There are a bunch of copies of Steinbeck's The Pearl at the Half Price Books at Firewheel Plaza in Garland. I picked up four for $3 each, and two copies of How to Read Literature Like a Professor for $7. (Prices for The Pearl ran from $3 to $6, with many in the $4-$4.50 range. Check the back cover of the newer versions and divide by two for the final price.) Don't forget to get a copy of A Christmas Carol while you're there.
Want one? Say the magic word -- Garfunkel -- and have exact change. (Get both for $10).
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Pre-AP Reading for Week of 11/1
Come to class on Monday 11/1 ready to discuss:
You should finish the book as soon as possible, so you can submit a draft or two of IWA #2 before the 11/5 drop-dead deadline.
William Golding's Lord of the Flies, Chapters 10-12
You should finish the book as soon as possible, so you can submit a draft or two of IWA #2 before the 11/5 drop-dead deadline.
Open-Ended Question for Katrina Article
Complete this Open-Ended Question (OEQ) for the Katrina Article:
Remember to a) answer the question in general terms, and b) provide specific quoted evidence from the article to support your answer. That's all you need to do to get an 2 on the TAKS test (and 100% on this assignment).
What was the extent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina?
Remember to a) answer the question in general terms, and b) provide specific quoted evidence from the article to support your answer. That's all you need to do to get an 2 on the TAKS test (and 100% on this assignment).
"Comparison" Essay Prompt
Both Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Steinbeck’s “Vigilante” deal with mob mentality*. In a well-developed essay (develop a thesis, use quotes, etc.) compare both authors’ use of the idea and its aftermath on their characters. Come to a conclusion about what their stories say about mob mentality’s effects on humanity.
*Mob mentality refers to the way a group of people can get caught up and taken over with crimes of passion and do things they would normally not do individually.
(Bonus for people who read the fine print: I picked up three copies of The Pearl at Half Price Books this evening. Two are older copies, which cost $3; the other is a newer $3.50 copy. The first three people who pay with exact change may have them.) UPDATE It's halfway through the day and I still have one $3 book left!
*Mob mentality refers to the way a group of people can get caught up and taken over with crimes of passion and do things they would normally not do individually.
(Bonus for people who read the fine print: I picked up three copies of The Pearl at Half Price Books this evening. Two are older copies, which cost $3; the other is a newer $3.50 copy. The first three people who pay with exact change may have them.) UPDATE It's halfway through the day and I still have one $3 book left!
Chapters of Lit/Prof That May Help IWA #2
If you're stumped on how to support your IWA #2 thesis -- and/or if you want to write an awesome paper -- consult these chapters from How to Read Literature Like a Professor:
Remember, all IWA submissions must be typed; see the guidelines.
Also, the Drop-Dead Deadline is November 5th. Turn in early drafts by Nov. 1st so you will have an opportunity to rewrite or revise.
- 2 - "Eating"
- 7 - "The Bible"
- 11 - "Violence"
- 12 - "Symbols"
- 13 - "Politics"
- 14 - "Christ Figures"
- 16 - "Sex"
- 22 - "Blindness"
Remember, all IWA submissions must be typed; see the guidelines.
Also, the Drop-Dead Deadline is November 5th. Turn in early drafts by Nov. 1st so you will have an opportunity to rewrite or revise.
Steinbeck's "The Vigilante"
Print your own copy, so you can annotate/mark it up for use in your essay. Find the story, online, here.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Pre-AP Reading for Week of 10/25
Come to class on Monday 10/25 ready to discuss:
You should finish the book as soon as possible (and since you had early release on the 22nd you've got extra time this weekend), so you can submit a draft or two of IWA #2 before the 11/5 drop-dead deadline.
William Golding's Lord of the Flies, Chapters 7-9
You should finish the book as soon as possible (and since you had early release on the 22nd you've got extra time this weekend), so you can submit a draft or two of IWA #2 before the 11/5 drop-dead deadline.
Lost at Sea
Test your survival skills: Play Lost at Sea!
Follow the link, read the scenario, and select your six items (a sextant is a navigational tool, C rations are food, and you're too young for the Puerto Rican rum).
After you press the "submit query" button, print out the results. Turn in your original results (you can play multiple times to see what helps (or doesn't) your survival rate, but be honest with the results of your first attempt).
