English 11: Read and make notes on the following passages . . .

Page 36, Othello's speeches about happiness and his worries about being too happy

page 38 lines 291-315

page 40 Lines 45-60

page 45-46 Lines 332-360 (Iago's soliloquy)

We watched the film version of the entire Act. If you were absent, read the synopses on the left hand column of each scene before you attempt to analyze these passages.


Test on these passages Monday. Ensure that you have notes on who is speaking, what is happening, key quotations, images and tone.


Remember that Act 2 supplies the complications which have arisen out of Act 1.

We reviewed Act 1:

Motifs: bestial imagery, order vs chaos, eye images and blindness references, logic vis reason, jealousy, appearance vs reality

Conflict: revenge, ability to stay calm under pressure, the ability to let our grievances go

Tone: All of Act 1 occurs in Venice at night. Secretive, deceitful, betrayal, hypocrisy, darkness, racist, hated

Setting: Venice and Cyprus

Characters: Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Emilia, Brabantio, Duke of Venice, Roderigo, Cassio, Montano, Bianca.

What complications arose during Act 2?

Make a list:

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

Lit 12: Dylan Thomas, the villanelle form, "Do Not Go . . . "

I collected the poems on T.S. Eliot. We have 2 more poems to complete from our core list and then we'll start review and supplement some authors with new poems. We may add an Auden poem and a Spender poem.

You need to make notes on Thomas, the villanelle form and this poem.
Get the notes from a peer as well.

If you were absent today, bring a note to explain it; otherwise, I will not accept the late work.

We have two weeks to go. Attendance during the review period counts. There will be pop quizzes. Do not miss.

Monday: In class essay. To prepare, review essays you have written this year, literary must-haves, vocabulary list, terms list.

Organize the core works in themes:

poems about death, love, injustice, heroism, politics, society, religion/spirituality,

Try to predict what the questions will be.

I  will give you three questions. Choose one. Choose three works from the list. Attempt to use a work not on the core list. Your novels count. The play counts.

Study. 

AP Lit: Sample Section D questions

Keeping an open mind allows for growth. (Jan 2000)

The pursuit of freedom involves change. (April 2000)

It is important to have a realistic view of life. (April 2001)

People can create their own reality. (Jan 2002)

People can be influenced by their environments.(June 02)

Certain experiences can mark the beginnings of maturity. (Jan 03)

Our journey into the future begins in the past. (April 03)

Our views of the past change as we mature. (Jan 04)

Over the next two weeks, practice writing responses. 

I've just marked your mock essays and there were several 6s but still far too many 5s, 4s and 3s!

Those of you writing fiction did a great job of using detail and rhetorical devices. The difference between a 4 and a 6 was maturity of voice. Those not achieving a 6 delved into melodrama--you attempted to achieve too much in a short space and you "told" your theme rather than "showed" the theme. 

To prepare: 

Think of a time when something personal happened. Not a great big event but a small one. 

I remember a girl named Mona who had taken over my paper route. When her mother died, she asked me to do her papers for her and I refused. I have never forgotten that act of selfishness, yet, at the age of 10, that was my response. 

I suspect you all have one moment in your lives that you might wish you could change or a moment you are still processing, attempting to understand it. 

These moments make good compositions. 

Of course, the details do not have to be true, but they need to be portrayed in such detail that the reader believes they are true--you get at the big truths through the small details. 

Avoid commonly held ideas and cliched responses to life and you'll do really well. 

Make sure that your piece deals with the prompt but only indirectly. 

No need to repeat the prompt in your essay unless you can do so surreptitiously. 

The poem section was done exquisitely for the most part. Yay. 

The synthesis section needs practice. All you need to do is to ensure that you explain the significance of each example. Do not simply list what happened and assume that your reader will agree with you. 

Lit 12: Wonderful explication of Eliot!

I was so impressed by the group presentations and the audience comments and questions. It was hard not to speak. Everyone in the class contributed confidently. I know it is hard but active learning equals easy learning.

Tonight: Complete the paragraph: Discuss how Eliot's literary techniques complement his vision of the world. Be sure to state your interpretation of the poem's theme and the techniques in the thesis.

• Follow the literary must-haves list. 
• Elaborate!! 
• Sentence variety. 

If you need help, come to class at lunch. Also, if you wish to discuss your essay mark, pop in at lunch. 

AP Lit: You did it!

No class Friday.

Monday: Bring 3 copies of two poems. (6 pieces of paper). Do not arrive at 9 a.m. looking to print. You need to print them before 9 a.m. No poems = no editing = no editing marks. Bring the poems you are struggling with. Bring the editing handouts as well.

This weekend, edit, revise, reshape, re-form, inform, surprise.

