English 10 -- Prepare to write the paragraph

Arrive prepared and you will do well.

Finish you chart on the poem, "A Slow Fuse" by Jay Ruzesky.
Know how you will answer the question based on the evidence you found.

Memorize the literary must-haves: present tense, how to cite a quote, no contractions, formal vocabulary, sentence structure, sentence variety etc

You may use the chart and the poem during the paragraph write. No dictionaries or thesauruses though.

Use vocabulary from our list in your paragraph.

Remember the format:
Thesis plus author/title
Opinion
Proof
Explanantion
Transition

Repeat

Transition

Repeat

Conclude

The key is to answer the question with insight. Study.

YOUR POEM ABOUT THE ANIMAL IS DUE ON MONDAY. TYPE IT UP. MAKE SURE YOUR LANGUAGE IS UNIQUE. NO CLICHÉS. FOLLOW THE SAMPLE POEMS I GAVE YOU. 

Wr 12:Bring poems for workshop editing

Friday's class will be short due to Spartan Day but we'll have time to edit our
workshop poems and then the remaining time will be for creating new work for Tuesday to relieve the pressure put on that dreaded Monday night.

One poem due for your workshop group, tomorrow.

Two poems, edited, typed due Tuesday.

Next week: Plan to come to UVic Wednesday night. You will not be disappointed.
Plus, free food. Who can resist? Lorna Crozier's book launch. 7:30 UVic bookstore, beside the McKinnon gym, across the circle from the University Centre, right beside the main bus stop.

Next Friday, Patrick Lane will be here. Review how to write a response.

BE SURE TO BRING YOUR MONEY AND PERMISSION FORMS for The Belfry!!

And you call me ugly? Shame on you!

Eng 11 E

Friday: Ms. Klovance will be guiding you through a vocab pre-test so study those words tonight. Be sure to keep comparing your story to the criteria list so that you stay on track. Lots of latitude but know what you are doing and why.

You may have tomorrow's class to work on your story after USSR and the quiz.

Email yourself the story so you can work on the computer.

English 10: Test Friday, Ronald Wright tomorrow

If you missed today, you missed a lot!!

We worked on our charts to prepare for the paragraph write, Friday, on the poem by Jay Ruzesky, called, "A Slow Fuse".

We reviewed our vocabulary words but did not add any new.

We wrote two poems. One about a photo in a magazine and one about an animal.
I handed out a Manuscript criteria list and four model poems that describe animals.

Monday: Create, edit and type up a poem on an animal. Use Carla Funk's poem, In Praise of Zebras as your guide.

You must include at least
3 facts
3 comparisons
2-3 unique uses of language
strong verbs: gut, richochet, flap, stirfry, saute, meddle, cuddle, whack, zip, zoom etc

Focus on praising and talking to your animal.
You want your reader to see the animal in a new way.

Manuscript (Your best four poems are due, Wed. Oct. 10.)

Stay well. This is not a time to miss class. You cannot learn how to write poems from a text book. You need time to write, create, and edit during class.

You will choose one of your poems and create a film about it.

I have booked the Mac lab and I will show you how to make a film. Those who already know how will be able to help. We will post our films on youtube.

For a sample, visit this film-poem:
Video Poem of Wendy Morton's poem

Wr 12: Choose your author for the presentation

If you were absent today, ask for the author presentation handout and for the model literary response handout. Two key pieces of information for a successful year in Writing 12.

Arrive with your first three author choices and your partner's name tomorrow.

Writing: Tonight, write a poem which focuses on adding specific detail. Move away from expectations in a given situation. Push for detail, ie, don't rest on half a description, take it to the limit, as they say. Mix up the senses. We looked at an example from Robin Daniels' poem, "Through a Paramedic's Eyes" which is in The Claremont Review, number 19.

Red like the lips of Barbies,
the ones she bandaged as a girl,
ear preseed against plastic
breaast, listening, lub-dub,
lub-dub, lub-dub.

We spoke about attending to language, rhythm and sound.

