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ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF November 24, 2014 * Students are only meeting for one class this week. Please see the homepage for details.*
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF November 17, 2014 WRITING: SAT essay #1. Lord of the Flies mini-projects due Thursday, 11/20. READING: Students will read and research for the Socratice Seminar on 11/18. SAT: I will teach students the SAT essay format, and they will practice their first essay at the end of this week. Students will also continue to review the Lesson 3 words. Here is a page containing the list of words and review games for students: https://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=3 INDEPENDENT READING: Students should have chosen and started a book by now. I will provide in-class reading time at the end of this week. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: Students may turn in their Lord of the Flies projects 1 class early (Tuesday 11/18) for an additional five points on the project.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF November 10, 2014 WRITING: Students will begin their Lord of the Flies mini-projects (due Thursday, 11/20). They will also prepare for a Socratic Seminar on Tuesday, 11/18. READING: We discuss the end of Lord of the Flies, and students will view a documentary on the novel. SAT: Students will review Lesson 3 words this week. Here is a page containing the list of words and review games for students: https://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=3 INDEPENDENT READING: I am still checking in student books this week. I will assess them right before winter break. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES: Students may print out their answers to one of the vocabulary games from vocabtest.com
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF November 3, 2014 WRITING: Students are completing character reponses as part of their Independent Reading assessments. They will also do in-class freewriting in response to Lord of the Flies. READING: Students are completing Lord of the Flies this week. SAT: I will introduce the Lesson 3 words this week. As Nov / Dec are short months, I will test students on the Lesson 3 words just before the winter break. Here is a page containing the list of words and review games for students: https://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=3 INDEPENDENT READING: Students are reading banned books during the months of Nov/Dec. I will begin checking in books this week. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES: Students may print out their answers to one of the vocabulary games from vocabtest.com
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF October 27, 2014 WRITING: Students are writing stories and poems based on the Lesson 2 vocabulary words. As a reminder, students should be taking notes as they complete the assigned reading for Lord of the Flies. They should also write down 5 vocabulary words for each chapter and look up the definitions. READING: Lord of the Flies. Chapters 8 and 9 are due Monday. Chapter 10 is due on Wednesday. Students will also read chapter 11 in class on Wednesday. Finally, students will read the last chapter (12) over the weekend. SAT: Lesson 2 vocabulary test at the end of this week. I will also place some words from lesson 1 on the test. Here is a link to the words and review: https://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=2 INDEPENDENT READING: Independent Reading assessment at the end of this week. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES: Grades close Tuesday. Students can still turn in last week's extra credit option until Tuesday afternoon.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF October 20, 2014 WRITING: Students should be taking notes as they complete the assigned reading for Lord of the Flies. They should also write down 5 vocabulary words for each chapter and look up the definitions. READING: Lord of the Flies. Chapters 4 and 5 are due on Tuesday; chapters 6 and 7 and due on Thursday; and chapters 8 and 9 are due next Monday. SAT: I will test students on the Lesson 2 vocabulary words at the end of this month. Here is a link to the words and review: https://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=2 INDEPENDENT READING: The October genre is mystery / horror / detective. Students should be about 3/4 of the way through their books, as I will assess them at the end of the month. Please ask your child about his/her book. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES: Students can create a dictionary page for one of the Lesson Two SAT words. The page should contain the word, definition, a sentence and an image.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF October 13, 2014 Students are taking the PSAT this Wednesday, blocks 1 and 2. On Friday, we will continue our discussion of chapters 1-3 in Lord of the Flies. Students will read chapters 4 and 5 in the novel over the weekend. ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF October 6, 2014 WRITING: Students are turning in their writing on their September books at the beginning of this week. READING: We will review chapters 1, 2 and 3 in Lord of the Flies through literary circles (chapter 1) and a reading quiz (chapters 2 and 3). SAT: Students are taking the PSAT next week; therefore, I will dedicate most of this week to specific preparation for the test (grammar, punctuation, reading passages and vocabulary). INDEPENDENT READING: The October genre is mystery / horror / detective.Our librarian, Toby Kyle, was kind enough to visit each class last week and discuss / share books from our library collection. Many students took out books at that time. Please ask your child about what he/she has chosen to read. I will check books in all this week, and I will assess students during the last class meeting of the month. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: Students can research the author of Lord of the Flies, William Golding. They should print out their research and highlight / comment on the text.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF September 29, 2014 WRITING: Students will write notes on chapter 1 (Lord of the Flies by William Golding) in order to prepare for a literary circle at the end of this week. READING: I will introduce the new novel, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. This is the easiest book that students will read all year, but it is full of symbolism / depth. Students usually enjoy this book very much. They will read chapter 1 for class on Thursday and chapters 2 and 3 over next weekend. SAT: The SAT vocabulary test is this Tuesday, 9/30. I will assign Lesson 2 vocabulary work and flashcards this week. Here is a link to the words on this week's test: http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=1 INDEPENDENT READING: I will assess the independent reading this Tuesday, 9/30. Please make sure that your child is done with his/her book. The October independent reading selection is mystery / horror/ detective. I will check in new books this week and next week. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: Students took part in vocabulary contests to earn extra points on this week's test.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF September 22, 2014 WRITING: Students will write a Marxist critique on Brave New World. They will also share their commercial analyses at the end of this week. READING: On Monday, students are taking part in a Socratic Seminar based on the opening chapters of Great Expectations. On Wednesday, they will hand in and share their Brave New World mini-projects. Students have been sharing their ideas for the projects, and I am very excited to see the final results! SAT: The SAT vocabulary test will be on Tuesday, 9/30. Here is a link to the words: http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=1 INDEPENDENT READING: I will also assess the independent reading on Tuesday, 9/30. Please make sure that your child is almost done with his / her book and prepared to bring it to the assessment that day. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: Students may hand in their Brave New World projects this Monday or Tuesday for five extra points on the project.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF September 14, 2014 WRITING: Students will write a commercial analysis based on our discussions of Brave New World. Due the week of September 21st. READING: Students are sharing their happiness advertisements at the beginning of this week. Next, they will view and analyze television commercials. They will also begin their mini-projects on the novel (students will have one week to complete the project). SAT: We will review semicolons and agreement to prepare for the writing section of the PSAT. Remember, I will test students on the Lesson 1 SAT vocabulary at the end of this month. Here is a link to the words: http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=1 INDEPENDENT READING: Students have chosen biographies or autobiographies for the month of September. I will assess their reading during the last class meeting this month. I have already checked in their books, so please discuss these books with your child. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: We did not get to the Little Albert Experiment in class last week, so I am extending the extra credit opportunity: students can write a reflection on the Little Albert Experiment we are discussing in class. I also provided an extra credit opportunity for students to complete this past weekend. They could print out advertisements from Lucky Strike's 1950s ad campaign. They should bring these to class this Monday and Tuesday.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF September 8, 2014 WRITING: Students are writing biographical critiques in order to review the summer reading. They are also writing a one page reflection on chapter 9 in Great Expectations as it relates to the themes in Brave New World. READING: We are reviewing the idea of conditioning / happiness in Brave New World. Students will research and bring in advertisements that promote happiness. SAT: Students are taking a PSAT this week. In addition, I have assigned the first 15 SAT words. Students have created flashcards and completed exercises on these words. We will continue to work on these words in class. I will test students during the last class meeting of September. Here is a link to the SAT words: http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=1 INDEPENDENT READING: Students have chosen biographies or autobiographies for the month of September. I will assess their reading during the last class meeting this month. I have already checked in their books, so please discuss these books with your child EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: At times, I will provide extra credit opportunities for students. Students were given two extra credit opportunties last week. This week, they can write a reflection on the Little Albert Experiment we are viewing in class.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF September 1, 2014 WRITING: Summer writing due this week. I will also introduce students to the literary critique format. READING: Students are taking their summer exam on both Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) and Great Expectations (Charles Dickens). SAT: I have assigned the first 15 SAT words. Student flashcards and homework are due next class. I will test students during the last class meeting of September. In addition, I am assessing student knowledge of grammar and punctuation to prepare them for the PSAT. Here is a link to the SAT words: http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=1 INDEPENDENT READING: Students are choosing biographies or autobiographies for the month of September. I will assess their reading during the last class meeting this month. I will check in their choices througout the week. EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: At times, I will provide extra credit opportunities for students. I will accept the summer extra credit at the beginning of this week (please see summer assignments below).
SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS Great Expectations: You will read the entire novel, but you will only write on the first seven chapters: Great Expectations As you read the first seven chapters of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, I want you to consider the author’s rhetorical choices. Simply put, rhetoric is “the art of speaking or writing effectively.” How does Dickens use language to convey his purpose? The following questions will help you focus on and investigate Dickens’ rhetorical strategies. Answer each in at least one page (word-processed / double spaced). Chapter 1 The protagonist, Pip, is about seven years old at the start of the novel. Dickens uses word choice (diction), stories (anecdotes) and imagery (visual pictures) to write in the voice of a child. Choose one example from each page in the chapter. Provide the example and explain the way in which Dickens captures the child’s voice. Chapter 2 In chapter 2, we meet Pip’s caretakers, Joe Gargery and Mrs. Joe. Examine one of these characters in-depth. Speak to appearance and actions. What do these imply about the character? Also, look at the way the character speaks. What type of punctuation, sentence structure, and/or word choice is used by the character? What is Dickens trying to convey about the character through these choices? Chapter 3 In chapter 3, we learn a great deal about young Pip’s personality. He is constantly plagued by guilt, and he is also very kind. Provide 3 specific passages to illustrate either his guilt and / or kindness. Next, consider the plot so far and Pip’s upbringing. Why do you think he always feels so guilty? Why do you think he is kind? Chapter 4 Pip suffers physical punishment at the hands of his sister (he is raised “by hand”). Tell me about the characters at the Christmas dinner (there are new characters in this chapter) and their dinner discussion about children. Dickens uses careful description to illustrate / symbolize Pip’s inferior position. Provide evidence / examples from the novel. Chapter 5 What is your impression of Pip’s convict at the end of this chapter? Do you believe he poses any danger to Pip? Provide evidence from the chapter (specific passages and explanations). Chapter 6 Though chapter 6 is very short, Dickens provides a poignant look at Pip’s relationship with Joe both through word choice and visual detail. Provide examples of each as you explain the relationship. Chapter 7 In chapter seven, Dickens provides additional characterization for Joe. How does this information affect / change your opinion of Joe’s character so far in the novel? Extra Credit Choose a scene from the beginning of the novel and present it visually (graphic novel page, painting, sketch, computer drawing, etc.) You do not need to be an artist, but your final product needs to be professional if you wish to receive credit. BRAVE NEW WORLD - While you are reading Brave New World, you will take notes on the following: 1. Characterization - Every time a new character is introduced, put the name of the character and then provide notes on the character's appearance, reputation and actions. Also include any direct statements made about the character. 2. Historical Figures - The author uses the names of many historical figures throughout the book. When you come across a name that seems familiar to you, make a notation about the historical reference. 3. Vocabulary - The author uses complex vocabulary. For each chapter , write down at least two words you can't define and look up the definitions (place them in your notes). 4. Questions - Write down any questions you have about the chapter. What confuses you about the plot or the characters? 5. Passage - Choose a passage from the book that was meaningful to you and explain why you chose it. 6. Title - The title of the book comes from Shakespeare's play, The Tempest. Why do you think Huxley uses this passage for his title? Research the plot of the play in order to answer this question. After you have completed the novel, respond to the following question in a well-developed essay (at least five paragraphs): 1. Must we know unhappiness in order to experience happiness? Use evidence from the book to substantiate your position.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF June 2nd, 2014 WRITING: Students are working on their English portfolios (Letter to the Reader and Table of Contents). They are also conducting research on Macbeth and In Cold Blood (ICB research due 6/6 and 6/9). READING: We will be reading into the final act of Shakespeare's Macbeth this week. SAT: We are done with SAT prep for this year!
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF May 26th, 2014 WRITING: Song Lyric Stories due this week. Students will also create their English portfolio covers. In Cold Blood research assigned. READING: Act III in Macbeth. Students keep notebooks as we read. We will also complete Capote (based on Capote's research for In Cold Blood). SAT: We are done with SAT prep for this year! INDEPENDENT READING: We are also done with independent reading for the year!
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF May 4th, 2014 WRITING: Gulliver's Travels papers are due on May 12 / 13. Sonnets and Art Stories due this week. Students will also write "Spring Symphony" poems. READING: Students are reading through page 200 for In Cold Blood this week. We will work on Act I in Macbeth, and students will begin their research notebooks for the play. SAT: Here is a link to the Lesson 7 words. http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=7 INDEPENDENT READING: As students will be reading 20 pages per night for In Cold Blood, I am making the April non-fiction book optional for extra credit. I will assess students next week. EXTRA CREDIT: Turn in the Gulliver's Travels paper early. Be prepared for an assessment on a non-fiction book during the third week of May (date extended). Create split notes for In Cold Blood reading assignments (These notes are great for aiding student comprehension, and I will allow them to use them on their quizzes).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF April 28, 2014 WRITING: I have moved the Gulliver's Travels paper due dates. The paper will now be due on May 12 / 13. We will also begin a creative writing unit this week. Students will learn about and write sonnets as part of our preparation for Macbeth, and they will write creative stories based on artwork done by ORR students. READING: We will begin two major pieces to finish out the year. I will introduce students to Macbeth by William Shakespeare and In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. These two pieces work very well together thematically. Students will read 20 pages per night in In Cold Blood. Please check that they keep up with the reading. There is nothing worse than procrastinating and then trying to read 80 pages on a Sunday night. If students keep up with the 20 pages per night schedule, they will be all set. We will read most of Macbeth in class. SAT: We begin lesson seven vocabulary words this week. Here is a link to the words. http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=7 INDEPENDENT READING: As students will be reading 20 pages per night for In Cold Blood, I am making the April non-fiction book optional for extra credit. EXTRA CREDIT: Be prepared for an assessment on a non-fiction book during the second week of May. Create split notes for In Cold Blood reading assignments (These notes are great for aiding student comprehension, and I will allow them to use them on their quizzes).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF April 14, 2014 WRITING: I will hand back all three parts of the Gulliver's Travels paper. Students now have two weeks to put the whole paper together. As I do not want them to have to use their vacation time for homework, the actual due date will be in three weeks (4/31 - 5/1). READING: Canterbury Tales recitation on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Canterbury Tales feast on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Students may use the sites below to prepare for their recitations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOMtENfOMU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc8XPv_qstA SAT: Lesson six vocabulary test this Monday and Tuesday. The words are antipathy, elucidate, imminent, banal, obdurate, peruse, bedlam, affluence, scurrilous, parody, sedulous, onerous, amoral, eschew and denouement. Here is a new link to study: http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=6 INDEPENDENT READING: April independent reading genre is non-fiction. I will check in books all week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF April 7, 2014 WRITING: Gulliver's Travels writing assignment - part 3: students will turn in drafts at the beginning of the week and edits by the end of the week. READING: Students will complete the tales section of The Canterbury Tales this week with "The Wife of Bath's Tale." We will continue to analyze and review the prologue through pilgrim descriptions and in-class translations. I will also assign the preparations for the Canterbury Tales feast, which will be held the class before vacation. Students will recite the first 18 lines of the poem in Middle English next week (Honors 2: Monday, April 14th; and Honors 1: Tuesday, April 15th). Here are some helpful sites where students can listen to Middle English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOMtENfOMU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc8XPv_qstA SAT: Lesson six vocabulary test next Monday and Tuesday. The words are antipathy, elucidate, imminent, banal, obdurate, peruse, bedlam, affluence, scurrilous, parody, sedulous, onerous, amoral, eschew and denouement. Here is a new link to study: http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=6 INDEPENDENT READING: Students continue to present their graphic novel projects this week. April independent reading genre is non-fiction. I will check in books over the next two weeks.