Four poems plus drafts and cover page due Wed. June 5!

Enjoy your weekend. Sun on Sunday so do your homework on Saturday while it rains.

English 11: Finish reading Act 1 . . . .

Act one sets the tone, the themes, motifs and conflicts.

What is the significance of the following?

appearance vs reality
passion vs reason
eye imagery and blindness motif
African images (positive and negative)
warrior / war imagery (maimed judgment)
jealousy

We read and made notes on Act 1, Scenes 2 and 3 today.

Be sure to read and make notes. Copy down key quotes for each scene,.

We started a paragraph on Iago's soliloquy. You will have a half an hour to complete the paragraph during class tomorrow. Read and re-read the soliloquy tonight--it's on the last page of Act 1, Scene 3.

In a formal, literary paragraph of 300 to 400 words, explain how Shakespeare uses literary techniques to reveal Iago's character.

AP Lit: English 12 mock starts at 12:36 for the Criminology students

9 a.m. for the rest of the class.

Lit 12: Prepare your section of "The Hollow Men"

If you were absent today, ask to check the marks as I handed them out today. You need to check if there are errors and have them corrected asap.

Take notes on the poet, T.S. Eliot and read the poem, "The Hollow Men". Choose a section 2, 3, 4, or 5 and be prepared to present your annotations to the class.

English 12: Exam Prep

Today we marked the compositions and only two people achieved a 6. Re-work your compositions this evening until you are confident that you can write a 6.

I handed out a sample synthesis text, question, rubric and samples today. Use those handouts to prepare for this section which is worth the most of all the sections: 32%. 

Review the literary must-haves. Look at past essays I have marked. Is there something that you keep forgetting to include? Do you need to review the tone words? The vocabulary list? There are sample exams on line if you wish to practice.

English 11: Essays due.

We saw a play during class today called the Torn Rainbow, a production from Vanier High School in Courtenay. An assignment will be due. TBA.

Tonight: Edit your essay. Print it out. Do the corrections using the checklist. Do the MLA style bibliography. Include your interview in the bibliography.

Put the "personal" into personal essay. Speak your mind. Use the techniques to complement rather than dominate your topic.

I look forward to reading them. I'll be able to return your essay tests on Thursday once all students have written it. 

Lit 12: Terms test was today . . .

If you were away, pop in at lunch to complete the test.
Take notes on W.B. Yeats and the poem, "The Second Coming".

Read the commentary.
Make notes on the image, tone and theme of the poem. Tonight, prepare your essays which are due tomorrow. 400 word limit is the minimum. Aim for 600 words.

AP Lit: English 12 exam prep Section d

If you were absent today, pop by to get all the handouts and write a 400 to 600 word multi-paragraph composition on the prompt:

Our views of the past change as we mature.


Focus on the following criteria:

• use literary devices such as wit, understatement, irony, alliteration, allusion, parallellism, concrete imagery, appeal to the five senses
• multi-paragraph (As many paragraphs as you wish but a min. of 3)
• start with in medias res
• engage the reader
• maturity of style (the audience will be English teachers)
• sophistication of wit

Start with one of the following types of beginnings:

1. A description of an object (Appeal to the five senses. Set the tone through your choice of words and syntax)
2. Start with a scene (narration). Use strong verbs, dialogue, personification.
3. Start with a description of a setting (pathetic fallacy)


Your opening must

• use literary devices
• engage the reader
• establish the tone
• surprise the reader 

English 11: Essays due WEDNESDAY

We returned our essay texts to the library today and signed out Othello.

Due tomorrow: essay, edited draft, MLA bibliography, essay checklist.
Extension until Wednesday.

AP Lit: Four Poems plus drafts due June 5

Today we wrote an aubade to childhood. A poem about what you have learned about yourself. I also handed out how to edit sheets.

Next Monday, arrive to class with 3 copies each of two poems for peer editing.

Tomorrow and Wednesday: Provinical exam review.

Mock exam is on Wednesday. You'll need to bring 2 pens and 2 pencils and water.
Dress warmly as the rooms are cool these days.

Lit 12: Dulce et Decorum Est

Steven presented the 20th century notes from the text. If you were absent, read pages 760 to 770 and take notes. Next, Steven presented Wilfred Owen's poem, "Dulce et Decorum Est" page 995. Take notes on Wilfred Owen and read and annotate the poem.

Next, we wrote a paragraph highlighting the techniques Owen uses to promote his anti-war theme.

TEST TOMORROW: LITERARY TERMS

WED: ESSAY DUE.

Every night, study a section of your core list.