We practiced creating similes and I read a poem by two American poets, James Wright and Jack Gilbert. Look them up www.poetryfoundation.org

James Wright describes the pony's ears as delicate as the skin on the inside of a girl's wrist.

Now, that's poetry!!! 

English 11E: space montage / time montage

In preparation for your stories, we worked on adding detail (showing not telling) and we did creative writing exercises on both space and time montage plot structures. If you were absent, you must get the notes from a partner and do the exercises.

Tuesday: Vocabulary quiz 1-25
Monday: Double spaced typed draft of your short story (follow the criteria)
Thursday: short story test and Belfry Theatre trip: Meet in front of the school at noon.

RETURN YOUR PERMISSION FORMS AND $20.00 FOR THE BELFRY TRIP BY TUES. OCT 2. AT THE LATEST.

THANKS.

English 10: Poetry Anthology is due Tuesday

Bring the completed project to school on Tuesday.

We will complete the bibliography during class on Tuesday.

Try to finish one of your silent reading novels this weekend as we are nearing the end of the month.

Study your vocabulary. We will have a quiz on Wednesday.

We'll be writing the "Slow Fuse" paragraph in class on Thursday.

Next week? We start writing our own poems.

Writing 12

We edited the poems for Tuesday's workshop. We also did two writing exercises.

Next week will be busy. Tuesday: workshop, plus computer lab time to prepare and edit two poems due Wednesday.

Friday: A new poem is due for workshop so be sure to write and edit a poem this weekend so you are ahead of the game.

Also, remember that you are free to write about any subject. The key is to focus on the elements of poetry, imitate the styles you read in The Claremont Review, in modern poetry books and magazines, and on websites such as authors aloud, Canadian poetry on-line, poetry foundation.org, etc.

English 11E

Get a good start on your story this weekend. Spend about a half an hour writing an introduction. We'll do exercises during class next week to tweak your scenes. Arrive on Tuesday feeling rested, creative, ready!

We'll be reading a story by M.A.C. Farrant on Monday, another Claremont Grad!
Claremont Writes!!

Check out her website:Marian Farrant

Have you contacted Mrs. Marshall regarding Pursuit of Excellence, yet? Why not? You are excellent so why not get recognized for your contribution?

En-10

Tonight: Make sure you have typed up all 10 poems.

Tomorrow: You will have computer lab time to write your ten responses and/or to complete your front and back covers.

You need to create a Table of Contents as well.

We will do the bibilography during class on Tuesday.

ALL ANTHOLOGIES ARE DUE TUES. NO LATES ACCEPTED. IF YOU CANNOT MEET THIS DEADLINE, ASK FOR AN EXTENSION, ASAP. YOU MUST HAVE A GOOD REASON.

Next week, we will finish the chart on the poem, "A Slow Fuse".
Test on the poem--Thursday. Study your literary must-haves list. Study your vocabulary. Think about the items you wrote on your post-it notes today.

What are you working on? How much effort are you putting into the class?
Why are you late? Do you stay on task during class?

WR 12-Bring a poem for workshop tomorrow

Bring the requisite number of copies for your group so they can have time to edit.

Since Monday is not in session, we'll workshop Tuesday and you may submit two poems Wednesday. I'll check to see if the lab is open.

Gillian, Aubrey and Joel all presented today. Be ready to present. Take a risk and go up to the front. No need to wait until you are asked. Start reading your work to the class. It's good to be BOLD>

• Oct. 4, we will be going to the Belfry Theatre. It will cost approximately 20.00.Get permission from your period 3 and 4 teachers asap.

• Visit Get a free assingment pass by attending .... $3.00 the Victoria Literary Festival. Friday, Oct. 12 and/or Sat. Oct. 13. You may earn up to THREE, count-'em, paragraph passes. Life is SWEET. Plus, you'll get credit for attending a literary event which you must do before NOV. 2.