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF March 31, 2014 WRITING: Students are turning in their college resumes this week. I will assign part 3 of their Gulliver's Travels satire assignments (drafts due 4/8 and 4/9). READING: Students will continue to read tales from The Canterbury Tales this week. All students will read "The Frankeleyn's Tale" and portions of "The Nun's Priest's Tale." As the Honors 2 section meets for an additional class this week, they will also read "The Wife of Bath's Tale." Remember, students may use side by side translations as they read these tales, but I encourage them to try Middle English first. Students are also completing their assigned Canterbury pilgrim translations, creations and presenations this week in class. Also, don't forget that students will be reciting the first 18 lines of The Canterbury Tales during the week before April vacation. If they would like extra credit, they can videotape (in groups) rap / music versions of these lines as well. Here are some helpful sites where students can listen to Middle English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOMtENfOMU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc8XPv_qstA SAT: Lesson six vocabulary words: antipathy, elucidate, imminent, banal, obdurate, peruse, bedlam, affluence, scurrilous, parody, sedulous, onerous, amoral, eschew and denouement. Here is a site where you can access and practice the words with your son / daughter: http://quizlet.com/1745938/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-sat-book-3-lesson-6-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: Students are presenting their graphic novel projects this week. April independent reading genre is non-fiction.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF March 24, 2014 WRITING: Final edit of Gulliver's Travels Chapter 2 section is due this week. Students will complete their college resumes this week. READING: We will read a portion of The Prologue (The Canterbury Tales) together in class as students try Middle English. They will read "The Pardoner's Tale" and "The Knight's Tale" outside of class. They may use side by side translations, but I encourage them to try Middle English first. Students will translate assigned pilgrims in class. Students will be reciting the first 18 lines of The Canterbury Tales during the week before April vacation. If they would like extra credit, they can videotape (in groups) rap / music versions of these lines as well. Here are some helpful sites where students can listen to Middle English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOMtENfOMU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc8XPv_qstA SAT: Lesson six vocabulary words: antipathy, elucidate, imminent, banal, obdurate, peruse, bedlam, affluence, scurrilous, parody, sedulous, onerous, amoral, eschew and denouement. Here is a site where you can access and practice the words with your son / daughter: http://quizlet.com/1745938/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-sat-book-3-lesson-6-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: Graphic novel projects are due at the beginning of next week. Students may hand them in early for extra credit.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF March 17, 2014 WRITING: Gulliver's Travels Chapter 2 section is due Tuesday / Wednesday of this week. Students will review their work and edit their drafts by the end of the week. We will continue to work on their college resumes in Naviance over the next few weeks. I encourage you to visit Naviance and look at the documents your son/daughter will be preparing for college admissions. http://www.naviance.com/ READING: Students will read through chapter 19 in Great Expectations. They will also complete Beowulf and begin The Canterbury Tales (Geoffrey Chaucer) in Middle English. SAT: We begin lesson 6 words this week. I will test students the week before April vacation. The vocabulary words are: antipathy, elucidate, imminent, banal, obdurate, peruse, bedlam, affluence, scurrilous, parody, sedulous, onerous, amoral, eschew and denouement. Here is a site where you can access and practice the words with your son / daughter: http://quizlet.com/1745938/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-sat-book-3-lesson-6-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be working on the graphic novel projects, which are due by the end of March. They may hand the project in early for extra credit.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF March 10, 2014 WRITING: Chapter 2 of the Gulliver's Travels paper is due at the beginning of next week. Students will have the opportunity to work on the assignment in class. They will also begin their college resumes in Naviance. READING: Students will continue in Beowulf this week. They will also read chapter 18 in Great Expectations. SAT: Lessons 1-5 SAT vocabulary test at the end of this week. Lesson 5 words include: Fop, Imprecation,Non Sequitur, Sanguine, Bowdlerize, Impair, Panegyric, Quandary, Ebullient, Deference, Carnal, Nebulous, Rakish, Elegy and Pedantic. Here is a site where you can access the current SAT words and students may review the words: http://quizlet.com/25255430/vocabulary-power-plus-book-three-lesson-five-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: I will hand out the graphic novel assessment this week. Students will have until the end of March to complete the assignment (please see attached).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF March 3, 2014 WRITING: Chapter 1 of the Gulliver's Travels paper is due at the beginning of this week. I will assign chapter 2 at the end of this week. Students are continuing work on their found poems (Great Expectations). READING: Students will continue in Beowulf this week. SAT: We did not have enough time to write the SAT essays last week, so I am moving the essays to this week. Vocabulary words for Lesson 5 include: Fop, Imprecation,Non Sequitur, Sanguine, Bowdlerize, Impair, Panegyric, Quandary, Ebullient, Deference, Carnal, Nebulous, Rakish, Elegy and Pedantic. Here is a site where you can access the current SAT words and students may review the words: http://quizlet.com/25255430/vocabulary-power-plus-book-three-lesson-five-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: I will check in graphic novels all week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24, 2014 WRITING: Students will write found poems based on chapter 17 in Great Expectations. They will also begin writing a satire based on Gulliver's Travels. Part I of the paper will be due next week. READING: We will work on Great Expectations through chapter 17 in class. I will also introduce students to Old English as we begin Beowulf. SAT: Students will write a new SAT essay this week. Vocabulary words for Lesson 5 include: Fop, Imprecation,Non Sequitur, Sanguine, Bowdlerize, Impair, Panegyric, Quandary, Ebullient, Deference, Carnal, Nebulous, Rakish, Elegy and Pedantic. Here is a site where you can access the current SAT words and students may review the words: http://quizlet.com/25255430/vocabulary-power-plus-book-three-lesson-five-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: Students will read graphic novels for their March independent reading assignment. I will begin checking in books next week. Many colleges are using the genre in their freshman English courses, and there are graphic novels for virtually any topic in which students are interested. I encourage students to research on line or visit the book store before next week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 3, 2014 WRITING: Lord of the Flies articles are due this week. Students have the opporuntity to hand in the articles early for an additional 5 points. I will also hand back character descriptions for students to edit. READING: We will work on Great Expectations through chapter 16 in class. Students should be reading Books III and IV in Gulliver's Travels in preparation for next