Lit 12: Essay is due Tuesday

Today we reviewed all of the titles and authors from the units 3 and 4. Begin daily study now. Each evening read one of the works on the core list, read your notes, study its themes and literary techniques.

Tuesday: terms test, essay due

I handed out two sample essays. You can find them on-line. Google Lit 12 sample student essays. I also handed out several topics from previous exams. Choose 1 topic and three works and write away! I suggest you use works that you wish to review so that you get a chance to really understand them.

If you have been absent, plan to be here every day for the next three weeks. Your exam health depends upon it.

Final exam is worth 30%.

Unit 4 test will be the week after next. We start the 20th century on Monday.

We finished Wilde today. Read Act 3 as there are several comedic techniques you can discover. We made notes on each character, comedic elements and a quote for each character.

Personal Essays due Tuesday . . . .

If you would like me to edit your first draft, you must get it to me by 2nd period on Monday so that I have time to read it and return it to you by 4th period.


Remember: I expect polished drafts on Tuesday which demonstrate your understanding of the form. Use the handouts I gave you. You must include a bibliography and include the checklist (which you have used to edit your draft) with your good copy.

Submit

Good copy
The edited draft (Edit on a hard copy, not simply on the screen)
The checklist
The bibliography (MLA) style

English 11: I collected the interviews today . . .

Today, the final essay was presented by Jake and Mitch. We reviewed for tomorrow's test (See yesterday's blog for the outline).

Tonight: Organize your notebook. Have all of your literary techniques, definitions and examples in one place. If you do not, you will run out of time on the test.

Make sure you have read June Callwood's essay and that you have her thesis, key details and examples of techniques written down. You will also need at least two quotations.

Have the thesis statements for each essay written down in your own words. Re-read any essay which you found difficult to understand.

I'm looking forward to your essays. Re-read all the handouts this weekend. If you need assistance, come in to see me.

We start the Shakespearean tragedy, Othello, Monday. 

Lit: Finish reading Act 2! TEST TUESDAY

Make sure you have notes on all the characters, a quote for each character and an example of a comedic technique that they use in one of their speeches.

We will read Act 3 during class tomorrow.

TEST ON THE LITERARY TERMS TUESDAY.
WE DID A PRE-TEST TODAY. ALL THE TERMS WE DID TODAY WILL BE ON TUESDAY'S TEST.

AP Lit- two poems due

Your poems are wonderful. Keep them coming.

Due by the end of period 1 tomorrow, please.
Thanks.

Lit 12: Make notes on Act 1--Wilde

Tomorrow, we'll finish Act 1 and begin Act 2. Friday is Act 3.

Monday: Motria and Steven present the glog on the 20th century and the poem, "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen.

AP Lit: Two poems due by email Friday

English 11: Test Friday, Interviews due Thursday

 Submit a recorded or hand-written copy of your interview Thursday.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL ESSAYS ON THE LIST.

Read June Callwood's essay, "Why Canada Has to Beat Its Literacy Problem" and take notes on the persuasive techniques she uses. Have specific quotes written down in your notebook for you to use on the test. You will be writing a paragraph on ther essay during the test.

Test outline:

1. Paragraph on the Callwood essay / 24 marks How does she persuade you of her thesis? State the thesis. Explain which details are effective and why. Explain which literary techniques are effective and why. Discuss her audience. 150 words.

2. You will need to define and give examples of several literary techniques
Matching and short answer including:
parallelism
anecdote
motherhood statement
allusion
diction, elevated, colloquial
concrete details (imagery)
direct quotation
hyperbole
appealing to a higher authority
empathy
pop culture
pun
juxtaposition
analogy
incongruity
rhetorical question
strong verbs (pad or trot) and key adjectives

3. You will need to answer questions about specific essays. These questions will be point form answers.


For example, which title has an allusion and a pun in the title? There are two essays in the selections we read which do that.

or

Which essay purposely uses elevated diction to intimidate its readers?
How do essayists address hostile readers?
Why does King think horror films are important for society?
Which essay is addressed to the author's son?
What is the purpose of incongruity? What type of essay does it suit?
Which essay uses opinions as facts? Why?

4. You will read a short essay and then write 100 words about a topic and I will ask you to use at least 4 of your favourite techniques and underline them and explain their effectiveness.

Lit 12: The Importance of Being Earnest

We watched the modern version of the play today. We will finish it tomorrow and then begin to read and make sense of the literary techniques. It was a little hard to hear in parts. My apologies. I need new speakers.

Poetry project due tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing your creations.

English 11: Interviews are due Thursday!