• Visit Vote for the BEST poem!! Let your voice be heard... at the Walrus magazine site. Just knowing about Walrus magazine supplies enormous COOL factor. No one knew about the magazine. A plague on both your houses! Don't let American magazines dominate your bookshelf. Subscribe now!!

Eng 11E

If you were absent today, get the notes and the new vocabulary words. Plus, find out all about the exciting programs and opportunities available.

Homework:

1. Consider signing up for the Pursuit of Excellence Program in English.
2. Oct. 4, we will be going to the Belfry Theatre. It will cost approximately 20.00.Get permission from your period 3 and 4 teachers asap.
3. Visit Get a free paragraph pass by attending .... $3.00 the Victoria Literary Festival. Friday, Oct. 12 and/or Sat. Oct. 13. You may earn up to THREE, count-'em, paragraph passes. Life is SWEET.
4. WRITE THE GOOD COPY OF THE "ORPHEUS" PARAGRAPH. DUE TOMORROW. MAKE SURE YOU STAPLE IT TO THE FIRST DRAFT. SINCE THIS IS YOUR SECOND PARA. OPPORTUNITY, I'M LOOKING FOR INSIGHT, INSIGHT, INSIGHT AS I'M ASSUMING YOU HAVE MASTERED STRUCTURE AND STYLE. FOCUS ON EXPLAINING ALL OF THE EVIDENCE!!!
5. Visit Vote for the BEST poem!! Let your voice be heard... at the Walrus magazine site. Just knowing about Walrus magazine supplies enormous COOL factor. No one knew about the magazine. A plague on both your houses! Don't let American magazines dominate your bookshelf. Subscribe now!!

We are thinking an overnight trip to Vancouver in the spring would be a worthwhile cultural activity. We can stay at UBC. Think about what you would like to explore--museums, art galleries, coffeehouses, philosophy clubs, poetry night, slam poetry festival, film festival or a play, improv, tandem bike riding in Stanley Park, a writing workshop with some of Vancouver's best writers ... ooooh.

Let the fun begin!
A planning committee will have to take shape.

English 10: Poetry anthology is due Tuesday

What shall I do tonight for English?

Work for a good solid half hour on the anthology.
Type up all of your ten poems and start the response paragraphs.
Design the front and back covers.
Create your table of contents.

Wr 12-- How to Add Detail to a poem

Or beating the Monday night blues . . . .

We read our Sharon Olds' imitations (famous dead person poems) to a partner. You may want to type it up for Friday's workshop.

Next, we did a warm up under a title: Reasons For . . .

How to Add Detail: The dash and the double dash

Use the dash.  Follow the dash with a list or an anecdote or dialogue.

Ex. List: I hate my father--the white shoes, the gold tooth, the bald head.
Ex. Anecdote: I hate my father--the time at the Port Hope fall fair. He sat in the garden, stumbling over beer, daisies choked by the fence, butterflies.
Ex. Dialogue: I hate my father, "Come here, Sweetie."

Double Dash--after Jan Zwicky in her poem, "Transparence".
Get the notes from a partner.

Tonight: Go onto the site www.poetryfoundation.org and search under poems.
You will find they have over 10,000 poems organized by theme. Find a modern poem that you think is brilliant. Choose one thing from that poem that you can teach the class. Create a writing exercise for the class to do.

Bring the poem to class to read. You may print it out or have it on your phone or portable device.

En 11E-- Want to Play House?

Good copy stapled to the draft of the Orpheus paragraph is due Friday.

Tonight: Finish reading and annotating the story by Leon Rook, "Want to Play House?". Look for syntax, tone, diction, theme.

If you were absent today, you need to have your paragraph peer edited using the guidelines that were on the board. Check with a friend.

I returned the "Fall of the City" paragraphs today. You write well. Impressive.

En 10: Quizlet and the anthology

You now have an account for Quizlet. If you were absent today, see me asap to get the logon information or call someone in the class for ideas.

Next, we spent the second half of the class working on our poetry anthologies in the computer lab.

You should have at least 6 poems chosen and  3 poems typed now.

