Change it to a lower case letter: A slash through a letter shows that you want to change it to a lower case letter.
Change it to a capital letter: a double or triple line underneath the letter means, "make it a capital letter."
Take something out: a diagonal line with a loop at the end means, "take it out alltogether."
Add something: put a word above a "caret" or inverted V to show that you are inserting it.
Make a correction: a simple straight line through a word is sufficient. Please do not create a scribble. Put the correct word above the word that you have crossed out.
To correct a correction: Let's say you cross out a word, and then you realize that you were right the first time -- that is, your cross out was wrong. All you need to do is write the word "stet" above the crossed out word. That means, "Leave it as originally written."
New paragraph: A cuved backwards C with two lines through it (like a double "cents" sign) means"new paragraph."
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Writing Conferences Notes
Questions We Have Discussed in our Writing Conferences:
When do you use an apostrophe?
When do you use quotation marks, besides when someone is speaking?
When to you put a period instead of a comma?
Where, in a sentence, do you need to use commas?
What is the rule for using capital letters?
What is the difference between its and it's?
What is the difference between then and than?
What is the difference between there and their?
What is the difference between your and you're?
What is the difference between a first person narrative and the third person narrative?
These questions, and a few others, will be given to you in a quiz. Please make sure that you know the answers. Many of these questions are answered in my handouts, which are in the right-hand column of this blog. You should be able to explain the answers to these questions, and give examples in writing.
When do you use an apostrophe?
When do you use quotation marks, besides when someone is speaking?
When to you put a period instead of a comma?
Where, in a sentence, do you need to use commas?
What is the rule for using capital letters?
What is the difference between its and it's?
What is the difference between then and than?
What is the difference between there and their?
What is the difference between your and you're?
What is the difference between a first person narrative and the third person narrative?
These questions, and a few others, will be given to you in a quiz. Please make sure that you know the answers. Many of these questions are answered in my handouts, which are in the right-hand column of this blog. You should be able to explain the answers to these questions, and give examples in writing.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Chapters
The first 3-5 hand written pages of your story is Chapter One. Your completed Chapter One was due last Thursday. If you entered the class late, you are working to catch up, and we have made specific plans, noted in your folder on your Writing Conference Documentation Form.
Once you have completed Chapter One, you must have a writing conference with me. Then do the following:
1. Read the comments from our writing conference
2. Correct your grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes using editor's marks
3. Show me your corrections
4. Re-write, as necessary.
In order to correct your mistakes, please use the editor's marks I described in class. If you were not in attendance, you may find a reasonable facsimile of what I said about editor's marks here. Please use editor's marks to correct your own work. See me for more information, if you are still not sure how to use them correctly.
Once these four steps are completed, you may begin to write Chapter Two.
Once you have completed Chapter One, you must have a writing conference with me. Then do the following:
1. Read the comments from our writing conference
2. Correct your grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes using editor's marks
3. Show me your corrections
4. Re-write, as necessary.
In order to correct your mistakes, please use the editor's marks I described in class. If you were not in attendance, you may find a reasonable facsimile of what I said about editor's marks here. Please use editor's marks to correct your own work. See me for more information, if you are still not sure how to use them correctly.
Once these four steps are completed, you may begin to write Chapter Two.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Show, Don't Tell
We looked at two sentences from two very different novels. It is possible to be drawn into a story from the very first sentence. C.S. Lewis, in his Narnia novel "The Silver Chair," began the book with this sentence:
It was a dull autumn day, and Jill Pole was crying behind the gym.
What do we immediately know about the story from that first sentence? The class determined that we know that it is autumn, the sun is not shining, the main character is named Jill, and this story is going to have something to do with a school - probably an elementary, middle or high school. Also, something bad has happened to Jill. That is a lot to know about a story, just from the first sentence.
As a writer, how will you draw the reader into your story? Think of it as your opening shot, like in a movie. Where are we? What is happening? Let us experience the action of the story and then draw us in, like you are reeling in a fish on a fishing line. Give us the details of time, place and character by showing us through the story. You don't have to list those things. The story will tell them to us. We also looked at the opening sentence from Hunter Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." It does the same thing: draws the reader into the story from the first sentence: "We were six miles outside of Barstow when the drugs began to take hold." We know we are in a car, we are somewhere near some place called "Barstow," and the occupants of the car are inebriated. That first sentence is enough to get us to wonder: who are these people, and what is going on here? Already we know this is a strange story, and the characters are far from the traditional characters we might expect. They are already doing something dangerous. Maybe they are dangerous characters? Thompson, the author, makes us want to find out!
For your story, make sure that you have in your folder:
a) the Characters Sheet
b) the Cities and Towns worksheet for the place in which your story begins.