If you missed today, be sure to get all the notes on the next two essays on our list and YOU MUST DO THE CREATIVE WRITING SECTIONS. Also, we practiced our interview skills. A good interviewer listens to the responses of the interviewee and asks good questions on the spot. How can you make him or her feel comfortable? Imitate their speech habits and body language. Make sure that you listen to what they are saying. Do you agree with their points? Why or why not? Be the devil's advocate.

I want a great product! I don't want garbage pour la poubelle!!!

So, if creating a personal essay is not exciting you. You need to look at the criteria and design an alternative way to assess your learning.

How can you demonstrate your knowledge of literary techniques, persuasive techniques, effective use of language, organization and logical development?

I am willing to listen to alternative suggestions.

If you can't think of one. Try to find a way into this assignment.

Write about what you talk about on a daily basis. What do you argue about with friends and family?
Money? Fair and unfair rules? Sports, fun, shopping, restaurants, parties, cars, scholarships, schools, trips, cliques, rumours.

Write about something you are interested in and your readers will follow you.

AP Lit: Thanks for emailing me your poems.

Still missing poems from

Becca, Tessa, Britt, and Terra. Last call is today (Friday).
Get those poems in.

Lit 12: Poetry Project . . .

We watched a comedy skit by Russell Peters (Canadian comic extraordinaire) to introduce the unit on Victorian comedy.

We planned on watching the film version of Wilde's play but the DVD player did not function. Instead, we worked on our poetry projects which are due Wed.

If you were absent, take notes on Oscar Wilde, page 711, and the characters in the play and their pseudonyms so you know who is playing which role.

We'll watch the film Tuesday and then start reading the play . . .

Deadline changes for presenting: Fri. May 24 TEST on ESSAYS

Tuesday: Amrit, Ryan and Kenneth present the Strange Case . . .
Tuesday: Cole, Jae-You, Anayat and Ori present Why Be Polite
Wed: Devon, Taylor and Adam present My Speech to the . . .
Wed: Sam, Ben, Vigan and Nathan When Does a Boy . .
Thurs: Mitch and Jake present Grim Fairy Tales

This weekend work on your personal essay. Interview someone pertinent to your topic. Criteria are below.

I returned the tests, the poems, and the USSR forms today.
We have four weeks to prepare for your final exam.
You may feel like you need extra help. Plan to stay after school Wednesdays for tutoring. If you are doing well, offer to tutor.

If you need a template for the literary paragraph structure--ASK!

At this stage, you need to create a plan.

Keep reading whenever you can. At least 30 minutes five times a week. Improve that vocabulary.

Essay Criteria:

• Creative title
• Typed, double spaced
• EDITED, EDITED, EDITED
• Clearly organized – Put a lot of thought into organization
• Notes, outline, drafts attached – development must be apparent
• Bibliography
• Personal Interview: You must interview someone key to your topic and submit a recording or a written copy.

This is the final project for this unit and it is worth a significant number of marks. Take your time, plan, do a fantastic job!

* Note: Essays must be original work, created for this class.

Original Essay Ideas:

Ask yourself:

What is my most interesting story? What am I most interested in? What makes me furious? What do I find outrageously hilarious / sickening about human nature? What can I talk about in a fair degree of detail? What do I have to say that needs to be said? What breaks my heart? What makes my heart sing? What makes me unique? What have I taught, learned, influenced? What is my greatest wish? What is my family's best story? What is my best or worst memory? Who do I feel needs to be honored.

Structure:

1. Have a HOOK. Make your opening lines irresistible to your audience. Strongly consider starting in the middle of action.

2. Organize your details to take your audience on a deliberate journey.

• Do we need background information? Do we need a setting? Do we need to think about some questions? Do we need a context or scenario? Do we need an image?
• How many examples / details are appropriate? What order should they go in? Are they chronological? Should one be a flashback? Should one consider the future? Are they interesting?
• Have a thesis. Make sure it is clear. (it should be implied through detail – show, don’t tell)

3. Other Considerations

• use appropriate tone and diction for the style of your essay
• use consistent and appropriate tense
• Write every sentence as clearly as possible. Don’t use 10 words when you could say it more clearly in 5.
• check for clichés and boring images and details
• Read your essay out loud to someone. Have someone read it out loud to you.
• THE POWER OF ANY ESSAY IS IN ITS DESCRIPTIVE DETAILS! WE NEED TO SEE, HEAR, SMELL, SEE, TASTE, AND FEEL WHAT YOU ARE DISCUSSING.
• Often essays need a bit of research to verify facts. Don't be lazy, talk to your family and friends, hit Google etc...

4. Literary Techniques: All great writing uses the tools of the trade: anecdotes, parallelism, unique, personal detail, allusion, rhythm, sentence variety, strong verbs, many small paragraphs, dialogue, direct and indirect quotes.
5. Read the essays we have studied and use them as your models.