You can start on your paragraphs any time.

Have all of your poems chosen for Thursday's class so that we can create our bibliography (reference list). Good luck.

WR 12: Imitating the Marilyn Monroe poem

Using the poem we wrote in class today and the Sharon Old's model, create a situation where someone discovers or has to deal with the body of a famous person. It could be someone from the arts, history, politics, or fiction. The character who finds the body could be a friend, neighbour, lover, ambulance pen, tow tuck driver, you, mortician, etc. Allow your description of the scene to show what is happening more than tell. Think of the poem we read in class today, too,"Power". After the story ends, there is always more to say.

Bring a draft to read to the class. Good luck.

Eng 11 E: Orpheus paragraph

Aim to work on one aspect of the literary paragraph that you know is not a strength;

• insight
• sentence structure (syntax), sentence variety
• integrating quotations
• following the literary must-haves
• explaining the evidence and relating it back to your thesis
• a convincing and enthusiastic thesis
• preparing better charts before you begin
• being surprised/enjoying your writing

Look at the following site for help with sentence type: Types of Sentences


Bring your double-spaced draft to class.

En 10: The Anthology Project

Today:

Vocab. quiz on 1-10
We added 11 and 12 to our list.

I collected the good copy of the "Cherries" poem.

I introduced the poetry anthology project. (Ask me for the handout).
Due: Tues. Sept. 25.

Get started today!!

Pick up copies of The Claremont Review in my room.

The dreaded Monday night ..... mooowaaaaahhhhh

Two poems due tomorrow. Follow the criteria. Include a title.
Have your name and date at the top.

Next Tuesday, two more poems are due.
We hate Monday nights.

You can do it!

I look forward to reading your work.

Wr 12: Writing about a first time

If you were absent today, be sure to pick up copies of the two handouts we worked with.

We are still focusing on writing narrative poems and we reviewed the technique called anaphora Click here for more details on anaphora.

Friday: Arrive with 3 copies of a poem you want workshopped.

How to workshop a poem: Here's a comical poem by American poet, Billy Collins on the workshop process: Workshop

Here is a wonderful blog about poetry that you may need on an occasional Monday night: Poem Workshop Blog

Tomorrow, we'll discuss ways to make the workshop effective.

Bring copies of your poem to distribute to your group.

Great work today.

Write about a first time. Bring what you create to class to share.

11E--Making sense of fiction

Re-read your notes from today's presentations. What did you learn about tone, diction or syntax? How many of the new words from the list have become a part of your vocabulary?

We added the following literary terms. If you were absent, get the definitions from a partner or on-line and get the notes from today's presentations from a friend. We'll finish the presentations tomorrow (on the story, "A Few Notes for Orpheus". Tonight, finish one of your USSR books or at least read 15 pages. If you are heading for an A, you need to read three books by the end of September.

We have new books on the top shelf of the bookcase. Have a look!

Looking for something new? Canadian literature is the focus for English 11. Ask for a tour of our book room texts. They are incredible!

1. allusion
2. pun
3. pathetic fallacy
4. assonance
5. dissonance/cacophony
6. consonance
7. syntax
8. paradox
9. tone
10. diction
11. juxtaposition
12. alliteration
13. motif
14. symbol

Eng 11 E: Prep for Friday's class

Read the story, "A Few Notes for Orpheus". Each group of three will do a close reading of their assigned pages. During Friday's class, you will prepare a short presentation for the class where you will highlight and discuss three of the key elements that you agree are important in the passage.

Look for
symbols, tone, rhythms, syntax, literary devices, sound devices, changes in language from slang to colloquial to formal, changes in character, etc

Always keep the story's theme in mind. Think TICK chart. How does the story as a whole fit with your passage?

Amanda, Rachael, Jessie, Rachel S-27, 28 plus the title (look up the myth and find the pun)
Jessica, Keira, Connor, 29, 30
Emi, Isaias, Olivia, 31, 32
Motria, Stephanie, Helen, 33, 34
Kayla, Kalina, Braeden, 35, 36
Jake, Steven, Emma, Jacquelin, 37, 38, 39

Monday: Submit your paragraphs and present your pages.