Begin to write your story. Remember: your story takes place in the past, so verbs should be in the past tense. Most verbs in the past tense end in -ed, but not all of them. It is easy to slip in and out from past to present tense. For the assignment, you must stay in the past tense throughout the story.
You should have at least three hand-written pages by Thursday of this week. During class I will be working with students individually to help facilitate the writing process.
It was a dull autumn day, and Jill Pole was crying behind the gym.
What do we immediately know about the story from that first sentence? The class determined that we know that it is autumn, the sun is not shining, the main character is named Jill, and this story is going to have something to do with a school - probably an elementary, middle or high school. Also, something bad has happened to Jill. That is a lot to know about a story, just from the first sentence.
As a writer, how will you draw the reader into your story? Think of it as your opening shot, like in a movie. Where are we? What is happening? Let us experience the action of the story and then draw us in, like you are reeling in a fish on a fishing line. Give us the details of time, place and character by showing us through the story. You don't have to list those things. The story will tell them to us. We also looked at the opening sentence from Hunter Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." It does the same thing: draws the reader into the story from the first sentence: "We were six miles outside of Barstow when the drugs began to take hold." We know we are in a car, we are somewhere near some place called "Barstow," and the occupants of the car are inebriated. That first sentence is enough to get us to wonder: who are these people, and what is going on here? Already we know this is a strange story, and the characters are far from the traditional characters we might expect. They are already doing something dangerous. Maybe they are dangerous characters? Thompson, the author, makes us want to find out!
For your story, make sure that you have in your folder:
a) the Characters Sheet
b) the Cities and Towns worksheet for the place in which your story begins.
Begin to write your story. Remember: your story takes place in the past, so verbs should be in the past tense. Most verbs in the past tense end in -ed, but not all of them. It is easy to slip in and out from past to present tense. For the assignment, you must stay in the past tense throughout the story.
You should have at least three hand-written pages by Thursday of this week. During class I will be working with students individually to help facilitate the writing process.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Ways to Enhance Dialogue
We know the phrases, "he said," or "she said." What other words can you use to show that two people are talking to each other? Some words just have to do with questions and answers. The class came up with some:
said
asked
responded
replied
answered
Some words have to do with ways of expressing emotions. He or she:
giggled
sighed
exclaimed
smiled
laughed
cried
growled
groaned
Vary your writing by specific words that suit the dialogue. You are the artist: express yourself!
said
asked
responded
replied
answered
Some words have to do with ways of expressing emotions. He or she:
giggled
sighed
exclaimed
smiled
laughed
cried
growled
groaned
Vary your writing by specific words that suit the dialogue. You are the artist: express yourself!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Writing Assignment, Part 1, Due Friday, November 6th
Begin your story. Introduce the setting and the characters. Base your story on your Research and Character sheets. Remember to use the technique, "Show, don't tell," to bring the characters and the setting to life.
This initial Cycle 2 writing assignment is to be 3-5 hand written pages long. It must describe the meeting of the characters, the starting place of your journey and what the characters did there. I expect every student to PROOF READ and correct their writing for grammar, spelling and punctuation. This first writing assignment to be completed by Friday, November 6th.
PLEASE NOTE: This assignment must be hand written, and it is to be done in class, not at home. If you finish the assignment early, you will be able to move on to the next assignment.
This initial Cycle 2 writing assignment is to be 3-5 hand written pages long. It must describe the meeting of the characters, the starting place of your journey and what the characters did there. I expect every student to PROOF READ and correct their writing for grammar, spelling and punctuation. This first writing assignment to be completed by Friday, November 6th.
PLEASE NOTE: This assignment must be hand written, and it is to be done in class, not at home. If you finish the assignment early, you will be able to move on to the next assignment.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Research Skills Heads-Up: What Technology Can and Cannot Do for You
Microsoft Word cannot correct your mistakes for you because it cannot think. It can only match. Thus, if you write the word "ten" instead of the word "teen" it does not know what you meant to say. If you say "There are three Tanishas in my class," Microsoft Word will underline "Tanishas" as incorrect, even though it is correct! If you INCORRECTLY put an apostrophe before the s, the red line will disappear, because Word will think that you're using a posessive, even though you are not. Word cannot think and ONLY YOU CAN CORRECT YOUR OWN MISTAKES. Word can be useful in drawing your attention to potential mistakes, but should never be relied upon to detect all mistakes, nor to correct all of them.
Google is a search engine. It cannot think, it can only match. Thus, if you misspell a word, it does not know what you MEANT to say. Similarly, it cannot understand a question in the traditional sense. It merely tries to match the words that you type into the search box. If you type in: "Why is the sky blue?" it will find matches for "why" and "is" and "the" and "sky" and "blue." Or it may "recognize" that you are asking a question, because you've put in a question mark, and take you to a site that answers questions, but if you want to find information on why the sky is blue, you should consider what types of words would take you to such a site, for instance:
search for:
blue sky reasons
blue sky reflection
color sky ocean
blue color atmosphere ocean
atmosphere color
etc.