Due date: _____________________________________________________ 

English 12 Personal Composition Name:

	Category	Description	Comments
	Organization (5)	The piece is clearly organized chronologically and each section is clearly separated from the others
	Descriptive Details (10)	Piece uses specific details to “show and not tell” about experience.
	English Conventions (10)	Grammar, spelling, sentencing and punctuation are at grade level Piece has been carefully edited and polished
	Essay Tool box (5)	At least 5 essay writing toolbox tools have been used effectively and appropriately
	Style (5)	Multi-paragraph response Attention to appearance and structure of paragraphs all parts link together effectively with transitions Tone is consistent throughout
	Overall Impression (5)	Piece is at grade level Shows a sophistication of writing skill Piece demonstrates control over writing

 

Lit 12: We did three poems today to finish off the Victorian era

If you were absent, ask me for a copy of Emily Dickinson's poem, "I Could Not Stop for Death"

Read Arnold's poem, "Dover Beach" and make notes on the author and on the poem.

Read Hardy's poem, "The Darkling Thrush" and take notes on the author and the poem.

Tomorrow we will start the comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

AP Lit: Two poems due tomorrow

See yesterday's blog for the criteria for the poems.
Since class is a day in lieu tomorrow, please email me your two poems.
Thanks.

Tuesday: You go to U Vic. I will see you Wednesday.

English 11: Read "May The Best Cheater Win" page 34

For each essay we study, ensure that you have the author, title, thesis, details and techniques in your notebook since the test will be asking key questions about each essay.

Today's writing task is to write 100 to 150 words on a time you cheated (can be fictional). Use many of the techniques personal essay writers use enhance their writing: personification, hyperbole, sentence variety, strong verbs, motherhood statements, parallelism, allusion, dialogue, etc.

Homework: Write a narrative introduction to an essay on a topic of your choice. If you were away, come to my room at lunch to read the sample narrative introduction from an essay in The New Yorker magazine.

Personal Essay Criteria

Due Date: Tues. May 28

Criteria: Length 600 to 1200 words
               Thesis: direct or indirect
               Details: good examples, people, places, things
               Techniques: Use several from our list
               Style: Choose one or a combination: persuasive, descriptive, narrative, expository,

Bibliography: You must conduct a personal interview and submit your questions and the answers. You may record the interview and submit the recording. I'm looking for an engaging interview--ie Not a robotic question/answer. Ask questions based on their answers. You want an in-depth response to each question. You want secrets!  
Also, if your topic requires research, include the books, articles, websites used in your bibliography. We use MLA style in English. 

English 11: The personal essay, how to write one, what to write about . . .

As we read and discuss each essay, start thinking about what you want to write about, how to get started, who you can interview, and where you'll need to search for information.

Today: The first group presented Stephen King's essay from the text, "Why We Crave Horror Movies". Be sure to read the essay and get the notes.

We had a quiz on 12 techniques. The ones we learned in essay 1, Visser's essay.

We did a creative writing exercise designed by Zach, Robert and Sydney.

I read a Jack Knox essay about his dog, Spot.

We compared our opening lines to our essays, asking what makes a good opening.

Homework: Connect to your group to be prepared to present.

We need to move Jake and Mitch's essay to the end due to Mitch's illness so stay tuned.

Lit 12: Poetry project due on the 22nd

Today, I collected the paragraphs on "My Last Duchess"; we worked on our poetry projects for 45 minutes, chose our poems and started the TICK charts, and then we read and discussed Emily Bronte's bio and her elegiac poem, "Song". If you were absent, be sure to get started on your project and read the poem. I will expect your paragraph when you return. Also, you have a poem due to Cheyenne and to Evann, Friday. Speak to them regarding their Barrett Browning presentation.

AP Lit: Be sure to finish the aubade . . . .

Check yesterday's blog for the aubade assignment.

Two poems typed due Friday for editing purposes. You may submit your aubade or today's imitations or something you cobble together from Tuesday's quick writes. I'm looking for concrete imagery, a sense of the use of sound, space, punctuation, intriguing titles, on topics which interest you.

Lord of the Flies . . . if you returned the text, you wrote the test today . . .

No text. No test. Tests available to write during Wednesday's after school session in Ms. G-C's room, 320. Amrit, Ben and Mitch, you'll need to write after school tomorrow. Thanks.

I collected the TICK charts on Friday. If you were absent and you have a note, you may submit it today. If you were absent, you have a lot of work to catch up on. 1. Find out which essay you must read. 2. Pick up the sheet you need to complete.

Be prepared to present your essay. We start Wednesday. Wednesday's group--if you don't have a power point completed, come in at lunch and work on the computers in my room.

