English III Homework - 8/26

You all did wonderfully today during peer editing. I hope that you found some of the comments that you got today helpful in crafting your final draft. Tonight you need to finish up the essays and be ready to turn them in tomorrow morning. Fill out your cover sheets and follow the rules specified there - be sure that you answer all of the questions on the cover sheet.

Sorry that I'm late in posting today. I came home and promptly fell asleep.

See you in the morning!

Homework for English I - 8/25 & 8/26

Hello Freshmen!

It was great meeting all of you today! Both of the classes went really well and I'm looking forward to working with you for the rest of the year. Today you have a few things to do for homework:

1. Get your school supplies. The supplies are listed on your policies and procedures page. Be sure that you have these by the beginning of next week.

2. Finish your Tell Me About You questionairre if you didn't finish it today in class. Please turn it in to the box.

3. Write the rough draft of your first paragraph. Turn this in to the box as well. We will peer edit these assignments next class.

Remember that your homework is due to the homework box in Ms. Kaneko's room by 7:30 am!

See you next class!!!!

Homework for English III - 8/25

Welcome to the new year! I'm really excited to be teaching the new class and working with all of you this year. Today we started unpacking the question that we will attempt to answer for the whole year:

What is America?

You started brainstorming the answer to this question today in class - tomorrow we'll work with some of these answers.

Tonight, your homework is to write a 500 word answer to this question. In your essay, I'm looking for a clear thesis statement and developed examples. We will edit these responses tomorrow in class and discuss some of the ideas that this question is hiding. If you have questions - leave them here on the blog. Remember to double space your response. We'll talk about more of the nuts and bolts of how to format your response tomorrow.

All good things...

As the quote goes, the goodness of summer must be replaced with the return of the school year. I'm looking forward to teaching a new class (Honors English III) and meeting a new group of freshmen for English I.

Blog posts and updates for the new year will begin with the first day of school on Tuesday!

Update on Summer Reading

So - Today I went to Barnes and Noble's to pick up those books that I'll be reading this summer. I went around and looked at a few different copies of The Inferno, trying to find one that cost less than ten dollars. Then I went on to find the Japanese novel that I'd put in my last list.

That book is huge. Those of you that read Great Expectations, this thing was about three times bigger than that. I lifted it, and then immediately put it back down.

When I walked out of B&N I had bought The Inferno (B&N Classics Edition), We, and The Reader. I saw movie version of The Reader with my mom when it came out and have been wanting to read the book for a long time. I'm still planning on Cry, The Beloved Country - I just need to find a cheaper copy.

Used book stores, here I come.

Thus, the new summer reading list is:

We, The Reader, The Inferno, and Cry, The Beloved Country. Probably in that order, too.

Summer Reading

Hey All,

Some of you asked me for some suggestions about things to read this summer. Here's a list of things that I'll be reading this summer. I plan on starting around the middle to end of June on this list. I'll let you know what I'm reading and where I am in the book. If you want to read together, we can set a pacing guide together for each book. So - Leave a comment and let me know if you want to read with me!

1. We - Evgeny Zamyatin
2. Cry the Beloved Country - Alan Patton
3. The Inferno - Dante
4. The Tale of Genji - Murasaki Shikibu

It's all world literature, which should help to get you ready for next year. Next year your focusing in reading just literature from the non-English speaking world. Lots of good stuff out there!

The Massive EOC Review Sheet

The Massive EOC Review Sheet

The EOC for English I is broken into two sections – reading and grammar.  You will need to practice your reading comprehension skills, and you will need to apply your knowledge of literary devices to literature sections.  Also, you will need to proofread.

 

Literary Terms – Be sure that you know what these literary devices are!

 

• alliteration
• assonance
• character
• direct and indirect characterization
• character trait
• connotation and denotation
• conflict (man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. nature, man vs. society)
• internal conflict
• external conflict
• figurative language
• hyperbole
• imagery
• onomatopoeia
• metaphors (direct and indirect)
• simile
• epic simile
• extended metaphor
• allusion
• aside
• author
• autobiography
• ballad
• blank verse
• climax
• comedy
• comic relief
• couplet
• dialogue
• diction
• drama
• monologue
• epic
• epithet
• flashback
• flash-forward
• foil
• foreshadowing
• free verse
• haiku
• iambic pentameter
• meter
• irony (situational, verbal, dramatic)
• lyric poetry
• mood
• myth
• narrator
• paradox
• personification
• plot (plot diagram pieces)
• poetry
• point of view (1st, 3rd limited, 3rd omniscient)
• protagonist
• antagonist
• pun
• rhyme (end and internal)
• rhythm
• setting
• short story
• solilioquy
• sonnet
• speaker
• stanza
• line
• style
• suspense
• symbolism
• theme
• tone
• tragedy

Final Day of Class

I hope that you all enjoyed taking a shot at teaching in class. Tonight, you have no homework! You need to begin studying for your EOC - I will repost the list of things to review tomorrow. Also, we will have a review session tomorrow, after school, in my room. We'll begin at 2:45 and I'll leave when the last person leaves. Come with any questions that you may have.

Finally, I've noticed that a lot of people are still missing their textbooks. Return these to me by your exam. Also, if you didn't turn in your novel today, you need to do that ASAP or you will be charged.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXyo68s-f1E -- The opening to Great Expectations...check it out!

Homework for the Weekend

This weekend should begin the wrapping up of the course. You will need to prepare for your cross textual group presentation. The presentations will be on Wednesday/Thursday. If your group has not yet given me your handout, you will need to give this to me as soon as possible so that I can make copies.

Also, you should begin using this time for studying. The EOC is coming soon and you will need to be sure that you've spent time reviewing your literary terms and grammar to help you get ready.

I will be having a review session on Thursday, after school, to prepare you for the exam.

Homework for 5/20 and 5/21

Your homework for tonight is to finish your novel! Also, I will collect your character charts. I will not accept these late. You must turn in whatever you have by Friday/Tuesday. Lastly, Honors students will have their Oral Exam on Friday/Tuesday. Be ready!