In other words, think of all the words or terms that mean "sky," and use those. Remember, some web sites will have information under "sky," and others will use the word "atmosphere." Because a SEARCH ENGINE CANNOT THINK, it does not know that by "sky" and "atmosphere," you mean the same thing. That is why you should try both searches.
The other thing you can do to look for good internet results is go to a web site that specializes in that kind of information. For instance, if you are looking for "Rates of HIV transmission in teenagers in New York City," you may want to go to the National Institute of Health, which is nih.gov, and look for HIV transmission statistics for New York City teenagers there.
When using a search engine, as in the previous example, remember to search for a variety of synonyms - words that mean the same thing. So, for instance, you could look for:
HIV transmission New York City teenagers
HIV transmission NYC teens
HIV transmission NY teens
HIV infection New York teens
HIV infection New York City adolescents
AIDS NYC teens
AIDS teens statistics NYC
AIDS adolescents statistics New York City
etc.
Google is a search engine. It cannot think, it can only match. Thus, if you misspell a word, it does not know what you MEANT to say. Similarly, it cannot understand a question in the traditional sense. It merely tries to match the words that you type into the search box. If you type in: "Why is the sky blue?" it will find matches for "why" and "is" and "the" and "sky" and "blue." Or it may "recognize" that you are asking a question, because you've put in a question mark, and take you to a site that answers questions, but if you want to find information on why the sky is blue, you should consider what types of words would take you to such a site, for instance:
search for:
blue sky reasons
blue sky reflection
color sky ocean
blue color atmosphere ocean
atmosphere color
etc.
In other words, think of all the words or terms that mean "sky," and use those. Remember, some web sites will have information under "sky," and others will use the word "atmosphere." Because a SEARCH ENGINE CANNOT THINK, it does not know that by "sky" and "atmosphere," you mean the same thing. That is why you should try both searches.
The other thing you can do to look for good internet results is go to a web site that specializes in that kind of information. For instance, if you are looking for "Rates of HIV transmission in teenagers in New York City," you may want to go to the National Institute of Health, which is nih.gov, and look for HIV transmission statistics for New York City teenagers there.
When using a search engine, as in the previous example, remember to search for a variety of synonyms - words that mean the same thing. So, for instance, you could look for:
HIV transmission New York City teenagers
HIV transmission NYC teens
HIV transmission NY teens
HIV infection New York teens
HIV infection New York City adolescents
AIDS NYC teens
AIDS teens statistics NYC
AIDS adolescents statistics New York City
etc.
In-Class Notes: Technical Skills for Writing
How to Use Quotation Marks:
Do not use quotation marks for emphasis.
If you are putting dialogue into your story, are three ways you can put quotes in a sentence.
Examples:
1) Shaya said, "Veronica, you look great in that dress!"
2) "Veronica, you look great in that dress!" Shaya said.
3) "Veronica," Shaya said, "You look great in that dress!"
When you are describing what someone said, you do not use quotes. For example, no quotes should be used in this sentence describing the conversation.
Example:
Shaya said that Veronica looked great in that dress.
Do not use quotation marks for emphasis.
If you are putting dialogue into your story, are three ways you can put quotes in a sentence.
Examples:
1) Shaya said, "Veronica, you look great in that dress!"
2) "Veronica, you look great in that dress!" Shaya said.
3) "Veronica," Shaya said, "You look great in that dress!"
When you are describing what someone said, you do not use quotes. For example, no quotes should be used in this sentence describing the conversation.
Example:
Shaya said that Veronica looked great in that dress.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Welcome to Cycle 2, 2009
Please view the Course Syllabus here.
We begin our class this cycle with a focus on grammar, punctuation and spelling. What tools do you need in order to begin your writing? Armed with the correct knowledge, and tools to back you up, you can begin to correct your own work, before a teacher even sees your first draft. As we work, our mini-lessons in grammar and the accompanying handouts (that can be found in the "Handouts" sidebar of this blog) will form the basis for your efforts to correct your own work. From now on, I will simply write the nature of the problem I see on your page (for instance: "commas,") and you will need to find the errors and correct them yourself before you show the work to me. The class has been given the following handouts to utilize for this purpose:
We begin our class this cycle with a focus on grammar, punctuation and spelling. What tools do you need in order to begin your writing? Armed with the correct knowledge, and tools to back you up, you can begin to correct your own work, before a teacher even sees your first draft. As we work, our mini-lessons in grammar and the accompanying handouts (that can be found in the "Handouts" sidebar of this blog) will form the basis for your efforts to correct your own work. From now on, I will simply write the nature of the problem I see on your page (for instance: "commas,") and you will need to find the errors and correct them yourself before you show the work to me. The class has been given the following handouts to utilize for this purpose:
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Final Requirements for Cycle 1
Your summative assessment for Cycle one consists of:
1) A one-on-one review of your work with me
2) The map of your journey
3) Four completed "Cities and Towns" research documentation sheets
4) A completed "Characters" sheet
5) Your initial base assessment essay inspired by "The Road Not Taken"
6) Your homework book assignments:
1) A one-on-one review of your work with me
2) The map of your journey
3) Four completed "Cities and Towns" research documentation sheets
4) A completed "Characters" sheet
5) Your initial base assessment essay inspired by "The Road Not Taken"
6) Your homework book assignments:
- The comparison of the setting in the book you're reading to your own neighborhood.
