Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Anthem Socratic Seminar Questions
Be prepared to discuss these questions in class on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
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
How do you think you'd react if you were exiled from a group, team, clique, or organization because of your ideas/thoughts? --J.C. (1st)
How do you think you'd feel if you discovered that everything you know was a lie? --A.B. (3rd)
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTIONS
What did Equality 7-2521 discover in Chapter 3? --L.T. (8th)
What does "equal" mean in Anthem? --P.H. (7th)
What was Equality 7-2521's job? --G.O. (7th)
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Why did Equality 7-2521 say he was born with a curse? --F.T. (3rd)
Why doesn't the Council allow the citizens to think? --V.A. (7th)
UNIVERSAL THEME / CORE QUESTIONS
Can a Eugenics program like the one in the book ever work? --J.H. (1st)
If fighting for your rights was considered a crime, how would you fight for them? --C.R. (3rd)
Why do people try to control others? --K.M. (8th)
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS
How does the dystopian setting help establish the mood of the story? --E.G. (1st)
What is the significance of the two allusions made in Chapter 12? --L.M. (3rd)
How does the mood of the story change from the beginning to the end? --P.J. (8th)
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
How do you think you'd react if you were exiled from a group, team, clique, or organization because of your ideas/thoughts? --J.C. (1st)
How do you think you'd feel if you discovered that everything you know was a lie? --A.B. (3rd)
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTIONS
What did Equality 7-2521 discover in Chapter 3? --L.T. (8th)
What does "equal" mean in Anthem? --P.H. (7th)
What was Equality 7-2521's job? --G.O. (7th)
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Why did Equality 7-2521 say he was born with a curse? --F.T. (3rd)
Why doesn't the Council allow the citizens to think? --V.A. (7th)
UNIVERSAL THEME / CORE QUESTIONS
Can a Eugenics program like the one in the book ever work? --J.H. (1st)
If fighting for your rights was considered a crime, how would you fight for them? --C.R. (3rd)
Why do people try to control others? --K.M. (8th)
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS
How does the dystopian setting help establish the mood of the story? --E.G. (1st)
What is the significance of the two allusions made in Chapter 12? --L.M. (3rd)
How does the mood of the story change from the beginning to the end? --P.J. (8th)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Socratic Seminar Question Types: Anthem
Submit one (1) of each of the following by Wednesday, January 26th. I will pick several and post them to the website that evening. Be prepared to discuss them in class on Thursday., January 27th. Questions may address any and all aspects of Anthem, but particular emphasis should be placed on the second half of the book.
WORLD CONNECTION QUESTIONS
Write one question connecting the text to the real world.
Example: How do you feel when others depend on you for success of the group?
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTIONS
Write one 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: In Chapter 3, which two chemical elements does Equality 7-2521 use to create an electrical current?
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Write one 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: Why does the Council reject Equality 7-2521's light bulb?
UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTIONS
Write one question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion about the universality of the text.
Example: After reading Anthem, do you feel it is more important to live individually or as part of a group?
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS
Write two questions 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 Anthem, why does Rand surround the village by an "uncharted forest"?
WORLD CONNECTION QUESTIONS
Write one question connecting the text to the real world.
Example: How do you feel when others depend on you for success of the group?
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTIONS
Write one 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: In Chapter 3, which two chemical elements does Equality 7-2521 use to create an electrical current?
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Write one 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: Why does the Council reject Equality 7-2521's light bulb?
UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTIONS
Write one question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion about the universality of the text.
Example: After reading Anthem, do you feel it is more important to live individually or as part of a group?
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTIONS
Write two questions 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 Anthem, why does Rand surround the village by an "uncharted forest"?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Anthem Meaningful Sentences
Use ten of these fifteen vocabulary words from Anthem to write meaningful sentences. Sentences that do not conform to the formula will not receive credit, nor will sentences with misspelled vocabulary. (Due 1/24/2011)
Vocabulary Words:
(click link for dictionary.com entry; number in parentheses is page number in book)
Remember:
For instance, if the vocabulary word was:
Vocabulary Words:
(click link for dictionary.com entry; number in parentheses is page number in book)
- Transgression (17)
- Vocation (17)
- Portal (19)
- Taut (40)
- Eugenics (41)
- Reprimand (45)
- Humble (66)
- Wretch (71)
- Infamy (71)
- Reverence (93)
- Edict (94)
- Vindicate (95)
- Covet (96)
- Depraved (97)
- Creed (97)
Remember:
- a meaningful sentence is made up of two independent sentences combined with a semicolon (;)
- the first sentence includes a vocabulary word
- the second sentence contains the definition of that vocabulary word
- the first word of the second sentence is not capitalized
- you should underline the vocabulary word and its definition
For instance, if the vocabulary word was:
Anthem (n): a song of praise, devotion, or patriotism.a meaningful sentence would be:
Before the Super Bowl, a celebrity always sings our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner"; that song fills me with pride for America whenever I hear it.