Finally, you will have your last meeting of your CTG group on Friday/Tuesday. I need to have your group's handout ready for me to make copies by Tuesday/Wednesday. If you are not ready this will cause your group's score to suffer.

What I'm Collecting and When...

Don't forget to keep reading. Here's a schedule of what we will be doing for the next few days.

Wednesday/Thursday (20th and 21st) -- Your homework will be to finish the novel. We will complete an activity on symbolism in class.

Friday/Tuesday (22nd and 26th) -- Honors students will have their oral exam on this day. I will collect character charts from all students on this day.

Wednesday/Thursday (27th and 28th) -- Standard students will need to turn in the second half of study questions. CTG presentations will happen this day. Books will need to be turned in.

Friday (29th) -- Last day of class.

Homework for 5/18

Your homework for tonight is to read. You're almost to the end of your books.

Honors students: You are to read to the end of chapter fifty-three. Remember that you character charts are due on Friday/Tuesday.

Standard students: You are to read to page 186. I will collect your study questions and your character chart soon!

Homework for the Weekend

By Monday/Tuesday, all Honors students need to be to the end of chapter forty-eight. I hope that you have begun to see the novel move into its last portions. Things are starting to come to an end in Pip's life. You may want to spend time at the end of the novel going back to earlier portions to see the connections to earlier foreshadowing.

By Monday/Tuesday, all Standard students need to be to the end of page 175. Remember that when you finish the book I will collect all of your study questions.

Also, here are some updates/reminders about upcoming major grades:

5/22 and 5/26 - Oral Exam for Honors Students, Collect Character Charts (quiz grade)

5/27 and 5/28 - CTG Presentations. Remember that you will get a grade for your presentation and your particular element of your project.

Homework!

Tonight's homework is to read...big surprise, right?

For Honors students, you need to read to the end of chapter 43. Pay close attention to the relationship between the convict and Pip. Also, make sure that you note Herbert's reaction to his friend's trouble.

Standard students, you need to read to the end of page 154. Keep up with your study questions as you read.

Lastly, if you have not yet turned in your Bildungsroman - it is due on Friday. Friday is the last day to turn in this assignment and I will not accept it beyond Friday. If you are going to Busch Gardens, give me the assignment on the bus. If you are staying behind, turn in the assignment to Mr. Brosnan.

Homework for the Weekend

Standard Students: Your homework is to read to page 139. On Tuesday/Wednesday I will collect your study questions from the first half of the novel. You will get your new study questions on that day.

Honors Students: Your homework is to read to the end of chapter 39. Be sure that as you read you are keeping up with your study questions.

All students should keep with their character charts as you are reading. Remember that these will be collected on the 22nd/25th for a grade.

Finally - I leave you with the wisdom of Ms. Sawaya:

"I smell like farts in a can!"


Have a great weekend!

Homework for Tonight

Honors students: You need to read to the end of chapter thirty-four. Remember to use your study guides as a tool to help you understand what you are reading.

Standard students: You need to continue to read in your book. Read to the end of page 112. Keep up with your study questions.

If you have any questions - please ask!

Tonight's Reading Homework

Tonight your reading is as follows:

Honors - Read to the end of chapter twenty-eight. Remember, as your reading you need to be able to answer the study questions that I've given you. A lot of you were asking me about study questions today in class. I remind you that you can also ask me about them or other questions related to your reading here.

While you're reading, be sure that you're keeping track of three major things:

1. How is Pip changing as a person? What is causing this change? Is the change positive or negative?

2. How are the people around Pip interacting with him? How are they changing and developing?

3. Do you notice recurring elements throughout the text? What is the meaning of these things?

Standard - You need to read to the end of page eighty-seven. Remember to answer your study questions as you are reading. I will check your answers.

Finally - Everyone should start working on their bildungsroman. I will explain this in more detail on Wednesday/Thursday.

If you have questions - please ask.

Info about the Quiz!

Hey all - Here's some information to help you prepare for the quiz you have at the beginning of next week.

Honors students: Your quiz has three sections: multiple choice, quotes, and short answer. You will need to study your notes about bildungsroman for the short answer section.

Standard students: Your quiz is all short answer. Some are sentence answers - some are longer. Also, I will check your study questions on Monday/Tuesday while you are taking your quiz.

If you have any questions about the text over the weekend, please let me know. If you have a specific question about a part of the text, please give me a chapter citation so that I can find your trouble spot easier.

Weekend Homework

Some of you have a lot of reading to do this weekend.

Honors students, you have a reading quiz at the beginning of the next week. You are expected to have completed chapters one through twenty-five.

Standard students, you also have a reading quiz at the beginning of the next week. You are expected to have completed pages one through sixty-nine.

If you have any questions about your reading - leave them here. I have meetings in Raleigh all weekend, but I will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Be sure that you answer your study questions.

Tonight's Homework

You have papers are due next class. Be sure that you bring them with you to class.

Also - today you started working in your CTG's. Make sure that you keep up with your reading schedules. You have your first reading quiz on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Weekend Work

On Tuesday/Wednesday you will be peer editing in class. You will need to bring a rough draft of your essay to class with you. Be sure that your rough draft is complete. Furthermore, we will start working on our study of novels on Tuesday/Wednesday. Make sure that you keep up with your reading - we will have our first reading quiz next week.

Things to study for your test!

First, a few announcements:

1. Remember that you should be reading every night. Follow along with your reading schedule to keep up with the dates.
2. Your rough draft of your papers are due on the 28th and 29th.

Your major thing to do tonight is to study for your test. We spent a lot of time reviewing in class things that you should know. You should focus on the following things:

literary devices, titles and authors of all our poems we studied, denotation and connotation, plot of the narrative poems we've studied, elements of scanscion, different forms of poetry, hip-hop as poetry

Here is a list of all of the poem's we've studied this unit:

"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou
"Is Truth Liberating" by Haki Madhubuti
"We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks
"Conjugal Visits" by Al Young
"Back Again Home" by Haki Madhubuti
"Ode to Duty" by William Wordsworth (Honors)
"Ode to My Socks" by Pablo Neruda
"Fork" by Charles Simic
"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" by Adrienne Rich
"The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot

The first four poems will be what you will need to know for your short answer questions. Also, Honors students, you have your essay.