- The essay: "Daydreaming on the Train."
- The story or poem using five vocabulary words from "World's End" and five vocabulary words from the book you're reading.
- A short overview of the plan for your story (no longer than a page and a half).
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Finishing Up
Your Cycle 1 grade depends upon the work in your folder. Please make sure you've done your research correctly, and have all required assignments in your folder. You must also have your HOMEWORK NOTEBOOK with all of your completed Homework assignments as well.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Required Assignments and Conferences for Cycle 1
The cycle ends on Wednesday, October 21st. Individual conferences are a requirement for each cycle. To prepare, be aware and prepare for the following, regarding Cycle 1:
- Student folders must include all "Cities and Towns" worksheets
- Students must have at least four "Cities and Towns" worksheets in their folder.
- Student folders must include the map of your journey.
- Students must have the "Characters Sheet" in their folder
- Student folders must contain all other assigned written work.
- Homework journals must include all homework assignments.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Researching Your Cities and Towns
For each city or town you visit, you will complete a "Cities and Towns" sheet. You may get those from me or download them to your desktop here. Your "Cities and Towns" sheet is your record of work for the day. Each sheet represents one town. What town are you in? What are the three historic, cultural or commercial places that you visit? What web sites have you gone to to research them? What have you learned about each place? You need to take good, detailed notes for each place you visit in the town or city. Note at the top whether this is the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th (etc.) stop on your journey.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Research for your Project
Take your notes on the sheets you got on Friday. These sheets are simply to help you organize the data you are gathering. You will be writing up your research in your project, so you will need print-outs of websites that you are using. Please always use the "print preview" command to make sure you only print the pages you really need. Don't waste my ink!!! Please print only to the "Room 327 T640" printer.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Exploring the Journey: Directions for Beginning Your Project
You've mapped your journey. You're going from somewhere to Chicago, by land. You can pick anywhere you can drive or walk from, but it has to be at least 300 miles away. Mapquest can't really help you: you have to go through the towns and cities along the way, not just take the highway and stop at a McDonald's for lunch.
So: What cities and towns are you passing through? You need to research these places. We know that
.com = commercial, available to everyone
.net = commercial, available to everyone
.org = organization, usually non-profit, available to everyone
.edu = educational institution, usually a college or university
.gov = the United States (Federal) Government
Other government websites can be .com, .net, .org or many other possibilities. You will want to look at State Government Websites and County Websites, along with Chamber of Commerce Websites. It is advisable to follow the links at the County or Chamber of Commerce websites, so that you can read up on the local tourist attractions, businesses and points of interest.
ALWAYS cite your sources. If you use a source, credit it. Always check your sources. You must look at at least 3 different websites to be sure your information is correct. Also: who created the website? What organization or point of view does it represent? Who authored it? You should know.
THE ASSIGNMENT:
Imagine you are traveling on the route you have chosen. Where do you stop and why? What sites and attractions do you visit? What is the landscape like? Describe your journey.
RULES: Your details must be historically and factually accurate. If you are coming from Miami and meet a boy in a club there who comes with you on your journey, it has to be a real club that is really there, and you have to be able to describe it.
WHAT CAN BE FICTIONAL?
Your character can be fictional. The journey is, in fact, fictional, but the details of the journey must be based in fact.
WHAT TIME PERIOD HAVE YOU CHOSEN?
You may choose what time period you wish to be writing about. You may choose the present day, or a time in the past. You must chose a time for which we have written history. There is no significant written history of this continent before the 1600's, and no significant written history of the West before the 1800's. So, for instance, if you decide you are making your journey from Philadelphia to Chicago in the 1860's, what kind of transportation is available to you? Are you going by train or horse-drawn carriage? Are there trains built between Philadelphia and Chicago by the 1860's? If not, you cannot be "taking the train." If you're journeying by carriage, how far can you go in a day? Your journey is certainly much slower than it would be in today's world. What sights are you seeing along the way during that time period? All details must be based in the history of that time and place.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
This project will be done in class. I will not accept work done at home, unless we have discussed it beforehand and I have given you written approval. Your final paper is to be typed, 1.5 line spaced, in 12 point Arial font, and at least 7 pages long (not including a coversheet and your bibliography, which are also required).
