We have 9 essays to read in our text. They range in length from two pages to 12 pages. Today, we read the essays and took notes. I handed out a copy of the Woody Allen essay which is not in your text. We read it aloud. Ask for a copy if you were absent today.
Your job is to create a page for each essay similar to the pages we have done so far on the Visser essay and on the two Jack Knox essays. You may do so now or when each group presents.
If you have been away, check with your group and read the presentation outline sheet.
Tuesday, Jan. 6th, you will have an open book test on all 9 essays. You need to know the thesis, and at least two techniques per essay and how they help to prove the thesis. You may plan ahead and write a page per essay in your notebook or post-it note the thesis and techniques and label the post-it.
Independent Novel: You will need to have 100 pages read by Jan. 8th. I will be checking to see that you have post-it noted at least 5 appearance and reality passages.
Look for deceptions, liars, different perspectives, characters who lie to themselves, characters who are trying to find the truth, what motivates a character to believe something, how are they pressured into following someone else's truth?
Have a fun, safe holiday. Ms. Moray is in tomorrow. Please respect her as our guest.
Be sure that you can define and find an example of all our terms:
1. allusion
2. empathy / sympathy
3. flashback
4. imply / suggest / indirect presentation
5. diction
6. hyperbole
7. direct quote (interview)
8. irony
9. anecdote
10. higher authority
11. Detail / narrative (story) elements
12. parallelism
13. Tone
14. alliteration
15. pun
16. repetition
17. non sequiturs definition
18. understatement
19. frame tale definition
20. rhetorical questions
21. incongruity (noun) incongruous (adj) definition
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Writing 12: The Post Card Story
If you were absent today, choose one of the first lines and titles below, you may mix and match and write a post card story. Length 100 to 750 words, depending on the style. I read several stories to the class today and we made a list of post card story attributes. If you are new to this genre, google John Gould. Google post card stories. John will be reading to us on Friday, Jan. 9th.
You have two stories due Thursday, Jan. 8th.
Tomorrow we will be writing another post card story.
Yay.
Have a great holiday and fun at Xmas grad (if you are in grade 12).
I'll see you in 2015. Ms. Moray is teaching you tomorrow.
You have two stories due Thursday, Jan. 8th.
Tomorrow we will be writing another post card story.
Yay.
Have a great holiday and fun at Xmas grad (if you are in grade 12).
I'll see you in 2015. Ms. Moray is teaching you tomorrow.
English 10: YOU DID IT! YAY . . .
We wrote the essay on Animal Farm. I collected the quotation log on Animal Farm and I collected your poetry log. A few stragglers also submitted their BCTELA forms and/or The Claremont Review submissions. Last day for any overdue work on the poetry unit or the novel is tomorrow, unless you have asked for and been granted an extension.
Thanks.
Ms. Moray is in tomorrow. Please treat her with respect. She is a guest in our classroom. Follow her instructions. Bring your USSR book to class.
Class starts at 9:30 tomorrow, after the pancake breakfast. Merry Christmas.
I'll see you in 2015. We will be practising for the provincial exam, reading and studying Romeo and Juliet and reading lots of USSR books.
Thanks.
Ms. Moray is in tomorrow. Please treat her with respect. She is a guest in our classroom. Follow her instructions. Bring your USSR book to class.
Class starts at 9:30 tomorrow, after the pancake breakfast. Merry Christmas.
I'll see you in 2015. We will be practising for the provincial exam, reading and studying Romeo and Juliet and reading lots of USSR books.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Writing 12: Terence Young responses due tomorrow . . .
We start post card stories tomorrow. Don't miss this class.
Friday's class will be important, too. Pancakes at 9. Our class Friday begins at 10:15 to 10:50.
Thursday: We have a locker clean out 1/2 way through the class. Slightly varied time table tomorrow.
9 to 10:19
10:25 to 11:56
Period 4: 12:42 to 2:03
Period 5 2:09 to 3:28
Friday's class will be important, too. Pancakes at 9. Our class Friday begins at 10:15 to 10:50.
Thursday: We have a locker clean out 1/2 way through the class. Slightly varied time table tomorrow.
9 to 10:19
10:25 to 11:56
Period 4: 12:42 to 2:03
Period 5 2:09 to 3:28
English 10: In-class essay tomorrow . . .
Due: Poetry Log, Quote Log
If you were absent today, we colour-coded the quote log and created our thesis statements and introductions. We also read at least 15 pages of our USSR books and everyone has picked two books to take home to read over the holidays.
Tomorrow: We will all be handwriting the essay. You may use your quote log, your novel, and your notebooks to find the best quotations to use. You may arrive with your introduction completed.
I'm looking for insightful thesis statements.
Don't simply say: The demise of the utopian vision of Old Major is caused by Napoleon's insolent drive to power.
HMMM . . . .
There is more to it than that. How did he rise to power? What role did the animals play in letting him rise to power?
If you can create your thesis without reading the novel, it is NOT a thesis, right?
Good luck.
If you were absent today, we colour-coded the quote log and created our thesis statements and introductions. We also read at least 15 pages of our USSR books and everyone has picked two books to take home to read over the holidays.
Tomorrow: We will all be handwriting the essay. You may use your quote log, your novel, and your notebooks to find the best quotations to use. You may arrive with your introduction completed.
I'm looking for insightful thesis statements.
Don't simply say: The demise of the utopian vision of Old Major is caused by Napoleon's insolent drive to power.
HMMM . . . .
There is more to it than that. How did he rise to power? What role did the animals play in letting him rise to power?
If you can create your thesis without reading the novel, it is NOT a thesis, right?
Good luck.
English 11: Read your assigned essay tonight and . . .
Selena, your essay is on page 95.
Your job will be to present the essay in an effective, ebullient, and entertaining way. To design a strong writing exercise for the class to practice. READ THE HANDOUT FOR ALL THE CRITERIA.
Tonight, create a page in your notebook for your essay:
Thesis
Two key techniques
Effectiveness
Favourite Passage
Why
ARRIVE TOMORROW READY TO WORK HARD. Xmas holidays start Dec. 20th.
Don't start the holidays until Saturday. Your marks will reflect the loss.
Your job will be to present the essay in an effective, ebullient, and entertaining way. To design a strong writing exercise for the class to practice. READ THE HANDOUT FOR ALL THE CRITERIA.
Tonight, create a page in your notebook for your essay:
Thesis
Two key techniques
Effectiveness
Favourite Passage
Why
ARRIVE TOMORROW READY TO WORK HARD. Xmas holidays start Dec. 20th.
Don't start the holidays until Saturday. Your marks will reflect the loss.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
English 11: Personal Essay Unit . . .
I collected the 5 quotations and responses based on the HEAD assignments.
We did two vocabulary quizzes. Know words 1- 60 well.
We re-read Visser's essay and did the quiz. We reviewed all the techniques.
Make sure your notes are up to date.
For each essay, record the following:
Title:
Author:
Thesis: (If the thesis is stated directly, quote and cite it) (If the thesis is indirect, paraphrase (in your own words) what the essay proves)
Best piece of evidence to prove the thesis:
Two techniques:
Why are they effective?
Favourite Passage?
Why?
Today, we read Jack Knox's descriptive essay, "My Dog, Spot" from the Times-Colonist paper. If you were absent, ask for a copy. Read it. Complete the notes above.
We also read 15 pages of our independent novels today. These must be read by Jan. 15th.
We did two vocabulary quizzes. Know words 1- 60 well.
We re-read Visser's essay and did the quiz. We reviewed all the techniques.
Make sure your notes are up to date.
For each essay, record the following:
Title:
Author:
Thesis: (If the thesis is stated directly, quote and cite it) (If the thesis is indirect, paraphrase (in your own words) what the essay proves)
Best piece of evidence to prove the thesis:
Two techniques:
Why are they effective?
Favourite Passage?
Why?
Today, we read Jack Knox's descriptive essay, "My Dog, Spot" from the Times-Colonist paper. If you were absent, ask for a copy. Read it. Complete the notes above.
We also read 15 pages of our independent novels today. These must be read by Jan. 15th.
Writing 12: Short story is due tomorrow . . .
I will return the critiques on Thursday.
Tomorrow: Please arrive on time: 10:21 (respect for our guest author, Terence Young)
Terence was English department chair for many years at Claremont. He was one of the founding editors of The Claremont Review and he started the writing program at Claremont. He is an excellent reader and writer. His books have been nominated for the Governor-General's award. He is married to the poet, Patricia Young. He teaches in Victoria at SMUS.
Thursday: Terence Young responses are due. We start post card stories. Don't miss this class.
Friday: Ms. Moray will be here. Class is 40 minutes. Pancake breakfast at 9. Yum.
Tomorrow: Please arrive on time: 10:21 (respect for our guest author, Terence Young)
Terence was English department chair for many years at Claremont. He was one of the founding editors of The Claremont Review and he started the writing program at Claremont. He is an excellent reader and writer. His books have been nominated for the Governor-General's award. He is married to the poet, Patricia Young. He teaches in Victoria at SMUS.
Thursday: Terence Young responses are due. We start post card stories. Don't miss this class.
Friday: Ms. Moray will be here. Class is 40 minutes. Pancake breakfast at 9. Yum.
English 10: Poetry Submissions and Contest Submissions
1. Electronic Submission to the contest that Sean won last year:
Jessamy Stursberg National Poetry Contest for Youth
2. BCTELA contest (provincial contest) You need to attach two poems to a completed form. Ensure Mom or Dad has signed it.
School address: Claremont Secondary 4980 Wesley Rd. Victoria, BC V8y 1Y9 Make sure there are no names on your poems and both titles are on the sheet. Staple together and hand in. I will mail these to Vancouver.
3. The Claremont Review Spring Issue Submission You may submit up to 6 items. Any combination of poems and stories. You need your name on each submission and you need to address the envelope and put your return address on the envelope. You also need to add a bio to your cover sheet: 2-3 sentences about yourself.
The Claremont Review Submission Guidelines
Make sure that you have submitted the poems to me and emailed the poem to the Jessamy contest.
Homework: Finish your Animal Farm quote log. It is due on Thursday.
Finish your poetry log which is due Thursday.
Wed: Time to finish the poetry log, organize the quote log into sections and write the thesis, get it checked, work on the introductions!
Thursday: In-class essay on Animal Farm.
Ms. Moray will be here Friday. Class is shortened to 35 minutes. Pancake breakfast at 9. Teacher skits in the afternoon.
By Friday, we will feel we have deserved this Xmas break.
Never take a break from reading, however. You must sign out two books to read over the holidays. Pick books that relax and excite you!
Jessamy Stursberg National Poetry Contest for Youth
2. BCTELA contest (provincial contest) You need to attach two poems to a completed form. Ensure Mom or Dad has signed it.
School address: Claremont Secondary 4980 Wesley Rd. Victoria, BC V8y 1Y9 Make sure there are no names on your poems and both titles are on the sheet. Staple together and hand in. I will mail these to Vancouver.
3. The Claremont Review Spring Issue Submission You may submit up to 6 items. Any combination of poems and stories. You need your name on each submission and you need to address the envelope and put your return address on the envelope. You also need to add a bio to your cover sheet: 2-3 sentences about yourself.
The Claremont Review Submission Guidelines
Make sure that you have submitted the poems to me and emailed the poem to the Jessamy contest.
Homework: Finish your Animal Farm quote log. It is due on Thursday.
Finish your poetry log which is due Thursday.
Wed: Time to finish the poetry log, organize the quote log into sections and write the thesis, get it checked, work on the introductions!
Thursday: In-class essay on Animal Farm.
Ms. Moray will be here Friday. Class is shortened to 35 minutes. Pancake breakfast at 9. Teacher skits in the afternoon.
By Friday, we will feel we have deserved this Xmas break.
Never take a break from reading, however. You must sign out two books to read over the holidays. Pick books that relax and excite you!
Monday, December 15, 2014
English 11: Quote log due tomorrow . . .
Five quotes plus responses are due tomorrow.
I collected THE HEADS (OUR VERBAL-VISUAL ESSAYS).
Last day for these is tomorrow.
Today, we read the essay, "A Locker Room With A View" page 169 in your Patterns and Perspectives text.
I'll collect the five quotes and responses that correspond with your decorated "heads" tomorrow. Some students attached it to the head so you are fine.
For each essay, please complete the following info:
Title
Author
Thesis
Best piece of evidence (Is it a statistic, a scientific report, hearsay, anecdote, someone's opinion, ect)
Two literary techniques. Name them and give examples.
Post-it note a key passage that you really like. In your notebook, say why you like it.
Your notes will be collected and you may use your notes on the test (test will be in Jan.)
For tomorrow: Complete the above notes. Study for a quiz on the following terms:
1. allusion
2. empathy / sympathy
3. flashback
4. imply / suggest (indirectly show your point)
5. diction (choose words for effect "verbal brutalizing" or "insides of sandwiches" or the men "pad" around
6. hyperbole
7. direct quote (interview someone about your topic and quote them word for word)
8. irony
9. anecdote
10. Appeal to a higher authority (Use someone who knows a lot about your topic. Get them to agree with you or quote them from a source you find -- similar to preparing for a debate. You need to make your readers agree with you).
11. parallelism (Creates a chant-like effect and clarity in the writing : professional athletes and professional writers or piles of towels and cans of soda and later in the sentence, she says, "clusters of players and insides of sandwiches" Notice the way these phrases sound.
12. Use details. Details sell. What details do you remember from the essay? Why? They generally have an emotional or visual or auditory effect on you.
Why would an author not state her thesis directly when her audience disagrees with her point of view?
I collected THE HEADS (OUR VERBAL-VISUAL ESSAYS).
Last day for these is tomorrow.
Today, we read the essay, "A Locker Room With A View" page 169 in your Patterns and Perspectives text.
I'll collect the five quotes and responses that correspond with your decorated "heads" tomorrow. Some students attached it to the head so you are fine.
For each essay, please complete the following info:
Title
Author
Thesis
Best piece of evidence (Is it a statistic, a scientific report, hearsay, anecdote, someone's opinion, ect)
Two literary techniques. Name them and give examples.
Post-it note a key passage that you really like. In your notebook, say why you like it.
Your notes will be collected and you may use your notes on the test (test will be in Jan.)
For tomorrow: Complete the above notes. Study for a quiz on the following terms:
1. allusion
2. empathy / sympathy
3. flashback
4. imply / suggest (indirectly show your point)
5. diction (choose words for effect "verbal brutalizing" or "insides of sandwiches" or the men "pad" around
6. hyperbole
7. direct quote (interview someone about your topic and quote them word for word)
8. irony
9. anecdote
10. Appeal to a higher authority (Use someone who knows a lot about your topic. Get them to agree with you or quote them from a source you find -- similar to preparing for a debate. You need to make your readers agree with you).
11. parallelism (Creates a chant-like effect and clarity in the writing : professional athletes and professional writers or piles of towels and cans of soda and later in the sentence, she says, "clusters of players and insides of sandwiches" Notice the way these phrases sound.
12. Use details. Details sell. What details do you remember from the essay? Why? They generally have an emotional or visual or auditory effect on you.
Why would an author not state her thesis directly when her audience disagrees with her point of view?
Writing 12: Good copy of your story due Wed.
Tomorrow, Tabitha and Victor present and I'll introduce you to a story of Terence Young's. He will be here on Wed. Terence Young response due Thursday.
WHAT A WEEK! AND IT IS NOT EVEN CHRISTMAS. ALWAYS A HOLIDAY AROUND HERE.
WHAT A WEEK! AND IT IS NOT EVEN CHRISTMAS. ALWAYS A HOLIDAY AROUND HERE.
English 10: We finished the novel today and . . .
I collected your beautiful poetry manuscripts. Well done.
Homework: Animal Farm Quote Log:
Alone or with a partner, find and respond to the BEST 10 passages from the novel which demonstrate the major causes that corrupted Old Major's original dream and result in the fall of Animal Farm and the return to the Manor Farm.
Ensure that in each response to the quote, you state (interpret) how this quotation explains the fall of Animal Farm.