If you have questions - leave them here. I'll be available after school tomorrow.

Announcements and HW

The first thing that I want to touch on are the upcoming announcements:

1. You have a Poetry Unit test on 4/24 and 4/27. We will review in class on 4/22 and 4/23.

2. Poetry Analysis paper rough drafts are due on 4/28 and 4/29. We will peer edit in circle groups on these days. We will also begin studying our novels in class on this day.

3. Final Draft of the Poetry Analysis paper is due on 4/30 and 5/1. Please come see me for help if you need it!!!

4. You will have your first reading quiz on your novels on 5/4 and 5/5. Read every night - answer your study questions!

Homework:

1. READ YOUR BOOK! You should read for at least one hour each night. Parents, please make sure that your student has a quiet place to complete their reading free from distractions.

2. Begin studying and reviewing for your test. Bring questions to the review session.

Poetry Forms and Structures

If you're not sure how to write a particular form of poetry check out this website:

http://www.types-of-poetry.org.uk

It's a pretty cool tool to use and it gives examples of the different types. It may also be useful for those of you that want to experiment with a different form of poetry.

Over the Break

PHEW! I never thought we'd make it.

You've got your poetry projects due when we get back from break. If you have any questions while you're working on the projects, please leave me a note here. I won't be checking my work e-mail often, if at all, over break and I want to be sure to get back to you ASAP. I will collect these in class on the 20th/21st.

Also, when we get back I will be checking your analysis logs for your paper. Remember that you're looking at literary devices used in the poem that you are analyzing. Go into depth - explore the different literary devices and how they show the theme of your poem.

Finally, Honors students, you should start reading Great Expectations. You have a reading schedule and study questions for the first twenty-five chapters. Remember that there will be extra credit available for those that read over break and I will give you this extra credit when we get back from break.

I hope that you all relax, sleep in, and read!

Have a great break!

PS - Happy Passover :)

Homework for 6/7 April

Tonight's homework is to finish your Analysis Log. I will not be checking these until we get back from Spring Break but you should put some effort into these. Some students today saw that by spending a lot of time on the log, the paper and thesis was written for them. I would also recommend spending some time over the next few days to do a lot of work on your Poetry project or on your paper assignment as both of these major grades are due when we get back from break.

If you need help with the paper assignment come see me - I'll be available after school on Thursday to give some last minute help. Also, I will have the blog going over Spring Break - you can feel free to leave me questions here.

Lastly, be sure that you review your warm-ups. I may have a journal check before we leave for break.

Weekend Homework

Your homework this weekend is to read the four poems that won the Sweet 16 tournament. The poems on your handout are "Conjugal Visits" by Al Young, "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou, "Is Truth Liberating" by Haki Madhubuti, and "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks.

After you read the poems you will need to take notes on the poems. Your notes should look at the following elements in the poem: diction/word choice, imagery, meter, rhyme, structure of the poem, literary devices, figurative language, meaning of the poem, the speaker of the poem. You may want to look at other ideas in the poems as well, this of this as a jumping off point. Take your notes in your notebooks and bring these notes to class with you. I will check your notes on Monday/Tuesday.

Homework and Announcements

First, your homework:

You will need to read the poem "Back Again Home" by Haki Madhubuti. There are questions at the top of the handout. Standard students only need to answer the first four; Honors students need to answer all seven. The answers should be done in complete sentences and then put in the box.

Announcements

You will have a poetry quiz on 4/2 and 4/3. You will need to review your notes for the past few classes. Be aware that several questions from the last quiz will reappear.

You will have your poetry project due when you get back from Spring Break - 4/20 or 4/21. On this day we will also have a workshop for rough drafts of your poetry papers. You will get this assignment next week.

There will be a final poetry exam on 4/24 and 4/27. Your final drafts of your papers will be due on the day you take your test.

Weekend/Monday Night's Homework

Students - The homework is different for the different sections of the class.

Honors Students - You will need to read the handout with the poem "Ode to Duty" by William Wordsworth. Throughout the poem I made several notes to you that you may want to pay attention to. Also, there are several questions throughout the handout. Answer the questions thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Standard Students - You will need to compose your own ode to whatever you'd like. Your ode needs to be at least fifteen lines long. This could be a poem you later use for your poetry projects.

If you need help, come to study hall on Monday.

No Homework

I hope you all enjoyed having a night off this past night. I just want you all to be aware that we are starting fourth quarter and I am keeping my expectations high. If you need any help, at any time - remember to ask.

Homework for 23/24 March

Tonight's homework is to find a poem and bring in a copy of that poem to class. You will need to include the title of the poem and the author. The poem must be written by someone other than you.

After you find a copy of the poem, you need to write two paragraphs. In the first paragraph you need to summarize what is going on in the poem, and in the second paragraph you need to tell why you think the author wrote the poem. The paragraphs and the poem are due to the box!

Peer Editing

Today in class you were given another student's paper. These rough drafts of the definition essay are your homework for tonight. Your job is to go through each line of the paper, and mark it up. Give the writer suggestions as to how to improve their essay. Don't just focus on grammar mistakes - give comments on the overall strengths and weaknesses in the essay.

I recommend that you use the rubric on the assignment sheet to grade the essay and look for places to improve. You should give the essay back to the writer on Wednesday (A day) and Thursday (B day).

Do not lose your partner's paper. Protect it in the same way you would your own child. If you lose your partner's paper you will get a zero for your rough draft. If you don't get your paper back by Wednesday/Thursday - look at the roster posted on the wall outside my room to see who has your paper. Feel free to harrass them all you want.