Good luck!
Follow the link, read the scenario, and select your six items (a sextant is a navigational tool, C rations are food, and you're too young for the Puerto Rican rum).
After you press the "submit query" button, print out the results. Turn in your original results (you can play multiple times to see what helps (or doesn't) your survival rate, but be honest with the results of your first attempt).
Good luck!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Pre-AP: Lord of the Flies Biblical Allegory Essay
In a well-developed essay, discuss the allegorical connections between the first six chapters of Lord of the Flies and Genesis, chapters 2 and 3. How does Golding's analogous use of the Bible story enhance the reader's experience?
Cite Bible passage like this: Genesis 2:15 or Genesis 3:12-14.
Cite Bible passage like this: Genesis 2:15 or Genesis 3:12-14.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Lord of the Flies Allegory Essay Preview
In preparation for tomorrow's essay on allegory in Lord of the Flies you may choose to preview Genesis 2 and 3. Excerpts will be available in class.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Lord of the Flies Chapters 4-6 Essay
Contrast "Castle Rock" at the end of Chapter Six ("Beast from the Air") with the beach as it has been presented throughout the book thus far. Include quotes and contrasting symbolic objects to support your observations.
Periods 1, 7, and 8, this counts as a test grade. Period 3, this counts as classwork.
Model Thesis Statement (do not copy)
Periods 1, 7, and 8, this counts as a test grade. Period 3, this counts as classwork.
Model Thesis Statement (do not copy)
In Lord of the Flies, William Golding places two unique settings on opposite sides of the island where British schoolboys struggle for survival. Not only are the beach and "castle rock" on opposite sides of the island, but they are opposites of each other. One is a civilized yet vulnerable place; the other offers security, but is primitive in nature.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
English II: What's Due Tomorrow
In addition to any late or missing work from last week or this past Monday, you need to turn in the following material for your Reflective Essay:
All of this will be graded, entered in the gradebook over the weekend, and returned to you on Monday the 18th so you can write your final drafts in class (also on the 18th).
- The 8-Step Writing Process "mini-poster"
- Your 3-4 story ideas (step 2 of the writing process)
- Your "organized" 30+ bubble bubble-map (steps 4 and 5 of the writing process)
- Your rough draft after you've revised/edited it in class tomorrow (steps 6 and 7 of the writing process)
All of this will be graded, entered in the gradebook over the weekend, and returned to you on Monday the 18th so you can write your final drafts in class (also on the 18th).
Lord of the Flies Chapter 1-3 Test Terms and Vocabulary Preview
In addition to the literary terms simile and metaphor you should know the following vocabulary:
You should also know which of the five senses the following words relate to: auditory, olfactory, tactile.
- begrudging
- disillusioned
- incongruity
- inquisitive
- loquacious
- vastness
You should also know which of the five senses the following words relate to: auditory, olfactory, tactile.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
English II: Reflective Essay
Following the 8-Step Writing Process write a two-page essay based on the following prompt:
Writean essaya story about a time you learned a lesson about the importance of heroism
8 Step Writing Process
If you didn't copy it off the board when you had the chance: 8-Step Writing Process.
Do not print this out and turn it in. Copy it by hand.
Do not print this out and turn it in. Copy it by hand.
Lord of the Flies Socratic Seminar #1 Questions
Be prepared to discuss these questions in class on Thursday, October 14, 2010.
If you missed the seminar, submit well-thought out written responses to two questions (100%; one question=80%).
If you were in class and did not respond twice, use the back of your remaining half-sheets ("buns") to respond to the questions. If you respond to a question discussed in class, your response must add to the conversation we had. (+10 pts. each.)
WORLD CONNECTION QUESTIONS
What characteristics do you look for in a leader? --J.H. (1st)
How would you go about making a chaotic situation civil? --I.M. (8th)
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of the conch? --M.M. (8th)
How do the boys know there is no civilization on the island? --S.P. (3rd)
What animal does Jack almost kill in the first chapter? --M.G. (3rd)
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
After reading the first three chapters, has Ralph proven to be a good leader? Why/why not? --G.O. (7th)
After reading the first three chapters, how would you describe Ralph and Piggy's relationship? --M.R. (7th)
UNIVERSAL THEME / CORE QUESTIONS
Why are rules important in a society? --T.B. (3rd)
How does a leader maintain his/her position of authority? --L.M. (8th)
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS
Why do you think Golding made Piggy a fat boy? --V.E. (1st)
Why do you think Golding chose an island for the setting? --A.P. (7th)
Why do you think Golding chose to write in Third Person Omniscient, rather than Third Person Limited or First Person? --S.P. (3rd)
If you missed the seminar, submit well-thought out written responses to two questions (100%; one question=80%).
