You have 3 assignments today, so use your time wisely.
1. Complete the survey here.
2. Spend 20 minutes on Quizlet (Click on Literary Terms on the right side of the page). You will be quizzed on all 60 terms this Friday.
3. POST as a COMMENT: Write AGREE or DISAGREE and defend your answer for the following statements:
1. With enough hard work, everyone can achieve his/her dreams.
2. Money can buy happiness.
3. Women have the same opportunities to succeed as men.
4. Minorities have the same opportunities to succeed as white people.
5. A college education is necessary to be successful.
6. Parents should support their children no matter what.
7. People of completely different cultures can have a healthy relationship.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Class of 2011 Mid-Year Survey
Take this survey. This is your first assignment in this class so take it seriously!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
English 10 Final Review
The Final Exam consists of 2 parts.
Part 1: Literary Terms - Matching
Part 2: ACT Style Persuasive Essay on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
For Part 1, you are to test yourself at Quizlet (click on "Literary Terms" in the top right of this page) until you achieve 100% success.
For Part 2, you are to Create new blog post in which you answer the following question:
Many people have compared the creative abilities of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Some readers agree with Huck’s belief that he doesn’t know how to “throw in the fancy touches” to his schemes the way Tom Sawyer does. They believe this because Huck doesn’t know how to incorporate outrageous scenes from fictional novels, like Tom does, to add to his pranks. Other readers believe that Huck sometimes surpasses Tom in his creativity because of his ability to come up with interesting ideas of his own without relying on books. In your opinion, does Huck know how to “throw in the fancy touches” to his plans the way his friend Tom does?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
The essay should be organized as follows:
Intro
Body Paragraph 1 - Reason 1
Body Paragraph 2 - Reason 2
Body Paragraph 3 - Reason 3
Conclusion
To see how this and your final exam essay will be graded click here.
Part 1: Literary Terms - Matching
Part 2: ACT Style Persuasive Essay on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
For Part 1, you are to test yourself at Quizlet (click on "Literary Terms" in the top right of this page) until you achieve 100% success.
For Part 2, you are to Create new blog post in which you answer the following question:
Many people have compared the creative abilities of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Some readers agree with Huck’s belief that he doesn’t know how to “throw in the fancy touches” to his schemes the way Tom Sawyer does. They believe this because Huck doesn’t know how to incorporate outrageous scenes from fictional novels, like Tom does, to add to his pranks. Other readers believe that Huck sometimes surpasses Tom in his creativity because of his ability to come up with interesting ideas of his own without relying on books. In your opinion, does Huck know how to “throw in the fancy touches” to his plans the way his friend Tom does?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
The essay should be organized as follows:
Intro
Body Paragraph 1 - Reason 1
Body Paragraph 2 - Reason 2
Body Paragraph 3 - Reason 3
Conclusion
To see how this and your final exam essay will be graded click here.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Blog Post 5: Reflection on Conscience
So far in the book, Huck Finn has talked a lot about his conscience, which is defined as "a person's inner sense of what is right and wrong. It leads to feelings of remorse when one goes against his/her moral values, and feelings of integrity when one's actions conform to their moral values. (Wikipedia)"
Your assignment for today is to:
1. Write one paragraph in which you write the following quote from Huck in your own words and whether you agree with it and why/why not:
"But that's always the way; it don't make no difference whether you do right or wrong, a person's conscience ain't got no sense, and just goes for him anyway."
2. Write one paragraph in which you give at least three examples of how Huck's conscience influences his decisions and state whether you agree with his decisions and why/why not.
3. Write one paragraph in which you describe a time when your conscience got the best of you and it resulted in you making the correct moral decision, even though it was difficult for you.
When finished, check out these moral dilemmas and consider what you would do!
Your assignment for today is to:
1. Write one paragraph in which you write the following quote from Huck in your own words and whether you agree with it and why/why not:
"But that's always the way; it don't make no difference whether you do right or wrong, a person's conscience ain't got no sense, and just goes for him anyway."
2. Write one paragraph in which you give at least three examples of how Huck's conscience influences his decisions and state whether you agree with his decisions and why/why not.
3. Write one paragraph in which you describe a time when your conscience got the best of you and it resulted in you making the correct moral decision, even though it was difficult for you.
When finished, check out these moral dilemmas and consider what you would do!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Blog Post 4: Huck Finn: Setting Description
The Mississippi River is the most famous setting from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain writes about the great river with a lot of passion and detail, and the imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Twain grew up on the river, so this place is very dear and familiar to him.
Your assignment today is to write about a place that is equally familiar and dear to you. It might be a room, a car, a cottage, a basketball court, your grandmother's house, a coffee shop, a certain place in the woods where you go to relax, etc.