Eng 11 E: Sept. 12

I handed out a paragraph editing checklist and a sample literary paragraph. We edited three paragraphs each and returned the work to the owner.

Assignment: Due Mon. Sept. 17. Good copy of the "The Fall of a City" para. stapled to the first two drafts, plus the editing sheet.

DEADLINES: are deadlines. I expect the work on Monday. If you cannot make this deadline, be sure to speak to me today in order to either receive an alternate deadline (ie Tues.) or an alternate assignment and deadline if you cannot make Monday's deadline.

No late work is accepted. You will need to make up new work in order to gain the skills you need.

English 10: Revising your paragraph

We focused on the literary must-haves today and then we edited our "Spring" paragraphs with a partner.

Remember, submit work that is PAGE PERFECT. Title, Date, Name, double spaced, typed or neatly written.

Thesis: answers the question . . . . and includes the author and title. This sentence tells the reader what is to come.

Opinion
Proof
Explanation

Transition

Opinion
Proof
Explanation

Transition

Opinion
Proof
Explanation

Conclusion

Once you have mastered the "must-haves", you can concentrate on style:
Diction, sentence variety, synonyms, insight, expand your use of punctuation.

We also added two new words:
5. permeate
6. inadvertent, inadvertently

We had a quiz on the first 6 words. Be sure to practice.
Next week, we will use a site called Quizlet to practice our vocabulary.

Wr 12: Writing the Narrative Poem

Today we shared our narrative poems in a poetry cocktail party atmosphere which was interrupted by Ms. Stenson's lovely son, Cole, who arrived with a plant for his mother. Thanks, Cole.

We used prompts from a Patrick Lane poem. If you were absent, borrow the prompts and do the quick write. Ask me for a copy of the poem for you to read. We commented on his extraordinary use of language.

Next, we wrote a list of things we like to smell, touch, taste, look at, listen to
eg: driving down highway 17 in Dad's sporty with the top down
      Joni Mitchell's Blue on the stereo
      honey-drunk bees in the plum tree
      coffee, large, two sugars, black
     


We talked about all the things a poet can do with a list.
For example, slap a title on it and you create a list poem
Put this title on the items above and the title provides a shape and context for the reader that was not there before: The Day You Left, The Day Mama Died, After Goodlake's. etc. Try list poems. They are wonderful.

You could also turn the list into couplets but add things you don't like on the second line, ie.

Honey-drunk bees in the plum tree,
Dad, sleeping it off, on the grass.

Coffee, large, two sugars, black.
In Columbia, the whips fall upon the fields.

Do you get the idea?

Finally, we introduced the concept of anaphora (repetition of words or phrases)

We wrote a few phrases on the board. Students chose one or created their own and added them to their list and then they chose a title from a list and added that.

Ex.

I never new I loved . . .
Because . . .
Give me . . .
If only I wasn't so weak . . .
That afternoon . . .
This morning . . .
Because you said to wait . . .

Try it . . .

The Day Mother Died

I never knew I liked honey-drunk bees, Dad, sleeping it off,
on the verandah. I never knew I liked driving the Dad's sporty,
top down, highway 17. I never knew I liked coffee, large, two sugars, black.

Use these exercises as a way to excavate/uncover ideas, memories, characters, connections, metaphors you haven't thought of yet.

Friday: Bring three copies of a poem you want to have edited. Make sure there is a title and that you are following our criteria:
1. Concrete, sensory details
2. A sense of surprise in language use, structure, space on the page
3. Details, details, details
4. Context--we know who is speaking, the setting, the conflict,
5. Avoid cliches: the hot sun, the loyal dog, the sad mourner, the blue sky
6. Care about your poem--put in the effort. Be willing to work on it.

WE LOVE UGLY BABIES. 