Presentations begin tomorrow: IF YOU MISS A DAY, YOU MUST DO THE WRITING EXERCISE. THE NEXT TWO WEEKS WE WILL BE BUSY ALL CLASS, READING, RESPONDING, PRESENTING AND WRITING PRACTICE TO IMITATE PERSONAL ESSAY STYLE.

Zach, Syd, and Robert present the first essay. We will have time to read the essay during class. If you read slowly, get started tonight. It's called "Why We Crave Horror Movies" on page 27. 

Lit 12: We did two poems today . . .

Due Friday: a love poem imitating Elizabeth Barret Browning's sonnet. However, your love poem may praise a person or a thing (chocolate, sleeping in, sailing, shopping, whatever you wish). Start with the same first line as Barrett Browning. Hand in to Evann and Cheyenne. Bonus points for using iambic pentametre.

Due Tomorrow: In a formal, literary paragraph choose at least three literary techniques (imagery, dramatic monologue form, interjections, caesuras, juxtaposition, enjambment) which help to electively reveal the character of the Duke of Ferrarra. We read the poem and took notes during class and had time to create a what / so what chart and get the thesis completed. If you need an extension email me. If you need an extension for the poem, ask Evann or Cheyenne.  Ensure that your thesis states which three techniques you plan to discuss and what you think of the Duke.

We also took notes on Tennyson. If you were away Friday, read his poem, "Ulysses" and take notes on the dramatic monologue form. Get the notes from a friend.

We'll finish the Victorian era poems this week and start the play, The Importance of Being Earnest next week.

AP Lit: Write an aubade . ..

 Sara, Brit, Whit, please return the LIT texts to the library and pick up the poetry text. Thanks.

An aubade is a poem of farewell. Traditionally, written at dawn where two lovers must part.

When thinking of writing a poem, think, I just have to write a line and then another line and another line. In this manner, you won't write toward a dull ending or a pre-thought epiphany--hey, is that even possible?

Start with this opening

Just past dawn, the sun stands
with its heavy red head
NOW THE NEXT LINE OR WORD WILL SET YOUR TONE: SAD, CURT, APATHETIC ETC.

FOR EXAMPLE:

WHAT IF THE NEXT LINE READ

in curlers . . . . Read the stanza again with this line and you can imagine the speaker--

Why are the lovers parting? Is it a secret love? Is it war?

Is it not two lovers at all, i.e. you are changing the "aubade" form and saying farewell to childhood or innocence or loss?

One thing we know for sure, dawn must come and the dark eclipsed by light.

What if the next line read

A STATUE OF DAVID.

or the line read

sulking again.


Once you choose your next line, you are off. You've created tone, character, a reason for parting, reason for loving, how to say farewell.

And, you don't need to think too much about it because you can simply use one of the books you signed out from the library, open it, copy a line and you are off . . .


Just past dawn, the sun stands
with its heavy red head,
the last cult in America.

or

Just past dawn, the sun stands
with its heavy red head,
clueless in the kitchen.

Just past dawn, the sun stands
with its heavy red head,
a field guide of birds.

Just past dawn, the sun stands
with its heavy red head,
an aerosol can pointed at Adam.

Have fun fun fun.

If you have never left a lover at dawn, you need to GET OUT MORE, Christina!! Quit working at CIBC OR RBC or TD any institution forsaking language. Although several great poets have been bankers or insurance auditors. If you get the allusion, you get chocolate.

Or

Re-read Romeo and Juliet, Act 3 or 4! Miss Andiel doesn't remember and I need to mark the Lit test. Miss Andiel says, Figure it out!

English 11: TICK chart on the novel's theme due tomorrow . . .

YOU MUST RETURN YOUR LORD OF THE FLIES NOVEL ON TUESDAY. NO EXCEPTIONS. THANKS. 

TICK chart and thesis statement is due tomorrow.

Today: We started our personal essay unit and we signed out an essay text entitled, Essays: Patterns and Perspectives. If you were absent, pick one up in the learning commons.

Each student picked an essay and partners for our essay presentation project. Find out which group you are in asap as we start presenting next Wednesday. No school Monday.

Today, we read the essay entitled: "A Locker Room With a View". Read the essay and get the notes. Open notebook test at the end of the unit requires that you take careful, detailed notes.

Tuesday: Lord of the Flies final test. See yesterday's blog for details. Study. Organize your notebook. Make sure you have finished reading the novel.

Lit 12: Unit 3 Test today . . . Poetry Project

 Poems due tomorrow: If you need an extension, speak to Rachael, Gina or Amanda. Write a poem about something you fear.