week's assessments. SAT: SAT vocabulary test 2/3 and 2/4. Here is a site where you and your child can review the current SAT words (test at the end of next week) : http://quizlet.com/734972/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-satact-book-iii-lesson-four-flash-cards/ On Wednesday, I will introduce our new words: Fop, Imprecation,Non Sequitur, Sanguine, Bowdlerize, Impair, Panegyric, Quandry, Ebullient, Deference, Carnal, Nebulous, Rakish, Elegy and Pedantic. Here is a site where you can access the current SAT words and students may review the words: http://quizlet.com/25255430/vocabulary-power-plus-book-three-lesson-five-flash-cards/ Students took their 3rd SAT practice essay last week. Scores will now count in Powerschool. Scores of 70-75% represent the average junior score across the country. INDEPENDENT READING: Students will begin working on their independent reading assessments at the beginning of this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 27, 2014 WRITING: Students will peer edit their Lord of the Flies articles. A completed draft of the article will be due on 2/6 and 2/7. Students will edit and complete their characterizations this week. READING: Great Expectations chapter 15. Gulliver's Travels Book II assessment Thursday / Friday of this week. Book III will be due at the end of next week. SAT: January SAT Essay prompt this week. SAT vocabulary test 2/3 and 2/4. Here is a site where you and your child can review the current SAT words (test at the end of next week) : http://quizlet.com/734972/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-satact-book-iii-lesson-four-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: Extended deadline -- book assessment on 2/3 and 2/4.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 20, 2014 WRITING: Students will continue their Lord of the Flies articles. They will incorporate the journals on which we have been working for the past month. In class, they will have the opportunity to work on characterization and opening chapters in their novels again this week. READING: Great Expectations chapters 13 and 14. Gulliver's Travels Book I assessment at the beginning of this week. Students will have one week to read Book II. SAT: Here is a site where you and your child can review the current SAT words (test at the end of next week) : http://quizlet.com/734972/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-satact-book-iii-lesson-four-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: January books: free choice. Books due by the end of next week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 13, 2014 WRITING: Students will begin their Lord of the Flies articles. They will incorporate the journals on which we have been working for the past month. In class, they will have the opportunity to work on characterization and opening chapters in their novels. READING: Great Expectations chapter 12. I have changed the due dates for Gulliver's Travels. Students will have until Tuesday 1/21 for Honors 2 and Wednesday 1/22 for Honors 1. SAT: Here is a site where you and your child can review the current SAT words: http://quizlet.com/734972/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-satact-book-iii-lesson-four-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: January books: free choice. I will check books in this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 6, 2014 WRITING: As we complete our exploration of Lord of the Flies, students will choose one speech by President Kennedy on which to write an analysis. We will review rhetorical strategies in class beforehand. READING: As part of an introduction to satire, students will read various satirical articles. At the end of the week, they will receive Gulliver's Travels, by Jonathan Swift. Written in the 18th century, the book is difficult and lengthy. Most students, however, choose this book as their favorite class reading of the year. Gulliver's Travels is divided into four books. I will assign one book per week (these average about 80 pages). At the end of each book, I will give an assessment. Book 1 will be due on Thursday 1/15 for Honors 1 and Wednesday 1/14 for Honors 2. SAT: New SAT essay grades will appear in Power School. As I am not counting the first two essays, you will simply see a check mark in Power School to indicate that your child wrote the essay. In the comment section you will see the grade. Students can score from 0 - 12 (7 and 8 are average scores). I will introduce lesson 4 words this week, and students will create flashcards. Here is a site where students may review words and create flashcards: http://quizlet.com/734972/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-satact-book-iii-lesson-four-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: January books: free choice. ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2013 WRITING: Students will continue anecdotal writing to prepare for their college essays. As we complete our exploration of Lord of the Flies this week, students will write critical anaylses of speeches and artwork in relation to the novel. READING: Students will read (and view) two presidential speeches: John F. Kennedy's inagural speech and his speech at American University. They will be looking for parallels to William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies. SAT: Students will receive their PSAT scores on Tuesday of this week. Please have them save their booklets so that we can continue to prepare for the SAT. Students will write their second SAT essay this week.plus_3&lesson=3 INDEPENDENT READING: January books: free choice.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2013 WRITING: Students will continue anecdotal writing to prepare for their college essays. Over the next two weeks before winter break, students will continue to write these journals and then choose one to polish and turn in to me. As we complete our exploration of Lord of the Flies over the next two weeks, students will write critical anaylses of various poems, songs, scripts, speeches and artwork in relation to the novel. SAT: SAT vocabulary test this week: Honors 1 on Thursday, December 12; Honors 2 on Friday, December 13. Lesson 3 words: adventitious, ambiguous, bona fide, cataclysm, deviate, edify, extenuate, fecund, glower, impale, importune, obfuscate, optimum, parochial, pedestrian. Students will also be tested on Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 words. INDEPENDENT READING: Independent reading assessment this week: Honors 1 on Thursday, December 12; Honors 2 on Friday, December 13.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2013 WRITING: Students will begin anecdotal writing to prepare for their college essays. Over the next three weeks before winter break, students will continue to write these journals and then choose one to polish and turn in to me. As we complete our exploration of Lord of the Flies over the next two weeks, students will write critical anaylses of various poems, songs, scripts, speeches and artwork in relation to the novel. READING: William Blake's poems: "The Tyger" (old spelling) and "The Lamb" from Songs of Innocence, Songs of Experience. War poetry: "Dulce Et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen; "Suicide in the Trenches" and "Does it Matter?" by Siegfried Sassoon; "Grass" by Carl Sandburg; "Night" by Elie Wiesel; and "First They Came" by Martin Niemoller. In addition, the Honors 1 class will read the lyrics of various artists and write critical responses over the weekend. SAT: SAT vocabulary test next week: Honors 1 on Thursday, December 12; Honors 2 on Friday, December 13. Lesson 3 words: adventitious, ambiguous, bona fide, cataclysm, deviate, edify, extenuate, fecund, glower, impale, importune, obfuscate, optimum, parochial, pedestrian. Students will work on differentiated assignments throughout the month to help them learn the words. They can also practice at home. Here is a helpful site with quizzes and activities for these words: INDEPENDENT READING: Independent reading assessment next week: Honors 1 on Thursday, December 12; Honors 2 on Friday, December 13).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2013 WRITING: Students will reflect on and record quarter 1 writing. READING: Lord of the Flies mini-project due this week. SAT: I will return student SAT essays after break. Essays are scored on a scale of 0-12 (7 or 8 being the average score). Please look in the comment section of PowerSchool after break to see your child's score. Lesson 3 words: adventitious, ambiguous, bona fide, cataclysm, deviate, edify, extenuate, fecund, glower, impale, importune, obfuscate, optimum, parochial, pedestrian. Students will work on differentiated assignments throughout the month to help them learn the words. They can also practice at home. Here is a helpful site with quizzes and activities for these words: INDEPENDENT READING: This month's genre: mystery / detective. They should be well into their books by now. They have until the second week of December to complete their books.