This descriptive piece should answer the following questions (and more):
How long have you been going to this place?
What do you do in this place?
When do you go there?
What does it look like? Sound like? Smell like? Taste like (if there is food involved).
Who else goes there and what is your relationship with them?
How do you feel when you are there?
With what do you associate this place?
What does this place mean to you?
Tips:
Remember to show, don't tell!
Use similes and metaphors
Be specific and detailed rather than general and abstract
Take chances in your writing--this is supposed to be creative!
Start by answering all of these questions on a sheet of paper, then turn it into paragraph form in your blog. Your piece should be at least 15 sentences.
Here is an example of a good descriptive piece
When finished, print out your response. Then begin reading Chapter 26 and 27 and be ready for a quiz tomorrow.
Your assignment today is to write about a place that is equally familiar and dear to you. It might be a room, a car, a cottage, a basketball court, your grandmother's house, a coffee shop, a certain place in the woods where you go to relax, etc.
This descriptive piece should answer the following questions (and more):
How long have you been going to this place?
What do you do in this place?
When do you go there?
What does it look like? Sound like? Smell like? Taste like (if there is food involved).
Who else goes there and what is your relationship with them?
How do you feel when you are there?
With what do you associate this place?
What does this place mean to you?
Tips:
Remember to show, don't tell!
Use similes and metaphors
Be specific and detailed rather than general and abstract
Take chances in your writing--this is supposed to be creative!
Start by answering all of these questions on a sheet of paper, then turn it into paragraph form in your blog. Your piece should be at least 15 sentences.
Here is an example of a good descriptive piece
When finished, print out your response. Then begin reading Chapter 26 and 27 and be ready for a quiz tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Blog Post 3: Huck Finn Ch. 1 - Ch. 23 Test Review
Dear Student-
You have 2 assignments today.
1) Go to the following link and complete the activities UNTIL you score 100% on the test.
http://quizlet.com/set/565954/
2) Go to the following link and create a chart just like this one in Microsoft Word. Complete your chart for Chapter 22. When you have done so, copy and paste into your blog.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfs5r5fj_49tc9b46hf
You have 2 assignments today.
1) Go to the following link and complete the activities UNTIL you score 100% on the test.
http://quizlet.com/set/565954/
2) Go to the following link and create a chart just like this one in Microsoft Word. Complete your chart for Chapter 22. When you have done so, copy and paste into your blog.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfs5r5fj_49tc9b46hf
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Blog Post 2: Huck Finn Response (Ch. 13 - Ch. 17)
For the past few days we have been looking closely at how specific characters in the book affect Huck's behavior, decision-making, and moral development. For today's posting, you are to put the first side of the chart from yesterday in paragraph form (first and last paragraph are written for you). Thus, your post should be 6 paragraphs, structured in the following way:
Intro paragraph: In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck, the protagonist, is greatly influenced by four people: Widow Douglas, Tom Sawyer, Pap, and Jim.
Body Paragraph 1: WIDOW DOUGLAS
a. How Widow Douglas influences Huck directly
b. How Widow Douglas influences Huck indirectly
c. Quote/Passage and Page # that illustrates A or B
Body Paragraph 2: TOM SAWYER
(same format for TOM SAWYER)
Body Paragraph 3: PAP
(same format for PAP)
Body Paragraph 4: JIM
(same format for JIM)
Conclusion Paragraph: Without these key influences in his life, Huck would be a very different person.
Intro paragraph: In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck, the protagonist, is greatly influenced by four people: Widow Douglas, Tom Sawyer, Pap, and Jim.
Body Paragraph 1: WIDOW DOUGLAS
a. How Widow Douglas influences Huck directly
b. How Widow Douglas influences Huck indirectly
c. Quote/Passage and Page # that illustrates A or B
Body Paragraph 2: TOM SAWYER
(same format for TOM SAWYER)
Body Paragraph 3: PAP
(same format for PAP)
Body Paragraph 4: JIM
(same format for JIM)
Conclusion Paragraph: Without these key influences in his life, Huck would be a very different person.
***HINT: Type your response in MS Word and cut/paste***
Friday, November 14, 2008
Blog Post 1: Huck Finn Response (Ch. 1 - Ch. 12)
After creating your blog, write one paragraph summarizing Huck Finn so far and one paragraph responding to the book--What do you like? Dislike? Why? How does it compare to Of Mice and Men.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Reader Response #6: Find a Poet
Your assignment for today:
1) Find a poet on this site.
2) Read at least 5 of his/her poems.