You will have time to work on it during class tomorrow.
Tonight: CHOOSE TWO POEMS FOR THE BCTELA CONTEST. PRINT THEM OUT. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR NAME DOES NOT APPEAR ON EACH POEM. INSTEAD, ATTACH THE TWO POEMS TO THE COVER SHEET. THE SHEET MUST BE SIGNED BY MOM OR DAD.
The Claremont Review Submission: Choose from 1 to 4 poems to send to this magazine. Polish your poems so there are no errors. Complete the cover sheet that I handed out in class today. Put your name on each poem. Attach the cover sheet to the poems. Tomorrow, we will address the envelopes and send the poems off to The Claremont Review.
Optional: The Claremont Review Contest. You could win up to $2000.00 and get published. Visit their website for more details. Deadline is March 1 / 2015.
Tomorrow: Make sure you have electronic access to TWO of your poems. We will be sending them off to the Jessamy Strusberg contest that Sean won last year. Cash prizes and publication on the League of Canadian Poets website.
Homework: Animal Farm Quote Log:
Alone or with a partner, find and respond to the BEST 10 passages from the novel which demonstrate the major causes that corrupted Old Major's original dream and result in the fall of Animal Farm and the return to the Manor Farm.
Ensure that in each response to the quote, you state (interpret) how this quotation explains the fall of Animal Farm.
You will have time to work on it during class tomorrow.
Tonight: CHOOSE TWO POEMS FOR THE BCTELA CONTEST. PRINT THEM OUT. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR NAME DOES NOT APPEAR ON EACH POEM. INSTEAD, ATTACH THE TWO POEMS TO THE COVER SHEET. THE SHEET MUST BE SIGNED BY MOM OR DAD.
The Claremont Review Submission: Choose from 1 to 4 poems to send to this magazine. Polish your poems so there are no errors. Complete the cover sheet that I handed out in class today. Put your name on each poem. Attach the cover sheet to the poems. Tomorrow, we will address the envelopes and send the poems off to The Claremont Review.
Optional: The Claremont Review Contest. You could win up to $2000.00 and get published. Visit their website for more details. Deadline is March 1 / 2015.
Tomorrow: Make sure you have electronic access to TWO of your poems. We will be sending them off to the Jessamy Strusberg contest that Sean won last year. Cash prizes and publication on the League of Canadian Poets website.
Friday, December 12, 2014
English 11: If you were away, sign out books . . .
Sign out two books: the essay text and one of the novels or biographies below:
Pick a novel from the list below and read at least 20 pages for Tuesday.
I need to see at least 3 post-its for Tuesday.
Today we signed out a new text and returned our Othello texts. Please return all Othello texts on Monday. The text is Essays, Patterns and Perspectives. It is filled with humorous and heart-breaking opinion pieces. You will learn how to read and write this style.
Also, during USSR next week and the first two weeks of Jan, you have an assigned novel to read. You may choose from the list below:
The Sudden Weight of Snow
The Handmaid's Tale
A Thousand Splendid Suns (these are out, you'll need your own copy)
Pigs in Heaven
Jane Eyre
A Painted House (ask me as they are upstairs in the book room)
Mao's Last Dancer
In Search of April Raintree
All of these books work with the appearance vs reality theme so would be good choices to compare with the stories, Othello and Lord of the Flies that we have read.
During the third week of Jan. to practice for your exam, you will write an essay comparing two of the books.
You will need to have this novel read by Monday, Jan. 20th. As you read post-it note key passages that deal with the theme appearance vs reality. This theme may be subtle or it may be clear. Look for two different ways to interpret the same situation or look for the rules of a society and how the citizens break the rules or cope with the rules. Look for the duality of man!
Pick a novel from the list below and read at least 20 pages for Tuesday.
I need to see at least 3 post-its for Tuesday.
Today we signed out a new text and returned our Othello texts. Please return all Othello texts on Monday. The text is Essays, Patterns and Perspectives. It is filled with humorous and heart-breaking opinion pieces. You will learn how to read and write this style.
Also, during USSR next week and the first two weeks of Jan, you have an assigned novel to read. You may choose from the list below:
The Sudden Weight of Snow
The Handmaid's Tale
A Thousand Splendid Suns (these are out, you'll need your own copy)
Pigs in Heaven
Jane Eyre
A Painted House (ask me as they are upstairs in the book room)
Mao's Last Dancer
In Search of April Raintree
All of these books work with the appearance vs reality theme so would be good choices to compare with the stories, Othello and Lord of the Flies that we have read.
During the third week of Jan. to practice for your exam, you will write an essay comparing two of the books.
You will need to have this novel read by Monday, Jan. 20th. As you read post-it note key passages that deal with the theme appearance vs reality. This theme may be subtle or it may be clear. Look for two different ways to interpret the same situation or look for the rules of a society and how the citizens break the rules or cope with the rules. Look for the duality of man!
Homework: Your appearance vs reality HEAD (verbal-visual essay) is due Monday. Check yesterday's blog for the criteria list. I have samples you can look at (if you have been away and need an extension). I look forward to artistic heads!
Writing 12: three critiques due Monday . . .
Your workshop group will appreciate your thorough read of their story as it can be really hard to see where your story is not working. During workshop on Monday, if there is a particular tough scene that is not working, you may ask the author to explain what she/he is visualizing. Sometimes, talking about the scene achieves a breakthrough, that ah-ha that moves the stuck language or action.
Monday: Submit to me, a 300 word critique of your own story, and a 300 word critique for any two of the stories in your group.
The critique needs to be specific in what is working (why) and what is not working (why). For example, in the gas station, the dweeb's dialogue doesn't seem realistic. Try using non sequiturs (I still love George Bush) or less dialogue and more description or try using sentence fragments or have the protagonist continue to interrupt him or have the dweeb only say one thing over and over, I'm sorry, you'll have to speak to the manager who works the day shift.
And please please please cut their adjectives and adverbs and correct the punctuation of the dialogue.
Watch the endings of these stories. First draft endings are often over the top (emo porn) as Bill Gaston would say. Sometimes the ending is bathed in authorial fear that the reader missed the point of the story so the author repeats the theme in a direct way and spoils the reader's imaginative suppositions regarding what happens to these characters. ARRRG. We don't want that in our final drafts so cut them.
Monday: Workshop: The horror. The horror. The horror. We will dress our ugly babies. Be sure to bring copies of the critiques to give to your authors.
Tuesday: Victor and Tabitha present the writing of Rachel Ward and then I'll do an introduction to Terence Young's work and how to write a Terence Young scene.
Wednesday: Your short story is due and we have an author visiting: Terence Young, Visit: Terence Young, author, teacher, publisher, essayist
Thursday: Hand in the Terence Young responses, please. Friday, the 19th will be the last day to get these in. We start a post card story unit. Yay. These are fun.
Friday: Writing a post card story. Two stories due Thursday, Jan 8 / 2015. Wowzers
Next week will be busy busy busy. I like to make the last week worth your while so that when the holidays come you really feel as if you deserved it.
Monday: Submit to me, a 300 word critique of your own story, and a 300 word critique for any two of the stories in your group.
The critique needs to be specific in what is working (why) and what is not working (why). For example, in the gas station, the dweeb's dialogue doesn't seem realistic. Try using non sequiturs (I still love George Bush) or less dialogue and more description or try using sentence fragments or have the protagonist continue to interrupt him or have the dweeb only say one thing over and over, I'm sorry, you'll have to speak to the manager who works the day shift.
And please please please cut their adjectives and adverbs and correct the punctuation of the dialogue.
Watch the endings of these stories. First draft endings are often over the top (emo porn) as Bill Gaston would say. Sometimes the ending is bathed in authorial fear that the reader missed the point of the story so the author repeats the theme in a direct way and spoils the reader's imaginative suppositions regarding what happens to these characters. ARRRG. We don't want that in our final drafts so cut them.
Monday: Workshop: The horror. The horror. The horror. We will dress our ugly babies. Be sure to bring copies of the critiques to give to your authors.
Tuesday: Victor and Tabitha present the writing of Rachel Ward and then I'll do an introduction to Terence Young's work and how to write a Terence Young scene.
Wednesday: Your short story is due and we have an author visiting: Terence Young, Visit: Terence Young, author, teacher, publisher, essayist
Thursday: Hand in the Terence Young responses, please. Friday, the 19th will be the last day to get these in. We start a post card story unit. Yay. These are fun.
Friday: Writing a post card story. Two stories due Thursday, Jan 8 / 2015. Wowzers
Next week will be busy busy busy. I like to make the last week worth your while so that when the holidays come you really feel as if you deserved it.
English 10: A few items to complete for Monday . .
1: Poetry manuscript, plus cover page, plus rough drafts
2. Please read and post-it note chapter 8
3. The top ten headlines for chapter 1-7 or your top ten event list (if you didn't finish during class)
Go see the play at Claremont! Bring me your ticket for bonus marks.
Next week?
Thursday is our Poetry Cafe.
Wednesday, we will be entering poetry contest.
Monday, we finish reading the novel and making notes on the demise of the utopian vision that was supposed to be Animal Farm. How do the animals stray so far from Old Major's vision?
Tuesday: Writing about the novel
2. Please read and post-it note chapter 8
3. The top ten headlines for chapter 1-7 or your top ten event list (if you didn't finish during class)
Go see the play at Claremont! Bring me your ticket for bonus marks.
Next week?
Thursday is our Poetry Cafe.
Wednesday, we will be entering poetry contest.
Monday, we finish reading the novel and making notes on the demise of the utopian vision that was supposed to be Animal Farm. How do the animals stray so far from Old Major's vision?
Tuesday: Writing about the novel
Thursday, December 11, 2014
English 11: Appearance VS Reality Project
Project: To create a verbal-visual essay about your character or theme. Choose a character (Othello, Roderigo, Iago, Desdemona, or Emilia) or a theme (love, jealousy, fear, passion) and create its HEAD. (See samples in the classroom).
Create a what / so what chart before you begin so that you can go beyond the obvious in your thesis about the character.
Write the thesis on the sheet. Prove your thesis by putting the quotes on the page in a creative manner and also prove your thesis visually by having parts of the brain (lift up to show the other side) or draw another head upside down to reveal what is hidden.
You are to show the two sides of each character. Even Desdemona has a second side
as she is so naive to man's duality that she loses her life to goodness.
OOOO almost a thesis there, eh?
Due date: Monday, Dec. 15.
Marks awarded for a strong, clear, insightful thesis, five key quotes, the what / so what chart with insightful opinions, your visual display, your use of texture, colour, and symbol to verbally reveal your topic.
Create a what / so what chart before you begin so that you can go beyond the obvious in your thesis about the character.
Write the thesis on the sheet. Prove your thesis by putting the quotes on the page in a creative manner and also prove your thesis visually by having parts of the brain (lift up to show the other side) or draw another head upside down to reveal what is hidden.
You are to show the two sides of each character. Even Desdemona has a second side
as she is so naive to man's duality that she loses her life to goodness.
OOOO almost a thesis there, eh?
Due date: Monday, Dec. 15.
Marks awarded for a strong, clear, insightful thesis, five key quotes, the what / so what chart with insightful opinions, your visual display, your use of texture, colour, and symbol to verbally reveal your topic.
Writing 12: Two Stories due tomorrow
Please print them out before you arrive to class.
Class time tomorrow: Edit the stories. Write your critiques.
Monday: Workshop time. Hand in 3, 300 word critiques to me. Hand a copy of the critiques to the authors.
Tuesday: Student Presentation and an introduction to Terence Young
Wed: Terence Young (please hand in your stories quietly at the beginning of class. If you need to print, do so at lunch. You can print to the English printer from this room).
Thursday: The wild world of the post card story. First Thursday back from Xmas break, two post card stories due.TERENCE YOUNG RESPONSE DUE.
Friday: More wild post card stories.
Class time tomorrow: Edit the stories. Write your critiques.
Monday: Workshop time. Hand in 3, 300 word critiques to me. Hand a copy of the critiques to the authors.
Tuesday: Student Presentation and an introduction to Terence Young
Wed: Terence Young (please hand in your stories quietly at the beginning of class. If you need to print, do so at lunch. You can print to the English printer from this room).
Thursday: The wild world of the post card story. First Thursday back from Xmas break, two post card stories due.TERENCE YOUNG RESPONSE DUE.
Friday: More wild post card stories.
English 10: I am loving your poems!!
Clearly you can do ANYTHING! Lucky world to have you all here.
Today: We did the vocab. test 1-60 and we read chapter 5 in Animal Farm and post-it noted. This chapter is pivotal. Be sure to read it slowly.
We went over the poetry manuscript criteria, your four best poems.
Please include:
A cover page with a title for you manuscript and poems by .... and your name.
Include at least one edited draft per good copy.
Left justify each poem.
Left justify the title.
Do not use bold or underline the title.
If you are using an epigraph, italicize it, no quotation marks, put the author's name underneath the epigraph like this, dash and name: -- Lorna Crozier
Homework: Make sure that you have handed in four poems for me to edit.
Revise these poems so that they meet the criteria listed on the sheet.
Next week we will be sending off your poems to the BCTELA and to The Claremont Review and to the Jessamy Strusberg national contest.
If you wish to also enter The Claremont Review contest, you will need a cheque for 20.00 made out to The Claremont Review. $20:00 gives you a chance to win 1,000, plus a one-year subscription to the magazine. For 25.00, you may also submit your short story.
Today: We did the vocab. test 1-60 and we read chapter 5 in Animal Farm and post-it noted. This chapter is pivotal. Be sure to read it slowly.
We went over the poetry manuscript criteria, your four best poems.
Please include:
A cover page with a title for you manuscript and poems by .... and your name.
Include at least one edited draft per good copy.
Left justify each poem.
Left justify the title.
Do not use bold or underline the title.
If you are using an epigraph, italicize it, no quotation marks, put the author's name underneath the epigraph like this, dash and name: -- Lorna Crozier
Homework: Make sure that you have handed in four poems for me to edit.
Revise these poems so that they meet the criteria listed on the sheet.
Next week we will be sending off your poems to the BCTELA and to The Claremont Review and to the Jessamy Strusberg national contest.
If you wish to also enter The Claremont Review contest, you will need a cheque for 20.00 made out to The Claremont Review. $20:00 gives you a chance to win 1,000, plus a one-year subscription to the magazine. For 25.00, you may also submit your short story.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
English 11: We wrote the Othello Test Today . . .
Tonight: Read at least five pages of your USSR book, please. Search the house for art and craft supplies to create your inside/outside character head. You'll want some markers, scissors, glue or tape, magazines, cool letters, something embossed maybe?, fabric, cotton balls.
Tomorrow: Have all your notes prepared. We are going to start a small, creative response to the play, which will be due on Monday.
Friday: Writing a personal essay. Using our knowledge of the play, we'll put it in opinion-piece style, using personal and researched detail. You may write a personal piece on jealousy, appearance vs reality, relationships, liars or lying, telling the truth, listening, experience vs naivety, travelling to an unknown place, trying something new (how being from Victoria influences how you perceive the world). Lots of choice for this assignment. We'll read a number of pieces by Jack Knox who writes for The Times-Colonist and other local writers or radio personalities.
Tomorrow: Have all your notes prepared. We are going to start a small, creative response to the play, which will be due on Monday.
Friday: Writing a personal essay. Using our knowledge of the play, we'll put it in opinion-piece style, using personal and researched detail. You may write a personal piece on jealousy, appearance vs reality, relationships, liars or lying, telling the truth, listening, experience vs naivety, travelling to an unknown place, trying something new (how being from Victoria influences how you perceive the world). Lots of choice for this assignment. We'll read a number of pieces by Jack Knox who writes for The Times-Colonist and other local writers or radio personalities.
Writing 12: Today we are in the lab . .
Make sure that you are pleased with your story. You will have some time during tomorrow's class to work on it as well. Keep reading great short stories for ideas.
Bring two copies, double spaced, edited as well as you can. Please check dialogue punctuation and paragraph indentation so that your workshop group does not have to throttle you.