"Harrison Bergeron" Test Preview
You should know the following for tomorrow's quiz on Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron":
Literary Terms
Mythological Characters
Vocabulary
Literary Terms
- Alliteration
- Connotation
- Dialogue
- Hyperbole
- Personification
- Point of View
- Simile
- Tone
Mythological Characters
- Artemis (Diana)
Vocabulary
- Ambition
- Autobiography
- Combative
- Communist Propaganda
- Cynicism
- Dystopian
- Enthusiasm
- Fanatical
- Futuristic
- Grandiose
- Historical Fiction
- Humorous
- Hyperbolic
- Imperial
- Individualistic
- Melancholy
- Mysterious
- Passionate
- Pessimism
- Resignation
- Romance
- Sarcastic
- Science-Fiction
- Sympathetic
- Utopian
Fixing Run-On Sentences
On your own paper, fix the following problem sentences using the strategy indicated (strategies listed after problem sentences).
Strategy 1: Split into two sentences.
Strategy 2: Insert a comma and one of the FANBOYS between the two independent clauses.
Strategy 3: Insert a semicolon between the two independent clauses.
Strategy 4: Add an appropriate WABU at the beginning of the run-on and a comma between the independent clauses, OR just insert an appropriate WABU between the independent clauses.
- Julia escorts her mother to church every Sunday she values the time she gets to spend with her mom. (Strategy 1)
- John dropped the clothing off at the cleaners he didn’t want to risk messing them up by washing them by hand. (Strategy 4)
- Jisel and Jacques work at the grocery store after school they are saving money for their prom tickets. (Strategy 4)
- Jeremy had to stay after school he could not leave at 4:00 with everyone else. (Strategy 3)
- Janice loves watching the football game with her dad she never forgets to invite him over on Sundays. (Strategy 2)
- Jacob loves to eat spaghetti and meatballs he goes to the same restaurant every Thursday to eat his favorite meal. (Strategy 1)
- Jane left her glasses at the library it closed early so she had to wait until the next day to pick them up. (Strategy 3)
- James can either come to tutoring before school he can stay for Patriot Academy after school. (Strategy 2)
Strategy 1: Split into two sentences.
Strategy 2: Insert a comma and one of the FANBOYS between the two independent clauses.
Strategy 3: Insert a semicolon between the two independent clauses.
Strategy 4: Add an appropriate WABU at the beginning of the run-on and a comma between the independent clauses, OR just insert an appropriate WABU between the independent clauses.
Pre-AP: IWA #4
Choose one of the following prompts:
Tips to success:
Extensive plot summary will result in a REDO grade (no points), not a REVISE (85 points). Look at diction, metaphor, imagery, etc., and how the author’s use of these techniques contributes to meaning.
Remember that only REVISE and ACCEPTED essays will be taken for a grade, so submit your IWA early, rather than at the last minute to ensure that your essay will count!
*** More than 10 careless spelling mistakes will result in a REDO grade***
All essays must be typed and adhere to the MLA formatting requirements (see below). All essays must be submitted with the draft in the LEFT pocket (inside front cover) of a 2-pocket portfolio folder. Failure to meet these minimum requirements will result in the draft being returned to the student unevaluated and with no score recorded.
Drop-Dead Deadline: Friday, February 18, 2011.
(If no work is received by 2/4, a "Missing" grade (counts as a 0) will be entered into the grade book; some work may receive a temporary "Incomplete" grade (no effect on grade), but that will be replaced with a "Missing" on 2/11.)
Novelists and playwrights often use the names of their characters to add meaning to their work. In a well-organized essay, analyze the significance of character names and name-changes in Anthem, and explain how they contribute to the novella’s meaning.
Darkness and light have long been used to symbolize ignorance and knowledge or sin and redemption. In a well-organized essay, analyze Rand’s use of darkness and light in Anthem, and discuss the way these symbols contribute to the overall meaning of the novella.
Tips to success:
Extensive plot summary will result in a REDO grade (no points), not a REVISE (85 points). Look at diction, metaphor, imagery, etc., and how the author’s use of these techniques contributes to meaning.