If you were in class and did not respond twice, use the back of your remaining half-sheets ("buns") to respond to the questions. If you respond to a question discussed in class, your response must add to the conversation we had. (+10 pts. each.)
WORLD CONNECTION QUESTIONS
What characteristics do you look for in a leader? --J.H. (1st)
How would you go about making a chaotic situation civil? --I.M. (8th)
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of the conch? --M.M. (8th)
How do the boys know there is no civilization on the island? --S.P. (3rd)
What animal does Jack almost kill in the first chapter? --M.G. (3rd)
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
After reading the first three chapters, has Ralph proven to be a good leader? Why/why not? --G.O. (7th)
After reading the first three chapters, how would you describe Ralph and Piggy's relationship? --M.R. (7th)
UNIVERSAL THEME / CORE QUESTIONS
Why are rules important in a society? --T.B. (3rd)
How does a leader maintain his/her position of authority? --L.M. (8th)
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS
Why do you think Golding made Piggy a fat boy? --V.E. (1st)
Why do you think Golding chose an island for the setting? --A.P. (7th)
Why do you think Golding chose to write in Third Person Omniscient, rather than Third Person Limited or First Person? --S.P. (3rd)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Pre-AP: Lord of the Flies Essay #1
In some novels, specific settings are presented in conjunction with a certain symbolic object (or objects) to reinforce the novel's theme and/or to comment on humanity. In a well-developed essay -- using quotes from the novel to support your assertions -- discuss how Golding does this in Lord of the Flies.
Remember that a well-developed essay includes a thesis paragraph and body paragraphs that coincide with the supporting information mentioned in the thesis paragraph. A brief concluding paragraph should sum up the supporting information and the thesis.
This is for a test grade.
Model Thesis Statements (do not copy)
Remember that a well-developed essay includes a thesis paragraph and body paragraphs that coincide with the supporting information mentioned in the thesis paragraph. A brief concluding paragraph should sum up the supporting information and the thesis.
This is for a test grade.
Model Thesis Statements (do not copy)
In Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses the setting of the beach to demonstrate one of the novel's themes: Order is essential to civilization. He does this by tying symbolic objects like the conch and the log seating area to the beach.
or
In Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses the setting of the beach to demonstrate one of the novel's themes: All work and no play makes Jack (and Piggy and Ralph) a dull boy. He does this by tying symbolic objects like the log seating area and the bathing pool to the beach.
Socratic Seminar Question Types: Lord of the Flies, Chapters 1-3
Submit one (1) of each of the following by Wednesday, October 13. I will pick several and post them to the website Wednesday night. Be prepared to discuss them in class on Thursday, October 14.
WORLD CONNECTION QUESTION
Write a question connecting the text to the real world.
Example: When you are lost, what strategies do you use to get “found”?
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTION
Write a question about the text that will help everyone in the class come to an agreement about events or characters in the text. This question usually has a “correct” answer.
Example: Why do Jack Merridew and his friends dress in uniform?
OPEN-ENDED QUESTION
Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof and group discussion and “construction of logic” to discover or explore the answer to the question.
Example: After reading the first three chapters of Lord of the Flies, what conclusions can you draw about Piggy’s personality?
UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTION
Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion about the universality of the text.
Example: After reading the first three chapters of Lord of the Flies, what responsibilities do you feel the strong have toward the weak?
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTION
Write a question dealing with HOW an author chose to compose a literary piece. How did the author manipulate point of view, characterization, poetic form, archetypal hero patterns, for example?
Example: In the opening line, Golding describes Ralph as “[t]he boy with the fair hair.” What implications might his diction choice, “fair,” suggest to the reader?
WORLD CONNECTION QUESTION
Write a question connecting the text to the real world.
Example: When you are lost, what strategies do you use to get “found”?
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTION
Write a question about the text that will help everyone in the class come to an agreement about events or characters in the text. This question usually has a “correct” answer.