Homework for the weekend

I really hate giving you homework over the weekend after a test - unfortunately, that's how the cards fell this month. Your homework is to finish your rough draft of your definition essay. Turn this into the box on Monday/Tuesday. You will be getting either a pass or fail grade for this assignment. If you turn in something - you pass. If you turn in nothing - you fail.

Also, we will have DPS Benchmark Exams on Monday and Tuesday. I, unfortunately, do not have a study guide for you. If you spend time reviewing your notes from the beginning of the year to now, you should be well prepared. This test will focus on reading comprehension and grammar. Be sure you study your warm-ups and literary terms!

Leave a comment if you have any questions.

OPEN THREAD

If while you are studying you come across any questions and you can't figure out the answer. Ask here. I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.

Homework for 6 and 9 March

Your homework tonight asks that you continue to work on your definition essays. For this assignment, you should use the outline format that I provided for you in class today to outline your essay. Use your prewriting assignment to help you get started. Please bring your outline with you to class on Tuesday/Wednesday as I will use this time to check over your outlines and give guidance about how to move forward with your drafts.

Unfortunately, I cannot post the proper format here on the blog because it messes up the spacing. Come see me for the format if you need help.

New Due Dates!

Because of the snow day earlier this week things are a little off. Here are the new due dates for upcoming tests and projects.

Shakespeare/Drama Projects - Friday the 6th (A day) and Monday the 9th (B day)

Shakespeare Test - Thursday the 12th (A day) and Friday the 13th (B day)

Rough Draft of Definition Essays and Benchmark Exam - Monday the 16th (A day) and Tuesday the 17th (B day)

Final Draft of Definition Essays - Tuesday the 24th (A day) and Wednesday the 25th (B day)

---------------
Tonight's homework is to finish your projects. I will collect these at the beginning of class on Friday/Monday.

Happy Snow Day!!!

It looks like Alaska outside today!

Enjoy your day off - use this day to get a lot of work done on your projects!

Homework/Reminders

First, the reminders. You have a quiz on Acts II and III on Tuesday the 3rd for A day and Wednesday the 4th for B day. You should be sure that you study this weekend for this quiz. Use your notes to review. Also, your projects are due on Thursday (A) and Friday (B). You should plan on spending time this weekend working on this project that you have had for a little more than a month. If you have questions about your projects this weekend, please leave a comment.

Finally, your homework:

Standard: Act III, Scene 5 shows the first real encounter between just Juliet and her parents – Does this remind you of a realistic interaction between a teenage girl and her parents? Why or why not? Perhaps you want to draw on personal experience or an example from TV or film to clarify your statement.


Honors: Answer the following question using evidence from what we’ve studied so far in Romeo and Juliet – you should be sure you have a clear thesis statement and clear examples from the text that clarify your thesis. Explain how the depiction of childhood or adolescence in Romeo and Juliet contributes to the meaning of the whole play. In order to clearly answer this question you need to tell me what the meaning of the play is.

Study for your quiz.

If you have questions about your homework, please leave a comment. This homework is due to the box on Tuesday/Wednesday.

Homework for 25/26 February

Your homework tonight goes in your journal. Respond to the following prompt:

What is your impression of Lord Capulet by the end of III.4? How has this changed? Why?

Homework 23/24 February

By the end of III.2 Juliet's attitude and use of language have confirmed our ideas about her character. How would you describe her? Use quotes and support your ideas with evidence from the text.

Homework 19/20 February

Your homework is to complete your prewriting worksheet. This is not only going to count as a homework grade but also as part of your paper.

Honors students - You also need to answer the following question: Who is to blame for the events of III.1? Why? When you answer the question be sure to use clear examples. You're making a case here against someone, you need to prove it!!!

Answering Ivan...

B-day students:

I will collect your homework (Board Games or Witness Statements) in class on Friday.

Homework!

See everyone again on Thursday! Hope that you enjoy the field trip!

Your homework is to work on your projects. A lot of people have been asking me about the translation project and I keep stressing that I want to see you work with slang. Remember that just having the characters speak in Modern English Vernacular isn't enough. They need to have a particular slang to use that keeps the meaning of the scene.

See me if you need help - don't forget about the help sessions on Thursdays!!!

Homework - 13/16 February

Your homework for tonight is to choose one side of the worksheet that you got in class and complete the assignment. Make sure that you follow the directions and keep your interpretations based on the text. You can use the online text that I posted a few weeks ago to help you accomplish the assignment.

Turn the assignment in to the box on Tuesday/Wednesday, remember to either type your work or write in pen!

Homework - 11/12 February

Your homework tonight is to study for your Wordskills Lesson 2 Exam. Be sure to use your review sheet to help you study for this exam as this sheet will be very similar to your exam. In addition, you may want to spend some time looking at the paper assignment that I gave you today. We will begin working on this next week and a bit of extra time spent this week may really pay off in the long run.

Finally, I would like to again stress the higher expectations that I am holding you all to this semester. The work is going to be more difficult, and there will be more of it - I know that all of you are capable of meeting these expectations.

Homework - 5/6 February

Your homework for the weekend is to complete the study questions for Act II. Remember to follow the instructions on the sheet. Honors students need to complete all ten questions, whereas Standard students need to only select five questions to complete.

HELP SESSIONS

While we're studying Romeo and Juliet, I'm going to make myself available for extra help. Feel free to come to me after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays for extra help. We can review notes, reading, discuss things in more depth, or clear up any questions that you have. Also, a lot of people have been coming to me for help on their projects - this would be a chance for you to get more help on your projects.

First help session is Wednesday 2/3. Assuming that we have school.

Homework for 3/4 February

Tonight's homework is a journal entry. The question is:

Now that we've seen Romeo and Juliet actually talk to each other, have your feelings changed abotu Romeo's sincerity? Are his feelings for Juliet different than those for Rosaline? Why?

Be sure that you answer in a complete paragraph with good details from the text to support your ideas.

Also, coming soon is a journal check. Be sure that you look through the blog to get all of your journal entries complete.

Weekend Homework...