Thursday: Write a critique of your own story. See if you can predict what your workshop group will suggest. Remember to also say what you really like about your story.
Friday: We read the stories and write our critiques.
Bring two copies, double spaced, edited as well as you can. Please check dialogue punctuation and paragraph indentation so that your workshop group does not have to throttle you.
Thursday: Write a critique of your own story. See if you can predict what your workshop group will suggest. Remember to also say what you really like about your story.
Friday: We read the stories and write our critiques.
English 10: Write a new poem tonight using the ideas from today's exercises or on a completely new topic
New poem due tomorrow. Typed. Be sure to continue using our criteria: use surprise, sound devices, enjambement, a title with an image in it, cut cliches, use language in fresh and startling ways. Sound like the poems you are reading in the magazines and books you took out from the library. Add context (who, what, where, why) where needed so that we know what is going on and why this point of view is key.
DUE MONDAY: Your best four poems, typed. Please include the edited drafts so that I can evaluate your process as well as your product. I will hand out a criteria sheet for this project tomorrow.
Some poets like to write about things or places. Below are two examples to inspire you.
Here is a poem about a scarecrow by the poet, Roo Boorson:
from the book A Sad Device
Scarecrow
Three hours I walked in the fields.
Dandelions that only last week exploded
like the yellow eyes of a million madmen had turned
to full hazy moons in the grass, waning.
Fish shivered the surface of the pond like soft whips.
Redwing blackbirds flashed like daggers,
concealing themselves in leaves.
Gray barn in the distance;
that is the true shape of a man; his own body
belongs to the animals. Or maybe his real form
is a mismatched suit
stuffed with straw, a halpfles thing
overseeing a field of dying stubble,
in a shape that thinks
it can scare away birds.
Light in the Pine Grove, Roo Boorson
An inland gull with dirty snowy wings
criss-crosses the days. At night
great brids, the houses, nest in fog,
everywehere fog pointing the way, meaning
there is no way. All of us
are so strange with one another
that you and I can barely speak.
All I can do is give little hints
that you won't be able to trust.
That is why the wind at night
strangles the slim daffodils,
bangs on the weakening shingles
and shakes us around.
I saw a little light pulsing in a pine grove.
I saw that I had been growing up
for twenty-five years.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
English 10: Read your USSR book tonight . . .
Today we read and post-it noted chapter 3 of Animal Farm during USSR but you can read your own book at home. Next, we had two guests from Writing 12, Annie MacIntosh and Sage Broomfield. They read poems and had us write one and read it to the class.
I collected the new poem, the draft and the peer editing sheet today.
Tomorrow, we'll read chapter 4 and discuss chapters 1 - 4. What is causing the demise of Animal Farm, in your view?
Then, we will practice reading the poems in our package.
I collected the new poem, the draft and the peer editing sheet today.
Tomorrow, we'll read chapter 4 and discuss chapters 1 - 4. What is causing the demise of Animal Farm, in your view?
Then, we will practice reading the poems in our package.
Writing 12: See yesterday's blog . . .
Today we wrote a new scene based on Lynn Coady's opening to her novel, Mean Boy. How can you keep tension in a scene? Try having one character want something from the other or one character knowing more than the other. Changing the character's status implies tension. Put a Canadian in Africa or put a teen with an adult and see the different version of events, etc.
Friday: Two copies of your story are due for workshop.
The actual workshop will occur on Monday. Friday will be reading and critiquing the stories. See yesterday's blog for the criteria list.
Good copy of the story is due Wed. Dec. 17th.
Terence Young is reading to us Dec. 17th as well so please have your story prepared ahead of time or print it off at lunch next Wed.
Today we spoke about how to maintain the same creative impulse and openness toward your story while you edit. Feel free to alter scenes, move them around, cut or revise the setting the character. Cut back on the dialogue. Take a risk.
What if your characters suddenly drop everything and look at a sunset, for example, like Gaston does in the story, "Cake's Chicken".
Tonight: Work on your story. We are in the computer lab tomorrow. I'll meet you there.
Friday: Two copies of your story are due for workshop.
The actual workshop will occur on Monday. Friday will be reading and critiquing the stories. See yesterday's blog for the criteria list.
Good copy of the story is due Wed. Dec. 17th.
Terence Young is reading to us Dec. 17th as well so please have your story prepared ahead of time or print it off at lunch next Wed.
Today we spoke about how to maintain the same creative impulse and openness toward your story while you edit. Feel free to alter scenes, move them around, cut or revise the setting the character. Cut back on the dialogue. Take a risk.
What if your characters suddenly drop everything and look at a sunset, for example, like Gaston does in the story, "Cake's Chicken".
Tonight: Work on your story. We are in the computer lab tomorrow. I'll meet you there.
English 11: Othello test tomorrow . . .
You will have an hour to write a paragraph on one of the soliloquies we studied during class. Look closely at the question so you know what to focus on. Create a what / so what chart so that your thesis will have the insight needed at the grade 11 level and then look through your notes for other parts of the play that you can connect to.
Marks awarded for writing style, excellent use of insight, ability to analyze the passage, create a strong thesis and use your notes to make connections.
Thursday: Hand in your Othello notes, only those notes based on class discussions and board work.
Thursday, we will create a final project on the play which will be due on Monday.
Next unit: Writing opinion pieces with humour and heart! January? Poetry and exam prep. Review of the compare / contrast essay.
Marks awarded for writing style, excellent use of insight, ability to analyze the passage, create a strong thesis and use your notes to make connections.
Thursday: Hand in your Othello notes, only those notes based on class discussions and board work.
Thursday, we will create a final project on the play which will be due on Monday.
Next unit: Writing opinion pieces with humour and heart! January? Poetry and exam prep. Review of the compare / contrast essay.
Monday, December 8, 2014
English 11: We had a quiz on Act 4, Read Act 5, sc. 1
We also added two more vocabulary words to our list.
Be sure to get the notes from today's class. We took notes on attitudes toward love and we took a few notes on Act 5, Sc. 1, starts on page 251.
We will finish reading Act 5, Sc 2 tomorrow and that ends the play. You will have a test on Wed. I'll go over the details tomorrow. Your notes (organized and thorough) are due Thursday.
We will also start an Othello project tomorrow which will be due Monday, Dec. 15th.
Try to finish a USSR book this week and pick up a new form. Dec. forms are due Jan. 7th. You can read over the Xmas break so take home all the forms you will need.
Be sure to get the notes from today's class. We took notes on attitudes toward love and we took a few notes on Act 5, Sc. 1, starts on page 251.
We will finish reading Act 5, Sc 2 tomorrow and that ends the play. You will have a test on Wed. I'll go over the details tomorrow. Your notes (organized and thorough) are due Thursday.
We will also start an Othello project tomorrow which will be due Monday, Dec. 15th.
Try to finish a USSR book this week and pick up a new form. Dec. forms are due Jan. 7th. You can read over the Xmas break so take home all the forms you will need.
Writing 12: Editing your story . . . . Bill Gaston response due
Choose two people to be in your workshop group.
On Friday, hand these two people a copy of your EDITED story. DOUBLE SPACED.
In other words, the story you hand to them is the BEST you can do with it. You have checked and re-checked and revised and cut and added material so that the story meets our criteria.
Check our criteria list.
Monday, you will have THREE assignments due.
1. A 300 word critique of your own story. Use the criteria sheet and our fiction report guidelines for items to discuss.
2. A 300 word critique of the two stories you were given on Friday.
You will have all of Friday's class to complete this assignment.
In the critique, you write an honest reflection of what is working and what is not working.
Start with what you like: description of the ______ setting or character, the use of 2nd person point of view, the implications of the title, the dialogue on page 5, the way the story ends. Be specific in your comments. What you like and why.
Next, discuss the parts of the story that you feel need more attention. Rhythm, pace, dull parts, too much telling and not enough indirect presentation, no insight into the character or into our own humanity, no sense of a dynamic character, a conflict and a reasonable change, nothing surprising, too much cliched language, way too many adverbs and adjectives, hard to follow, not believable, etc
Have TWO copies of these critiques. You will hand one to the author and one to me.
We will workshop the stories on Monday, Dec. 15. Please BE here as our groups are small.
On Friday, hand these two people a copy of your EDITED story. DOUBLE SPACED.
In other words, the story you hand to them is the BEST you can do with it. You have checked and re-checked and revised and cut and added material so that the story meets our criteria.
Check our criteria list.
Monday, you will have THREE assignments due.
1. A 300 word critique of your own story. Use the criteria sheet and our fiction report guidelines for items to discuss.
2. A 300 word critique of the two stories you were given on Friday.
You will have all of Friday's class to complete this assignment.
In the critique, you write an honest reflection of what is working and what is not working.
Start with what you like: description of the ______ setting or character, the use of 2nd person point of view, the implications of the title, the dialogue on page 5, the way the story ends. Be specific in your comments. What you like and why.
Next, discuss the parts of the story that you feel need more attention. Rhythm, pace, dull parts, too much telling and not enough indirect presentation, no insight into the character or into our own humanity, no sense of a dynamic character, a conflict and a reasonable change, nothing surprising, too much cliched language, way too many adverbs and adjectives, hard to follow, not believable, etc
Have TWO copies of these critiques. You will hand one to the author and one to me.
We will workshop the stories on Monday, Dec. 15. Please BE here as our groups are small.
Changes to USSR for the next two weeks . . .
We will read a chapter of Animal Farm each day during USSR. The chapters are relatively short but you are reading them slowly, reading between the lines, looking for several hints regarding (spoiler alert) the rise and fall of Animal Farm. You will be writing an essay on the farm's demise or more specifically, the fall of the Old Major's dream that the evil influence of humans would be eradicated and that a life of support and leisure be the norm for the farm animals.
Be sure to look for satirical elements such as hyperbole, understatement, wit, irony, and sarcasm. Also, look for all the RULES and look for ways the rules get broken. Finally, look for examples that show how the pigs accumulate power.
Today, we also did vocabulary, poetry log and peer edited our poems using a peer editing sheet.
Take the poem home tonight and hand in a revised copy.
HAND IN THE PEER EDITING SHEET, YOUR EDITED DRAFT (MAKE CHANGES ON IT AND/OR ON THE COMPUTER). MOVE THINGS AROUND. CUT BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS THAT SAY TOO MUCH. FOLLOW THE EDITING SHEET. LOOK AT THE TWO POEMS THAT I HAVE EDITED. ARE YOU STILL MAKING THE SAME ERROR? TRY SOMETHING NEW. MAKE NEW MISTAKES.
AND STAPLE THESE TWO SHEETS TO YOUR GOOD COPY. DUE TOMORROW.
We had to do a survey in the computer lab for 20 minutes today.
Be sure to look for satirical elements such as hyperbole, understatement, wit, irony, and sarcasm. Also, look for all the RULES and look for ways the rules get broken. Finally, look for examples that show how the pigs accumulate power.
Today, we also did vocabulary, poetry log and peer edited our poems using a peer editing sheet.
Take the poem home tonight and hand in a revised copy.
HAND IN THE PEER EDITING SHEET, YOUR EDITED DRAFT (MAKE CHANGES ON IT AND/OR ON THE COMPUTER). MOVE THINGS AROUND. CUT BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS THAT SAY TOO MUCH. FOLLOW THE EDITING SHEET. LOOK AT THE TWO POEMS THAT I HAVE EDITED. ARE YOU STILL MAKING THE SAME ERROR? TRY SOMETHING NEW. MAKE NEW MISTAKES.
AND STAPLE THESE TWO SHEETS TO YOUR GOOD COPY. DUE TOMORROW.
We had to do a survey in the computer lab for 20 minutes today.
Friday, December 5, 2014
English 11: finish reading Act 3, Scen 4 to the end of Act 4
We watched the rest of the film and took notes on the symbolic interpretations of the play. Test on Monday to show that you read the scenes. Write down notes as you can use them on your test. You may not use Spark notes on the test. Only your own interpretations.
Iago serves evil: Sees humans as ugly, jealous, dirty monsters, knows and detests his own weaknesses, has no love of honour or dignity
Othello is corrupted by Iago's perceptions of the world. He does not doubt the handkerchief in Cassio's hand. He believes it is proof of Desdemona's dishonest behaviour and adultery.
Othello believes it is his duty to kill Desdemona and Cassio--to eradicate evil.
He allows his perception of Iago as honest to overcome his view of his wife. Yet, even as he is about to kill her, her sweet kisses almost stop him. When she cries for her life and cries for Cassio's death in this plot, her tears enrage Othello as he imagines she is weeping for her lost love. Appearance and reality is a strong motif throughout the play. Our perceptions shape our world. So her honest tears shed as she realizes that she and Cassio have been betrayed are misinterpreted by Othello and his rage speeds up her death.
Homework: As you read through Act 3, scene 3, look closely at the handkerchief story. Othello and Desdemona view it differently.
Find evidence for the way each character views love from Acts 1, 2, 3, or 4:
Desdemona:
Othello:
Iago:
Emilia:
Spend time reading the text. It is not as hard as you might think. Alter your perception.
Concepts to consider as we read Act 5:
Clearly the world is not black and white. We are not all evil nor all good, right?
Perhaps Desdemona and Othello die because they are TOO good.
Let's think about that as we finalize our study of the play.
Innocence according to the great writer, William Blake, must accompany experience. Innocence without experience is simply ignornace. One has nothing to compare life to.
Othello worked for the good Italians and killed the Turks. Are the Turks evil? No.
But they were the enemy.
In this play, who is the enemy?
Othello hits Desdemona. Emilia says she wishes Desdemona had never seen her and Desdemona defends her husband. Why?
Emilia says that she believes there are unfaithful women in the world but it is their husband's mistreatment that leads women to seek love elsewhere.
Desdemona believes so much in honour that she can't even imagine the deed.
Emilia says she would sleep with someone to make her husband a monarch and yet
at the end of the play she does not obey her husband in order to stand for the injustice of Desdemona's murder.
We have a lot to think about and to discuss.
Read Act 3, scene 4 and all of Act 4 carefully. Look for clues. What happens in the play once Othello makes Iago his lieutenant during the climax of the play, Act 3, Scene 3.
Iago serves evil: Sees humans as ugly, jealous, dirty monsters, knows and detests his own weaknesses, has no love of honour or dignity
Othello is corrupted by Iago's perceptions of the world. He does not doubt the handkerchief in Cassio's hand. He believes it is proof of Desdemona's dishonest behaviour and adultery.
Othello believes it is his duty to kill Desdemona and Cassio--to eradicate evil.
He allows his perception of Iago as honest to overcome his view of his wife. Yet, even as he is about to kill her, her sweet kisses almost stop him. When she cries for her life and cries for Cassio's death in this plot, her tears enrage Othello as he imagines she is weeping for her lost love. Appearance and reality is a strong motif throughout the play. Our perceptions shape our world. So her honest tears shed as she realizes that she and Cassio have been betrayed are misinterpreted by Othello and his rage speeds up her death.
Homework: As you read through Act 3, scene 3, look closely at the handkerchief story. Othello and Desdemona view it differently.
Find evidence for the way each character views love from Acts 1, 2, 3, or 4:
Desdemona:
Othello:
Iago:
Emilia:
Spend time reading the text. It is not as hard as you might think. Alter your perception.
Concepts to consider as we read Act 5:
Clearly the world is not black and white. We are not all evil nor all good, right?
Perhaps Desdemona and Othello die because they are TOO good.
Let's think about that as we finalize our study of the play.
Innocence according to the great writer, William Blake, must accompany experience. Innocence without experience is simply ignornace. One has nothing to compare life to.
Othello worked for the good Italians and killed the Turks. Are the Turks evil? No.
But they were the enemy.
In this play, who is the enemy?
Othello hits Desdemona. Emilia says she wishes Desdemona had never seen her and Desdemona defends her husband. Why?
Emilia says that she believes there are unfaithful women in the world but it is their husband's mistreatment that leads women to seek love elsewhere.
Desdemona believes so much in honour that she can't even imagine the deed.
