler].

Please, please, please: Save your Google Doc as your name.

Essay: Body Paragraphs

Write your THIRD body paragraph. [Second period ONLY: Write your second body paragraph]
Be sure to include:
Topic sentence
Main idea
Detail(s) that support your main idea
Explanation of the details
Concluding statement

Introducing...

Write your first body paragraph.

It should include a topic sentence, main idea, detail(s), an explanation, and a concluding statement.

For second period ONLY:
Write your INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH. Use the model we went over in class to write your paragraph. 

Essay: Theme

Prompt: Select any of the stories we’ve recently read and a personal experience, and discuss how the conflict develops the theme

•Themes:

•We sometimes create more disaster when we try to change our fate.

•Avoiding fate often leads to misery.

•Confronting our fate is sometimes the bravest thing we can do.

Thesis statement

1. Select the story you wish to discuss, and explain the conflict ["Somebody" wanted.... But.... So....]

2. Choose and describe a related personal experience and the theme.

3. Write TWO thesis statements for your essay.

Stories:
Orpheus
The Death of Baldur
Hades Takes a Wife
Masque of the Red Death
And of Clay Are We Created

Fact to Fiction

Watch or read the news tonight. Choose a story from the broadcast or paper that you would write a story or poem about. Describe it, and explain whose perspective/POV you would focus on and why.

Please note: The final day to submit your mask project is Tuesday, May 31!

"Don't leave me..."

Finish reading "And of Clay Are We Created." (through p. 265)

Which passage from your reading was most tragic? Write it, and explain what makes it so powerful.

Why do you think Allende chose to tell the story ("And of Clay Are We Created") from the POV of someone other than Azucena?
Use: It seems that...
I believe...
For instance...
Also...
As you can see...

Project Poe due TOMORROW!

"I am a Story Hunter"

Read "Meet the Writer: Isabel Allende" on p. 266

List five facts about her life and career.

Why do you think she was inspired to write about the Colombian Mudslide, based on her biography? Give an example.


Remember: Project Poe due WEDNESDAY MAY 25!!!

Project Poe

Project: Allegory

Choose any two of the seven topics and create a mask for each one. Your mask should represent the allegorical meaning of the topic within “Masque of the Red Death.” Refer to the story for ideas to represent in your mask.

Ebony Clock

Prince Prospero

Blood

Colors (any 2)

7 Rooms

Masquerade (masked ball)

Masked Guest

Each mask should be original, creative, colorful, and reflect your topic’s allegorical meaning. Write your name and period on the back of your masks.

Suggested materials: glitter, paint, feathers, pompoms, shaped confetti, jewels, etc.

Masks are worth 16 pts each. You will be graded on timeliness, following directions, effort, and creativity.

BONUS: Do a third mask for up to 16 pts. extra credit!

Masks are due by Wednesday, May 25, 2011!

Constructed Response

What abstract ideas does the allegorical story of "Masque of the Red Death" reveal? Give two examples from the story top support your response.

(Use your class notes to help you write your response.)


**If you scored below a 70% (52/75) on your Animal Farm Test: correct or complete the responses you got wrong. You will receive half credit for each correct answer. Due tomorrow!

How can you masque death?

Finish reading "Masque of the Red Death" thru p. 427.

In a T-Chart, complete three entries that make connections between the "Black Death" article (p. 429-430) and "Masque of the Red Death".

Poe's Nightmare

Read "Meet the Writer: Edgar Alan Poe" p. 428
Write a paragraph about his life and career using the following sentence starters:

Chances are... Because of... Therefore, ... Also,... Furthermore...

TAG (You're) It!

Constructed Response
What inferences can you make about the relationships between the characters in "Hades Takes a Wife"? Make at least two inferences, and give examples from the story to support your response.

My apologies that this didn't post yesterday! Technical difficulties.

"he aches with his whole body to turn to look upon her face"

Write the extension of "Orpheus" from Eurydice's perspective. What are her thoughts on what Orpheus has done? What will she do? Why?