3) Write a 250 word blog response in which you
- explain what you liked/disliked about the poems
- explain how the poems connect to your life
- explain your personal definition of poetry
See Carlynn's Blog for a good example.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Reader Response #6: Eggers Site
1) Browse http://www.826national.org
2) Write a 500 word response in which you explain how:
a) we can help 826 national
b) 826 national can help us
2) Write a 500 word response in which you explain how:
a) we can help 826 national
b) 826 national can help us
Monday, December 3, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Blog #5: Friendship
11/28/07 assignment (30 points)
· Sign into blogger.
· Find a story, song, or video on the internet that deals with friendship.
· Post the link in your blog to the piece
· Write the piece in your own words.
· Write whether you like the song, poem, or video or not and why.
· Write how the piece connects to your life.
· Sign into blogger.
· Find a story, song, or video on the internet that deals with friendship.
· Post the link in your blog to the piece
· Write the piece in your own words.
· Write whether you like the song, poem, or video or not and why.
· Write how the piece connects to your life.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Huck Finn Exam 1 (1-23): Essay
In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck faces a number of moral dilemmas which reveal much about his character. Choose one of Huck's moral dilemmas and write a well-organized essay in which you:
1) Discuss the moral dilemma and its relevance to the story and to Huck's character development.
2) Argue in favor or against Huck's decision.
3) Provide support for your argument from #2.
Huck Finn Essay Scoring Guide – (10/31/07)
9-8 These well-focused and persuasive essays take an in-depth look at the text and respond fully to the question. Focus is not on the moral dilemma itself, but on the moral dilemma’s relevance to the story and to Huck’s character development. Analysis is supported with specific evidence from the text. Written clearly, coherently, and with precision. Language is formal, in third person, and appropriate to a literary analysis. All but void of grammar mistakes.
7-6 These essays, though they demonstrate understanding of the moral dilemma’s relevance to the story and to Huck’s character development, lack the depth of those in the 9-8 range. Strong thesis but lacking in textual support. Not as clear, coherent, or precise as those in the 9-8 range. Respond to the question but less effectively than essays in the top range. Analysis may be less thorough, specific, and complex than essays in the 9-8 range. Generally contain few spelling and grammar errors.
5 These essays respond to the prompt but are superficial in analysis and rely heavily on plot summary. Though adequately written, most likely have a weak thesis with no focus on the moral dilemma’s relevance to the story and to Huck’s character development. Organization is attempted, but not effective. Generally contain several spelling and grammar errors, which may distract the reader.
4-3 These lower half-essays reflect an incomplete and oversimplified understanding of the definition of a moral dilemma and its relevance to the story and Huck’s character development. Misunderstanding of the question or omission of key elements. Heavy reliance on plot summary. Most assertions are unsupported by the text. Writing conveys the writer’s ideas but reveals weak control over diction, syntax, and organization. May contain several spelling and grammatical errors.
2-1 Although these essays make some attempt to respond to the prompt, they compound the weakness of the papers in the 4-3 range. Reveal misunderstanding of the prompt or may distort the interpretation. Unacceptably brief or are incoherent. Poorly written on most counts. Often written in first person and/or slang/informal language. Too many spelling and grammatical errors to count.
0 These essays make no more than a reference to the task
1) Discuss the moral dilemma and its relevance to the story and to Huck's character development.
2) Argue in favor or against Huck's decision.
3) Provide support for your argument from #2.
Huck Finn Essay Scoring Guide – (10/31/07)
9-8 These well-focused and persuasive essays take an in-depth look at the text and respond fully to the question. Focus is not on the moral dilemma itself, but on the moral dilemma’s relevance to the story and to Huck’s character development. Analysis is supported with specific evidence from the text. Written clearly, coherently, and with precision. Language is formal, in third person, and appropriate to a literary analysis. All but void of grammar mistakes.
7-6 These essays, though they demonstrate understanding of the moral dilemma’s relevance to the story and to Huck’s character development, lack the depth of those in the 9-8 range. Strong thesis but lacking in textual support. Not as clear, coherent, or precise as those in the 9-8 range. Respond to the question but less effectively than essays in the top range. Analysis may be less thorough, specific, and complex than essays in the 9-8 range. Generally contain few spelling and grammar errors.
5 These essays respond to the prompt but are superficial in analysis and rely heavily on plot summary. Though adequately written, most likely have a weak thesis with no focus on the moral dilemma’s relevance to the story and to Huck’s character development. Organization is attempted, but not effective. Generally contain several spelling and grammar errors, which may distract the reader.