So: What cities and towns are you passing through? You need to research these places. We know that
.com = commercial, available to everyone
.net = commercial, available to everyone
.org = organization, usually non-profit, available to everyone
.edu = educational institution, usually a college or university
.gov = the United States (Federal) Government
Other government websites can be .com, .net, .org or many other possibilities. You will want to look at State Government Websites and County Websites, along with Chamber of Commerce Websites. It is advisable to follow the links at the County or Chamber of Commerce websites, so that you can read up on the local tourist attractions, businesses and points of interest.
ALWAYS cite your sources. If you use a source, credit it. Always check your sources. You must look at at least 3 different websites to be sure your information is correct. Also: who created the website? What organization or point of view does it represent? Who authored it? You should know.
THE ASSIGNMENT:
Imagine you are traveling on the route you have chosen. Where do you stop and why? What sites and attractions do you visit? What is the landscape like? Describe your journey.
RULES: Your details must be historically and factually accurate. If you are coming from Miami and meet a boy in a club there who comes with you on your journey, it has to be a real club that is really there, and you have to be able to describe it.
WHAT CAN BE FICTIONAL?
Your character can be fictional. The journey is, in fact, fictional, but the details of the journey must be based in fact.
WHAT TIME PERIOD HAVE YOU CHOSEN?
You may choose what time period you wish to be writing about. You may choose the present day, or a time in the past. You must chose a time for which we have written history. There is no significant written history of this continent before the 1600's, and no significant written history of the West before the 1800's. So, for instance, if you decide you are making your journey from Philadelphia to Chicago in the 1860's, what kind of transportation is available to you? Are you going by train or horse-drawn carriage? Are there trains built between Philadelphia and Chicago by the 1860's? If not, you cannot be "taking the train." If you're journeying by carriage, how far can you go in a day? Your journey is certainly much slower than it would be in today's world. What sights are you seeing along the way during that time period? All details must be based in the history of that time and place.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
This project will be done in class. I will not accept work done at home, unless we have discussed it beforehand and I have given you written approval. Your final paper is to be typed, 1.5 line spaced, in 12 point Arial font, and at least 7 pages long (not including a coversheet and your bibliography, which are also required).
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Mapping the Journey
Charlene and Brandt from "World's End" were driving to Chicago. We know they were driving for many hours, and we know, by inference, that they were coming from another city.
Map out a journey from another city to Chicago. It must be at least 300 miles from Chicago, it must be a route that can be driven, and it must be through territory that you would like to explore.
Find a map of the United States on the Internet. Print it out, and draw out your route. This assignment must be handed in to Camilla.
This mapping exercise will serve as the basis for your research. You will be researching the terrain you have outlined that you would traverse on your journey to Chicago.
Think about this: What places would you have to go through? Why have you chosen this particular route? This week you will begin to explore the towns, cities, highways, byways and natural formations that you would encounter in such a journey.
Map out a journey from another city to Chicago. It must be at least 300 miles from Chicago, it must be a route that can be driven, and it must be through territory that you would like to explore.
Find a map of the United States on the Internet. Print it out, and draw out your route. This assignment must be handed in to Camilla.
This mapping exercise will serve as the basis for your research. You will be researching the terrain you have outlined that you would traverse on your journey to Chicago.
Think about this: What places would you have to go through? Why have you chosen this particular route? This week you will begin to explore the towns, cities, highways, byways and natural formations that you would encounter in such a journey.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Homework Asssignment for Thursday, September 24th
1.) Make a list of five vocabulary words that you were challenged by from the book that you are reading and write them in your notebook.
2.) Pick five vocabulary words from the list (below) of vocabulary words from "World's End" and write them in your notebook.
You should have a list of ten words in total.
Write a two-page story or essay that MAKES SENSE, using all ten vocabulary words. It can be fantasy fiction, real-life drama or any other story-telling form that you like. Do not pick slang words or phrases. Pick standard English words. Completing this assignment requires that you have looked up, understand, and can spell the vocabulary words that you have chosen.
2.) Pick five vocabulary words from the list (below) of vocabulary words from "World's End" and write them in your notebook.
You should have a list of ten words in total.
Write a two-page story or essay that MAKES SENSE, using all ten vocabulary words. It can be fantasy fiction, real-life drama or any other story-telling form that you like. Do not pick slang words or phrases. Pick standard English words. Completing this assignment requires that you have looked up, understand, and can spell the vocabulary words that you have chosen.