The mysteries of life

What does "The Death of Baldur" teach us about the mysteries of life? How is it similar to or different from another myth you know? Give an example from the story in your response.

Word Etymology

Complete Etymology License Plates for any FOUR words on p. 688 Practice-2 #4-11

Misplaced Modifier

Define and explain in your own words what a misplaced modifier is (Elements, p. 650).

Complete "Practice" #1-5. 

Thinking Critically

Complete "Thinking Critically" p. 326, #5-8 and 10. Please restate the questions and answer in complete sentences.

Reminder: "Animal Farm" test tomorrow, May 5!!! [You should know situational irony, allusion, theme, tone, parody, satire, propaganda, the author's purpose, and all that we covered during the novel.] Bring your book!!

She giggled...

Finish reading "Lamb to the Slaughter."

Explain why Mary giggles at the end of the story. How is this a "bitter truth wrapped in a little joke"? Give two examples from the story to support your answer.

Failure to Conform

"It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation."--Herman Melville

Why would George Orwell (dis)agree with Melville, based on his purpose for writing "Animal Farm"? Give two examples from the novel to support your answer.

"From man to pig, from pig to man..."

In what ways are people like the pigs on Animal Farm? Give two examples that show how people have the same traits.

"Four legs good, two legs better!"

Finish reading the book.


Explain what the NEW Commandment means. What lesson does its creation teach us? Give an example from the chapter to support your answer.

"Violence"

Read Maya Angelou's essay "Violence."
After a close reading, explain in a paragraph the speaker's tone toward the subject and those who disagree with her. Give an example of both.

"All Hail Comrade Napoleon!"

Finish reading Chapter 9. Complete the Constructed Response on the handout: How does Orwell use satire to attack totalitarianism in Animal Farm? Give two examples from Chapter 9 to support your response.

Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy

In what ways are the animals on the farm becoming more like humans? Give three examples from the novel so far.

"Serves You Right"

Read Chapter 8.

What are Squealer's comments about food percentages and "victory", and what is he caught doing at the end of the chapter?
How do they support his role as "minister of propaganda"?

Slaughter...

Read Chapter 7. Research and explain how Napoleon's Dogs are an allusion to the Secret Police (KGB). Give at least three (3) details that explain their similarities.

WebQuest!

With your partner, research general background information and information specific to the person/place you were assigned.

}You and your partner will create a POWERPOINT or a PREZI [login on the board] that should:

}identify the who/what the person is, his or its characteristics and purpose;

}include five major facts and/or dates;

}Explain how the character or place is an allusion in the novel and the purpose;

}Include two (2) images.

 Information can be found in the following places:

Read about the characters' backgrounds here. This site also has good character information.

Read about the Russian Revolution here. 

Information about Joseph Stalin can be found at this site, and his Five-Year Plans at this one.

For information about Leon Trotsky, go here, and here. 
Ministry of Propaganda (Pravda) information can be found at this site, and also  here.

To look up information about  Czar Nicholas II, click here.

Good luck!

"Know Your Limits"

Today we learned about propaganda. Find an example of propaganda (an article, song, advertisement, video, etc.) and bring it in or describe it. Explain how it influences people's opinions and beliefs and what makes it (potentially) dangerous.

Progress reports will be given tomorrow!

Windmill of Lies

How does Napoleon use the destruction of the Windmill to control the animals? Why? Explain with two examples.

"Long Live Animal Farm!"???

Finish reading Chapter 6.

A divide on Animal Farm begins with Mollie's disappearance and continues with the pigs' abuse of power.

Explain the ways this affects the morale on the farm. give at least one example to support your answer.

"Where's Mollie?"

Read Chapter 5. Explain the cause-and-effect relationship of Mollie's disappearance. Why do you think she disappeared? What do you think will happen as a result of her disappearance? Give two examples.

"All Animals Are Equal"

 What is ironic about how the "Seven Commandments" on Animal Farm are used by the animals? Give at least two examples.Finish Chapter 2 and read Chapter 3

"Ring the Alarm!!"