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2013 WRITING: I am collecting one activity from the SAT choice board (Think Tac Toe) at the beginning of the week. Students had a good chunk of time to work on their novels last week, and I will provide more time this week. They are developing characters and beginning their opening chapters. READING: Students did such a great job on the practice Socratic Seminar last week, that I have pushed the Lord of the Flies documentary to this week. We will use the information in the documentary and from the end of the novel for a second Socratic Seminar this week. SAT: I will teach the SAT essay format this week. The Honors 1 class will write their first practice essay this Friday, and the Honors 2 class will do so next Monday. Lesson 3 words: adventitious, ambiguous, bona fide, cataclysm, deviate, edify, extenuate, fecund, glower, impale, importune, obfuscate, optimum, parochial, pedestrian. Students will work on differentiated assignments throughout the month to help them learn the words. They can also practice at home. Here is a helpful site with quizzes and activities for these words: INDEPENDENT READING: This month's genre: mystery / detective. They should be well into their books by now. They have until the second week of December to complete their books.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2013 WRITING: Students will continue to work on characterization as they develop minor characters for their novels. READING: Lord of the Flies. Students will review chapters 6 and 7 at the beginning of this week, and they will read 8 and 9 for the end of the week. They will complete the novel over the long weekend. Students should take notes as they read (they all have a rubric for notetaking). SAT: We begin Lesson 3 vocabulary. New words are: adventitious, ambiguous, bona fide, cataclysm, deviate, edify, extenuate, fecund, glower, impale, importune, obfuscate, optimum, parochial, pedestrian. Students will work on differentiated assignments throughout the month to help them learn the words. They can also practice at home. Here is a helpful site with quizzes and activities for these words: INDEPENDENT READING: This month's genre: mystery / detective. I will check books in all week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 28, 2013 WRITING: Students will continue to work on characterization as they develop minor characters for their novels. READING: Lord of the Flies: Honors 1: review chapters 4 & 5 on Tuesday and complete chapters 6 and 7 over the weekend; Honors 2: quiz on chapters 4 & 5 on Monday, read chapter 6 for Wednesday and read chapter 7 over the weekend. Great Expectations: complete chapter 11 in class this week. SAT: Test this week: Honors 1 class on Thursday and Honors 2 class on Friday. Students will be asked to provide definitions, write sentences and complete SAT fill-ins on the following words from Lesson 2: impotent, antithesis, maelstrom, emendation, chagrin, bauble, diaphonous, labyrinth, gloat, impediment, bestial, effete, shard, bland and nihilism. I will also include words from Lesson 1 on the test. Please find helpful activities for studying on Quizlet. Address below: quizlet.com/6319423/vocabulary-power-plus-for-the-new-sat-book-3-lesson-2-flash-cards/ INDEPENDENT READING: Test this week: Honors 1 on Thursday and Honors 2 on Friday. Students should complete and bring their books to class. Next month's genre: Mystery / Detective.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 21, 2013 WRITING: Students will write poems based on the Lesson 2 SAT words. They will also work on characterization as they develop minor characters for their novels. READING: Lord of the Flies: Honors 1: chapter 4 (Wednesday), chapter 5 (Friday), chapters 6 and 7 (weekend); Honors 2: chapter 4 (Thursday), chapters 5 and 6 (weekend). Great Expectations: chapters 10 and 11 in class this week. SAT: We will have a discussion on the PSAT. Students will also continue with the Lesson 2 words. Test next week. INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be finishing up their fiction books. The test will be next week (Wednesday/ Thursday).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 14, 2013 WRITING: Students will work in groups to present analysis of chapters 1and 2 in Lord of the Flies. READING: Lord of the Flies chapter 3 quiz on Tuesday (Honors 1) and Wednesday (Honors 2). SAT: I will review last week's grammar quizzes and introduce punctuation (commas, semi-colons and dashes). There will be another assessment at the end of this week. I will also provide tips and tricks for the upcoming PSAT. INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be well into their fiction books. They will be assessed at the end of October.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 7, 2013 WRITING: Students will write literary criticism on Great Expectations (feminist criticism) in class this week. READING: Lord of the Flies chapter 1 quiz on Monday (Honors 2); Lord of the Flies chapter 2 assessment on Tuesday (Honors 1) and Wednesday (Honors 2). Students will also work in groups to identify symbolism and characterization in the novel. SAT: Students will complete Lesson 2 in their SAT books / packets. In addition, we will review subject / verb agreement, parallel structure, tense and modifiers. INDEPENDENT READING: Independent reading assessments due Tuesday (Honors 1) and Wednesday (Honors 2). The October book genre is fiction. Students should find a book and check in with me at the beginning of this week. They have until the end of October to complete their new books.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 WRITING: Brave New World project due Monday (Honors 1) and Tuesday (Honors 2). Honors 1 students will write literary criticism on Great Expectations (feminist criticism) over the weekend. READING: I will introduce Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, this week. Quiz Friday in the Honors 1 section (on chapter 1). Honors 2 students will read chapter 1 over the weekend. As we did not have time last week, students will complete chapters 9 and 10 in Great Expectations this week. I will look at their note-taking and reading comprehension. SAT: I will introduce Lesson 2 words this week. Students are responsible for completing Lesson 2 work and creating flashcards. We will also continue to work with grammar/punctuation for the SAT writing section. INDEPENDENT READING: Independent reading assessments this week: Monday 9/30 (Honors 1) and Tuesday 10/1 (Honors 2). The October book genre is fiction. Students should find a book and check in with me by next Monday / Tuesday. They have until the end of October to complete their new books.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 WRITING: Students should be prepared to hand in their analyses of the television advertisements they viewed over the past week (Honors 1, Tuesday; Honors 2, Wednesday). Brave New World project (a creative project) due dates extended: Honors 1 due date: Monday, 9/30; Honors 2 due date: Tuesday, 10/1). I will provide class time for project work at the end of the week. Students are also working on characterization and setting for their novels. READING: Students will complete chapters 9 and 10 in Great Expectations this week. I will look at their note-taking and reading comprehension. SAT: We are reviewing pronoun / antecedents for the writing section of the PSAT. SAT LESSON 1 TEST THURSDAY (Honors 1) / FRIDAY (Honors 2). (lesson 1 words: factious, ignoble, boor, rectify, opulent, erotic, perspicacity, enervate, besiege, carrion, altruism, fervent, amorphous, aegis and ephemeral). On the test, students will be asked to provide definitions, write sentences and complete SAT fill-ins. INDEPENDENT READING: Biography or autobiography. Assessment dates: Monday 9/30 (Honors 1) and Tuesday 10/1 (Honors 2).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 WRITING: Students should be prepared to hand in their analyses of the magazine advertisements they found over the weekend (Honors 1, Monday; Honors 2, Tuesday). I will give them one week to research and write their analyses on television commercials (Honors 1 due date: Tuesday, 9/24; Honors 2 due date: Wednesday, 9/25). I will assign the Brave New World project (a creative project) at the end of this week (Honors 1 due date: Thursday, 9/26; Honors 2 due date: Friday, 9/27). READING: Students will read chapters 9 and 10 in Great Expectations this week. I will look at their note-taking and reading comprehension. SAT: We are reviewing modifiers and pronouns for the writing section of the PSAT. Students continue to study SAT vocabulary (lesson 1 words: factious, ignoble, boor, rectify, opulent, erotic, perspicacity, enervate, besiege, carrion, altruism, fervent, amorphous, aegis and ephemeral). Pop quiz them at home:). Test at the end of the month. INDEPENDENT READING: Biography or autobiography. I will assess students during the last class meeting in September.