Catching Up
If you have just joined this class, please read all the assignments by scrolling down to "Welcome to Fall 2009, Cycle 1." That post and all the ones above it cover all the assignments that have been given in this class, and I have modified the posts to provide easy strategies for catch-up. You may do your owed assignments in your Homework Journal.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday and Tuesday are Testing Days
Students are required to take the English Department-wide Assessment Test. The purpose of the test is to ascertain the level of your reading and writing skills. It will serve as the baseline assessment for your work.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Notes from Friday's Class
Your homework journals are due every Friday. They will be returned to you on Tuesday. Please make sure you have completed all the homework assignments.
Vocabulary Words from our reading of "World's End":
brougham
perforce
auditors
temporal
gargantuan
feckless
dominion
mortal
forthwith
retinue
realm
brackish
ooze
malodorous
convey
amphitheater
Vocabulary Words from our reading of "World's End":
brougham
perforce
auditors
temporal
gargantuan
feckless
dominion
mortal
forthwith
retinue
realm
brackish
ooze
malodorous
convey
amphitheater
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Homework Question for the Night of Thursday, September 17
What do you daydream about on the train? Write two pages about something you've thought about. Alternate assignment: If the train car you were sitting in was suddenly to be transported to a different planet, what would happen? How would the people on the train interact?
Vocabulary words from "World's End" reading:
facet
thoroughfare(s)
dank
marvel
figment
stunted
moor
susurrus
estuary
prosaic
Vocabulary words from "World's End" reading:
facet
thoroughfare(s)
dank
marvel
figment
stunted
moor
susurrus
estuary
prosaic
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Class Notes
We read up to page 37 in "World's End." Please come in at lunchtime to keep up with the class, if you missed class today.
Today's Vocabulary Words and Literary References:
1. The Canterbury Tales - similar to "World's End." Both take place in an inn. Both are stories within a story.
2. "A Tale of Two Cities" - reference to the famous book by Charles Dickens
3. "World's End" is also like the 1001 Arabian Nights, the story in which Sheherazade tells a different story each night to save her own life. It is also a book of stories within a story.
4. cyclopean - cyclops-like (see an encyclopedia for "Cyclops," if you don't know what that is.
5. orient
6. toiling
7. familiarity
8. bear
There will be another journal question posted for homework tomorrow. Homework notebooks will be due again on Friday.
Today's Vocabulary Words and Literary References:
1. The Canterbury Tales - similar to "World's End." Both take place in an inn. Both are stories within a story.
2. "A Tale of Two Cities" - reference to the famous book by Charles Dickens
3. "World's End" is also like the 1001 Arabian Nights, the story in which Sheherazade tells a different story each night to save her own life. It is also a book of stories within a story.
4. cyclopean - cyclops-like (see an encyclopedia for "Cyclops," if you don't know what that is.
5. orient
6. toiling
7. familiarity
8. bear
There will be another journal question posted for homework tomorrow. Homework notebooks will be due again on Friday.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Reading: "World's End, by Neil Gaiman
We read up to page 22 in "World's End," by Neil Gaiman.
Vocabulary words:
dispassionately
hallucination
centaur
chirurgeon
Vocabulary words:
dispassionately
hallucination
centaur
chirurgeon
Monday, September 14, 2009
Journal Writing Homework for the Night of Tuesday, September 15th:
Write a journal entry comparing the setting of the book you are reading to the place where you live. Is it similar or different? Describe both the place in the book and your own neighborhood. Your journal entry should be at least 4 pages.
Welcome to Fall 2009, Cycle 1
Hello, advanced English students. You are in this class because you have passed the English Regents Exam, but you still have work to do to be completely ready for college. This class is designed to get you there! Please note: you are required to be reading books outside of class for homework. The name of the book you are reading is due today. Please write it into your journal. Make sure you read tonight so that you can respond to the homework question I will assign tomorrow.
First Assignment: We read "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. For your initial writing assessment, write a two page essay on the path you have taken in life thus far.
Last week we went over the Rules of Comma Usage. You can get those rules by clicking the appropriate link in the sidebar, or by getting a hard copy from me in the classroom.
First Assignment: We read "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. For your initial writing assessment, write a two page essay on the path you have taken in life thus far.
Last week we went over the Rules of Comma Usage. You can get those rules by clicking the appropriate link in the sidebar, or by getting a hard copy from me in the classroom.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Final Paper for Spring 09, Cycle 6
Your paper is to be 5-7 pages on your chosen topic that has been approved by me. The paper must be typed in 12 point font, and the space between lines must be set at 1.5 (not "double spaced.") You can set the line spacing by going to the Format - Paragraph drop down menu in Microsoft Word.
Your introductory paragraph must state your topic clearly and concisely.
You must use footnotes. To get the "little number above the line," use the "superscript" check-off box in Microsoft Word, under Format - Font. Your corresponding list of footnotes should be listed at the end of your paper.