Example: Why do Jack Merridew and his friends dress in uniform?
OPEN-ENDED QUESTION
Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof and group discussion and “construction of logic” to discover or explore the answer to the question.
Example: After reading the first three chapters of Lord of the Flies, what conclusions can you draw about Piggy’s personality?
UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTION
Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion about the universality of the text.
Example: After reading the first three chapters of Lord of the Flies, what responsibilities do you feel the strong have toward the weak?
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTION
Write a question dealing with HOW an author chose to compose a literary piece. How did the author manipulate point of view, characterization, poetic form, archetypal hero patterns, for example?
Example: In the opening line, Golding describes Ralph as “[t]he boy with the fair hair.” What implications might his diction choice, “fair,” suggest to the reader?
"The Man in the Water" Essay
If you haven't finished the "reading check" or "question support" worksheets, you'll need to refer to the essay, online, in order to do so.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
PSAT Practice Test Answers & Scores
If you lost your answer sheet for the practice PSAT test we did in class, you can download it here: PSAT answers.
And, since you'll have also lost the section that tells you how to calculate your score, you'll need that, too: PSAT scoring information.
Remember, your scoring information is due Monday, October 11th.
And, since you'll have also lost the section that tells you how to calculate your score, you'll need that, too: PSAT scoring information.
Remember, your scoring information is due Monday, October 11th.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
PSAT Practice Test Explanations
Make the most of your PSAT preparations. Check out the explanations of the answers on the PSAT practice test. The more you know, the better you'll do.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Lord of the Flies Book Check
Easiest grade of the six weeks: Bring your copy of Golding's Lord of the Flies to class Wednesday, October 6, or Thursday, October 7, for a quick book-check grade.
You're welcome.
You're welcome.
Pre-AP: IWA #2
Drop Dead Deadline: November 5th
Write an in-depth character analysis on one of the four (4) major characters in William Golding's Lord of the Flies (Ralph, Piggy, Jack, or Simon). Do not merely summarize the character, but profile him based on the rhetorical strategies Golding uses.
As you write, consider the following:
Use as much textual evidence as possible to strengthen your claims. Lack of significant textual evidence will result in a “rewrite,” rather than a “revise” grade.
“Diction” should be used for its connotative—not denotative—value.
You may use your notes from class, the Professor book, and the articles we have read together, but your writing MUST be your own. Do NOT quote the Professor book; restate Foster’s ideas in your own words.
All drafts/submissions MUST be typed and take the entire novel into account. The sooner you finish reading the novel, the more time you will have to write your IWA. Remember to submit early so if/when you have to rewrite or revise you will have time to maximize your grade.
Write an in-depth character analysis on one of the four (4) major characters in William Golding's Lord of the Flies (Ralph, Piggy, Jack, or Simon). Do not merely summarize the character, but profile him based on the rhetorical strategies Golding uses.
As you write, consider the following:
- Symbolically, what role does your character play in the novel? (religious: saint, martyr, demon, etc.; political: despot, counselor, pacifier, etc.; or religious/political allusion) – This should be your thesis.
- What are the traits, activities or objects associated with the character that lead you to determine this role?
- What are his motivations?
- How does he react to the situation on the island? What does this reveal about character?
- How do the other boys treat him? How does this reveal character?
- Does he die? If so, how and why? If not, why not? What deeper meaning is there to his death (or reason for him to remain alive)
Use as much textual evidence as possible to strengthen your claims. Lack of significant textual evidence will result in a “rewrite,” rather than a “revise” grade.
“Diction” should be used for its connotative—not denotative—value.
NO: The boy was a bully. (This is direct characterization and will result in summary.)
YES: He sneered at us like a Roman emperor about to consign Christians to the lions. (This is indirect characterization and can be analyzed based on diction (sneered), allusion (Roman emperor executing Christians), alliteration (hard /c/ sound) and allows plenty of room for interpretation.)
You may use your notes from class, the Professor book, and the articles we have read together, but your writing MUST be your own. Do NOT quote the Professor book; restate Foster’s ideas in your own words.
All drafts/submissions MUST be typed and take the entire novel into account. The sooner you finish reading the novel, the more time you will have to write your IWA. Remember to submit early so if/when you have to rewrite or revise you will have time to maximize your grade.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)