Today in class we viewed the parody of "Ring the Alarm". For homework, find an example of a parody (song, video, commercial, etc.). Describe the example (what's it called, what is the original work, etc.) and what makes it a parody, and explain the intended purpose of the parody.

The Lion, The Bear, The Fox

Read "The Lion, The Bear, and The Fox"

Rewrite the fable's ending in the style of the Brothers' Grimm. Use elements of a fairy tale, but the moral lesson must be the same!
(One paragraph)

"Mirror, Mirror, on the wall...."

Read the Grimm Brothers' version of "Little Snow White" (here).

Identify and explain at least FIVE  fairy tale elements within the story.


Write in complete sentences, in paragraph form!

These ____ of mine...

Reread the poem "Homage to My Hips" by Lucille Clifton

What message did Lucille Clifton want to convey through this poem? What feature of your own might convey a similar message? Give two reasons in your answer.

Progress reports will be given tomorrow!

RAFT, Research, Bonus

Read the poem "Booker T. and W.E.B." by Dudley Randall

Complete the RAFT assignment:
ROLE: Scientist OR Cook
AUDIENCE: Booker T. and W.E.B. DuBois
FORMAT: Email/Letter [minimum one paragraph] OR Poem [minimum 10 lines]
TASK: Argue why your job is as important as the other job (In other words, as the Cook, you would argue why your job is as important as a Scientist's; as the Scientist, you'd argue why your job is as important as the Cook's)

Reminder that your Research Paper is due TODAY! Email or share your paper via Google Docs by today.

Bonus Projects due TOMORROW!

Thanks to everyone who has sent me your papers! I will be back in tomorrow, and your research paper is due by email tomorrow. Bring research folders to hand in!

Eeeek! Spiders!

Reread "When All of My Cousins Are Married"

Explain why you believe or do not believe the author is really "above" traditional Indian marriages. Give two examples to support your answer.

Research papers are due Wednesday, March 23!

Bonus assignments are due Tuesday, March 22  Thursday, March 24!

You're welcome....

The deadline for your research papers has been extended to Wednesday, March 23!!!!

Please use your time wisely! Papers should be submitted electronically to me (Gmail: mshoffler) by Wednesday!

BONUS Projects are due Tuesday, March 22!!

Open Catchily!

Finish your Outline for your research paper!

Write a catchy opening for your paper. (1-2 sentences)

Write your thesis statement. Remember it should generally answer your three essential questions.

Remember to continue doing research!

You should have:

• a folder to keep all your research work
• three sources, of which ONE must be selected by you, and a source card for each source
• your outline, with your opening statement and thesis statement
• all the notes you have taken as you have done research!

Gathering evidence

Select your THIRD source for your research topic. Create a source card for it, and continue gathering information for your essential questions.

Don't forget to get a two-pocket folder, if you haven't gotten one!

Research Paper Plan

Please complete the Research Paper Plan for your topic and focus. Your plan should include the sources you are considering, why you chose the topic and focus, and what you hope to learn from your research.

Write three essential questions for your research. [You can do it on the back of your handout]

"killing a mockingbird"

Finish the book (Read CH 27-31)

Describe what happened the night of the Halloween pageant that led to Jem's broken arm.

Why didn't Sheriff Tate want to report the incident? How would it have been like "killing a mockingbird" if he did?

17 shots

Read Ch 25 & 26

Explain why you think Tom Robinson gave up hope. Would you have done the same in his situation? Give two examples from the novel to support your response.

Interims will be distributed tomorrow!

[Not?] GUILTY!

¡By Thursday:

¡Read Chapters 21-24!

¡Create a QNT chart to compare and contrast your reactions to the verdict with those of each character: Jem, Scout, Atticus, Bob Ewell

¡

QUOTE	NOTE	THOUGHT
Quote reflecting character’s reaction to the verdict	Interpret character’s reaction	Compare/contrast with your own reaction

"I got something that'll settle your stomach"

¡Read Chapter 19-20

¡Explain who Mr. Dolphus Raymond is, and what makes him a major or minor character. Use two examples from the novel in your response.