If you missed today, we'll get you to write the unit 3 test after school on Wednesday next week. Be sure to pick up a copy of the poetry project outline which is copied below:

 

Literature 12: Poetry Project 

Due: Wed. May 22 

Purpose: To become an expert on one poet on the core list from an era of your choice.

1. Analyze two poems (that are not on the core list) in detail by creating TICK charts and thematic statements for each poem.
2. Write a compare / contrast composition between one of your poems and a poem from the core list. Length: 600 words.
3. Create a creative response to your author: (illustrate poems, put poems to music, write your own poems on similar themes, create a glog or film on your author etc). Think of a unique and memorable way to pay tribute to your author. Marks awarded for insight. In other words, how does your creative response enhance a reader's appreciation and understanding of the works under review?

Due date: ____________________________________________________________________

Tomorrow: The Victorian Era 1830 to 1900! If you don't know anything about this era you can read the section in the text so Cheyenne and Evann's glog presentation will make more sense.

We will be reading Tennyson after the glog presentation. The poem is a dramatic monologue and it is called, "Ulysses".

AP Lit: Rest Rest Rest

We start creative writing Tuesday. No class Friday or Monday.

YOU HAVE FOUR OR FIVE TEXTS DUE TO RETURN TOMORROW:
HAMLET, CAMUS, MILLER, A NOVEL OR A PLAY AND YOUR LIT TEXT. 

You won't be able to sign out any more texts until these are returned. Your cooperation is appreciated.

English 11: TICK chart on the novel's theme is due Friday . . .

I collected the found poems today. If you were absent, bring a note so that you may submit the poem tomorrow.

TICK chart. Create a detailed TICK chart for FRIDAY.

First, finish reading the novel.

Next, create what / so what charts underneath the following headings. Marks awarded for excellent inferences (similar to our class discussions and notes you have in your notebooks). Make specific references to parts of the book to support your opinions.

Title:
What        So What

Lord         Be sure to ponder the title's contribution to the book's theme
Flies         Who is the Lord? Who are the flies? Why?
                 Make connections to key scenes in the novel.

Introduction (Use the first chapter as the "intro")
We took clear notes on the entire chapter so they will help you assess the first chapter's contribution to theme.

What?                    So What?  Include 3 whats and 9 so whats here

Conclusion (Use the final chapter but pay attention to the final page)

What happens?  Why is it key? Why is it ironic? What do we learn? What are the allegorical implications of a conclusion such as this one?


Key Points: Use symbols, and quotes. Three of each.

What? (spear, conch, glasses, fire, island, plus three great quotations)

So what? (Does the symbol change? Why? Discuss tone, diction, sentence structure)


Once the chart is complete you will have a novel in miniature. A great collection of your thoughts and interactions with the novel's themes.

Now, create a thematic statement. A thesis of the book's themes based on your TICK chart. Be sure to include all four parts of the chart in your answer.



TUESDAY:

Test

Part 1: Analyze a passage from the novel and explain what the symbols, tone, syntax and diction reveal about the novel's themes.

Part 2: Literary Essay Writing. Choose 1 of the thesis statements given and write a formal literary essay of 600 plus words to prove it. Use your notes to create a fine response.

This weekend: Organize your notes. Put all the essay notes in one (easily-found) section of your notebook. Put all your quotations in one place or highlight the key ones. Transfer the post-its to your novel this weekend. Think about the novel. What vision does it offer to us today of mankind?

Also, review the elements of a literary essay. Re-read the essay you wrote on the novel. What skills must you review this weekend?

Lit 12: Study all the notes, terms, authors, titles, themes of Unit 3

Test Thursday: tomorrow.

If you think you'll need more time, come in and start during lunch.


You may bring your introductory paragraph and all your quotations for the essay section.

We start the Victorian era, Friday. Our last unit also includes a comedy by Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest. Yay!

You did well during the review today. Keep up the great work. 

AP Lit: See you here at 7:30 . . . Bring goodies to share if you like . . .

 Meet in my room at 7:30 if you'd like goodies. I'm picking up Tessa and Shannon so don't panic if we are a little late. We'll be here.

Tonight as you study, breathe, relax, enjoy.

You saw how much you enjoyed the practice today--how engaging it is. How skilled you are so tomorrow will be a breeze if you are well rested, confident, have some protein and carbs in your bellies and you have extra pens and pencils, a water bottle and a watch.

We'll dance and laugh at the break so that your body won't even remember the multiple choice questions. You can still get a 5! A 3, 4, or 5 gets you first year credit at most post-secondary institutions.