Work on your projects! That's all you need to do. Remember that each night you should spend some time reviewing your notes and the reading. Use the online version of Romeo and Juliet in that post below...it's a great review!!!!

Awesome Link!

You all should check this link out:

http://www.canadianshakespeares.ca/folio/folio.html

It's the complete text of Romeo and Juliet with added in extras. Check it out!

Homework for 28/29 January

Today in class I gave you a handout that I would like for you to complete for homework. Please follow the directions on the handout and turn it into the box for credit.

Honors students - if you do not have a copy of Romeo and Juliet at home you can use this excerpt to complete your assignment:

ROMEO
O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.
The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,
And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight!
For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.

Remember to continue to bring your books to class with you as we will be starting Act II of Romeo and Juliet next class.

Also - remember that if you are absent it is your responsibility to see me to get missing notes or missing work. If you are unprepared for a quiz due to the fact that you didn't get missing notes, I can't help you.

Work on your projects!!!!

Notes for B-day

We stopped discussion in 3B and 4B on page 813. Here is what you need to know about the last two pages of Romeo and Juliet.

1. Romeo and Juliet's first conversation.
* They speak to each other in a sonnet - check the rhyme scheme
* Fourteen line conversation.
* Romeo begins to speak in metaphors - he compares his lips to pilgrims
--- Note the religious imagery and tone.
* Juliet immediately picks up on this and responds in kind
--- Showing that the two of them have a connection and speak the same language.
* They kiss. Aww.

2. Romeo finds out that Juliet is a Capulet
* Remember the idea of Romeo being impulsive - he's getting the result of his behavior.
* Romeo says that his life now belongs to his enemy.
* Juliet then realizes that Romeo is a Montague
--- She has the same reaction as Romeo, "oh no!"
--- She hides this reaction from the Nurse

Questions to consider:
1. What is the effect of the give and take of Romeo and Juliet's conversation?
2. What do we learn when we see that Juliet knows that Romeo didn't dance?
3. What kind of literary device is on line 135?
4. Do you think that if they had known each other's identity before they met that they would have fallen in love and overcome their identity?

B4 - Remember to do the Who, Where, and When for I.5.

Everyone should answer these questions in their notes. Your quiz is coming next class - review vocabulary, your reading and your notes.

Study hard - study often!

Homework for 26/27 January

There are a few things that you need to do tonight:

1. Review your notes and your reading. You should review all notes and all reading for Act I.

2. Review your vocabulary notes up to and including number fifteen.

3. Written homework due to THE BOX: What is each character feeling about the Capulet party and what are they expecting from it? Choose three of the following characters and answer the questions: Romeo, Juliet, Benvolio, Mercutio, Paris, Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, Tybalt, Nurse.

Each response should be about three to five sentences.

Study, study, study!!!

Next Week...

We're going to have a quiz on WordSkills and on what we've covered of Romeo and Juliet. You should be reviewing your notes nightly to prepare for this. Furthermore, A-day's schedule of recitations is off - I'll be rewriting this this weekend and giving you your new dates on Monday.

Keep bringing your books to class! Work on your projects this weekend!

Tomorrow!

TOMORROW IS AN A-DAY. YOU WILL HAVE ADVISEE TO GET YOUR NEW SCHEDULES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY!

Homework for after I.2

This homework assignment will need to be done after your class reads Act I, Scene 2. For all classes, this will be after Thursday. Thus, when we get back from our mini-break you should have this assignment done.

Your question is: Compare Romeo's and Benvolio's attitude toward love. Use quotes from the play to explain your ideas. As always, you should answer in a paragraph with at least five sentences. Honors students, I want you to answer an additional question - Why do you think that Shakespeare has two characters with contradicting viewpoints? What is the purpose of this?

Enjoy your mini-break! Work on your projects!!!

EDIT: Please put this entry in your journal. I'll look for this entry in your next journal check.

Homework for 9/12 January

Tonight's homework requires you to begin reading your outside play. As you're reading your play, if you find a speech that you would like to memorize - you may do this early, just come see me.

Tonight for homework you need to read in your play for about thirty minutes. You may read more if you'd like. After you read for thirty minutes answer one of the following questions in your journal based on the author of your play.

If you are reading Shakespeare your question is: How is the beginning similar or different to the beginning of Romeo and Juliet? Be specific and use examples. Answer in a five to sentence paragraph.

If you are not reading Shakespeare your question is: How does the author of your play grab you at the beginning. Be specific and use examples!

Homework for 1/7 and 1/8

Tonight for homework you will have another journal entry. Be sure that you have kept up with your journals and that all of the answers are complete! Tonight's prompt is: What are some parallels between the conflict that we see in I.1 and modern society. Explain the similarities and differences. You should answer in a five to seven sentence paragraph.

Also - remember that I will be asking you what your book is for your outside reading project. If you need me to help you get a copy, please let me know when I collect your titles.

Lastly, you need to study for your mid-term. That exam is quickly approaching.

What a day!

Does anyone else feel really tired? I do.

Lots of things to review about today:

Today we went over a lot of notes on Shakespeare and drama. Be sure that you review these notes so that you are prepared for your quiz on Wednesday/Thursday. The handout that I gave you about the Elizabethan stage is included in your notes and is fair game for your quiz.

On Friday (A day) and Monday (B day) you will have your semester one midterm. Use the study guide that I gave you to prepare for this exam. It will count as a major test grade and could count for two major test grades. Also, remember on Friday/Monday that you will have to tell me what play you are reading for your outside project. If you need help getting a book before Friday/Monday - please let me know.

Your homework for tonight is to write in your journals about Shakespeare. Answer the following questions in a 5-7 sentence paragraph:

What do you already know about Shakespeare?
Have you read anything by Shakespeare already?
Do you have any apprehension or fear about studying Shakespeare?


That should do it - don't forget to study for your first and second period exams!!!

Over the break...

All that you need to do is find your literature book and bring it to class with you on the first day back from break. There will be a book check when you get back.

Your only other homework is to have a peaceful and relaxing break. Read a book, eat some good food, and sleep in.