Emilia says she would sleep with someone to make her husband a monarch and yet
at the end of the play she does not obey her husband in order to stand for the injustice of Desdemona's murder.
We have a lot to think about and to discuss.
Read Act 3, scene 4 and all of Act 4 carefully. Look for clues. What happens in the play once Othello makes Iago his lieutenant during the climax of the play, Act 3, Scene 3.
Writing12: Story is due Monday . . .
Also, Tues. is the last day to contribute a gift card. Please consider getting involved. Thanks to all the students who have already donated. That is the Spartan spirit.
Bill Gaston responses can be due on Tuesday since you need to focus on your story this weekend. If you are not enjoying your story, follow Bill's advice. Write the story you want to read. Notice how simple yet complex his story, "Cake's Chicken" was. Think about its pace, its scenes, its wisdom, its teasing as Victor says.
Wonderful questions. Thanks everyone!
Bill Gaston responses can be due on Tuesday since you need to focus on your story this weekend. If you are not enjoying your story, follow Bill's advice. Write the story you want to read. Notice how simple yet complex his story, "Cake's Chicken" was. Think about its pace, its scenes, its wisdom, its teasing as Victor says.
Wonderful questions. Thanks everyone!
English 10: Animal Farm and a poem due Monday . . .
See yesterday's blog for an explanation of the poem assignment. A new typed poem is due Monday. Check that you have handed in two poems already and that I have edited them and returned them.
If you were absent, please pick up a copy of Animal Farm, a novel, from the library.
We took notes on allegory, satire, hyperbole, irony, understatement, sarcasm and wit. Get the notes from a partner.
While you read the novel, post-it note examples of all four items below:
1. Examples of satire
2. Rules for the animals on the farm
3. Exceptions to these rules and who / why they are breaking the rules
4. How is power acquired.
You will be writing an in-class essay on the topic below:
Discuss the reasons Animal Farm fails.
If you were absent, please pick up a copy of Animal Farm, a novel, from the library.
We took notes on allegory, satire, hyperbole, irony, understatement, sarcasm and wit. Get the notes from a partner.
While you read the novel, post-it note examples of all four items below:
1. Examples of satire
2. Rules for the animals on the farm
3. Exceptions to these rules and who / why they are breaking the rules
4. How is power acquired.
You will be writing an in-class essay on the topic below:
Discuss the reasons Animal Farm fails.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
English 11: Read Act 3 scene 3 if you were absent . . .
Be sure to have excellent notes on all scenes discussed during class.
I'm looking for not only what is put on the board but also what you hear.
You will need these notes for the final test which will be next week, probably Wed. or Thurs. Your notebook will be due at the end of the block.
I'm looking for not only what is put on the board but also what you hear.
You will need these notes for the final test which will be next week, probably Wed. or Thurs. Your notebook will be due at the end of the block.
Writing 12: Bill Gaston tomorrow, story due Mon. Reserve Jan. 16th
Well, our three readers to represent us will be Amy Dechka, Gabriel Swift and Sage Broomfield. There are other spots for readers at the open mic, too, so arrive early to sign up if you would like to read one of your fabulous poems!! All students are expected to be there and then I will give you the next day, Monday, Jan. 19th off (in lieu of the time spent there). You will be responsible for writing a response to the evening, which will be due Tues. Jan. 20th. I'll remind you! Last day of classes is Jan. 30th.
Tonight: work on your story. Your job now is not to judge, just write. Over the weekend, proofread it so that there are no commas or capitals in the dialogue out of place. Next week we will work on revising the story. Friday, next week is workshop day. YOU MUST HAVE A STORY HERE ON MONDAY.
Tomorrow: Please arrive on time. Bill Gaston is our guest reader. Yay. Have questions prepared ahead of time.
Tonight: work on your story. Your job now is not to judge, just write. Over the weekend, proofread it so that there are no commas or capitals in the dialogue out of place. Next week we will work on revising the story. Friday, next week is workshop day. YOU MUST HAVE A STORY HERE ON MONDAY.
Tomorrow: Please arrive on time. Bill Gaston is our guest reader. Yay. Have questions prepared ahead of time.
English 10: Poem due on Monday . . .
I collected the Lorna Crozier paragraphs today. See yesterday's blog for details.
Due Monday, a new, typed poem. Keep following the criteria we have been practicing and include all of the following details in your poem. You choose the details:
1. A proper noun such as Boo Radley, Mr. Happy, Walmart etc
2. a noun: taxi, egg, canvas, scissors
3. a verb from the kitchen: bake, boil, baste, wipe, fry, saute
4. a phrase, out of Africa, into the lake,
5. describe the light (from the moon, the sun, a lightbulb, a lamp, the stars etc light low in the trees, pale, left over . . .
6. point of view (tell the poem from a unique point of view)
7. make the poem about something important to you this time rather than a big idea such as war, homelessness Try something that is on your mind, a person you have trouble understanding, what is it like to be you? etc
8. include an epigraph from one of your poetry books
How to cite poetry using MLA style:
How to cite . . .
Due Monday, a new, typed poem. Keep following the criteria we have been practicing and include all of the following details in your poem. You choose the details:
1. A proper noun such as Boo Radley, Mr. Happy, Walmart etc
2. a noun: taxi, egg, canvas, scissors
3. a verb from the kitchen: bake, boil, baste, wipe, fry, saute
4. a phrase, out of Africa, into the lake,
5. describe the light (from the moon, the sun, a lightbulb, a lamp, the stars etc light low in the trees, pale, left over . . .
6. point of view (tell the poem from a unique point of view)
7. make the poem about something important to you this time rather than a big idea such as war, homelessness Try something that is on your mind, a person you have trouble understanding, what is it like to be you? etc
8. include an epigraph from one of your poetry books
How to cite poetry using MLA style:
How to cite . . .
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
English 11: Study for the vocabulary test . . .
Today, we read for 15 minutes, wrote our responses to Othello's soliloquy (see yesterday's blog for details) and played Vocab. bingo to prepare for tomorrow's quiz.
Study tonight.
We will finish off Act 3 tomorrow and start Act 4. Othello test coming soon (probably Tuesday). Make sure you have notes on all of the scenes we have read together.
Open notebook test.
We will be starting an independent novel unit next. You get to pick a novel.
In Jan. we will do poetry and essays and exam prep!
Study tonight.
We will finish off Act 3 tomorrow and start Act 4. Othello test coming soon (probably Tuesday). Make sure you have notes on all of the scenes we have read together.
Open notebook test.
We will be starting an independent novel unit next. You get to pick a novel.
In Jan. we will do poetry and essays and exam prep!
Writing 12: Story due Monday . . .
Please help us reach our goal. Bring 10.00 or a gift card for that amount by Monday.
Writers are a generous lot. Please give.
We spent over an hour writing our stories today. You will also have tomorrow's class to write. Friday is Bill Gaston.
Remember, book Friday, Jan. 16th to support the youth poetry event at Hillside Coffee and Tea. Event starts at 7:30. Come early to sign up for the open mic.
Writers are a generous lot. Please give.
We spent over an hour writing our stories today. You will also have tomorrow's class to write. Friday is Bill Gaston.
Remember, book Friday, Jan. 16th to support the youth poetry event at Hillside Coffee and Tea. Event starts at 7:30. Come early to sign up for the open mic.
English 10: Lorna Crozier paragraph due Wed.
I returned your edited poems. Using those suggestions, we edited today's poem, which I then collected. I'll return it to you as soon as they are marked. Be sure to keep all your drafts. We also added the next two words, 53 and 54, and we read for 15 minutes. What a great class!
We are writing a paragraph on the poem, "The Child Who Walks Backwards" by Lorna Crozier during class today.
Here is a sample thesis:
Spend time thinking about the poem and what you want to write about before preparing your thesis statement. If you are excited about the topic, your reader will be too. Be sure to explain how each technique adds to the theme.
We are writing a paragraph on the poem, "The Child Who Walks Backwards" by Lorna Crozier during class today.
The question is:
In a formal, literary paragraph of 300 to 500 words, examine the way
Crozier's literary techniques add to the theme of the poem.
Here is a sample thesis:
Through
the use of imagery, assonance and enjambement, Lorna Crozier, in the
poem, "The Child Who Walks Backwards" reveals that children are victims
of violence and in a world that "lies / sleeping," nothing will change.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
English 11: Act 3: The Seduction Scene
If you were away, be sure to get the notes as we filled three boards today.
Read Othello's first soliloquy of the play on page 157. Take notes on the following:
How is Othello affected by Iago's poisonous conversation?
Notice the way that he is speaking. How have the images changed?
What do these images reveal about his mood?
Does he defend Desdemona at all? Why not? What is it about the possibility of her unfaithfulness that disturbs him so deeply?
Make notes on the soliloquy. Read the notes on page 156 as well.
Be prepared to write a short paragraph during class tomorrow on the question below: What is revealed about Othello's state of mind in his first soliloquy on page 157? Create a strong thesis statement that you feel is an insightful interpretation of Othello's character.
Vocabulary Test Thursday on the words: 1 to 20 and 26 to 56.
Read Othello's first soliloquy of the play on page 157. Take notes on the following:
How is Othello affected by Iago's poisonous conversation?
Notice the way that he is speaking. How have the images changed?
What do these images reveal about his mood?
Does he defend Desdemona at all? Why not? What is it about the possibility of her unfaithfulness that disturbs him so deeply?
Make notes on the soliloquy. Read the notes on page 156 as well.
Be prepared to write a short paragraph during class tomorrow on the question below: What is revealed about Othello's state of mind in his first soliloquy on page 157? Create a strong thesis statement that you feel is an insightful interpretation of Othello's character.
Vocabulary Test Thursday on the words: 1 to 20 and 26 to 56.
Writing 12: Lots of deadlines to remember . . .
SAVE FRIDAY, JAN. 16TH NOW. TAKE THE NIGHT OFF OF DANCE, WORK, DINNER WITH GRANNY, ETC. as you will need to attend this literary event of youth writers.
THREE OF you will be chosen to represent our class. Tomorrow, we'll write down the names of all the students interested in auditioning. This is an honour to represent us. I'm looking for strong readers and poems that would appeal to a diverse audience.
Dec 8th: You need to have finished writing the first draft of your story. BRING A COPY TO CLASS FOR MARKS.
Dec. 12th Bring two copies of this edited draft for workshop. You pick the group. Max. 3 members per group.
Dec. 12th we workshop.
Final draft for marking is due Tues. Dec. 16th! (You will still have a chance to do further revisions before this story makes it into your manuscript which is due Jan. 28th.
Talk to the teacher today whose class you have signed up to read to. Read and re-read the criteria several times so that you do a phenomenal presentation! Be prepared to discuss your work, your writing and editing process, why you write, where you hope to publish, why you took the course, etc. Be sure to introduce each poem well so that your audience knows what to listen for.
PLEASE BRING GIFT CARDS TOMORROW OR $10.00 FOR OUR TEEN DRIVE FOR XMAS.
THREE OF you will be chosen to represent our class. Tomorrow, we'll write down the names of all the students interested in auditioning. This is an honour to represent us. I'm looking for strong readers and poems that would appeal to a diverse audience.
Dec 8th: You need to have finished writing the first draft of your story. BRING A COPY TO CLASS FOR MARKS.
Dec. 12th Bring two copies of this edited draft for workshop. You pick the group. Max. 3 members per group.
Dec. 12th we workshop.
Final draft for marking is due Tues. Dec. 16th! (You will still have a chance to do further revisions before this story makes it into your manuscript which is due Jan. 28th.
Talk to the teacher today whose class you have signed up to read to. Read and re-read the criteria several times so that you do a phenomenal presentation! Be prepared to discuss your work, your writing and editing process, why you write, where you hope to publish, why you took the course, etc. Be sure to introduce each poem well so that your audience knows what to listen for.
PLEASE BRING GIFT CARDS TOMORROW OR $10.00 FOR OUR TEEN DRIVE FOR XMAS.
English 10: Edit Thursday's poem . . . hand in tomorrow
Today, I handed back the USSR logs, the vocabulary tests and your Mockingbird essays. We read two of our peers' essays and wrote two strengths and one weakness for each essay and then did the same for our own essay.
We read a poem to our partner and added a new poem to our poetry log.
I collected a new poem from each of you. (This poem is similar to Thursday's poem, however, you get to pick a new "big idea" and your own key images).
Today, we edited Thursday's poem using the following criteria:
Sound: Add sound through as many of the following devices as you can: onomatopoiea, assonance, dissonance, alliteration, internal rhyme, rhythm, repetition
Line breaks and enjambement: How do you break your lines. Make each line count.
Cross out all the adjectives.
Cross out all the cliches.
Look for surprise. If your reader can predict the next line, cut that line, or move it to the end of the poem. Surprise reflects thoughtful description. Think of Crozier's lines "plummets like a wounded bird" or "sparks burn stars into his skin".
So what? No matter how nicely a poem may sound, it needs to also make us think and feel. The theme must be implied through action, point of view, description etc, right?
Check that you explain what you mean. For example if you think something is indulgent, how would you show that? What does indulgence sound like, feel like, smell like, taste like? Appeal to all five senses when describing things.
Hand in a new, edited draft of Thursday's poem tomorrow.
We added the words scandalous and indulgent to our list today.
We read a poem to our partner and added a new poem to our poetry log.
I collected a new poem from each of you. (This poem is similar to Thursday's poem, however, you get to pick a new "big idea" and your own key images).
Today, we edited Thursday's poem using the following criteria:
Sound: Add sound through as many of the following devices as you can: onomatopoiea, assonance, dissonance, alliteration, internal rhyme, rhythm, repetition
Line breaks and enjambement: How do you break your lines. Make each line count.
Cross out all the adjectives.
Cross out all the cliches.
Look for surprise. If your reader can predict the next line, cut that line, or move it to the end of the poem. Surprise reflects thoughtful description. Think of Crozier's lines "plummets like a wounded bird" or "sparks burn stars into his skin".
So what? No matter how nicely a poem may sound, it needs to also make us think and feel. The theme must be implied through action, point of view, description etc, right?
Check that you explain what you mean. For example if you think something is indulgent, how would you show that? What does indulgence sound like, feel like, smell like, taste like? Appeal to all five senses when describing things.
Hand in a new, edited draft of Thursday's poem tomorrow.
We added the words scandalous and indulgent to our list today.
Friday, November 28, 2014
English 11: USSR forms are due Monday . . .
Make sure that all work is up to date for Monday.
If you have had extensions, the last day for overdue work is Monday as I will be creating interim reports next weekend.
We have 8 weeks to go. Make sure you reach your academic goals. Don't lose focus. Keep the study routines in place.
If you have had extensions, the last day for overdue work is Monday as I will be creating interim reports next weekend.
We have 8 weeks to go. Make sure you reach your academic goals. Don't lose focus. Keep the study routines in place.
Response to Fionncara MacEoin is due Monday . . .
Focus this weekend on reading great stories to inspire you to write.
Good copy, double-spaced, following the criteria is due Friday, Dec. 12th. Please,
no late work as your workshop group needs to read and respond to the story ahead of time.
Fionncara spoke a lot about reading your work aloud. Absolutely crucial for fiction writing. Read it aloud while walking to ensure the words have life in them.
Good copy, double-spaced, following the criteria is due Friday, Dec. 12th. Please,
no late work as your workshop group needs to read and respond to the story ahead of time.
Fionncara spoke a lot about reading your work aloud. Absolutely crucial for fiction writing. Read it aloud while walking to ensure the words have life in them.
English 10: Three items due
Revise your poem using the items below:
Sound devices: assonance, alliteration, dissonance, rhythm, internal rhyme, repetition
Line break
Enjambement
Unique detail
Image in the title
Show don't tell
Get at the big ideas through the small details
Consider: point of view, setting, letting the ending open rather than close (no summaries, no "conclusions")
Hand in the typed draft on Monday.
USSR forms are due Monday.
Vocabulary Quiz is Monday. Words 1-50. Study. Memorize the parts of speech, too.
