Pre-AP: Outside-Class Writing Assignment Reminder

Write a well-developed essay on the following prompt:

In some literary works, the author creates a unique society or community in order to make an important point about humanity. Examples of such works are Lord of the Flies, Anthem, and Fahrenheit 451. Discuss how the authors of these novels use their fictional society to convey important ideas about mankind and society in general. Be sure to clearly identify the “important ideas” they express.

Tips to success:

Consider using the outline we discussed in class.

Model your body paragraphs after the "Harrison Bergeron" assignment at the beginning of the six weeks.

Extensive plot summary will result in a REDO grade (no points), not a REVISE (85 points). Look at diction, metaphor, imagery, setting (time and place), conflicts (like man v. society), 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 5 careless spelling mistakes and 5 careless punctuation errors 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: Thursday, May 26, 2011.
(If no work is received by 5/13, 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 5/20.)

Suggested Outline for IWA

When writing your IWA, please consider the following outline. You may adapt it to your individual needs, but all the information must be there.

1. Thesis with the two literary devices you'll be analyzing in essay


2. Book 1 (either Anthem, Fahrenheit 451, or Lord of the Flies)


1. Message of Book 1


2. Description of society


1. How Lit Device #1 (from thesis) helps create the book's society so author's message gets through


1. Text evidence #1


2. Text evidence #2


2. How Lit Device #2 (from thesis) helps create the book's society so author's message gets through


1. Text evidence #1


2. Text evidence #2


3. Same as II, but for second book


4. Same as II and III, but for final book


5. Summary Conclusion

Pre-AP: "Sand and Sieve" Essay Prompt Preview

In class on Friday, May 6th, students will respond to the following essay prompt.

In the "Sand and Sieve" section of Fahrenheit 451 Faber tells Montag that he believes three things are necessary in order for books to be able to make a difference in society. In a well-developed essay, discuss whether or not you agree with his assessment? Support your answer with anecdotal evidence from the novel as well as your personal life. You must specify what Faber's "three things" are.

This will count as a test grade. This will be a closed-book test (you will not be allowed to use the novel in class), but you may bring notes written on a 3x5 card to refer to. Dictionaries will also be allowed.

IWA #6: Fahrenheit 451, et. al.

Write a well-developed essay on the following prompt:

In some literary works, the author creates a unique society or community in order to make an important point about humanity. Examples of such works are Lord of the Flies, Anthem, and Fahrenheit 451. Discuss how the authors of these novels use their fictional society to convey important ideas about mankind and society in general. Be sure to clearly identify the “important ideas” they express.

Tips to success:

Extensive plot summary will result in a REDO grade (no points), not a REVISE (85 points). Look at diction, metaphor, imagery, setting (time and place), 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 5 careless spelling mistakes and 5 careless punctuation errors 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: Thursday, May 26, 2011.
(If no work is received by 5/13, 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 5/20.)

Pre-AP: IWA #5

Choose one of the following prompts:

Compare and contrast the traitors Iago and Brutus. Pay attention not only to what they say about themselves and others, but to the trustworthiness of what others say about them, as well. Ultimately conclude whether Iago or Brutus (or both) were justified in their actions against the title character of their respective plays. Focus
on the literary devices (simile, metaphor, etc.) Shakespeare uses, not just plot summary—diction may be addressed, but it must be discussed in terms of tone/mood rather than simple vocabulary; no more than a third of your IWA may focus on diction.

(Alternatively, you may enter the Ayn Rand/Anthem essay contest. Deadline March 20 (the day you return from Spring Break.)

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 5 careless spelling mistakes and 10 careless punctuation errors 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, April 8, 2011.
(If no work is received by 3/25, 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 4/1.)

"Better Words" Worksheet

You'll be streets ahead with your TAKS essay/story if you use higher-grade vocabulary instead of humdrum verbs and expressions.

Several classes performed an exercise on this during the TAKS-prep period at the end of the day today. Here's a worksheet so you can play along at home! Simply come up with three words/expressions that are better superior alternatives to the listed words. Then, use one of those words as the basis for a simile or metaphor.

Easy, right?

Meaning in Anthem

Didn't copy down the graphic showing how to explain the meaning of Anthem based on your analysis of literary devices?

Download it here.

You're welcome.