4-3 These lower half-essays reflect an incomplete and oversimplified understanding of the definition of a moral dilemma and its relevance to the story and Huck’s character development. Misunderstanding of the question or omission of key elements. Heavy reliance on plot summary. Most assertions are unsupported by the text. Writing conveys the writer’s ideas but reveals weak control over diction, syntax, and organization. May contain several spelling and grammatical errors.
2-1 Although these essays make some attempt to respond to the prompt, they compound the weakness of the papers in the 4-3 range. Reveal misunderstanding of the prompt or may distort the interpretation. Unacceptably brief or are incoherent. Poorly written on most counts. Often written in first person and/or slang/informal language. Too many spelling and grammatical errors to count.
0 These essays make no more than a reference to the task
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Reader Response 3: Huck Finn (14-18)
Directions: Reread Ch. 17 and answer the following questions in paragraph form. As always, use quotes to support your points, and include Chapter, page, and paragraph #:
PARAGRAPH 1
What impresses Huck about the Grangerford’s house? What does this say about Huck’s view of success and happiness?
PARAGRAPH 2
What is so special about the books in the house? Why is he so interested in them? What does this say about Huck’s view of education? Twain’s view of education?
PARAGRAPH 3
What is unique about all of the drawings and poems and the scrapbook? With what does the girl seem to be obsessed ? What is the significance of the painting of the girl on the edge of the bridge with three sets of arms. Why do you think Twain describes this so specifically? What might it say about his view of death? Of suicide? Of art? Why is Huck so touched by this girl’s life and art?
FOR EXTRA CREDIT (10 pts): Create your own image of the girl on the bridge from page 77. You may draw, paint, sketch, photograph, digitally enhance—whatever you like.
PARAGRAPH 1
What impresses Huck about the Grangerford’s house? What does this say about Huck’s view of success and happiness?
PARAGRAPH 2
What is so special about the books in the house? Why is he so interested in them? What does this say about Huck’s view of education? Twain’s view of education?
PARAGRAPH 3
What is unique about all of the drawings and poems and the scrapbook? With what does the girl seem to be obsessed ? What is the significance of the painting of the girl on the edge of the bridge with three sets of arms. Why do you think Twain describes this so specifically? What might it say about his view of death? Of suicide? Of art? Why is Huck so touched by this girl’s life and art?
FOR EXTRA CREDIT (10 pts): Create your own image of the girl on the bridge from page 77. You may draw, paint, sketch, photograph, digitally enhance—whatever you like.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Reader Response 2: Huck Finn (7 - 13)
DUE: END OF THE HOUR TODAY
For today's response, you are to write 4-6 paragraphs in which you answer the following questions:
How is Huck influenced by the following people: Tom Sawyer, Widow Douglas, Pap, and Jim? Who do you think has the most positive influence on Huck? Negative? Why?
You must write at least one paragraph about each person and include the quote, chapter, page, and paragraph number for each quote. (CHAPTER, PAGE #, PAR. #)
For today's response, you are to write 4-6 paragraphs in which you answer the following questions:
How is Huck influenced by the following people: Tom Sawyer, Widow Douglas, Pap, and Jim? Who do you think has the most positive influence on Huck? Negative? Why?
You must write at least one paragraph about each person and include the quote, chapter, page, and paragraph number for each quote. (CHAPTER, PAGE #, PAR. #)
skip lines between paragraphs
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Reader Response 1: Huck Finn (1 - 6)
Religion
Racism
Relationship to Parents
Government
Friendship
Paragraph 1 (Quote): Type one direct quote from Chapters 1 - 7 in Huck Finn that deals with your chosen theme. Type the chapter, page, and paragraph number after the quote. (Ch. 3, p. 9, par 2) Then write the quote in your own words.
Paragraph 2 (Personal Response): Type 3-8 sentences about what you think about the quote and its theme. Relate it to your own life in some way.
Paragraph 3 (Literary Analysis): Type 3-8 sentences about what Mark Twain thinks about the quote and its theme. Relate it to Twain's life in some way.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Welcome!
Hello English 10-er
1) Complete the Survey: Click Here to take survey
2) IF YOU HAVEN'T YET, Set up a blogger account NOW! (Go to www.blogger.com)
3) Click on "Class Website" (under links). ------------>
Click on the "Assignments" tab
Read "The Hero's Journey"
For your 2nd Blog posting, write a 5-10 sentence response to the reading. Treat this like a long journal entry.
1) Complete the Survey: Click Here to take survey
2) IF YOU HAVEN'T YET, Set up a blogger account NOW! (Go to www.blogger.com)
3) Click on "Class Website" (under links). ------------>
Click on the "Assignments" tab
Read "The Hero's Journey"
For your 2nd Blog posting, write a 5-10 sentence response to the reading. Treat this like a long journal entry.
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