Remember that only REVISE and ACCEPTED essays will be taken for a grade, so submit your IWA early, rather than at the last minute to ensure that your essay will count!
*** More than 10 careless spelling mistakes will result in a REDO grade***
All essays must be typed and adhere to the MLA formatting requirements (see below). All essays must be submitted with the draft in the LEFT pocket (inside front cover) of a 2-pocket portfolio folder. Failure to meet these minimum requirements will result in the draft being returned to the student unevaluated and with no score recorded.
- Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
- Double-space the text of your paper (paragraph settings). Use Times New Roman (Garamond if you're “fancy”); the font size should be 12 pt. (font settings).
- Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks.
- Set the margins of your document to 1" on all sides.
- Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin. MLA recommends that you use the Tab key as opposed to pushing the Space Bar five times, or set your paragraphs to indent the first line 0.5". Do not skip a line (i.e., leave a blank line) between paragraphs.
Drop-Dead Deadline: Friday, February 18, 2011.
(If no work is received by 2/4, a "Missing" grade (counts as a 0) will be entered into the grade book; some work may receive a temporary "Incomplete" grade (no effect on grade), but that will be replaced with a "Missing" on 2/11.)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Listen to Anthem
For a free audiobook of Anthem, visit LearnOutLoud.com.
Note: I have not listened to this recording beyond the introduction, so I only know that the reader has a pleasant voice and doesn't know how to pronounce Ayn Rand's first name.
The reader may go nuts and start swearing uncontrollably halfway through for all I know.
...and if that possibility doesn't encourage some of you to download it right now and start listening along as you read, I don't know what will.
Enjoy!
Note: I have not listened to this recording beyond the introduction, so I only know that the reader has a pleasant voice and doesn't know how to pronounce Ayn Rand's first name.
The reader may go nuts and start swearing uncontrollably halfway through for all I know.
...and if that possibility doesn't encourage some of you to download it right now and start listening along as you read, I don't know what will.
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Pre-AP: Tuesday Tutorial
Students who have not received credit for the third six weeks IWA should come to a special essay/IWA-writing tutorial on Tuesday, January 18 from 8:30 to noon. Discussion will revolve around difficulties you have with the assignments, strategies for success, and the opportunity to get your IWA/project credit.
If you are in the process of writing IWA-3B, you may email it to me, but you won't get credit unless you attend the tutorial.
A "robocall" is going out this weekend, inviting students to this tutorial. Some students who completed the IWA on Friday may still receive the phone call, most likely if the work was turned in after 2pm when I submitted the "to be called" list. It happens; don't freak out.
If you are in the process of writing IWA-3B, you may email it to me, but you won't get credit unless you attend the tutorial.
A "robocall" is going out this weekend, inviting students to this tutorial. Some students who completed the IWA on Friday may still receive the phone call, most likely if the work was turned in after 2pm when I submitted the "to be called" list. It happens; don't freak out.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
OpenOffice.Org
Don't have MS Word? Use OpenOffice.Org, instead. It's free and will allow you to save .doc or .rtf files.
You're welcome.
You're welcome.
Monday, January 10, 2011
IWA #3b: “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” / “The Necklace”
Please write an essay based on the following prompt (this graphic organizer may help):
A REWRITE/70 grade will NOT be awarded for this IWA. Please submit a draft early in the post-ACP study hall week so you can get a REVISE/85 grade by the end of the 3rd Six Weeks (1/14).
Tips to success:
Do not simply recount the tragedies the characters encounter. Extensive plot summary will result in a REDO grade (no points). Substantial focus on plot summary will result in a REWRITE (also no points). Look at diction, metaphor, imagery, etc., and how the authors’ uses of these techniques changes over the course of the story to help you explore the subject of the cost of wealth/money.
Do not personalize with first-person POV (I/me/my) commentary.
Focus on both of the short stories equally. Do not write more than 60% on either one or you will be directed to REWRITE (accruing 0 points in the process).
All essays must be typed and adhere to the MLA formatting requirements (see below). All essays must be submitted with the draft in the LEFT pocket (inside front cover) of a 2-pocket portfolio folder. Failure to meet these minimum requirements will result in the draft being returned to the student unevaluated and with no score recorded.
Double-Dog-Dare-Drop-Dead Deadline: Friday, January 14, 2011.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Money often costs too much.” Both “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” and “The Necklace” explore the paradox that wealth can carry a great cost to an individual, a family, and/or a community. In a well-developed, two-page (minimum) essay explore the literary strategies Tolstoy AND Maupassant use throughout their short stories to communicate this idea to the reader.