Sound devices: assonance, alliteration, dissonance, rhythm, internal rhyme, repetition
Line break
Enjambement
Unique detail
Image in the title
Show don't tell
Get at the big ideas through the small details
Consider: point of view, setting, letting the ending open rather than close (no summaries, no "conclusions")
Hand in the typed draft on Monday.
USSR forms are due Monday.
Vocabulary Quiz is Monday. Words 1-50. Study. Memorize the parts of speech, too.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Iago, in-class paragraph today . . .
Using only your mini-quote log or your what / so what chart, write a paragraph on Iago. Use your literary must-haves list, the how to cite and incorporate quotations sheets, your transitions sheet, and your vocabulary sheet.
Do you believe Iago is a villain? Explain your answer with evidence from Acts 1 and 2.
Criteria: Insight. Your enquiry into the character of Iago is based on research.
Style. You use vocabulary, sentence variety, and strong verbs.
Format: You follow the literary paragraph template and your quotations are clearly explained.
Proofreading: You check your spelling, grammar and punctuation.
If you were absent today or yesterday, arrange a time, outside of class to complete this in-class assignment. Due the quote log at home.
Do you believe Iago is a villain? Explain your answer with evidence from Acts 1 and 2.
Criteria: Insight. Your enquiry into the character of Iago is based on research.
Style. You use vocabulary, sentence variety, and strong verbs.
Format: You follow the literary paragraph template and your quotations are clearly explained.
Proofreading: You check your spelling, grammar and punctuation.
If you were absent today or yesterday, arrange a time, outside of class to complete this in-class assignment. Due the quote log at home.
Writing 12: Two pages of fiction due today . . .
I read all three 2014 Claremont Review Contest Fiction prize winners today. We assessed the strengths and weaknesses of each one.
We went over the short story assignment which is due Friday, Dec. 12th. No lates
accepted because we will be workshopping that day.
Pick two partners who will give you honest feedback. Partners who edit well.
Partners that you trust or want to work with.
Groups of 3 please.
Tomorrow, we have a guest reader. A poet.
We went over the short story assignment which is due Friday, Dec. 12th. No lates
accepted because we will be workshopping that day.
Pick two partners who will give you honest feedback. Partners who edit well.
Partners that you trust or want to work with.
Groups of 3 please.
Tomorrow, we have a guest reader. A poet.
English 10: Writing a poem . . .
Based on today's lesson: How to get at big ideas through small details, chose one of the BIG TOPICS below and the details below and write a poem. Type it up and bring it to class tomorrow to share with a partner. Read the poems in your package for ideas and the poems in the three poetry books that you have.
BIG TOPICS
1. Losing a loved on
2. Homelessness
3. Bullying
4. A current war
5. Divorce or a break up
6. Environmental disaster
7. Something current in the news that upsets you
8. Fitting In
9. Growing Up
10. Racism
Keep reading poems and adding favourites to your poetry log.
Keep reading books and filling in the forms for USSR. Forms due Dec. 1.
BIG TOPICS
1. Losing a loved on
2. Homelessness
3. Bullying
4. A current war
5. Divorce or a break up
6. Environmental disaster
7. Something current in the news that upsets you
8. Fitting In
9. Growing Up
10. Racism
Write a poem using the following details:
- a month
- a body of water
- I
- a season
- a car name plus its year
- a brand name (food, clothing, implement)
- you
- an animal
- a type of tree
- a description of light
- name of a place
- love
- a character from a film, book, TV or history
- time of day
Once you have a first draft, go back and add line breaks, enjambement, and sound (alliteration, assonance, dissonance, rhythm, repetition). Vary your line length and notice the effect.
A poem uses all the ingredients we used when writing our stories, plus line break, enjambement, and sound.
Fiction ingredients: point of view, character, setting, conflict, open endings, start in the middle of the action, use an image in the title, no cliches, surprise us with great language "plummets like a wounded bird", show don't tell, imply, concrete imagery which appeals to the five senses.
Keep reading poems and adding favourites to your poetry log.
Keep reading books and filling in the forms for USSR. Forms due Dec. 1.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
English 11: Is Iago a villain?
Tonight, complete the mini-quote log or what / so what chart for Iago. You need six quotations and six responses.
The question is Do you think Iago is a villain? Yes or no?
You will need a strong thesis statement that offers your opinion before you start writing your paragraph during class tomorrow.
If you were away today, finish reading Act 2, scene 3 and get the notes from your homework buddy.
Tomorrow is a short day. We start at 12:06. Be on time as you only have the one period to complete the persuasive paragraph.
The question is Do you think Iago is a villain? Yes or no?
You will need a strong thesis statement that offers your opinion before you start writing your paragraph during class tomorrow.
If you were away today, finish reading Act 2, scene 3 and get the notes from your homework buddy.
Tomorrow is a short day. We start at 12:06. Be on time as you only have the one period to complete the persuasive paragraph.
Writing 12: Contest Entry links: TWO Fiction Pages DUe
contest entry links
Make sure that you have given me a list of all the poem titles and where you have submitted them. Make sure that all the contests have been entered, including The Claremont Review submission (the envelope one).
Tonight: I am expecting two pages, double spaced, 12 point font, tomorrow. A scene or the "Orientation" imitation but you will have to write more.
The criteria:
Strong, innovative writing
Clear perceptions of the situation (such as the narrator in "Driving Under the Influence" just putting his hand half way across the counter, make him come to me... or the "pick up your fork" repetitions
Carefully edited (especially dialogue punctuation)
Sentence variety and paragraph rhythm reflect character development
The entire scene is to reveal character
Follow the criteria for scene development
Friday: Fionncara MacEoin will be here to read to us! Next Friday? Bill Gaston! I love Claremont.
Make sure that you have given me a list of all the poem titles and where you have submitted them. Make sure that all the contests have been entered, including The Claremont Review submission (the envelope one).
Tonight: I am expecting two pages, double spaced, 12 point font, tomorrow. A scene or the "Orientation" imitation but you will have to write more.
The criteria:
Strong, innovative writing
Clear perceptions of the situation (such as the narrator in "Driving Under the Influence" just putting his hand half way across the counter, make him come to me... or the "pick up your fork" repetitions
Carefully edited (especially dialogue punctuation)
Sentence variety and paragraph rhythm reflect character development
The entire scene is to reveal character
Follow the criteria for scene development
Friday: Fionncara MacEoin will be here to read to us! Next Friday? Bill Gaston! I love Claremont.
English 10: Essay is due today . . .
Please return your Mockingbird novel to the library and sign out a copy of Naming the Baby, and a poetry collection. You also need a copy of The Claremont Review from the shelf in the classroom. You should bring all three poetry texts to class each day. Be sure to complete a poetry log entry daily.
The Child Who Walks Backwards by Lorna Crozier
This poem did not photocopy well but if you google it, you will find a clear copy to read.
Today we created a "Lines I Like" page. Keep adding to that page. Each time you find a line, write it down. Today, we read aloud a series of great lines. If you were absent be sure to get the notes.
You should have a least 7 lines in your Lines I Like Page and 2 poetry entries in the log.
USSR FORMS ARE DUE ON MONDAY. NO LATES ACCEPTED UNLESS YOU ASK FOR AN EXTENSION IN ADVANCE.
Try to read a complete poetry book this week! Train your poetry brain. Start visualizing line breaks. Why does the poet break the line there? Could it be broken anywhere else?
The Child Who Walks Backwards by Lorna Crozier
This poem did not photocopy well but if you google it, you will find a clear copy to read.
Today we created a "Lines I Like" page. Keep adding to that page. Each time you find a line, write it down. Today, we read aloud a series of great lines. If you were absent be sure to get the notes.
You should have a least 7 lines in your Lines I Like Page and 2 poetry entries in the log.
USSR FORMS ARE DUE ON MONDAY. NO LATES ACCEPTED UNLESS YOU ASK FOR AN EXTENSION IN ADVANCE.
Try to read a complete poetry book this week! Train your poetry brain. Start visualizing line breaks. Why does the poet break the line there? Could it be broken anywhere else?
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
English 11: Quiz on Act 1, Scene 3, and part of Act 2
1. Recall three things Iago says to console Roderigo.
2. Fill in the blank. Iago feels that love is _ _ _ _
3. Why does Roderigo believe Iago? What does he decide to sell?
4. Explain why you chose the symbol for Iago from his soliloquy.
5. Define soliloquy.
6. Explain what he thinks Othello and Emilia have done.
7. Explain his plan for getting Cassio demoted from his lieutenant's position.
8. How will he make Othello jealous?
9. Where does Act 2 begin?
10. Give an example of pathetic fallacy at the beginning of Act 2.
11. Explain the role of Act 2 in terms of our plot diagram.
12. Who is Montano?
Today: We reviewed the questions above and read aloud in pairs. We finished Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2 and started scene 3. Tomorrow, we will finish the scene and watch the film version.
We added two new vocabulary words. I collected the poem/para. that was assigned last Friday. Check Friday's blog. I have marked and returned the stories submitted yesterday and I marked and returned the vocabulary quizzes.
Be sure that you know what is motivating Iago. Re-read his soliloquies. Take careful notes during class. Be sure to ask for clarification when something is unclear.
2. Fill in the blank. Iago feels that love is _ _ _ _
3. Why does Roderigo believe Iago? What does he decide to sell?
4. Explain why you chose the symbol for Iago from his soliloquy.
5. Define soliloquy.
6. Explain what he thinks Othello and Emilia have done.
7. Explain his plan for getting Cassio demoted from his lieutenant's position.
8. How will he make Othello jealous?
9. Where does Act 2 begin?
10. Give an example of pathetic fallacy at the beginning of Act 2.
11. Explain the role of Act 2 in terms of our plot diagram.
12. Who is Montano?
Today: We reviewed the questions above and read aloud in pairs. We finished Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2 and started scene 3. Tomorrow, we will finish the scene and watch the film version.
We added two new vocabulary words. I collected the poem/para. that was assigned last Friday. Check Friday's blog. I have marked and returned the stories submitted yesterday and I marked and returned the vocabulary quizzes.
Be sure that you know what is motivating Iago. Re-read his soliloquies. Take careful notes during class. Be sure to ask for clarification when something is unclear.
Writing 12: Margaret Atwood, Writing a scene
Thanks to Selena for her presentation. We missed you, Andrew.
If you were absent, ask Selena for her writing exercise as it will be a key technique for your repertoire.
We imitated the "First Date" story today with a focus on the following:
stock and dynamic character
setting (to elucidate the characters)
dialogue that really sounds unique to each character
Interrupting the dialogue
Using non sequiturs
Wed: We are in the computer lab. It's time to complete all of the poetry contests and submissions. Check the list. Once you have finished Aerie and Polyphony, create a sheet which lists which poems you have sent where and hand in.
Thursday: Two complete pages, double spaced, typed of a scene. You may use the traditional scene, similar to Gaston's scene in the gas station, or the "First Date" scene where you have one dynamic and one stock character, or the "Orientation" imitation, which is more episodic and satirical, relying on understatement and hyperbole grounded in possibility (ie I can believe that) even the serial killer bit.
If you were absent, ask Selena for her writing exercise as it will be a key technique for your repertoire.
We imitated the "First Date" story today with a focus on the following:
stock and dynamic character
setting (to elucidate the characters)
dialogue that really sounds unique to each character
Interrupting the dialogue
Using non sequiturs
Wed: We are in the computer lab. It's time to complete all of the poetry contests and submissions. Check the list. Once you have finished Aerie and Polyphony, create a sheet which lists which poems you have sent where and hand in.
Thursday: Two complete pages, double spaced, typed of a scene. You may use the traditional scene, similar to Gaston's scene in the gas station, or the "First Date" scene where you have one dynamic and one stock character, or the "Orientation" imitation, which is more episodic and satirical, relying on understatement and hyperbole grounded in possibility (ie I can believe that) even the serial killer bit.
English 10: We started poetry . . . Essays are due tomorrow . . .
If you were absent today, please return To Kill a Mockingbird novels to the learning commons and sign out a copy of Naming The Baby, our poetry text. You will also need to borrow a Claremont Review from my shelf and keep it with you.
Ask me for a poetry log, which I handed out this morning.
Review all the items you need to submit tomorrow on yesterday's blog post.
Ask me for a poetry log, which I handed out this morning.
Review all the items you need to submit tomorrow on yesterday's blog post.
Monday, November 24, 2014
English 11: Act 1, Scenes 3 and 4 . . .
If you were away Friday, look at Friday's blog as there is an assignment there due tomorrow. No lates accepted unless you ask for an extension, in advance, and you have a good reason.
Today: I'm collecting your short stories. If you were absent, you must bring a note.
YAY.
We will read the end of Act 1, scene 3, and then start the next scene.
Tonight: Prepare the para. or the poem which you started during Friday's class to elucidate Othello's character so far in the play.
We will finish reading Act 2, Scene 1 tomorrow.
You did a good job reading aloud today and reading Iago's soliloquy.
Be sure to get all notes missed yesterday as your notebook will be assessed at the end of the unit.
Today: I'm collecting your short stories. If you were absent, you must bring a note.
YAY.
We will read the end of Act 1, scene 3, and then start the next scene.
Tonight: Prepare the para. or the poem which you started during Friday's class to elucidate Othello's character so far in the play.
We will finish reading Act 2, Scene 1 tomorrow.
You did a good job reading aloud today and reading Iago's soliloquy.
Be sure to get all notes missed yesterday as your notebook will be assessed at the end of the unit.
Writing 12: If you were absent today . . .
Show me your "Orientation" example. Read it aloud to a partner.
We read them to our workshop groups, chose the best, and each group presented one to the class. Next, I read Debra Nikkel's story, "First Date" to the class.
You can read it during USSR tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we will write a scene similar to "First Date".
I'll give you some scenarios or you can choose your own.
If you have not yet brought in money for The Claremont Review Contest, please do.
Also BCTELA entries are overdue.
Remind me to discuss the Toys for Teens campaign.
We read them to our workshop groups, chose the best, and each group presented one to the class. Next, I read Debra Nikkel's story, "First Date" to the class.
You can read it during USSR tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we will write a scene similar to "First Date".
I'll give you some scenarios or you can choose your own.
If you have not yet brought in money for The Claremont Review Contest, please do.
Also BCTELA entries are overdue.
Remind me to discuss the Toys for Teens campaign.
English 10: Essay, cover sheet, peer edited draft due . . .
Your edited, polished good copy (double spaced) with cover page at the front and works cited page at the back, plus your Essay coversheet with all of the components checked off, AND your peer edited draft are due on Wed. Nov. 26th. THIS WED.
If you forget any of the components, you will be docked 10% right away.
Get organized tonight.
Works Cited Page: USE MLA style
Do not indent the first line. If the citation is longer than one line, you indent the second line five spaces. (It is called hanging indentation). We will review it again during Tuesday's class: Italicize the title of the novel.
Lee, Harper. To Kill A Mockingbird. New York: Warner, 1960. Print.
Cover Page: Include the title of your essay in the centre of the page.
The Power of Questions in Harper Lee's Novel.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Your title will reflect your essay's thesis.
In the bottom left hand corner, write:
Your name
English 10
Ms. Stenson
November 26, 2014
Tomorrow: Be sure to take out all the post-it notes from your novel tonight. We need to return the novels and take out poetry books in the learning commons tomorrow.
Do your very best on this essay. Remember, you are marked on format (templates), style, insight, and proofreading.
If you forget any of the components, you will be docked 10% right away.
Get organized tonight.
Works Cited Page: USE MLA style
Do not indent the first line. If the citation is longer than one line, you indent the second line five spaces. (It is called hanging indentation). We will review it again during Tuesday's class: Italicize the title of the novel.
Lee, Harper. To Kill A Mockingbird. New York: Warner, 1960. Print.
Cover Page: Include the title of your essay in the centre of the page.
The Power of Questions in Harper Lee's Novel.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Your title will reflect your essay's thesis.