Welcome to Honors 11 English 2013-2014. Summer Reading: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (chapters 1-7). Check for updates on our field trip to the Newport Mansions this summer. Please complete the assignment below for the first day of school: Great Expectations As you read the first seven chapters of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, I want you to consider the author’s rhetorical choices. Simply put, rhetoric is “the art of speaking or writing effectively.” How does Dickens use language to convey his purpose? The following questions will help you focus on and investigate Dickens’ rhetorical strategies. Answer each in at least one page (word-processed / double spaced). Chapter 1 The protagonist, Pip, is about seven years old at the start of the novel. Dickens uses word choice (diction), stories (anecdotes) and imagery (visual pictures) to write in the voice of a child. Choose one example from each page in the chapter. Provide the example and explain the way in which Dickens captures the child’s voice. Chapter 2 In chapter 2, we meet Pip’s caretakers, Joe Gargery and Mrs. Joe. Examine one of these characters in-depth. Speak to appearance and actions. What do these imply about the character? Also, look at the way the character speaks. What type of punctuation, sentence structure, and/or word choice is used by the character? What is Dickens trying to convey about the character through these choices? Chapter 3 In chapter 3, we learn a great deal about young Pip’s personality. He is constantly plagued by guilt, and he is also very kind. Provide 3 specific passages to illustrate either his guilt and / or kindness. Next, consider the plot so far and Pip’s upbringing. Why do you think he always feels so guilty? Why do you think he is kind? Chapter 4 Pip suffers physical punishment at the hands of his sister (he is raised “by hand”). Tell me about the characters at the Christmas dinner (there are new characters in this chapter) and their dinner discussion about children. Dickens uses careful description to illustrate / symbolize Pip’s inferior position. Provide evidence / examples from the novel. Chapter 5 What is your impression of Pip’s convict at the end of this chapter? Do you believe he poses any danger to Pip? Provide evidence from the chapter (specific passages and explanations). Chapter 6 Though chapter 6 is very short, Dickens provides a poignant look at Pip’s relationship with Joe both through word choice and visual detail. Provide examples of each as you explain the relationship. Chapter 7 In chapter seven, Dickens provides additional characterization for Joe. How does this information affect / change your opinion of Joe’s character so far in the novel? Extra Credit Choose a scene from the beginning of the novel and present it visually (graphic novel page, painting, sketch, computer drawing, etc.) You do not need to be an artist, but your final product needs to be professional if you wish to receive credit.
PLEASE SEE THE INDEX FOR END OF YEAR ASSIGNMENTS. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 30TH, 2012 WRITING: Translations of individual characters in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Students will present these translations. BOOKS: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer -- prologue and five tales in Middle English. SAT: Students have received their SAT exams, and they may use these to study for the May SAT. INDEPENDENT READING: Free choice. Test date TBA.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 23RD, 2012 WRITING: Students will hand in their Macbeth research notebooks this week. English portfolios due Monday / Tuesday of this week. BOOKS: We are finishing Macbeth this week. As we begin Chaucers' The Canterbury Tales, students will recite the opening lines in Middle English (this week). INDEPENDENT READING: Students should have signed in their IR choice by now. April is free choice.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 2ND, 2012 WRITING: Students will edit their Gulliver's Travels paper in class this week. Also, students continue to research topics for their Macbeth papers. Porfolio goals due at the beginning of this week. BOOKS: We are finishing Act III and moving onto Act IV in Macbth. SAT: Please make sure to sign your child up for the May SAT (sign ups end this week!). INDEPENDENT READING: Free choice. I continue to check in books this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 26TH, 2012 WRITING: Students will receive their drafts of their Gulliver's Travels papers. They will have the week to revise for plot and voice. In addition they will write their goal sheets and create cover pages for their English portfolios. BOOKS: Macbeth: Act II and part of Act III. SAT: No SAT work this week. Please look at Powerschool for last week's test grades. Absent students need to make up this test promptly. INDEPENDENT READING: New independent reading: free choice. I will check in books this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 19TH, 2012 WRITING: Gulliver's Travels (chapter 3) due at the end of this week. BOOKS: We are currently reading Shakespeare's Macbeth. We will finish Act I and move into Act II this week. SAT: Lesson Test (1-5) this week. INDEPENDENT READING: NY Times Bestseller assessment this week. New book: free choice.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 12, 2012 WRITING: Gulliver's Travels: Chapter 3 assigned this week (due next week). BOOKS: We are done with Henry IVth and will move onto Macbeth this week (William Shakespeare). SAT: Students should complete the Lesson 5 unit and be prepared for a test on these words (next week). INDEPENDENT READING: Independent Reading test next week (NY Times Bestseller).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 5TH, 2012 WRITING: Gulliver's Travels: Chapter 2 is due on Thursday and Friday of this week. BOOKS: Students are taking parts as we read Acts II - IV in Henry IV: Part 1 by William Shakespeare. SAT: Students should be looking over their lesson 5 words. INDEPENDENT READING: I will test students on the NY Times Bestsellers when we complete Henry IV: Part 1.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27, 2012 WRITING: Students will begin the second chapter of their Gulliver's Travels stories. Drafts are due 3/8 and 3/9. BOOKS: We are reading Henry IV: Part I by William Shakespeare. SAT: I will hand out the SAT dates for Spring 2012 this week. Please discuss which test (s) your students will take. I will also hand back the last practice SAT essay. Please look for the scores in Powergrade. Also, students should be working on their lesson 5 words. INDEPENDENT READING: NY Times Bestseller. The test will be during the third week in March.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012 WRITING: Students are working on the first chapter of their Gulliver's Travels satires. I will take their drafts before vacation. They are also writing sonnets, which they will turn in at the beginning of this week. In addition, they will hand in their completed college resumes. BOOKS: We continue to review Gulliver's Travels through writitng and class projects. This week, we begin Henry IV: Part 1. We will act out the play in class and use it as a warm up for our in-depth reading of Macbeth. SAT: Students should be working with their Lesson 5 words. INDEPENDENT READING: I continue to check in student choices for February (NY Times Bestseller).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 6, 2012 WRITING: Students are handing in the Lord of the Flies short stories this week. In addition, they will create their college resumes. I will also assign their new stories -- satires based on Gulliver's Travels. BOOKS: Students will read various Shakespearean sonnets as well as biographical information on Shakespeare as we prepare to begin Henry IV: Part 1. SAT: Students should complete the SAT 5 Lesson this week. INDEPENDENT READING: Students should check in thier February Independent Reading choices (NY Times Bestseller).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 30, 2012 WRITING: Students should bring their new drafts of their Lord of the Flies short stories on Monday and Tuesday of this week. We will continue to edit these pieces. BOOKS: We continue to review Gulliver's Traves: Books I-III through group work in class. Book IV quiz on Friday (section 2) and Monday of next week (section 1). SAT: SAT 4 test this Wednesday / Thursday. INDEPENDENT READING: Test on Monday / Tuesday of this week. February choice: New York Times bestseller.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 23, 2012 WRITING: We continue to edit student short stories on Lord of the Flies. We will look specifically at comma usage, as students seem to have quite a bit of difficulty with this mark of punctuation. BOOKS: I will assess students on Book III of Gulliver's Travels on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. They will also work with a partner to look at Books I and II in greater depth. SAT: Students will write a practice SAT essay on Monday and Tuesday of this week. We will continue our review of the PSAT. Please go to Collegeboard.com to sign your son / daughter up for one of the upcoming SAT tests. INDEPENDENT READING: Students should have checked in their choices by now (you can see them in PowerSchool). I will test students next week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 16, 2012 WRITING: At the beginning of this week, students will review drafts of their short stories. They will then have one week to rewrite. BOOKS: Students will take a quiz on Book II in Gulliver's Travels at the end of this week. They will also work with a partner as we review Book I in greater depth. SAT: All SAT work on Lesson 4 due this week. We continue to review the PSAT in class. INDEPENDENT READING: Students are still checking in their mystery / detective books this week. The test will be during the last class meeting in January.