A REWRITE/70 grade will NOT be awarded for this IWA. Please submit a draft early in the post-ACP study hall week so you can get a REVISE/85 grade by the end of the 3rd Six Weeks (1/14).
Tips to success:
Do not simply recount the tragedies the characters encounter. Extensive plot summary will result in a REDO grade (no points). Substantial focus on plot summary will result in a REWRITE (also no points). Look at diction, metaphor, imagery, etc., and how the authors’ uses of these techniques changes over the course of the story to help you explore the subject of the cost of wealth/money.
Do not personalize with first-person POV (I/me/my) commentary.
Focus on both of the short stories equally. Do not write more than 60% on either one or you will be directed to REWRITE (accruing 0 points in the process).
All essays must be typed and adhere to the MLA formatting requirements (see below). All essays must be submitted with the draft in the LEFT pocket (inside front cover) of a 2-pocket portfolio folder. Failure to meet these minimum requirements will result in the draft being returned to the student unevaluated and with no score recorded.
- Type your paper on a computer and print it out on standard, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
- Double-space the text of your paper (paragraph settings). Use Times New Roman (Garamond if you're “fancy”); the font size should be 12 pt. (font settings).
- Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks.
- Set the margins of your document to 1" on all sides.
- Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin. MLA recommends that you use the Tab key as opposed to pushing the Space Bar five times, or set your paragraphs to indent the first line 0.5". Do not skip a line (i.e., leave a blank line) between paragraphs.
Double-Dog-Dare-Drop-Dead Deadline: Friday, January 14, 2011.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Pre-AP: Things for Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the drop-dead deadline for IWA #3. Find the prompt and details on formatting here. You've known about this since Nov. 16th, 2010. If you have questions, ask them before 10:30 tonight. If you need me to print your IWA for you, it must already be properly formatted; I won't fix it for you this time.
For tomorrow's 6-Week Exam, you should know:
The vocabulary and story questions will be multiple choice. You must be able to define the literary term and provide a creative example in Section II of the test. (Using or modifying the examples I have provided takes no creativity and will not result in receipt of credit.)
For tomorrow's 6-Week Exam, you should know:
- Definitions of Christmas Carol vocabulary
- Literary Terms from this semester
- Tolstoy's use of literary devices in "How Much Land Does a Man Need?"
The vocabulary and story questions will be multiple choice. You must be able to define the literary term and provide a creative example in Section II of the test. (Using or modifying the examples I have provided takes no creativity and will not result in receipt of credit.)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
English II Essay Project
After responding to one of the following prompts, submit your essay online at my.hrw.com -- e-mail me if you need your Login ID again.
- Occasionally, students in elementary school are advanced to the next grade even though they have not successfully completed the lower grade. Advocates of "social promotion" think that keeping a child in a grade for longer than a year hurts the child's development and self-esteem. Write an essay stating your opinion on this issue, making sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons.
- Your city council is considering a proposal that would ban the use of cell phones in privately owned businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters, and retail stores. Violators would be subject to a fine. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter in which you convince the city council to support your position, giving strong evidence for your reasons.
- In some countries every young person must serve two years of military service. Should we have a similar policy in the United States? Write an essay stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.
- Your state legislature is considering a bill that would require a person to earn a high school diploma before he or she could receive a driver’s license. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to convince your state legislature to accept your point of view.
- Your city council is considering a curfew that would make it illegal for teenagers to be out on the streets after 10 p.m. on weekdays or after midnight on weekends. What is your position on this issue? Write an essay that would convince the city council to agree with you. Be sure to support your position with detailed reasons.
- A well-known football coach once said, "Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Write an essay in which you state your position and support it with convincing reasons.
- Your local school board is considering requiring students to take part in community service programs in order to graduate. What is your position concerning this issue? Write a letter to the members of the school board stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.
- In an effort to save money, your local school board is considering eliminating elective subjects such as art, band, and auto mechanics. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the school board stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.
- Some people believe it’s better to grow up in a small town. Other people think it’s better to grow up in a big city. What is your position on this issue, and what reasons support your position?
- Your principal is considering a new grading policy that replaces letter or number grades on report cards with pass or fail. What is your position concerning this issue? Write a letter to your principal stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.
Literary Terms "Flash Cards"
Remember: The examples in green are for demonstration purposes only. You need to come up with your own examples of the literary terms.
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