In the bottom left hand corner, write:
Your name
English 10
Ms. Stenson
November 26, 2014
Tomorrow: Be sure to take out all the post-it notes from your novel tonight. We need to return the novels and take out poetry books in the learning commons tomorrow.
Do your very best on this essay. Remember, you are marked on format (templates), style, insight, and proofreading.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Vocab Test Today! Short story is due Monday.
If you were absent, you may write it during USSR on Monday. Remind me.
After reading Act 1, Scene 1:
Several motifs are introduced. A motif is an image that will be repeated throughout the story:
1. Identity
Iago says, "I am not what I am".
Brabantio says you are a villain and Iago replies with you are a senator--suggesting that humans are both holy and bestial. We cannot separate our rational natures from our emotional selves.
2. Telling People What They Want To Hear
Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona's attraction to Othello is pure lust and Roderigo believes him, even though Iago offers no proof.
Why does Roderigo believe him?
3. Associating Love and Passion to Beasts
"black ram tupping your white ewe"
"Barbary horse"
You will have animals for grandchildren.
4. Othello follows his own mind, even though he is not from Venice. He believes completely in himself.
5. Great Chain of Being
the elopement
Othello choosing Cassio for lieutenant
Iago working for Othello while angry at him to get revenge
Read the following speeches to get a glimpse of Othello's personality. Write a poem using key words and phrases to describe Othello or write a literary paragraph with a strong thesis to describe Othello.
Othello's speech on page 25, line 16. What do you learn about him through his own words?
Read Brabantio's speech on page 29, line 61
Read Othello's speech on page 41 line 75
Read Brabantio's speech on page 43 starting at line 95
Read Othello's speech page 45 starting at 126
Read Desdemona's speech page 47 lines 180- onward
Read Brabantio's omen (the last two lines on page 53) He curses his daughter!!
Read Othello's response to Brabantio on page 55 lines 293-300
Homework: Create the poem or the paragraph for Tuesday.
Short story is due on Monday. Be sure to proofread well. Use the how-to-punctuate-speech sheet.
After reading Act 1, Scene 1:
Several motifs are introduced. A motif is an image that will be repeated throughout the story:
1. Identity
Iago says, "I am not what I am".
Brabantio says you are a villain and Iago replies with you are a senator--suggesting that humans are both holy and bestial. We cannot separate our rational natures from our emotional selves.
2. Telling People What They Want To Hear
Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona's attraction to Othello is pure lust and Roderigo believes him, even though Iago offers no proof.
Why does Roderigo believe him?
3. Associating Love and Passion to Beasts
"black ram tupping your white ewe"
"Barbary horse"
You will have animals for grandchildren.
4. Othello follows his own mind, even though he is not from Venice. He believes completely in himself.
5. Great Chain of Being
the elopement
Othello choosing Cassio for lieutenant
Iago working for Othello while angry at him to get revenge
Read the following speeches to get a glimpse of Othello's personality. Write a poem using key words and phrases to describe Othello or write a literary paragraph with a strong thesis to describe Othello.
Othello's speech on page 25, line 16. What do you learn about him through his own words?
Read Brabantio's speech on page 29, line 61
Read Othello's speech on page 41 line 75
Read Brabantio's speech on page 43 starting at line 95
Read Othello's speech page 45 starting at 126
Read Desdemona's speech page 47 lines 180- onward
Read Brabantio's omen (the last two lines on page 53) He curses his daughter!!
Read Othello's response to Brabantio on page 55 lines 293-300
Homework: Create the poem or the paragraph for Tuesday.
Short story is due on Monday. Be sure to proofread well. Use the how-to-punctuate-speech sheet.
Writing 12: Create an episodic piece of 200 words for Monday
I read the story, "Orientation" today by Daniel Orozco. Your job is to choose something to introduce or "orient" your reader to. Write 200 words.
Use the elements of hyperbole, understatement, sarcasm, repetition, specific details to ground the "crazy" elements. It needs to make just enough sense to allow for great commentary leaps.
You could write about what it is like to be the youngest of three brothers, your job, your cabin, walking to school, applying for scholarships, breaking up with a lover, ordering coffee, exercising, beefing up, first date, etc
Add really specific detail. Vary the sentence and paragraph length for rhythmic effect. Attempt the second person, present tense.
If it doesn't work, try a different tense and point of view.
Thursday: A two page scene is due. Can be episodic (Orientation) or time montage (Driving Under The Influence)
Use the elements of hyperbole, understatement, sarcasm, repetition, specific details to ground the "crazy" elements. It needs to make just enough sense to allow for great commentary leaps.
You could write about what it is like to be the youngest of three brothers, your job, your cabin, walking to school, applying for scholarships, breaking up with a lover, ordering coffee, exercising, beefing up, first date, etc
Add really specific detail. Vary the sentence and paragraph length for rhythmic effect. Attempt the second person, present tense.
If it doesn't work, try a different tense and point of view.
Thursday: A two page scene is due. Can be episodic (Orientation) or time montage (Driving Under The Influence)
English 10: Edited, typed draft of complete essay DUE
Today we reviewed how to write the conclusion and we wrote body para. three during class. We also read fifteen pages. Be sure to complete a book over the next few days. You may include To Kill A Mockingbird as one of your USSR books this month.
Writing the Conclusion: Very Similar to the Introdction
Before you begin writing the conclusion. Re-read the entire essay. Do the body paragraphs prove what you said you were going to prove in the introduction?
If yes, you are ready to write the conclusion.
If no, you need to re-write the introduction so that it reflects the opinions proven in the three body paragraphs.
Writing the Conclusion
First Sentence: Restate the thesis as clearly and emotionally as you can. Do not repeat the author's name or title.
Second Sentence: Repeat the main point of the first body paragraph as persuasively as you can.
Third Sentence: Repeat the main point of the second body paragraph. Be dramatic.
Fourth Sentence: Repeat the main point of the third body paragraph. Be clear. Use synonyms. Vary the sentence length.
Final Sentence: Restate the overall thesis in a short but important manner.
There is a sample in your booklet. Read it. Write the conclusion. Use the checklist there to ensure that you have followed all of the criteria.
This weekend:
FOCUS ON STYLE AND INSIGHT. STYLE = SYNONYMS, SENTENCE VARIETY, STRONG VERBS, PERSUASIVE DICTION, LOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, STRONG TRANSITIONS AND CONCLUDING SENTENCES. MAKE SURE EACH SENTENCE MAKES SENSE. READ IT ALOUD.
INSIGHT=PROVING THE THESIS WITH THE BEST EVIDENCE YOU CAN FIND. GO OVERBOARD WHEN EXPLAINING EACH QUOTE. DISCUSS THE LANGUAGE IN THE QUOTE, THE CONTEXT, WHO IS SPEAKING AND HOW THE QUOTE PROVES YOUR THESIS. IF YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE WRITING, YOUR READER WILL BE TOO.
Peer Editing Monday. If you arrive without your essay, you will not get a peer editing mark. You will not get your essay marked either. No extensions for this exercise. If you have to rush your first draft, do so. Arrive with your work.
Final Copy + Peer-Edited Draft + Cover Page and Works Cited Page is due
Wed. Nov. 26th.
USSR Forms due: Monday, Dec. 1.
Writing the Conclusion: Very Similar to the Introdction
Before you begin writing the conclusion. Re-read the entire essay. Do the body paragraphs prove what you said you were going to prove in the introduction?
If yes, you are ready to write the conclusion.
If no, you need to re-write the introduction so that it reflects the opinions proven in the three body paragraphs.
Writing the Conclusion
First Sentence: Restate the thesis as clearly and emotionally as you can. Do not repeat the author's name or title.
Second Sentence: Repeat the main point of the first body paragraph as persuasively as you can.
Third Sentence: Repeat the main point of the second body paragraph. Be dramatic.
Fourth Sentence: Repeat the main point of the third body paragraph. Be clear. Use synonyms. Vary the sentence length.
Final Sentence: Restate the overall thesis in a short but important manner.
There is a sample in your booklet. Read it. Write the conclusion. Use the checklist there to ensure that you have followed all of the criteria.
This weekend:
FOCUS ON STYLE AND INSIGHT. STYLE = SYNONYMS, SENTENCE VARIETY, STRONG VERBS, PERSUASIVE DICTION, LOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, STRONG TRANSITIONS AND CONCLUDING SENTENCES. MAKE SURE EACH SENTENCE MAKES SENSE. READ IT ALOUD.
INSIGHT=PROVING THE THESIS WITH THE BEST EVIDENCE YOU CAN FIND. GO OVERBOARD WHEN EXPLAINING EACH QUOTE. DISCUSS THE LANGUAGE IN THE QUOTE, THE CONTEXT, WHO IS SPEAKING AND HOW THE QUOTE PROVES YOUR THESIS. IF YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE WRITING, YOUR READER WILL BE TOO.
Peer Editing Monday. If you arrive without your essay, you will not get a peer editing mark. You will not get your essay marked either. No extensions for this exercise. If you have to rush your first draft, do so. Arrive with your work.
Final Copy + Peer-Edited Draft + Cover Page and Works Cited Page is due
Wed. Nov. 26th.
USSR Forms due: Monday, Dec. 1.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
English 11: Great work today . . .
You always have to be patient at the beginning of a Shakespeare play but once we finish ACT 1, it will really catch your interest.
Tomorrow is the big vocab. quiz all of the words we have done so far.
Tonight, work on your story. If you need help, I'm here at lunch or during period 5, my room is free and I can be there to help.
Writing stories is really fun. Be sure to follow the criteria though. Re-read that sheet.
Keep the how to punctuate dialogue sheet close, too.
We read Act 1, Scene 1 today, took notes, did a quiz, and watched 20 minutes worth of the film version.
Have fun with those stories.
Tomorrow is the big vocab. quiz all of the words we have done so far.
Tonight, work on your story. If you need help, I'm here at lunch or during period 5, my room is free and I can be there to help.
Writing stories is really fun. Be sure to follow the criteria though. Re-read that sheet.
Keep the how to punctuate dialogue sheet close, too.
We read Act 1, Scene 1 today, took notes, did a quiz, and watched 20 minutes worth of the film version.
Have fun with those stories.
Writing 12: THE BUSINESS OF WRITING: Links here
Good writers must also be good business people. Organize. Follow the rules for each contest or magazine.
Ensure that you have now entered all of the contests and submissions.
Today, I collected the BCTELA entries.
Make sure you have completed the Claremont Review contest (25.00) and the Claremont Review submission (the envelope one). You will have time next Wed. to complete Aerie International and Polyphony's electronic submissions.
If you prefer to do these two at home, great. Show me your sent file so you get the marks. Here is the link to my blog page that has all of the submission and contest links:
Entering Contests and Submitting Work
Next Thursday: A minimum of two pages are due. Create a scene. Use the books you are reading and the stories we read in class as your text books. How do these authors make a scene work? What are your favourite scenes? Why?
We will be working with scene creation over the next week. I handed out a how to punctuate dialogue sheet today and prompts for scenes. If you were absent, be sure to ask for these.
Template for a Scene:
Conflict (create a reason for the scene) The character has to pee but doesn't like to use the bathroom without buying gas, plus he is in a bad mood as he has just broken up with his girlfriend.
It has a beginning, a middle, and an end, but the size of each one may vary.
There is a new conflict at the end so the scene ends by opening up rather than by closing down. For example, the narrator in the gas station leaves with the fishbowl of matches and the stolen five bucks in his pocket. Say less. Show more. We know he is heading for trouble. And he forgets to pee.
Ending with a new conflict creates more tension.
Dialogue (Most scenes have dialogue) Keep it short. Keep it real. Keep it fragmented. Interrupt it. Doesn't have to be logical.
Variety, rhythm, style: Your syntax and rhythms are the artistry and craft of your work. Entice us with language that is fresh and rhythmic. Avoid adverbs. Use adjectives sparingly. Don't say, He laughed convincingly. Reword it to show convincing.
"You're late," she says.
He wasn't convinced she meant it.
Vary the paragraph length, the sentence length, the sentence type. Have fragments, have one word sentences, use commas, dashes, brackets, colons. Have some complex sentences: Despite the rain, George figured if he ran, he could get to the station without getting wet. George's certainty pissed her off. Soaked by the time they reached the train, George, aloof, headed straight to the men's room, stopped at the kiosk, bought a towel, flirted, paid.
Try eliminating words. Do you need I think or I thought? Do you need It was ... or There are . . .
Purpose of a scene: To reveal character. Show us who we are by getting your characters into a scene and get them out.
Use key verbs: lunged, coughed, choked, spat, riffed, spooned, flopped, flipped, dangled.
Today: Fiction Reports were due.
Ensure that you have now entered all of the contests and submissions.
Today, I collected the BCTELA entries.
Make sure you have completed the Claremont Review contest (25.00) and the Claremont Review submission (the envelope one). You will have time next Wed. to complete Aerie International and Polyphony's electronic submissions.
If you prefer to do these two at home, great. Show me your sent file so you get the marks. Here is the link to my blog page that has all of the submission and contest links:
Entering Contests and Submitting Work
Next Thursday: A minimum of two pages are due. Create a scene. Use the books you are reading and the stories we read in class as your text books. How do these authors make a scene work? What are your favourite scenes? Why?
We will be working with scene creation over the next week. I handed out a how to punctuate dialogue sheet today and prompts for scenes. If you were absent, be sure to ask for these.
Template for a Scene:
Conflict (create a reason for the scene) The character has to pee but doesn't like to use the bathroom without buying gas, plus he is in a bad mood as he has just broken up with his girlfriend.
It has a beginning, a middle, and an end, but the size of each one may vary.
There is a new conflict at the end so the scene ends by opening up rather than by closing down. For example, the narrator in the gas station leaves with the fishbowl of matches and the stolen five bucks in his pocket. Say less. Show more. We know he is heading for trouble. And he forgets to pee.
Ending with a new conflict creates more tension.
Dialogue (Most scenes have dialogue) Keep it short. Keep it real. Keep it fragmented. Interrupt it. Doesn't have to be logical.
Variety, rhythm, style: Your syntax and rhythms are the artistry and craft of your work. Entice us with language that is fresh and rhythmic. Avoid adverbs. Use adjectives sparingly. Don't say, He laughed convincingly. Reword it to show convincing.
"You're late," she says.
He wasn't convinced she meant it.
Vary the paragraph length, the sentence length, the sentence type. Have fragments, have one word sentences, use commas, dashes, brackets, colons. Have some complex sentences: Despite the rain, George figured if he ran, he could get to the station without getting wet. George's certainty pissed her off. Soaked by the time they reached the train, George, aloof, headed straight to the men's room, stopped at the kiosk, bought a towel, flirted, paid.
Try eliminating words. Do you need I think or I thought? Do you need It was ... or There are . . .
Purpose of a scene: To reveal character. Show us who we are by getting your characters into a scene and get them out.
Use key verbs: lunged, coughed, choked, spat, riffed, spooned, flopped, flipped, dangled.
Today: Fiction Reports were due.
English 10: Need help with the essay? Pop in at lunch.
Today we write body paragraph 2. A typed version double spaced is due tomorrow for participation marks. I checked body 1 paragraphs today. Those students who are behind are coming in at lunch today to catch up.
If you were absent today, write body 2 para. tonight.
Tomorrow: We will write body para. 3 and review the elements of the conclusion.
Due Monday: Your complete 1200 to 1500 word essay. Typed double-spaced. Edited and revised using all of the checklists in your package.
We will peer edit during Monday's class and your final copy will be due Wed. Nov. 26th. We will also review how to create the cover page and the works cited page.
If you were absent today, write body 2 para. tonight.
Tomorrow: We will write body para. 3 and review the elements of the conclusion.
Due Monday: Your complete 1200 to 1500 word essay. Typed double-spaced. Edited and revised using all of the checklists in your package.
We will peer edit during Monday's class and your final copy will be due Wed. Nov. 26th. We will also review how to create the cover page and the works cited page.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Writing 12: Entering contests . . .