When we get back we will begin our study of Romeo and Juliet and other drama.

Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!!!!

Homework for 16/17 December

Tonight you need to finish your paper! Be sure that you review all of your notes and your drafts. If you need to see me to get some feedback, that's fine - but you need to schedule an appointment with me.

Remember that when you turn in your paper you will need to turn in your rough draft, your viewing guide and your final draft. Don't forget to atttach your cover sheet to your essay and fill that out.

If you have any questions, leave a note!

Homework for the weekend!

Your homework this weekend is to finish your rough drafts of your essay. Your draft workshop will be on Tuesday for A-day and Wednesday for B-day. Be sure that you are using your writing notes to review what I am looking for in terms of these papers.

A-day students - I really liked what I saw from you today. If you need more assistance with writing your papers - come see me during study hall on Monday.

B-day students - Your first two paragraphs are due on Monday. I'll be conferencing with each of you about these paragraphs on Monday.

One week left til Break!!!!

Homework for 10/11 December

Tonight's homework is to finish your introduction paragraph and your first body paragraph of your essay. On Friday/Monday - I will be grading you for your thesis statements as well as your organization and the beginning of your essays. If you have questions while you're working - please leave a question. Bring your writing with you to class - do not turn this in to the box.

Homework - 8/9 December

Your homework tonight is to write three sample thesis statements for your essay. You will need to use your handouts about thesis statements and your essay checklist to help you write your thesis statements.

Bring these to class with you - please do not put them in the box. We will revise these in class.

Practice Benchmark

Your Benchmark will happen on Monday and Tuesday of this next week. There will be grammar questions and there will be literature questions. To review for the literature section, you should study your notes on literary terms and any other notes that you have from class discussions. You will not see "The Odyssey" on this benchmark - but you should think about things like character development, theme, foreshadowing, etc. In addition, to prepare for the grammar section, you will need to review your warm-up journal. Looking at these practice exercises will be very helpful.

If you have any questions while you're studying, feel free to leave a comment.

Also, if you did not turn in your viewing guide today - you will need to turn that in on Monday/Tuesday.

Homework for 12/2 and 12/3

For tonight's homework, I want you to answer the following question. Which do you prefer - O Brother Where Art Thou, the film version of The Odyssey, or the book version of The Odyssey? Be sure that as you answer you use specific examples and tell me why the particular film/book is your favorite. I want to see thoughtful and developed paragraphs.

Also, remember the following things:

1. Any make-up work is due on Wednesday.
2. Study for your Vocabulary test!
3. If you haven't taken your test yet, you need to do that by Thursday.

Over Break...

All you should do is relax. If you've got a good book to read, go for it. Though, you may want to also look at your vocabulary notes and begin to study for your Vocabulary test.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Open Thread

If you have any questions about The Odyssey while you're studying - leave a comment and I'll try to get you an answer.

A day test on Friday 11/21. B day test on Monday 11/24. Remember that your book projects are also due on the day of your test.

Review Session!

After school on Thursday we will have a review session for your test on The Odyssey. I am not giving you extra credit for attending, but I can say that attending will help you a lot.

(Note: A lot is two words, not one)

Homework for 11/17 and 11/18

Tonight's homework will be a journal entry. I want you to think over all of the adventures that Odysseus has been on and answer the following question:

What do you think has challenged Odysseus the most? Why?

Answer in a complete paragraph in your journal.

Book Projects

Don't forget that your book projects are due on the same day as your Odyssey test - the 21st for A day and the 24th for B day. Your project options are as follows:

1. You are to do a pamphlet for your book. I have samples that you can look at Requirements are as follows:
• a two-fold pamphlet (both sides of the pamphlet will be divided into thirds)
• cover should have title, artwork, author’s name, publishing company, price, etc…
• inside, on the first third, you should have a summary (don’t give away surprise endings)
• most of the inside (the other two-thirds) should be discussion points/questions
• the back should have an “about the author” section as well as recommended reading – books with similar themes, other books by this author.


2. You are to write a letter to the author of your book. Initiate a conversation with him/her. Ask questions; respond to the novel (characters, events, themes, symbols, etc.). Whatever you do, do not summarize the plot – the author already knows it. Show the author that you have read this book, that you have thought about the book, and that you are a very perceptive reader. You do not have to like everything about the book; you may even dislike aspects of it. Remember your audience, however; it is the author. Think of how you yourself would respond best to someone’s questions or dialogue.

Homework over the weekend

This weekend you will need to finish your creative essays concerning The Land of the Dead. Use the handout that I gave you to help guide you on your writing. I will be looking for thoroughness of thought in your essays and focus in you writing. If you have any questions while you're writing, please let me know by a comment.

I would recommend that you have a parent or friend read over your assignment so that you can catch some grammar mistakes - I will be looking at grammar in grading.

In addition, we will be going back to the textbooks on Monday. Bring your books to class.

Homework/Announcements

Students -

Your homework for tonight is to finish reading your packets - "The Land of the Dead." Make sure that you finish your study questions to go along with the story.

In addition, your Zeus projects are due on Thursday and Friday of this week. You should spend some time on your day off to work on these - make sure that you review your assignment sheets/rubrics.

If you have questions about anything, leave a comment.

Miller

Sorry about not posting

Hey all - Sorry that I forgot to post the homework for the weekend. I've been caught up with grading your Odyssey quizzes which you should be getting back later on in the week.

Anywho...your homework is to read your photocopied packet from "The Land of the Dead." While you're reading, feel free to make notes in the margins, highlight, underline, and otherwise annotate. Also, answer your study questions - these will need to be turned in to the box. Remember that if you try to answer the questions and I can see that you put some thought into your answer I'll give credit - if you don't try, or leave the question blank, you will get no credit. I know that this reading is difficult, but I just want you to put forth good effort.

See you for another shortened week :)

Homework for 11/3 and 11/5

Your homework for tonight is to study for your quiz. Use the study guide the I gave you today in class! Also, you need to work on your projects - you have a book project as well as your Dear Zeus project.