Cite your source whenever you state facts or opinions from your research sources.
When citing sources in a paper, you must be sure to answer the following questions:
1. Who wrote or edited it? (authors/editors/translators)
2. What is it called? (title)
3. Who is the publisher? (name, and, for books, location)
4. When was it published? (date)
5. What medium did you consult? (print, web, film, DVD, etc.)
6. If from the web, when did you access the site?
Here are the ways to cite a website:
Name of web site. Name of organization or company associated with site, date published or updated. Date of access.
Here is an example:
Grist: Environmental News and Commentary. Grist Magazine, 2007. Web. 20 Nov. 2007.
If you are gathering information from only a small part or a single page of a large web site, use the guildelines for citing a web page, with and without specified authors.
Author. “Title of Web Page.” Name of web site. Name of organization or company associated with site, Date published or updated. Web. Date of access.
Here is an example:
Shin, Sun-Joo, and Oliver Lemon. “Diagrams.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab CSLI Stanford University, 31 Oct. 2003. Web. 27 May 2008.
If the web page does not have a specified author, begin the citation with the web page title.
Your introductory paragraph must state your topic clearly and concisely.
You must use footnotes. To get the "little number above the line," use the "superscript" check-off box in Microsoft Word, under Format - Font. Your corresponding list of footnotes should be listed at the end of your paper.
Cite your source whenever you state facts or opinions from your research sources.
When citing sources in a paper, you must be sure to answer the following questions:
1. Who wrote or edited it? (authors/editors/translators)
2. What is it called? (title)
3. Who is the publisher? (name, and, for books, location)
4. When was it published? (date)
5. What medium did you consult? (print, web, film, DVD, etc.)
6. If from the web, when did you access the site?
Here are the ways to cite a website:
Name of web site. Name of organization or company associated with site, date published or updated. Date of access.
Here is an example:
Grist: Environmental News and Commentary. Grist Magazine, 2007. Web. 20 Nov. 2007.
If you are gathering information from only a small part or a single page of a large web site, use the guildelines for citing a web page, with and without specified authors.
Author. “Title of Web Page.” Name of web site. Name of organization or company associated with site, Date published or updated. Web. Date of access.
Here is an example:
Shin, Sun-Joo, and Oliver Lemon. “Diagrams.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab CSLI Stanford University, 31 Oct. 2003. Web. 27 May 2008.
If the web page does not have a specified author, begin the citation with the web page title.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Research Question
On a piece of lined paper, write down your research question. That question must be placed in your folder. The question must be approved by me before you begin your research and writing.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Writing The Research Paper: Developing Your Research Question
Over the duration of this course, you've explored creation myths, Greek and Roman gods, ancient and modern religions and philosophies.
Now develop a research question that involves comparing and contrasting religious or philosophical ideas.
Your research question can explore the relationship between a religious or philosophical set of beliefs and a modern political or social issue.
It can explore the differences between two philosophical or religious beliefs, and how people who adhere to these beliefs conduct themselves.
Go through your folder and the research that you have typed into the computer. That research should provide a basis for your explorations. Pick something that you are interested in exploring further, or, if you prefer, research new religions or philosophies to support your research question and provide material for your research paper.
Hand in your research question to me on a piece of paper.
Now develop a research question that involves comparing and contrasting religious or philosophical ideas.
Your research question can explore the relationship between a religious or philosophical set of beliefs and a modern political or social issue.
It can explore the differences between two philosophical or religious beliefs, and how people who adhere to these beliefs conduct themselves.
Go through your folder and the research that you have typed into the computer. That research should provide a basis for your explorations. Pick something that you are interested in exploring further, or, if you prefer, research new religions or philosophies to support your research question and provide material for your research paper.
Hand in your research question to me on a piece of paper.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Welcome to Cycle 6! Here's Your First Assignment:
Compare and contrast the religion you've researched with a modern religion or philosophy. Pick one with which you are familiar, but want to know more about. Here are some modern, presently practiced religions and philosophies of existence:
1. Islam (Muslim religion)
2. Existentialism
3. Atheism
4. Modern Catholicism (today's Catholic Church)
5. Christian Protestant Churches, for instance:
Methodist
Calvinist
Lutheran
Mormon
Episcopalian
Presbyterian
Baptist
Pentecostal
Jehovah's Witness
etc.
6. Modern Paganism (for instance, Wicca)
7. Modern, mystical practices of ancient religions, or "New Age" movements like:
Zen Buddhism
Sufism
Buddhist chanting
Yoga (a specific Yogic practice, not just the exercise method)
etc.
Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).
1. Describe the religion or philosophy
2. Where is it practiced?
3. What are the religion or philosophy's core beliefs?
4. What moral practices are important to the people who believe in this religion or philosophy?
5. How is this religion or philosophy similar to, or different from, the ancient religion that you researched at the end of last cycle?