Today we entered The Claremont Review Contest (with 25.00). We submitted to The Claremont Review and we took home the cover letter for the BCTELA contest, which needs to be signed. Please return it tomorrow.
Next Wed. we will be in the lab but you will have two pages of fiction due next Thursday. You may use the lab time to complete the entries to Aerie International and to Polyphony or you may decide to complete these entries from home.
Show me your SENT file to get the mark.
Homework: Fiction Reports due tomorrow. Bring in the contest fee and the BCTELA submission and The Claremont Review submission (if you have not yet done so).
Bill Gaston will be visiting our class Dec. 5.
Next Friday, we have a young poet coming to class. She has her first book of poetry out and she is on tour. Her name is Fionncara MacEoin. Her book is called Not The First Thing I've Missed.
Next Wed. we will be in the lab but you will have two pages of fiction due next Thursday. You may use the lab time to complete the entries to Aerie International and to Polyphony or you may decide to complete these entries from home.
Show me your SENT file to get the mark.
Homework: Fiction Reports due tomorrow. Bring in the contest fee and the BCTELA submission and The Claremont Review submission (if you have not yet done so).
Bill Gaston will be visiting our class Dec. 5.
Next Friday, we have a young poet coming to class. She has her first book of poetry out and she is on tour. Her name is Fionncara MacEoin. Her book is called Not The First Thing I've Missed.
English 11: Return your short story text . . .
and pick up a copy of Othello.
Today: We reviewed the vocabulary for Friday's test. More review tomorrow. Be sure to read your USSR book, especially when you miss class.
I collected the scenes you wrote during class yesterday. I'll edit them closely and return them to you. Look carefully at my suggestions as you don't want to make these errors on your final copy of the story which is due on Monday.
Othello: Be sure to get the notes from a partner. We took notes on the background of the play, the tone of scene 1, and we have read the first few pages.
Review how to cite a play: Use the act, scene and line number instead of the page number: "I am not what I am" (1.1.65).
Since a play is all speech, the convention is to use double quotation marks only.
What do we learn about Cassio, Roderigo, and Iago in the first few pages?
What is the psychological tone?
Where is the play set?
What is an ensign or ancient?
What position does Cassio receive?
Why does Iago think he should have received the position?
What does Brabantio do for a living?
Name three rude names for Othello.
How do you cite from a play?
Is the title of a play underlined or in quotation marks? Why?
Both men want something they cannot have. By the end of the scene, figure out how each man will be satisfied.
Iago has most of the lines in the first scene. Why? What do you notice about the way he talks? He tells people what they want to hear. Why do people listen to him?
Homework: Focus on writing a draft of your story.
Today: We reviewed the vocabulary for Friday's test. More review tomorrow. Be sure to read your USSR book, especially when you miss class.
I collected the scenes you wrote during class yesterday. I'll edit them closely and return them to you. Look carefully at my suggestions as you don't want to make these errors on your final copy of the story which is due on Monday.
Othello: Be sure to get the notes from a partner. We took notes on the background of the play, the tone of scene 1, and we have read the first few pages.
Review how to cite a play: Use the act, scene and line number instead of the page number: "I am not what I am" (1.1.65).
Since a play is all speech, the convention is to use double quotation marks only.
What do we learn about Cassio, Roderigo, and Iago in the first few pages?
What is the psychological tone?
Where is the play set?
What is an ensign or ancient?
What position does Cassio receive?
Why does Iago think he should have received the position?
What does Brabantio do for a living?
Name three rude names for Othello.
How do you cite from a play?
Is the title of a play underlined or in quotation marks? Why?
Both men want something they cannot have. By the end of the scene, figure out how each man will be satisfied.
Iago has most of the lines in the first scene. Why? What do you notice about the way he talks? He tells people what they want to hear. Why do people listen to him?
Homework: Focus on writing a draft of your story.
English 10: Type up body paragraph 1 . . .
Bring your completed double-spaced copy to class tomorrow.
Don't worry too much about style at this point, just be sure to follow the body paragraph template and use synonyms for eradicate and for ignorance.
Check that you have used prejudice and prejudiced correctly.
Re-read the sample paragraph for ideas as it has strong synonym usage and sentence variety.
Remember to use quote integration method 3 and be sure to cite correctly.
How are those transitions? Make them natural.
Go for a strong flow. Be passionate in your diction.
Don't worry too much about style at this point, just be sure to follow the body paragraph template and use synonyms for eradicate and for ignorance.
Check that you have used prejudice and prejudiced correctly.
Re-read the sample paragraph for ideas as it has strong synonym usage and sentence variety.
Remember to use quote integration method 3 and be sure to cite correctly.
How are those transitions? Make them natural.
Go for a strong flow. Be passionate in your diction.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Writing 12: Bring your cheque for The Claremont Review . . .
We will meet in the lab tomorrow so that you can send your poems to Toronto, Montana, Hillside and Chicago. These babies want to be seen. No longer ugly, they have on their travelling clothes.
Apply for Youth Poet Laureate:
Apply for Youth Poet Laureate:
2015 Youth Poet Laureate Deadline Extended - Please Spread The Word
Dear young poets, Please apply!
Dear everyone else, Please tell all the young poets you know to apply!
Mentored by the City’s Poet Laureate, the Youth Poet Laureate will present original work to both the City of Victoria Council and Youth Council, produce new work, and organize a community youth poetry event during his/her term.
Terms and Remuneration
In addition to the mentorship, the Youth Poet Laureate will be provided a $1,750 honorarium and $1,000 of project funding. The Youth Poet Laureate term is one-year in duration from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must be 13 - 21 years of age and reside in the Capital Region. Candidates for Youth Poet Laureate can be nominated by someone else or be self-nominated. Nominees cannot be a City of Victoria employee or an elected official for the City of Victoria.
Applicants must provide:
http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-rec-culture/culture/poet-laureate.html
Dear everyone else, Please tell all the young poets you know to apply!
Mentored by the City’s Poet Laureate, the Youth Poet Laureate will present original work to both the City of Victoria Council and Youth Council, produce new work, and organize a community youth poetry event during his/her term.
Terms and Remuneration
In addition to the mentorship, the Youth Poet Laureate will be provided a $1,750 honorarium and $1,000 of project funding. The Youth Poet Laureate term is one-year in duration from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must be 13 - 21 years of age and reside in the Capital Region. Candidates for Youth Poet Laureate can be nominated by someone else or be self-nominated. Nominees cannot be a City of Victoria employee or an elected official for the City of Victoria.
Applicants must provide:
- Three original poems in any format including written, audio or video. If submitting audio or video, please include a transcription of the poems.
- Letter of intent including an outline of your vision for the Youth Poet Laureate position and three sample ideas of projects that you would undertake as Youth Poet Laureate.
- Résumé outlining your community engagement experience related to school, work, or volunteering.
http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-rec-culture/culture/poet-laureate.html
English 11: Scenes are due tomorrow . . .
If you were absent today, pop around at lunch to get the assignment.
English 10: Revise your introductions tonight . . .
Focus on style, clarity, and passion.
Look at thesis statements you have written in previous paragraphs. You know how to do this! Also, read the sample in your package. Arrive with a clean copy, newly printed.
Look at thesis statements you have written in previous paragraphs. You know how to do this! Also, read the sample in your package. Arrive with a clean copy, newly printed.
Monday, November 17, 2014
English 11: Several items were due today . . .
If you were absent today, make sure that your parents called in or bring a note tomorrow so that you may hand in the work that was due today.
We discussed the template for a scene:
conflict, beginning, middle, end, has to resolve, has to end with another conflict, has to show the character in action and dialogue and imply what we learn about him.
A scene must also appeal to the universal--you are now learning to read not only between the lines (to assess character) but beyond the lines (to assess theme). What do we learn about ourselves and/or the human condition having read a piece of literature. We read literature to see ourselves. To understand the world with empathy. We are moved emotionally and logically by the events and the characters' responses to those events.
I collected the paragraph on the "A Few Notes for Orpheus" story.
We edited and marked our scenes. If you were absent, hand it to me. If you neglected to write the scene, try it. It can be fun. You get to be a god. You get to decide.
I handed out the short story criteria today. Be sure to ask for a copy if you were absent. Call you homework buddy for clarification.
We read and discussed a scene by Bill Gaston today as well. You will need to get that scene and do the analysis.
We discussed the template for a scene:
conflict, beginning, middle, end, has to resolve, has to end with another conflict, has to show the character in action and dialogue and imply what we learn about him.
A scene must also appeal to the universal--you are now learning to read not only between the lines (to assess character) but beyond the lines (to assess theme). What do we learn about ourselves and/or the human condition having read a piece of literature. We read literature to see ourselves. To understand the world with empathy. We are moved emotionally and logically by the events and the characters' responses to those events.
I collected the paragraph on the "A Few Notes for Orpheus" story.
We edited and marked our scenes. If you were absent, hand it to me. If you neglected to write the scene, try it. It can be fun. You get to be a god. You get to decide.
I handed out the short story criteria today. Be sure to ask for a copy if you were absent. Call you homework buddy for clarification.
We read and discussed a scene by Bill Gaston today as well. You will need to get that scene and do the analysis.
Writing 12: WE LEARNED SO MUCH . . .
If you were absent today, be sure to get the notes. Each group presented their passage from their story and why they liked it! We learned so many tips today.
To be a better writer, learn from the masters. Today's masters: Bill Gaston, Lisa Moore, Alice Munro, Raymond Carver, Elizabeth Huggan, etc
Thursday: Your fiction report is due. Be thorough. Do not leave it until Wed. night.
Wed: We are in the computer lab. Be sure to bring your $25.00 cheque for The Claremont Review contest.
Go back to Nov. 12th's blog page for all the details for each contest. Be sure that you have done the first one before Wed.
Tomorrow, we have Jessica and Gussie presenting the work of Aldous Huxley.
We will finish reading the Gaston story. If you were absent, ask me for a copy.
It is called, "Driving Under The Influence".
To be a better writer, learn from the masters. Today's masters: Bill Gaston, Lisa Moore, Alice Munro, Raymond Carver, Elizabeth Huggan, etc
Thursday: Your fiction report is due. Be thorough. Do not leave it until Wed. night.
Wed: We are in the computer lab. Be sure to bring your $25.00 cheque for The Claremont Review contest.
Go back to Nov. 12th's blog page for all the details for each contest. Be sure that you have done the first one before Wed.
Tomorrow, we have Jessica and Gussie presenting the work of Aldous Huxley.
We will finish reading the Gaston story. If you were absent, ask me for a copy.
It is called, "Driving Under The Influence".
English 10: Finish the introduction, study for the vocab test
Vocabulary test on 1-40 is tomorrow.
Tonight: First, complete the entire form that we did during class today, please call your homework buddy.
Next: Complete the introduction to the essay.
1st sentence: a hook to get your audience interested in the topic
2nd: the thesis (There was a sample on the board, in your package, etc) Since you will be typing this intro, italicize the novel study instead of underlining it and do not use quotation marks around the title as that is only for story titles.
3rd: your first body paragraph thesis
4th sentence your second body para. thesis
5th sentence your third body para.
6th sentence: restate the thesis emotionally It is outrageous that ... or Sadly, or It takes courage to .... etc and do not repeat the title and author of the book.
Focus on your writing style here so the sentences make sense. Focus on variety in length and sentence beginning. Make sure that each thesis sentence offers an opinion and a reason for that opinion.
Make sure that your overall thesis for the essay summarizes all the points you plan to discuss.
I collected the quotation logs today. If you were absent, please email me your quotation log. If you forgot to submit it today, please email me.
Tonight: First, complete the entire form that we did during class today, please call your homework buddy.
Next: Complete the introduction to the essay.
1st sentence: a hook to get your audience interested in the topic
2nd: the thesis (There was a sample on the board, in your package, etc) Since you will be typing this intro, italicize the novel study instead of underlining it and do not use quotation marks around the title as that is only for story titles.
3rd: your first body paragraph thesis
4th sentence your second body para. thesis
5th sentence your third body para.
6th sentence: restate the thesis emotionally It is outrageous that ... or Sadly, or It takes courage to .... etc and do not repeat the title and author of the book.
Focus on your writing style here so the sentences make sense. Focus on variety in length and sentence beginning. Make sure that each thesis sentence offers an opinion and a reason for that opinion.
Make sure that your overall thesis for the essay summarizes all the points you plan to discuss.
I collected the quotation logs today. If you were absent, please email me your quotation log. If you forgot to submit it today, please email me.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
English 11: "A Few Notes for Orpheus" question
Choose one of the questions below and respond in your BEST literary paragraph form. Use ALL handouts so that you apply all of the criteria. At this time of the year, really focus on style and insight and assume that you have the format (literary must-haves, citing and quote integration down).
Find good quotations and write and re-write the thesis several times before you begin the paragraph.
Choose number 1 or 2 below. Double space. Type or neatly handwrite.
1. Discuss how our one's assumptions can destroy or inhibit a strong, loving relationship.
2. Examine the problems in Jake's family.
It is almost half way through November. You should have finished at least one book by now for USSR and completed the form. You do not need to hand in the form until the end of the month. If you need help choosing a new book, let me know. You may use Lord of the Flies as one of your entries, if you did not use it last month.
I'LL BE AWAY THURS. AND FRI. BUT YOU MUST ATTEND AS WE WILL BE STARTING CREATIVE WRITING AND THERE WILL BE TWO ASSIGNMENTS DUE, ONE FRIDAY AND ONE ON MONDAY. You'll have fun. I won't have your full story due Monday since you will need more time. I will introduce the assignment on Monday.
YOUR para. from today may also be handed in on Monday. (i.e. one of the questions above)
It will be really hard to make up Thursday's and Friday's classes as they are experiential. You need to be there to experience it. I've given Ms. Moray key lessons. Enjoy.
I won't be updating the blog now as I won't have internet access.
Find good quotations and write and re-write the thesis several times before you begin the paragraph.
Choose number 1 or 2 below. Double space. Type or neatly handwrite.
1. Discuss how our one's assumptions can destroy or inhibit a strong, loving relationship.
2. Examine the problems in Jake's family.
It is almost half way through November. You should have finished at least one book by now for USSR and completed the form. You do not need to hand in the form until the end of the month. If you need help choosing a new book, let me know. You may use Lord of the Flies as one of your entries, if you did not use it last month.
I'LL BE AWAY THURS. AND FRI. BUT YOU MUST ATTEND AS WE WILL BE STARTING CREATIVE WRITING AND THERE WILL BE TWO ASSIGNMENTS DUE, ONE FRIDAY AND ONE ON MONDAY. You'll have fun. I won't have your full story due Monday since you will need more time. I will introduce the assignment on Monday.
YOUR para. from today may also be handed in on Monday. (i.e. one of the questions above)
It will be really hard to make up Thursday's and Friday's classes as they are experiential. You need to be there to experience it. I've given Ms. Moray key lessons. Enjoy.
I won't be updating the blog now as I won't have internet access.
English 10: Be sure to make notes on the scenes below . . .
I will be at a conference for the next two days so Ms. Moray will be teaching you. Due to my absence, let's submit all the contest entries on Monday. Check the Writing 12 blog entry from today to find all the links you need for submission guidelines for The Claremont Review (you need a cover sheet) and for the Aerie (it is an electronic submission). BCTELA (voices visible) you need your parents' signature. Please return the sheet and the story Monday.
BEFORE WE WRITE THE ESSAY, YOU NEED TO MAKE NOTES ON THE FOLLOWING SCENES:
1. Clearly the children are being exposed to a lot of corruption: the Old Sarum gang, the trial, Dolphous Raymond, the real story of Boo, being attacked by Mr. Ewell, Mr. Ewell's death, going to Calpurnia's church, etc Pick out two examples from the book where you think the children learn the most:
Scene 1: Describe it. What do they learn? How do they react?
Scene 2: Describe it. What do they learn? How do they react?
2. Have a look at the scene where Dill wants to be a clown who does not speak.
3. Look at the scene where Atticus can't complete his sentence: "'I can't conceive of a man who'd---'" (269 in my book).
What can't he conceive? Why? What are the dangers here?