If you were away today or want more practice tonight, visit the link below:

2012 essay questions

More questions and answer keys:

More questions from past AP exams


Tonight: Review each era from Lit 12. Note key words for each

Renaissance
Cavalier / carpe diem
Metaphysical
18th century (Pope)
Romantic
Victorian
Modern

By knowing a few key words and a few key genres, it helps to place the poem in context as soon as you see the name, the form, or recognize the era (sometimes they give the date published)

Review:
Elizabethan sonnet
Petrarchan sonnet
Pastoral elements

You are definitely prepared. Expect great results.

English 11: finish the found poem and study

See yesterday's blog for a description of the found poem.

All found poems are due Wednesday unless you have asked for an extension.

Today: We worked on the found poems.

Read chapter 10. Pay particular attention to the way Ralph and Piggy react to the knowledge of Simon's death. Explain why both reactions are inadequate.

Notice the irony that Piggy and Ralph realize how important rescue is at the time Jack's group attacks. Explain how key this juxtaposition of events is.

Notice who has left Ralph's group for Jack's group. How do you explain that?

Chapter 10 ends with a significant event. Explain its importance.

Read chapter 11. Compare and contrast Piggy's death to Simon's. 
We will finish reading chapter 12 during class. 

Novel Test Thursday:

OPEN NOTEBOOK. MAKE SURE YOUR NOTES ARE UP TO DATE

You will be given a passage from the novel and asked to examine it and turn your opinions into a literary paragraph.

You will be given three thesis STATEMENTS. Choose one and write a literary essay of 500 to 700 words. To do well on this section, you must study. You need to know and understand key scenes, key symbols, key scenes, how to infer and make connections, how to write a literary essay and you need to have all of the literary must-haves' list memorized.

Lit 12: Unit 3 Test Thursday

In order to prepare for the in-class essay section of the unit test, choose one of the topics below and re-read the works you plan to discuss. Bring the quotations you plan to use to class with you for the test.

Literary Essay Section  48 marks

Choose one of the following topics and write a multi-paragraph essay in which you develop a concise thesis, and a focused answer to show your knowledge and understanding of the works. Include specific references to the works you discuss. Use at least three examples per body paragraph.

For this essay, you may choose works by the following authors:
Robert Burns, William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Percy Shelly or John Keats.

Choose one:

1. Romantic and pre-Romantic writers often championed a relationship with nature to sustain human life. Discuss this theme with reference to at least three literary works.

2. Discuss the ways in which the use of the following symbols: the ocean to Byron, the wind to Shelley or the skylark to Shelley and the nightingale to Keats, reflect the characteristics of the Romantic period. (Choose only one of Shelley's poems).

3. Insights about society often come from those who feel apart from it. Support this statement with reference to at least three literary works.

AP Lit: PREP PREP PREP: 2 more sleeps

Today we wrote a free response essay during class and peer edited and marked them. The point of the exercise was to review the steps needed to do well on this section of the exam and to see how many varied responses are possible.

We agreed on the following tips to success:

• always explain your evidence
• use 9 pieces of evidence throughout
• organize the writing (don't write while you think)
• plan, think, write
• prep, prep, prep

Tonight: prep one of the comedies you have read. Do a TICK chart. Read the elements of comedy handouts I gave you today and apply these elements to the play you are preparing. Occasionally the free response question is directed to a comedy.

Also: google Stylistic elements in __________ (whatever play or novel you are preparing)

For a 7 or higher, it is advantageous to add a discussion of style into your question. Do not force it as this discussion must also answer the question but you can refer to the genre of your piece, the syntax, diction, dialogue, settings,
etc

Eg: Jane Eyre--gothic and romantic period elements (ghosts, supernatural, emotional, personal and lyrical, celebration of the common man, imagination

Handmaid's Tale- dystopian novel elements, palimpsest

Death of a Salesman: stream of consciousness, stage directions, walking through walls, post-war consumerism, ethereal nature of the dream reflected in Ben (a character only present in Willy's mind)

Hamlet: foils of the three family dynamics: Fortinbras, Laertes, Hamlet, 7 solioquies, changes from the traditional revenge tragedy,

King Lear: tragedy of an old man easily duped, child like in his misunderstanding of human nature, denial of the duality of man, assumption that title leads to morality,

The Outsider-absurdist philosophy, simple syntax, sensuous detail,

The Importance of Being Earnest--a comedy of manners observing the absurdities of society, double-entendre, irony, confused identity, puns, aphorisms, epigrams,

Tomorrow: Bring the prose and poetry sections we have practiced. We'll do one poem and one prose prep.

Thursday: Be here by 7:45, 7:30 if you want to have a snack before the exam. Bring water. Dress in layers. Bring several pens and pencils and pencil sharpeners and a watch. HB pencils only. Exam is in the science wing in Ms. Scott's room, 267.