1. Islam (Muslim religion)
2. Existentialism
3. Atheism
4. Modern Catholicism (today's Catholic Church)
5. Christian Protestant Churches, for instance:
Methodist
Calvinist
Lutheran
Mormon
Episcopalian
Presbyterian
Baptist
Pentecostal
Jehovah's Witness
etc.
6. Modern Paganism (for instance, Wicca)
7. Modern, mystical practices of ancient religions, or "New Age" movements like:
Zen Buddhism
Sufism
Buddhist chanting
Yoga (a specific Yogic practice, not just the exercise method)
etc.
Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).
1. Describe the religion or philosophy
2. Where is it practiced?
3. What are the religion or philosophy's core beliefs?
4. What moral practices are important to the people who believe in this religion or philosophy?
5. How is this religion or philosophy similar to, or different from, the ancient religion that you researched at the end of last cycle?
Friday, May 1, 2009
Final Assessment for Spring 09, Cycle 5
We have studied the ways in which the Roman Empire’s polytheistic religion was overtaken by Christianity. What other beliefs dominated the world during that time?
1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
3. Shintoism
4. Daoism (Taoism)
5. Confucianism
6. Ancestor Worship (in Asia)
STEP ONE (This step must be completed during this cycle in order to pass the class): Pick one of these six. You may start with wikipedia to discover basic facts about whichever you choose. Then you must find a second source of information on the topic on the internet, using our standard guidelines and practices for internet research.
Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).
1. Describe the religion
2. Where was it practiced, during the 1st to 4th Centuries, AD (or CE)?
3. Was this religion a polytheistic or monotheistic religion?
4. What moral beliefs and practices were important to the people who practiced this religion?
5. How is this religion similar to, or different from the beliefs of the Christians in the Holy Roman Empire?
STEP TWO (May be begun, but does not have to be completed this cycle):
Compare and contrast the religion you've researched with a modern religion or philosophy. Pick one with which you are familiar, but want to know more about. Here are some modern, presently practiced religions and philosophies of existence:
1. Islam (Muslim religion)
2. Existentialism
3. Atheism
4. Modern Catholicism (today's Catholic Church)
5. Christian Protestant Churches, for instance:
Methodist
Calvinist
Lutheran
Mormon
Episcopalian
Presbyterian
Baptist
Pentecostal
Jehovah's Witness
etc.
6. Modern Paganism (for instance, Wicca)
7. Modern, mystical practices of ancient religions, or "New Age" movements like:
Zen Buddhism
Sufism
Buddhist chanting
Yoga (a specific Yogic practice, not just the exercise method)
etc.
Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).
1. Describe the religion or philosophy
2. Where is it practiced?
3. What are the religion or philosophy's core beliefs?
4. What moral practices are important to the people who believe in this religion or philosophy?
5. How is this religion similar to, or different from the ancient religion that you researched in STEP ONE?
1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
3. Shintoism
4. Daoism (Taoism)
5. Confucianism
6. Ancestor Worship (in Asia)
STEP ONE (This step must be completed during this cycle in order to pass the class): Pick one of these six. You may start with wikipedia to discover basic facts about whichever you choose. Then you must find a second source of information on the topic on the internet, using our standard guidelines and practices for internet research.
Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).
1. Describe the religion
2. Where was it practiced, during the 1st to 4th Centuries, AD (or CE)?
3. Was this religion a polytheistic or monotheistic religion?
4. What moral beliefs and practices were important to the people who practiced this religion?
5. How is this religion similar to, or different from the beliefs of the Christians in the Holy Roman Empire?
STEP TWO (May be begun, but does not have to be completed this cycle):
Compare and contrast the religion you've researched with a modern religion or philosophy. Pick one with which you are familiar, but want to know more about. Here are some modern, presently practiced religions and philosophies of existence:
1. Islam (Muslim religion)
2. Existentialism
3. Atheism
4. Modern Catholicism (today's Catholic Church)
5. Christian Protestant Churches, for instance:
Methodist
Calvinist
Lutheran
Mormon
Episcopalian
Presbyterian
Baptist
Pentecostal
Jehovah's Witness
etc.
6. Modern Paganism (for instance, Wicca)
7. Modern, mystical practices of ancient religions, or "New Age" movements like:
Zen Buddhism
Sufism
Buddhist chanting
Yoga (a specific Yogic practice, not just the exercise method)
etc.
Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).
1. Describe the religion or philosophy
2. Where is it practiced?
3. What are the religion or philosophy's core beliefs?
4. What moral practices are important to the people who believe in this religion or philosophy?
5. How is this religion similar to, or different from the ancient religion that you researched in STEP ONE?
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