We cannot eradicate ignorance until we become aware of ignorance!!!
Atticus almost lost his children the Mr. Ewell's ignorance (his complete disregard for anything human!!). Re-read the beginning of chapter 29 here.
Mr. Tate disagrees with Atticus. He says Mr. Ewell was not crazy. Why can't Atticus see the evil within Bob Ewell? What is the danger in this blindspot?
4. Explain why Atticus goes along with Heck Tate's plan to not tell the town that Boo has killed Mr. Ewell. What can't Boo handle here? Is it ever okay to tell a lie? Discuss in your notes. Mr. Tate is lying here and he convinces Atticus to lie as well.
Quote Log is due on Monday. If you do not have the criteria sheet, look back at Thursday, Nov. 6ths blog post as there is a copy there.
Arrive on Monday with your completed quote log. Bring three coloured highlighters to start your essay.
BEFORE WE WRITE THE ESSAY, YOU NEED TO MAKE NOTES ON THE FOLLOWING SCENES:
1. Clearly the children are being exposed to a lot of corruption: the Old Sarum gang, the trial, Dolphous Raymond, the real story of Boo, being attacked by Mr. Ewell, Mr. Ewell's death, going to Calpurnia's church, etc Pick out two examples from the book where you think the children learn the most:
Scene 1: Describe it. What do they learn? How do they react?
Scene 2: Describe it. What do they learn? How do they react?
2. Have a look at the scene where Dill wants to be a clown who does not speak.
3. Look at the scene where Atticus can't complete his sentence: "'I can't conceive of a man who'd---'" (269 in my book).
What can't he conceive? Why? What are the dangers here?
We cannot eradicate ignorance until we become aware of ignorance!!!
Atticus almost lost his children the Mr. Ewell's ignorance (his complete disregard for anything human!!). Re-read the beginning of chapter 29 here.
Mr. Tate disagrees with Atticus. He says Mr. Ewell was not crazy. Why can't Atticus see the evil within Bob Ewell? What is the danger in this blindspot?
4. Explain why Atticus goes along with Heck Tate's plan to not tell the town that Boo has killed Mr. Ewell. What can't Boo handle here? Is it ever okay to tell a lie? Discuss in your notes. Mr. Tate is lying here and he convinces Atticus to lie as well.
Quote Log is due on Monday. If you do not have the criteria sheet, look back at Thursday, Nov. 6ths blog post as there is a copy there.
Arrive on Monday with your completed quote log. Bring three coloured highlighters to start your essay.
Writing 12: Entering Contests and Sending Work Out . . .
You will need to submit poems to all of the places below: Make sure to complete number 1 today. We will complete the other electronic ones next Wed. I'll be away for two days at the Patrick Lane course. Please be kind and respectful to Ms. Moray and do your work. Bring a cheque for $25.00 to The Claremont Review for Monday.
Electronic Entries:
1. Jessamy Stursberg National Poetry Contest Do not press send until I check. Thanks.
2. Aerie International Contest These guidelines are lengthy. Follow carefully. You need a photo.
3. Polyphony H.S. Magazine (Chicago) You have to create an account.
Hard Copies (You will need contest entry forms) I have copies.
1. BCTELA (3 poems) No name on the poems. Hand to me (I'll mail them) (free)
2. The Claremont Review Contest Guidelines Hand in to me. (I'll mail them) + $25.00
Send The Claremont Review up to six poems. These poems should not be the same poems that you send to Aerie, The Claremont Review Contest or to Polyphony. Create a cover page. See submission guidelines on their site. Submission Guidelines
Put your name on each poem. Include a cover page.
Once you have your poems chosen, edit them one more time. Attach the cover page with a paper clip to the poems. DO NOT STAPLE.
Put the poems in a business envelope. In the middle of the envelope write:
The Claremont Review
Suite 101
1581-H Hillside Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8T 2C1
On the left hand corner of the envelope, write your name, return address, city and postal code.
John Smith
123 John Street
Victoria, BC
V8Y 1Y9
Electronic Entries:
1. Jessamy Stursberg National Poetry Contest Do not press send until I check. Thanks.
2. Aerie International Contest These guidelines are lengthy. Follow carefully. You need a photo.
3. Polyphony H.S. Magazine (Chicago) You have to create an account.
Hard Copies (You will need contest entry forms) I have copies.
1. BCTELA (3 poems) No name on the poems. Hand to me (I'll mail them) (free)
2. The Claremont Review Contest Guidelines Hand in to me. (I'll mail them) + $25.00
Non-contest submission of The Claremont Review (free)
Send The Claremont Review up to six poems. These poems should not be the same poems that you send to Aerie, The Claremont Review Contest or to Polyphony. Create a cover page. See submission guidelines on their site. Submission Guidelines
Put your name on each poem. Include a cover page.
Once you have your poems chosen, edit them one more time. Attach the cover page with a paper clip to the poems. DO NOT STAPLE.
Put the poems in a business envelope. In the middle of the envelope write:
The Claremont Review
Suite 101
1581-H Hillside Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8T 2C1
On the left hand corner of the envelope, write your name, return address, city and postal code.
John Smith
123 John Street
Victoria, BC
V8Y 1Y9
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Writing 12: Return your poetry books and . . .
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EMAILED ME YOUR MANUSCRIPT, PLEASE. SEND TO AURORA@SHAW.CA.
If you were absent today, please pick up a short story book from the learning commons. Each student will read a different author. I have spread out a number of books on top of a bookshelf at the back near the short story shelf in the learning commons. If you are presenting a fiction author, you may use a chapter from a novel or a story from his/her book.
This weekend: Choose one story to read. Read it like a poet would read a story to find out what fiction writers do that poets do not! Find a passage (a description of setting or character, action, dialogue, exposition, an intro or a conclusion) that you find remarkable. You don't know what the author is doing but you sure would like to learn how to do it.
Also: Have all your poems available electronically so that we can prepare to send poems out to magazines. Meet in the computer lab on Wednesday.
Have a fabulous weekend. I'm really delighted to be able to read your exquisite poems this weekend.
If you were absent today, please pick up a short story book from the learning commons. Each student will read a different author. I have spread out a number of books on top of a bookshelf at the back near the short story shelf in the learning commons. If you are presenting a fiction author, you may use a chapter from a novel or a story from his/her book.
This weekend: Choose one story to read. Read it like a poet would read a story to find out what fiction writers do that poets do not! Find a passage (a description of setting or character, action, dialogue, exposition, an intro or a conclusion) that you find remarkable. You don't know what the author is doing but you sure would like to learn how to do it.
Also: Have all your poems available electronically so that we can prepare to send poems out to magazines. Meet in the computer lab on Wednesday.
Have a fabulous weekend. I'm really delighted to be able to read your exquisite poems this weekend.
English 10: Spread your homework over the five days . . .
1. Edit and proofread your story so that it is completely error-free and ready for publication. Choose which magazine you would like to be published in. Follow the criteria below:
The Claremont Review (Put your name on your story. You can write out a cover sheet during class).
BCTELA contest: Voices Visible Magazine: Print out your story. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE STORY. You will fill in a contest cover sheet when you arrive.
Aerie International Magazine: Bring an electronic copy (on your email or on a USB key). You need to send them a picture of yourself with your story submission so have an electronic picture available, too. You will submit the story during class on Monday.
2. FINISH READING THE NOVEL. Post-it note examples of ignorance (prejudice, misunderstanding, disdain, contempt, naivety, etc). Think about what could eradicate the ignorance. Part 2 is very juicy and very sad. Read it with a few pieces of tissue in each hand.
3. Finish your part I response (the poem, the para. the mind map, or the diary). Bring to class on WED.
4. If you want to get a head start on your quote log, read the criteria below and BEGIN. Quote log is due Friday, Nov. 15. We will work on it during class, Wed. and Thurs. Planning 10 students will need a head start.
The Claremont Review (Put your name on your story. You can write out a cover sheet during class).
BCTELA contest: Voices Visible Magazine: Print out your story. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE STORY. You will fill in a contest cover sheet when you arrive.
Aerie International Magazine: Bring an electronic copy (on your email or on a USB key). You need to send them a picture of yourself with your story submission so have an electronic picture available, too. You will submit the story during class on Monday.
2. FINISH READING THE NOVEL. Post-it note examples of ignorance (prejudice, misunderstanding, disdain, contempt, naivety, etc). Think about what could eradicate the ignorance. Part 2 is very juicy and very sad. Read it with a few pieces of tissue in each hand.
3. Finish your part I response (the poem, the para. the mind map, or the diary). Bring to class on WED.
4. If you want to get a head start on your quote log, read the criteria below and BEGIN. Quote log is due Friday, Nov. 15. We will work on it during class, Wed. and Thurs. Planning 10 students will need a head start.
Criteria for an Effective
Quotation Log 100 marks
Title: YOUR TOPIC: Pick quotes that demonstrate: HOW TO ERADICATE
IGNORANCE (What do we learn about prejudice? How do we understand
each other? Why do we gossip? Why do we call each other names? Why
can't we forgive? Why do we lie? Why do we feel contempt to the
unknown?)
BOOK TITLE, AUTHOR, TOPIC, YOUR NAME
PICTURES, IMAGES, WORDS, PHRASES, QUOTES . . .
- 12 to 15 really key quotations (Cited properly)
- A 50 to 75 word response for each quotation
- You state who is speaking and you explain the context of the quote (i.e. what is happening when it is said)
- Your response adds insight to the character, uses good descriptive words
- Your response clearly states what you think about the character based on his / her actions, speech and descriptions
- Your response is in correct, formal English
- Your response goes beyond the obvious and demonstrates critical thinking skills
- Your response makes connections to other parts of the book to reinforce your opinions
Sample Quotation and Response
“I felt sorry for the old man because people just don’t go around
smiling like that all the time unless they’re mentally unbalanced
or harboring extreme anxiety” (47).
This quote is Lorraine’s reaction to Mr. Pignati the first time
that she and John visit him at his home. We know that Lorraine is
empathetic because she reveals her sympathy for others when she talks
to lonely people on the phone. Lorraine does not have a good
relationship with her mother and her mother’s negative influence is
clearly revealed in this passage because her mother does not trust
anyone. Her mother works with the sick and dying yet feels no
compassion. Her mother also distrusts men. In this quotation,
Lorraine distrusts smiles. How sad. This young girl assumes that
happy people are mentally disturbed. She obviously needs to
experience trust and love in her life. The fact that she is observing
Mr. Pignati closely also reveals that she notices other people.
Unlike John, she is not self-centered. She cares for others. She is
on edge while visiting Mr. Pignati because the pair of teens are
there on false pretences. She knows what she is doing is wrong but
says nothing. Lorraine is too vulnerable to peer pressure.
Tips:
Choose quotes that really make you think about your topic.
Start by saying who is speaking and what is happening. Next,
discuss the tone of the words in the quote.
Take the quote a part and discuss each section in three or four
sentences.
Be passionate in your response. After all, this log is your
opinions so let’s hear you rave!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
English 11: Test on "The Sound of the Hollyhocks" today
If you were absent today: See yesterday's blog for the question so that you can be prepared to write it at lunch today. If you can't write the test at lunch, pop in to explain why. Be sure to have a note for today's absence. I collected the TICK chart, the paragraph and yesterday's editing sheet on "The Fall of a City".
We are heading into a Long, Long weekend so make sure you have a lot of USSR books at home so that you could get at least 15 pages per day read. Show me how many pages you have read Nov. 13th. We will be half way through the month so you should have read at least 200 pages Nov. 13th if you are going for one book, 300 for a B and 400 for an A.
Tomorrow, we will be reading "A Few Notes for Orpheus", a story about a young man who realizes something key about living in the past. If you plan on being absent, take your text home and check out the blog to see what you will have missed.
We are heading into a Long, Long weekend so make sure you have a lot of USSR books at home so that you could get at least 15 pages per day read. Show me how many pages you have read Nov. 13th. We will be half way through the month so you should have read at least 200 pages Nov. 13th if you are going for one book, 300 for a B and 400 for an A.
Tomorrow, we will be reading "A Few Notes for Orpheus", a story about a young man who realizes something key about living in the past. If you plan on being absent, take your text home and check out the blog to see what you will have missed.
Writing 12: Good Luck with those gorgeous manuscripts!
Your babies are not ugly anymore. They were never ugly, just coddled and over-valued. he he he
What makes a great poem? See the criteria.
What makes a great manuscript? Follow the criteria.
Email your "publication-ready" manuscript to aurora@shaw.ca
Put your name in the subject line and poetry manuscript
You have worked hard all term. Do not lose any marks for feeble proofreading. I know you get tired but you have to know the grammatical rules if you are going to be a writer who breaks them, right?
If you cannot be in class tomorrow, I need the manuscript by the end of block 4 (the old block 3). Drop it off to the classroom and not the office, please.
PS
Don't forget your city in your address.
Find a good photo of yourself (sharp resolution but small size) to send off for publication next Wednesday.
Tomorrow: Collection of manuscripts. Allie and Kaiti present! Yay. We will be signing out short story books tomorrow as you will have some homework over the weekend. If you are going to be absent due to the ceremony, see me at lunch.
What makes a great poem? See the criteria.
What makes a great manuscript? Follow the criteria.
Email your "publication-ready" manuscript to aurora@shaw.ca
Put your name in the subject line and poetry manuscript
You have worked hard all term. Do not lose any marks for feeble proofreading. I know you get tired but you have to know the grammatical rules if you are going to be a writer who breaks them, right?
If you cannot be in class tomorrow, I need the manuscript by the end of block 4 (the old block 3). Drop it off to the classroom and not the office, please.
PS
Don't forget your city in your address.
Find a good photo of yourself (sharp resolution but small size) to send off for publication next Wednesday.
Tomorrow: Collection of manuscripts. Allie and Kaiti present! Yay. We will be signing out short story books tomorrow as you will have some homework over the weekend. If you are going to be absent due to the ceremony, see me at lunch.
English 10: We had a test on part 1 today . . .
We have now read the first 11 chapters and discussed most of the book. I had 6 quotations on the board today and we wrote responses to each quote. We also added the next to words on our list, 35 and 36.
Tonight: Read and post-it note chapters 12 and 13. They may be a little slow going but look for examples of racism. Even some of the African-Americans are reluctant to allow Jem and Scout in their church due to the colour of their skin.
Finish reading the novel by next Wed. Nov. 13th as we will be starting our essays. If you forget your novel at school, you will have to download it or buy a copy at a second hand book store in town.
Tomorrow: Responding to Part 1 (chapters 1 to 11) You get to decide how you wish to respond: Choose one of the suggestions below or make a suggestion for a format not yet on the list and get it approved by me before you begin:
1. a literary paragraph
2. a decorated found poem (similar to the one you did for the story, "A Lamp At Noon"
3. a diary entry from one of the character's point of view
4. a mind map
Your job is to answer this question: Demonstrate what Harper Lee may be suggesting about what is needed to eradicate ignorance in the world. What will it take for humans to change? How do you change? How hard is it?
Tonight: Read and post-it note chapters 12 and 13. They may be a little slow going but look for examples of racism. Even some of the African-Americans are reluctant to allow Jem and Scout in their church due to the colour of their skin.
Finish reading the novel by next Wed. Nov. 13th as we will be starting our essays. If you forget your novel at school, you will have to download it or buy a copy at a second hand book store in town.
Tomorrow: Responding to Part 1 (chapters 1 to 11) You get to decide how you wish to respond: Choose one of the suggestions below or make a suggestion for a format not yet on the list and get it approved by me before you begin:
1. a literary paragraph
2. a decorated found poem (similar to the one you did for the story, "A Lamp At Noon"
3. a diary entry from one of the character's point of view
4. a mind map
Your job is to answer this question: Demonstrate what Harper Lee may be suggesting about what is needed to eradicate ignorance in the world. What will it take for humans to change? How do you change? How hard is it?
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Writing 12: Tonight: it's time to revise and re-write those poems!
We will be going to the computer lab but please meet in the classroom.
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