Court's in Session

Read through Chapter 17

Describe the mood in Maycomb as people head to the courtroom. Contrast how the mood changes when Sheriff Tate and Bob Ewell take the stand. Write one paragraph with three examples.

"I'm sorry, Aunty."

Read Chapter 14

Finish each sentence:
I can tell Aunt Alexandra cares about Scout and Jem...
Proof of this is...
In addition...
These reasons show that...

Remember that the second and third sentences should be evidence from the chapter(s)!

Progress Reports will be distributed tomorrow!

"It's the same God, ain't it?"-Calpurnia

Finish reading Chapter 12

1. Create a Venn Diagram or a T-Chart that compares Calpurnia's character traits in each setting:

• The Finch Household
• Her Church

2. Explain what conflicts motivated Calpurnia to behave the way she did in church. Give three examples from the chapter.

"Don't you say Hey to me, you ugly girl!"

1. Finish reading Chapter 11. Complete the QNT Chart on Imagery and Mood by tomorrow.

2. Atticus tells Scout, "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win." (101)


He tells Jem, "I wanted you to see what real courage is.... It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." (149)

Explain in your own words what Atticus believes it means to be courageous. Who in the novel so far has shown courage? In what ways will the children need to show courage? (1)paragraph0

Shoot all the blue jays and tin cans you want...

Finish reading Chapter 10

Explain what Atticus means when he says "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird". What significance does it add to the novel?

Consider what the upcoming trial, and Atticus' rules about fighting with words [versus fighting with fists] may have to do with what he means.

Christmas at Finch's Landing

Read Chapter 9

Classify and describe the moods throughout the chapters, and with details from the chapter, explain what creates each mood. Give a minimum of three examples from the chapter.

The Radley House

Read Chapters 6 and 7;

Summarize and react to wht the children and Mr. Radley do at the Radley House in both chapters. 

Post your homework here as a comment by Monday at 9 p.m. Leave your first name and last initial.

Boo!

Explain in a sentence for each person what his/her description of Boo Radley is:

Jem
Atticus
Scout
Dill
Miss Maudie

Explain how the adults' views are different from the children's.

Progress Reports and graded work will be returned tomorrow!

First Days of School

Read Chapter 2 of Mockingbird:

In what ways can you relate to Scout's experiences at school? Give at least three examples from the novel and explain how your experiences were similar to hers.

Setting is everything

Finish reading Chapter 1 of Mockingbird. 

Explain in a paragraph how the novel's plot might be different if it were set today in Philadelphia. Use examples from the novel and real life.

Tell me about the time...

Today in class we interviewed each other about our own experiences that influenced the morals we have. Your homework is to take the notes from your interview to write a narrative about your partner's experience. Your narrative should include the topic your partner spoke about and his/her response on the survey, two quotes by your partner, and how the experience affected both of your beliefs about the topic.

Narratives and interview notes are due Monday!

Email me: mshoffler

Just Walk On By....

Answer Discussion and Writing Question #4 at the end of the essay, "Just Walk On By: Black Men in Public Spaces," by Brent Staples.

Use details from his essay in your response.

Remember that the last day to submit your LATE Poetry Chapbooks is TOMORROW!

The Swerd Of Thys Stone

Please finish the character map for King Arthur [p. 645-647], with two quotes each about what he says, does, and what others say to/about him. Make inferences about his character based on the quotes you have written, and then write an explanation of his character traits based on the information and your inferences .

Complete the second character map about either Sir Kay or Sir Ector, following the same instructions above.

The Magic Happened

Read John Steinbeck's "The Magic Happened" p. 648

Answer the following questions:
1.  What moral lessons did Steinbeck learn from reading "King Arthur"?

2. What is the theme -or general message- of "The Magic Happened"? Give an example from the text to support your answer.

The Legend of....

Choose any legend, and after reading the summary, explain or list how it meets the criteria of a legend [use your notes from class]. Then explain how it reflects or teaches about moral/ethical codes.