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 9, 2012 WRITING: Students are working on their short stories (due 1/17, 1/18). BOOKS: I will quiz students on Book 1 of Gulliver's Travels this Wednesday and Thursday. They will begin Book 2 over the weekend. SAT: We are reviewing the Lesson 4 SAT words. Students should also bring their PSAT booklets to class, as we will review the answers. INDEPENDENT READING: I have given students sufficient time to find their independent reading books for January (mystery/ crime); they will check them in with me at the beginning of this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 2, 2012 WRITING: Students will begin their creative short stories on Lord of the Flies. I will review rhetorical strategies this week. Papers are due January 17/18. BOOKS: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. Students will be assigned book 1 on Tuesday / Wednesday. I will quiz them on January 11 / 12 of next week. SAT: SAT Lesson 4 begins this week. Students should also bring their PSAT booklets to class, as we will be reviewing the answers. INDEPENDENT READING: The choice for January is mystery / detective. Students should check in their books next week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 19, 2011 BOOKS: As we begin our study of satire, the section 1 students will read "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift. The section 2 students will not have as much time (due to an all school assembly during one of their classes), so they will read the essay when we return from break. SAT: Students will receive their PSAT scores at the beginning of this week. INDEPENDENT READING: The January choice will be mystery or detective story.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 12, 2011 WRITING: Students are writing articles on the theme of the beast (Lord of the Flies) as it appears in the work of other artists (poets, musicians, television writers, etc.). We will also look at types of writing during The Englightenment in England. BOOKS: Students are wrapping up their study of Lord of the Flies with their articles and a mini-project. We will revisit their short stories after vacation. We now prepare to read Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. We will begin the book after vacation, and I am introducing satire this week. We will read Swift's famous essay, "A Modest Proposal" next week. SAT: Students are taking their SAT Lessons 1-3 test at the end of this week. INDEPENDENT READING: Students are taking their assessment on their non-fiction books at the end of this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 5TH, 2011 WRITING: Students are writing two journals this week based on song lyrics / Twilight Zone (as these relate to Lord of the Flies). They will also do some in-class writing on artists / themes. In addition, students are still developing their short story ideas. They will also begin an article based on the journals they have been writing on Lord of the Flies (due 12/14, 12/15). BOOKS: We continue our review of Golding's Lord of the Flies. SAT: We continue to review the SAT words in class. The test will be at the end of next week (on all three units). INDEPENDENT READING: Non-fiction. The test will be at the end of next week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 28TH, 2011 WRITING: Students will begin their pre-writing for their short stories (based on Lord of the Flies). In addition, students will write 1-1/2 page journal responses to various poems and songs related to Lord of the Flies. BOOKS: Lord of the Flies. Now that we have finished the novel, we will continue to look at in-depth symbolism and allusions. SAT: Students are writing poems with the SAT Lesson 3 words this week; in addition, they will act out the words in class. INDEPENDENT READING: Non-ficiton (test will be the 3rd week of December).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 21, 2011 WRITING: Students are reading various short stories in preparation for their own short story writing. We will begin these stories after the Thanksgiving break. Over the weekend, Honors Section 1 read "The Open Window" by Saki and "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. I will give these stories to the Honors 2 Section on Monday. Students should pay attention to striking imagery as they read. BOOKS: Lord of the Flies. Now that we have finished the novel, we will look at in-depth symbolism / allusions. SAT: Students should be studying the Unit 3 SAT words on their own (test around the second week of December). INDEPENDENT READING: Non-fiction.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14, 2011 WRITING: Toward the end of the week, students in the Honors 1 section will begin reading various short stories as we prepare for students to write their own short stories base on Lord of the Flies. The Honors 2 section will start this work at the beginning of next week. BOOKS: The Honors 1 section will complete Lord of the Flies at the end of this week. The Honors 2 section will complete the book at the beginning of next week. Students will continue to take quizzes and work on symbolism as we complete this novel. SAT: Student will do in-class writing this week to review their SAT words. INDEPENDENT READING: Students are reading non-fiction for the months of November / December.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 7, 2011 WRITING: Students are writing journals based on Golding's themes (the beast in man) in Lord of the Flies. They will probably ask you about their early beast moments! BOOKS: We continue our reading of Lord of the Flies (please see the homepage for specific chapters). Students are close reading for vocabulary, characterization and symbolism. SAT: Students are working on the SAT 3 words. The test will be in December. INDEPENDENT READING: November / Dec. : non-fiction. Students started checking in their books last week. All students should check in their books by the end of this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 31, 2011 WRITING: Students completed a sample SAT essay last week. Please check power school. You can see the score (out of 12) under the comments section for the Honors 1 Section. I will put the Honors 2 section in by the end of this week. BOOKS: Lord of the Flies. We are reviewing chapters 1-3 through group activities on characterization and setting. Students will read chapters 4 and 5 toward the end of the week. All students should have turned in their summer reading books by now (Great Expectations and Lord of the Flies). SAT: Lesson #3. Students will complete the new lesson at the beginning of this week. INDEPENDENT READING: November choice: Non-fiction. Students may begin checking in their books this week. The Honors 1 section will take their October test on Monday (Fiction) in the computer lab.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 17, 2011 WRITING: Students will be writing homework journals on their reactions to commercial and magazine advertisements in relation to Brave New World. Students will also hand in their Marxist Criticism journals this week (section 1 / Wednesday -- section 2 / Thursday). In addition, they will try their first SAT essay this week. While the PSAT did not contain any writing, the SAT will include an essay. BOOKS: Students will hand in their summer reading books -- Great Expectations and Brave New World -- this week. Please make sure that students return these books so that we have them to hand out to our other students. I will introduce Lord of the Flies, by William Golding (section 1 /Friday -- section 2 / Monday). I will assign the first chapter to the section 1 class for this weekend. SAT: Students continue to work on their September and October words. We will discuss their PSAT test experience, and I will introduce the essay format. Students will write their first SAT practice essay (they will complete one per month). INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be just about done with their fiction books. The test for section 2 is on Friday, October 28th. The test for section 1 is on Monday, October 31st.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 10TH, 2011 WRITING: I will hand back student articles on memory and sense in Great Expecations. I thought that the students did a great job with these articles, and I enjoyed reading them. We will continue our research into Marxist criticism, and the students will begin a new journal on Brave New World. BOOKS: We continue our review of Great Expectations and Brave New World. SAT: Students are taking and reviewing the 2007 PSAT in order to prepare for Saturday's test. They just completed their second lesson in their orange SAT books. We will also review semicolons for the writing section of the PSAT. INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be well into their October books (fiction).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 3RD, 2011 WRITING: Students are handing in the articles on memory and Great Expectations this week. In addition, students will begin their research of Marxist criticism as it relates to Brave New World. BOOKS: We continue our review of Great Expectations, and we will begin our review of Brave New World. SAT: In order to prepare students for the upcoming PSAT, we will continue our preparation on sentence structure and examine modifiers. We will also work on the semi-colon. Students will complete the second lesson in their SAT books and create flashcards for those words. INDEPENDENT READING: October choice is fiction. Students should check in their books with me this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2011 WRITING: Students are handing in their Great Expectations articles. SAT: Students will take their first SAT test on Lesson 1 in their orange books. The test will consist of definitions, sentences and SAT fill ins. We are also reviewing active vs. passive voice. INDEPENDENT READING: Students will take their first independent reading tests this week in the computer lab (on biography or autobiography). READING: We will continue our review of Great Expectations.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2011 WRITING: Students are finishing their journals on senses. I will assign an article based on these journals toward the end of this week. Students are also handing in their feminist critiques on the summer reading books. READING: We are reviewing the summer reading books, Great Expecations and Brave New World, through criticism, symbolism and plot. SAT: Students are working on parallel structure. They are also reviewing vocabulary (first test next week). INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be finishing up their biographies / autobiographies for next week's exam.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE SUMMER OF 2011 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (make sure to start early -- it's long!) Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Please make sure to read both books before the first day of school. You should take notes as you are reading (either in a notebook or on post-it notes). I will give you the first part of your test during our first class meeting..