TAKS Essay Score Point 3

Following is criteria for scoring a "3" on the TAKS Essay. The words in green are those missing from the in-class handout.

SCORE POINT 3

EACH COMPOSITION AT THIS SCORE POINT IS A GENERALLY EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION OF THE WRITER’S IDEAS.

FOCUS AND COHERENCE

• Individual paragraphs and the composition as a whole are, for the most part, focused. The writer generally shows the clear relationship between ideas, making few sudden shifts from one idea to the next.


• The composition as a whole has a sense of completeness. The introduction and conclusion add some depth to the composition.


• Most of the writing contributes to the development or quality of the composition as a whole.

ORGANIZATION

• The writer’s progression of thought from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph is generally smooth and controlled. For the most part, transitions are meaningful, and the links between ideas are logical.


• The organizational strategy or strategies the writer chooses are generally effective.


• Wordiness and/or repetition, if present, are minor problems that do not stall the progression of ideas.

DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS

• The writer attempts to develop all the ideas included in the composition. Although some ideas may be developed more thoroughly and specifically than others, the development overall reflects some depth of thought, enabling the reader to generally understand and appreciate the writer’s ideas.


• The writer’s presentation of some ideas may be thoughtful. There may be little evidence that the writer has been willing to take compositional risks when developing the topic.

VOICE

• The writer engages the reader and sustains that connection throughout most of the composition.


• For the most part, the composition sounds authentic and original. The writer is generally able to express his/her individuality or unique perspective.

CONVENTIONS

• The writer generally demonstrates a good command of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, usage, and sentence structure. Although the writer may make minor errors, they create few disruptions in the fluency of the composition.


• The words, phrases, and sentence structures the writer uses are generally appropriate and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the communication of ideas.

IWA Deadline Shift

Because I'm not at school today to collect IWA #4, the February 4th "no work equals 'Missing' grade" deadline will now be Tuesday, February 8th.

The February 11 "'Incomplete' equals 'Missing' grade" deadline remains in force.

If you want me to review the content of your IWA, e-mail me your .doc or .rtf file. Your essay will still have to meet formatting standards when it's printed out, but I'll give you feedback on the content, whether you're on the right track or not.

Pre-AP: IWA #4

Choose one of the following prompts:

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.)

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):

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.

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:

• 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.)

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.

1. 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.


2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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.


6. 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.


7. 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.


8. 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.


9. 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?


10. 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.

Pre-AP: A Christmas Carol Essay

On Friday, December 17, you will be asked to respond to the following prompt:

Near the end of Stave Three, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals to Scrooge two “children.” In a well-developed essay explore how Dickens’ choice of (literal) personification helps the reader better understand the overall theme of the book.

To assist you in gathering your thoughts, you may download and fill-in this Graphic Organizer. Remember, students who use the graphic organizer tend to score higher than students who do not. Also, class will be about five minutes shorter than usual, in order to accommodate the volleyball game in the afternoon.

You will be allowed to use the graphic organizer and your copy of the text/notes during the writing period.

Be prepared. Be amazing.

Presentation on Transitions

The Pearl Essay #2

In class December 3rd, you'll write an essay based on the following prompt:

Read the passage from chapter 6 of The Pearl that begins “The night seemed a little less dark” and ends “from the little cave in the side of the stone mountain, the cry of death.” In a well-developed essay discuss how Steinbeck uses literary elements (including, but not limited to metaphor, simile, etc.) to develop the theme that violence dehumanizes its perpetrators.

Students who completed a graphic organizer for the last essay tended to do much better than those who didn't. Be a student with a successful future: Complete the Pearl Essay #2 Graphic Organizer, courtesy of Ms. Farinas.

You may use the completed graphic organizer to assist your writing in class, but you may not pre-write your essay, turn it in, and chill for the rest of the period.

Pearl Chapter One Graphic Organizer

On Friday, November 19, you'll be writing an essay on the following prompt:

Read Chapter One of John Steinbeck’s Pearl. Then, in a well-organized essay, compare and contrast the portrayal of the doctor both before and after the reader actually meets him. Pay particular attention to the diction, the narrator’s attitude toward the doctor, and the overall tone created by the author.

In class, graphic organizers to assist in writing the essay were distributed. If you were absent or lost your, download the graphic organizer, again.

"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!

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:

• 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.

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.