Homework!

Welcome to second quarter!

Tonight's homework is in your journal. What I want you to do is to read in your supplemental novel for thirty minutes. Then, I want you to construct a double entry diary. First, make a chart that is divided into two columns. Then, write down two or three quotes that stuck out to you in some way on the left. On the right, I want you to write a brief (2-3 sentence) reflection on the quote.

Consider: Why did you write this quote down? What drew you to this quote? Do you like the imagery in this quote? Do you like the words? How does this quote fit in to the story?

You don't have to answer these questions - but you may want to think about them to help you write your reflection.

P.S. - We haven't had a journal check in awhile...you should expect one.

Homework for B-day students...

Tonight's homework will go in your journal. I want you to think about the concept of fate or destiny and answer the following question:

Do you believe in fate? Why or why not?

Answer the question in at least five sentences. Remember, if I can tell that you didn't put much time into your work, I may choose to not give you credit.

Announcements...

As we finish up the first quarter I just want to remind you of a few things.

1.  Your outside novel projects are due on the 20th and 21st of October November.  

People have been asking me about this a few times and I wanted to clarify that.

2.  You are going to have a quiz on the first half of The Odyssey on October November 6th and 7th.  

3.  You should be bringing your literature books to class with you everyday.  I'm going to be a lot stricter on this for the new nine weeks. 

Enjoy the long weekend!!!!!!

Update: Looks like I just love October - notice the updates!

Tonight/This Weekend Homework

B-day students!  I'm going to miss you since we won't see each other for a really long time.  So - I'll see you all on Wednesday.

A-day students, you have homework!  What you need to do is write in your journals about fate.  Do you believe in fate?  Why or why not?  How do you define fate?

Also - everyone, make sure you're reading in your supplemental novels.  Projects are due around November 15th.

Some information for you all...

First - I figured that I would tell you about the extra credit.

Extra Credit Project – 1st Nine Weeks

The choice is as follows. This project will add as many as six points to your test average.

1. To earn two points you will need to read the stories “Liberty” and “An American Story” in your text book. You will then need to answer questions one through five for each story.

2. To earn four points you will need to read “Liberty,” “An American Story,” and “Exile” in your text book. You will need to answer the following question as a three paragraph answer with a brief introduction and a brief conclusion: How do these pieces of literature show the immigrant experience in America.

3. To earn all six points you will need to read “Liberty,” “An American Story,” and “Exile” in your text book. You must write two things. First, a three paragraph response in which you tell me how each story influenced or impacted your opinion of immigration. After this, you will then need to write a POSITION PAPER in which you discuss your opinion on immigration with three outside sources. You must cite all of your sources.


Now your homework -

For homework you will need to read in your supplemental novel for thirty minutes. After you read you will need to tell me why the author of your book gave that book that title. This is a pure opinion question. I want you to write at least five sentences. Please put this in your journal.

Homework - 17/20 October

Tonight there are two different assignments - one for Honors and one for Standard.

For Honors: You will need to read the poem "The Lotos-Eaters" by Tennyson. After you read the poem you will need to write a two paragraph compare/contrast assignment. You will be comparing/contrasting the depiction of the lotus eaters from the poem and from The Odyssey. Think about imagery, language use, tone, perspective, the characterization of Odysseus - or any topic of your choice. No matter what your topic you will want to be sure that you are using specific details from the poem (quotes are effective.)

For Standard: You will need to complete the RAFT activity on the handout. Be sure that you're really getting into the character that you are writing from. Be creative, but make sure that what you are saying and the way that you are describing your character can be supported from the story.

If anyone needs help, come to study hall on Monday. This assignment is due to the box on Tuesday for A-day and Wednesday for B-day.

Homework for 10/15 and 10/16

Tonight's homework is another journal entry. Be sure that you are keeping all of your journals together in one space! While I was checking journals today I didn't like the fact that many of you were keeping notes in your journal. Anyway, your prompt is:

If you were Odysseus, would you stay with Calypso or would you go set out to go home? Use specific examples that make your ideas clear.

If you would like to rewatch the section of The Odyssey that we watched today, here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjKHvAnJt0k

To Do - Monday Night and Tuesday Night

Students - you have several things that you need to do for homework tonight. To begin, you need to make sure that you study for your quiz on the introduction to The Odyssey. This quiz will concern many of the topics that we covered today in class. In addition, I want to be sure that you read in your novels. Furthermore, be ready for a journal check - you should have warm-ups and journal prompts about your novel ready to be checked next class.

In addition, those of you that didn't complete a Breakdown or Honors Enrichment part of your project you will need to turn this in late. Put it in my box by Wednesday (A-day) or Thursday (B-day). You will get late credit, which is better than no credit.

Breakdown - Following the story, you are expected to give a critique of your story. It should include such things as: what is the critical incident, what is the nature of the conflict, what is the climax of the story, etc., etc.

Honors Enrichment: You are also expected to analyze two elements of your story (setting, character, point of view, tone) and tell me in one paragraph for each how this adds or increases the effect of your story. If you need help, leave a comment with your e-mail address.

Weekend Homework

This weekend you will be reading more in your supplemental novel. You will need to read for thirty minutes and then in your journal you will need to make three predictions as to what will happen in your novel. Your predictions can be about whatever you like. As you are making your predictions, however, I would like for you to tell me why you think each prediction will happen.

Remember - as you're reading, try not to read ahead. You'll have assignments with your reading log throughout the next few weeks. If you do read ahead in your book, you will still be responsible for the journal assignments.

Finally - remember to start bringing your books to class with you every day starting on Monday/Tuesday.

Before I go watch the debate!

Your homework will be in your journal, and will involve your supplemental novel that you got from the Library today.  You first need to read for thirty minutes in your supplemental novel.  Don't stop.  Don't get interrupted.  Just read for a solid thirty minutes.

After you do this, reflect on the following question in your journals:

Is the author grabbing your attention in the first section that you read?  If so, how?  What are specific examples (quotes) of ways that he/she grabbed your attention?  If the author hasn't grabbed your attention?  Why not?