Eng:11E

Good copy of the "Fall of a City" paragraph are due Monday. If you need an extension, see me today. Deadlines must be met. Thanks.

If you were absent today, there are two handouts that you will need to pick up during class tomorrow in order to ensure that your paragraph is edited:
1. the model para.
2. the editing sheet

Tomorrow: Gwynne Dyer's talk on climate change. No need to bring books. Arrive to class for attendance and then we will make our way down.

Friday: We'll be reading the story, "A Few Notes for Orpheus".  You and a partner will be assigned two pages to present to class. Read the story before Friday.

English 10

We reviewed the elements of a literary paragraph. Use the handouts I gave you, the chart you created for the poem, "Spring," and the model paragraph to complete a first draft response to the question regarding why the mother lets the children play.

Remember:
Thesis
Opinion
Proof
Explanation
  Transition
Repeat with your next point: Opinion, Proof, Explanation
  Transition
Repeat with your third point: Opinion, Proof, Explanation (Tie each point back to your thesis)
Conclude (Repeat your thesis in a more emotional way. Use synonyms.

Bring a double spaced first draft to class. Be prepared to edit with a partner.

Eng 11 E Draft 2 due

Focus on that thesis statement. A good thematic statement includes all aspects of your TICK chart.
We'll edit these in partners.

EN:10, "Spring" poem chart

Complete the poem chart. You want to add as much insight/opinion as you can to the chart so that when we write the paragraph during class, you will have a lot to write about.

USSR: Do you like the book you are reading? If not, why not? Is it too hard? Too easy? You can't get involved in it? Read tonight for at least 15 minutes and see what happens. Usually if you give yourself time to read, you'll really like the book. Ask me or your classmates for book recommendations. Once the library opens, you'll find a lot of options.

If you borrowed a book from the shelf, please return it when you are finished.

If you have a book you would like to donate to the shelf, please feel free. Thanks.

WR 12: Writing a narrative poem

Using the sample poems studied in class today, "Eyeglasses" and "How to Like It", write a poem which uses narrative elements, concrete details, attention to structure (space/form), line break and sound. (alliteration, rhythm, rhyme, repetition, assonance, dissonance, etc)

Bring a typed copy to class on Wed. Sept. 12.
Tomorrow: Grade assembly
Wed: second half-photos

Friday: Bring three copies of a poem that you want your group to edit. Choose a poem that you are proud of (ie your precious ugly baby) but one that you want to improve.

Monday: Arrive with the three poems belonging to your group completely edited.

Every Tues (starting next week): Two poems (which meet the criteria) typed due for evaluation / feedback

11E: Writing the literary paragraph

For sample paragraphs, visit, this link English Dept website

Use the handouts I gave you to review the literary must-haves list.

YOUR JOB HERE IS TO EXPLAIN WHAT YOU THINK THE THEME OF THE STORY IS, BASED ON YOUR TICK CHART AND YOUR THESIS STATEMENT. 

Remember that you need three strong pieces of evidence from the text (one of which must be a quotation, CITED PROPERLY). For each piece of evidence, add your opinion about it and then explain how it proves the thesis.

EX.
Evidence, the aunt's red, raw hands and the fact that she never visited the attic

Opinion: (explain the quote) symbolizes her station in life, she works hard as a homemaker but has no time for higher level learning, reading, or using the imagination, consequently, she would never be elevated to Teddy's status in the attic

Explanation: The author uses the aunt to symbolize the working class adult world--someone who has no time or inclination to pursue any creative outlet. She is trapped by her limited position in life and consequently cannot help Teddy preserve his extraordinary imagination.

Next--use a terrific transition to lead the reader into your next point . . .

Repeat
Opinion
Evidence
Explanation

Transition

Repeat
Opinion
Evidence
Explanation

Conclude (repeat the thesis)

Double space your work. You will have time to edit, revise and complete your paragraph during class.