Testing 1-2-3

Remember that tomorrow is the Poetry Unit Final Exam!!!

Tonight you should create a "cheat sheet" of all the terms, elements, devices and poetry styles we have covered during this unit. You may only use ONE sheet of loose leaf-sized paper (8 1/2 x 11), front and back!

Also, a gentle reminder that your completed chapbooks are due Monday, Feb 7!

Snow delays...

My apologies for not posting the homework this week!

As you know, there will be a Poetry Unit Final Exam on Friday. Please use this time to study; even in revising your own poems, you are studying the elements we have covered this unit!

Last night's homework, if you did not finish it, was to write FIVE test-style questions you think might be on Friday's test.

Your chapbooks are due Monday, February 7! Note the change in date! Please use this extra time to make your chapbook shine!

See me if you need the assignment requirements. Please follow all directions as this is worth 100 points!

Stay warm :)

"...Or mine eyes, seeing this, say this is not..."

Have you [or someone you know] ever felt the way Shakespeare seems to feel about the woman in Sonnet 137? Which lines from the poem best describe that feeling? Explain.

Try a Tanka

Use your class notes from today to write a tanka of your own!

Today we began to build our poems by framing them around a situation, the emotions associated with it, and images to develop those emotions.

Write your tanka using the image that best conveys the emotions related to that situation. Write the situation at the beginning of your tanka.

Remember:
an image that expresses strong emotion
five lines
unrhymed
31 syllables [lines 1 and 3 are five syllables each; 2, 4 & 5 lines are seven syllables each]

Reminder: Progress reports will be given tomorrow, Jan. 21

Mind Over Matter

We have just read "since feeling is first" (p. 485). Please read Emily Dickinson's poem, "Heart! We Will Forget Him!" (p. 487), and in a paragraph, explain how you think e.e. cummings ("since feeling is first") would have responded to her. Use details from both poems to explain your answers!

Due Thursday, Jan. 20!!!

"Get out of here!"

Read the poem "Ex Basketball Player"  by John Updike, p. 519. Choose an idiom from the poem and create a poster that portrays  the figurative and literal meanings of that idiom. Be sure to include the line from the poem on your poster.

Posters should be no larger than 11" X 18"!

Be creative!

If you are going on the bowling trip, please make sure to leave your posters with me before you go!

Yesterday's class ("Ode to my Socks")

Today's class and homework

Make up work

Interim reports with work graded to-date were issued today. If you need to make up work, your assignments must be turned in by no later than Tuesday, Jan. 11!!

If you are missing..... you may....

• 1-2 assignments ..... complete (up to 2)
• 3 assignments..... complete 2
• 4 assignments.... complete 3
• 5 or more assignments.... complete 3

Titanic Projects will be graded within the next week and your score will appear on your next progress report!

The Poet in You, Part Two

Part Two:

Using your free write from last night, write a poem of 12 lines (minimum) about the setting you chose.

Your poem must include:

• an extended metaphor or extended simile
• any two sound devices: onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhyme

Turn in your poem with your free write tomorrow!

Poets among us

"The Poet in You" (p. 525)
Part One: Choose any setting (your block, the bus, the subway station, the lunchroom, etc.)
Free write as much as you can about everything you see, hear, feel, smell, etc. in that setting .

The more you write, the better! You will use this free write exercise for Part Two (your poem)!

Tuesday night's homework:
Bring in a copy of your favorite poem (or song lyrics). Explain in a paragraph the poem/song's theme. Give details from the song or poem that support your answer.

Remember that theme:

• Should not be stated in one word.
• Should be a statement, not a question.
• Should come from you, the reader.
• Should be different from the moral or lesson.
• Can be written in many different ways.

What did we say to each other.....

Reread "Simile" by N. Scott Momoday [p. 479]. Explain the author/speaker's purpose for using the extended simile in his poem. Give two examples from the poem to support your response.

Interims will be distributed with graded work on Friday, Jan. 7!