1 and 2 December

Welcome to December, everyone! Just a few more weeks until we go out for Winter Break. Be sure that you're using all the class time that we have efficiently - that will lead you to a great break!

AP Language

Today's class was a time for us to focus on Chapter 2 and all of the contrasts that are apparent to us through the chapter. What I think is really interesting is the fact that these two chapters, on the outside, are pretty similar. Consider the direction of the plot and the basic events: Nick narrates, goes somewhere, there's a gathering around a table, Nick leaves. But when we zoom in, these similarities go right out the car window.

We then touched in on Lorde and Hughes to understand what they are telling us and why these concepts may be important in breaking through this novel. We'll come back to them later, so be sure to read deeply if you've not yet.

Next class we're looking at Chapter 3. It's a bit of a long one. Pay attention to the way that tone is created in the chapter and the shifts that it takes. The minor characters at our first Gatsby party are pretty important as well. Today's slides are posted with our Rules for Good Writing.

English 10

Today we kicked of Unit 3 by looking at different countries around the world. In this unit, you're choosing your whole adventure. Which country? Which author? Which text? You can choose to read a set of poems, a short story, or an article for the later portion of this unit.

Next class we'll be writing about our country before we move on to Step 2 - the poster/brochure/slide show on our country. Having good research from today will really help you to conquer Step 2 easily. Then we'll have to do some reading and annotating to finish the project out. 

If you have your project from Unit 2 missing, tonight gives you a good chance to complete that work. Don't miss your chance to get caught up; now we're moving on and we'll have things to do every day of class.