The Fall of a City ... English 11E

Finish reading the story, "The Fall of a City" by Alden Nowlan. Be sure to post-it note or make notes on the key items in the story that we discussed:

1. Diction
2. Imagery
3. Syntax
4. Symbols
5. Literary Devices (allusion, pathetic fallacy)
6. Changes / Contrasts
7. Dialogue

Review your literary must-haves list and your how-to-cite sheet for Monday as we will be starting your first draft of a literary paragraph.

How to Read a Poem.... English 10

First of all, congratulations on getting to class on time with your USSR books. I am really impressed. You worked so well today (on a Friday afternoon in the heat of the day) that I know we will have a good year.

We started our poetry unit with a lesson on How to Read a Poem. We read and discussed the poem, "Spring" by Shelley Leedahl. If you were absent, pick up a copy from me.

Tip: Some of you need to buy binders this weekend to keep all the papers organized.

We used two reading strategies today:
1. Using the title to brainstorm associations and possible symbols.
2. Thinking aloud--telling a partner what we are thinking as we read ensures that we talk to ourselves as we read. We predict. We make connections. We notice symbols. We add what we already know to the poem (i.e. the Biblical imagery and references to the Garden of Eden and to innocence). We discussed the importance of the mother behind the window inside the house looking out.

We will write a paragraph on that poem on Monday so it would be a good idea to re-read and make notes on your thoughts (your THINK ALOUD) strategy.

Next, we wrote three paragraphs to increase our written, imaginative fluency.
First 3 minute write: Discuss a childhood memory. Use descriptions which appeal to the five senses.
Second 3 minute write: We did a visualization of ourselves at a window and focused on engaging the five senses first and then we wrote.
Third 3 minute write: We each wrote down three objects that represented a person we know. We were really specific about the objects. We passed them to a partner and they wrote a paragraph about who they think this person is.

Finally, we reviewed the silent reading policy.
You need to bring a book to school that you are committed to reading. You may not pick a book off the shelf and put it back at the end of the class. Pick one. Read it and then return it. THANKS.

HOMEWORK: Read at least the first 30 pages of your book. I know some of you have already read to over 100. Keep going!!

Writing 12 Write a poem using . . .

1. a month
2. a body of water
3. I
4. a season
5. a car name plus its year
6. a brand name (food, clothing, implement)
7. you
8. an animal
9. a type of tree
10. a description of light
11. name of a place
12. love
13. a character from a film, book, TV or history
14. time of day

Be sure to type it up. See how many of the Owen/Williams techniques show up in your poem. Get out in the sun, too.

English 10

Can you remember all the names? Does anyone have a library card? Who can define allegory?
Stay tuned. Bring a USSR book to class tomorrow. Please be on time.

English 11E

Enjoy reading your USSR books tonight. Tomorrow, we will be reading a story by the great Canadian writer, Alden Nowlan. If you were absent today, pick up the 5 handouts. Thanks.

Short Story Unit Outline

Read and make notes on each story: character, conflict, setting, theme, language. These stories are examinable so keep the notes clear so that you will understand them again in January while preparing for your final exam.

Keep asking How? How did the author keep or not keep my attention?
                                How do we show characters in action?
                                How is dialogue used? Could the dialogue be cut? Why?
                                How does the story end and begine? Why?
                                How would a different point of view change it?                                   Different verb tense?
                                How is language used? Sentence length? Beginnings?
                                Diction?

Evaluation: Demonstrate your ability to . . .

1. Write an in-class essay discussing any three stories studied.
2. Write a literary paragraph discussing one key aspect of a story.
3. Choose a story not studied in class and examine it in detail. You choose the way you wish to present your analysis: essay, video, poetry, presentation, etc
4. Write your own short story.
5. Literary terms, vocabulary, quizzes
6. USSR: based on the variety and quantity of the books read.

Writing 12

Today we perused the course outline, wrote mini-memoirs, discussed why we are taking the course and found poems we like in literary magazines such as Grain, The Malahat Review and The Claremont Review. Tomorrow we will be discussing how poems work. Monday, we start USSR so bring a good book.