I'll be checking journals next week sometime - be prepared.  You should have this entry, your entry about the three books you've read and then the past two warm-ups.  The warm-ups are excused if you were absent.

Homework 10/3 and 10/6

Tonight's homework is a journal entry. I am going to be relying more on journal entries during this unit on The Odyssey - so, be prepared. The question I would like for you to respond to is:

What are the last three books you've read? What was your opinion of them? What kind of books do you like to read, in general?

Homework for 10/1 and 10/2

The only homework that you have for tonight is to finish your short stories! Bring in your final drafts to class. Also, if you're in Honors you need to bring in your Honors Enrichment assignment too!

This coming weekend...

At the Carolina Theatre there's a show going on called "History of the Word."  The show is Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 pm.  The tickets are five dollars for students.  I don't know if you need to have a student id or not.  

The website is at:   http://www.historyoftheword.com  - Click on Media Gallery and then you can see some sample videos.  See if you like it.

Open Thread

This is a place for you to ask questions, post comments, and get feedback.  If any questions come up while you're studying, put them up here and we'll try to get them answered.

Homework for 9/23 & 9/24

This is the final homework for our unit on Short Stories. Your homework is to complete your worksheet on "The Survival of the Fattest" and to write the compare/contrast assignment. You must turn in both the worksheet and the paragraph for full credit. The worksheet can be done in pencil, but the paragraphs must be typed or written in ink.

In addition, be sure that on Thursday/Friday you have your rough drafts of your short stories. You will get a grade of either 100 or 0 on this day. One hundred percent if you have your draft, zero if you do not.

Finally, here's the link for the clip of The Simpsons - feel free to watch as often as you need to.

http://www.tubearoo.com/player/FullScreen.aspx?file=http://www.tubearoo.com/videocodes/89326/data.xml&item=1&timestamp=0&id=89326

Have fun!

Homework for 9/19 & 9/22

For homework you will need to finish reading "The Most Dangerous Game." After you finish reading the story everyone will need to complete questions three and five. Honors students will also need to finish quesion eight. Remember to do your homework in pen and then turn it in to the box.

In addition, as you're reading the story I want to be sure that you are taking notes on elements of foreshadowing nin the story as well as examples of diction that you find interesting.

I keep forgetting!!!!

Tonight's homework.  Sorry ya'll.

You'll need to provide me a 3-4 sentence synopsis of your short story and then plan out the events on a plot diagram.  Turn this into the box.

Also bring your textbooks next class!

Important!!!

B-day students!

Please bring your books to class tomorrow!

- Miller

Homework (9/15 and 9/16)

For homework tonight, it depends on what story you read over the weekend:

If you read "Thank You M'am," you will need to complete the writing activity on the back of your handout.  Remember to select one row of the chart and complete that assignment.

If you read "The Scarlet Ibis," you will need to finish your packet and turn it into the box.  This packet will count as TWO homework grades.

Also - don't forget to review your notes on any short stories that we have read so far and your notes on short story structure from the beginning of the unit.

Homework over the weekend (9/11 & 9/12)

Over the weekend there are two separate homework assignments for the different sections of English I:

Honors students need to read the story "The Scarlet Ibis" on page 343. After you read the story, complete questions 6-9 and turn them in to my box.

Standard students need to read the story "Thank You M'am" on page 86. After you read the story, complete questions 2-4 and turn then in to my box.

I hope that you enjoy the reading over the weekend!

I just remembered!

Sorry everyone!  I was just sitting down to watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann and I realized that I hadn't posted the homework.

So - here it is:

I want you to tell me about a time when somebody wronged you.  I want you to tell me about what happened, how you responded to being wronged, and how the situation was resolved.  If you need to change names to protect the innocent - go for it.

This needs to be done in your journals - and you should expect a journal check next week sometime.

Homework 5/8 September

Thanks for all the great birthday wishes today! It was nice to have you all sing to me today. Over the weekend I want you all to read one of my favorite short stories by Edgar Allen Poe, "The Cask of Amontillado." The story is located on page 173. Read the whole story, including the box on page 178. After you read the story you may want to read about the biography of Edgar Allen Poe on page 180. In your journals, I would like for everyone to answer question number eleven on page 181 - Honors students need to also answer question ten.

Remember to bring your textbooks to class next week on Tuesday/Thursday for A day and Wednesday/Friday for B day.

Have a good weekend - enjoy Tropical Storm Hanna.

Homework - 3rd and 4th of September

Tonight your homework needs to be done in your journal. This means that you WILL NOT turn it in to the box.

What you need to do is write a new ending to the story "The Necklace." Your new ending can either be in the form of a poem, a script, or a short story. I may ask a few people to present their responses in class. Have fun with this and be creative. But make sure that your ending is still plausable (believable).

Homework! 29 August/2 September

Students!

Over the weekend you will need to finish reading the story "The Necklace" by Guy DuMaupassant. I would like for you to answer the following questions:

1. For which character do you feel the most sympathy? Why?
2. What is the point of view in this story? Does it work for you? Why or why not?
3. Do you think that du Maupassant is particularly feminist? Why or why not? Use quotes from the story to prove your point.

Standard and Honors students need to answer questions one and two. Honors students need to also answer question three. Please answer in a few sentences. For sentence three, answer in a complete paragraph with a topic sentence.

Welcome and 1st day Homework (25/26 August)

Hello Students!

I think that this is going to be a really great year. I've got some fun things planned for us throughout the year for us to accomplish. I hope that you're learning your way around the school and not getting too lost.

Today in class we reviewed my policies and procedures as well as a quick overview as to how to write a paragraph. Tonight for homework you need to accomplish the following tasks:

• Finish your opening paragraph. Make sure that it's written in pen! Turn in your paragraph to the box in Mrs. Phillips's room - 214.
• Have your parents complete your information sheet completely!
• Make sure that you have your materials for class!

That's it! Have a great afternoon!