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 2ND, 2011 BOOK: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Monday's Assessment: The Pardoner's Tale. Wednesday's Assessment: The Wife of Bath's Tale. Friday's Assessment: The Clerk's Tale (Parts I and II). Students Should Continue Working on their Recitations of the First 18 Lines of The Prologue (Due May 16th). WRITING: Gulliver's Travels Papers Due This Week. I Will Accept Papers Monday - Friday. As We Have Been Working on this Assignment for Two Months, I Will Not Accept Papers After Friday. INDEPENDENT READING: This Week, Students Will Choose a Contemporary British or Irish Poet / Writer. They Will Read the Poetry and / or Short Fiction of that Writer. SAT: Lesson 6 Vocabulary.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 25TH, 2011 BOOK: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (poem in Middle English) SAT: Lesson 6 WRITING: Finish Book V: Chapter III in Gulliver's Travels assignment. Full paper due next week. INDEPENDENT READING: To be announced.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 28TH BOOK: We are completing Beowulf this week. Students will watch the film and take notes on the cultural and character differences. SAT: Lesson 5 Exam (Friday) WRITING: Student will begin the third chapter of their Gulliver's Travels V paper. They will peer edit chapter 2 together on Monday. INDEPENDENT READING: Assessment of March choices this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 21ST BOOK: Students are reading Beowulf. They will read the last two battles this week (I will quiz them each class). SAT: Lesson 5 words. Students should be learning these words at home. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Students are working on the second chapter of their Gulliver's Travels Book V assignments. Students are using time in class and at home to work on this paper. INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be finishing up their March books for next week's test.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 7TH BOOK: No book this week. Students are still working on their Gulliver's Travels writing assignment. SAT: Writing Section Review (grammar and essay). Good luck on Saturday!!!! WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: College Essay Poem, Gulliver's Travels V (chapter 1 drafts) INDEPENDENT READING: Students are checking in their March books (free choice).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 14TH BOOK: Gulliver's Travels. Complete Book III presentations. SAT: Unit 4 test on Thursday. (Signups for March SAT ended Feb. 11th. Late signups still available on collegeboard.com) WRITING ASSIGNMENT: Students are working on the first chapter of their Book V, Gulliver's Travels assignment. I will provide class time on Tuesday. INDEPENDENT READING: Test on Thursday (contemporary British/ Irish literature).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7TH BOOK: Gulliver's Travels. Continue review of Book III and IV. SAT: Please bring all SAT booklets to each class. Students should log onto collegeboard.com to sign up for the March or May SAT Exam. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Creative Lyric Assignment Due Wed. 2/9. Begin Gulliver's Travels Assignment. Students will write Book V. INDEPENDENT READING: Contemporary British / Irish Fiction. Test the week before Feb. vacation. WORD WEEK: Word process your favorite word, its definition, and your reason for Wednesday. If you act out your word, bring in food assoicated with your word or dress like your word, you will receive extra credit. The entire school will be taking part in these Word Week celebrations.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 31ST, 2011 BOOK: Gulliver's Travels: Quiz on Book IV on Thursday 2/3. Review of Books II and III in class this week. SAT: Please bring all SAT booklets to each class. Students should log onto collegeboard.com to sign up for the March or May SAT Exam. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Creative Lyric Assignment INDEPENDENT READING: Contemporary British / Irish Fiction
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 17TH, 2011 BOOK: Gulliver's Travels. Tuesday: Quiz on Book II. Book III due Wednesday, January 26th. SAT: Please bring all SAT booklets to each class. Students should log onto collegeboard.com to sign up for the March or May SAT Exam. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Lord of the Flies Article INDEPENDENT READING: Contemporary British / Irish Fiction
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 10TH, 2011 BOOK: GULLIVER'S TRAVELS: QUIZ ON BOOK ONE TUESDAY 1/11; BEGIN BOOK TWO SAT WORDS: UNIT 4 WORK AND FLASHCARDS DUE THIS WEEK (WE DID NOT GET TO THIS UNIT LAST WEEK) PSAT SCORES ARE IN! PLEASE BRING BOOKLETS TO ALL CLASSES! WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: LORD OF THE FLIES ARTICLES DUE NEXT WEEK INDEPENDENT READING: CONTEMPORARY BRITISH / IRISH FICTION
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 3RD, 2011 NEW BOOK: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. (Book 1 Reading Due Tuesday, 1/ 11). SAT: Unit 4 Words. Unit and Flashcards Due Friday 1/7). INDEPENDENT READING: All Tests Due by Wednesday 1/5. New Book: Contemporary British or Irish Fiction / Non-Fiction. Book Selections Due 1/11.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22, 2010 READING: Complete Lord of the Flies. Quiz on 11 and 12 -- 11/23. SAT: Unit 3 words. INDEPENDENT READING: Fiction. I will test students before the winter break.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 15, 2010 READING: Chapters 6-11 in Lord of the Flies. SAT: Vocabulary book on Unit 3 words due this week. Practice SAT Essay #2 on Friday. INDEPENDENT READING: The November book is fiction. As November and December are shorter school months, I will test students before the winter break. PROJECT: SAT Vocabulary Book due this week.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 25,2010 READING: Chapters 1, 2, and 3 in Lord of the Flies by William Golding SAT: Unit 2 Vocabulary Words; Grammar Review INDEPENDENT READING: October Test on Thursday (Classic British Authors)
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 18, 2010 READING: Poem: "The World is Too Much With Us" by William Wordsworth (relate poem to themes in Brave New World); "Propaganda in a Democratic Society" by Aldous Huxley (Assigned on Monday) and "Hypnopaedia" by Aldous Huxley (Assigned on Wednesday). NEW BOOK: Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I plan to hand out and assign the first chapter of the book on Friday (if we get to it by the end of the week; if not, we will begin the following week). PAPERS: No papers due this week. Students will receive their first extended papers back by the end of this week. We will review, record and file the papers. SAT: Review PSAT. Grammar exercises. First SAT essay. Students will write one essay per month (in class) in order to prepare for the SAT. They should plan to take the test twice this year. INDEPENDENT READING: Classic British Authors.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 2010 SUMMER READING: View Commercials and Magazine Ads / Take Notes/ Take Part in Class Discussion. PAPERS: (10/12) Great Expectations Descriptions (1 person and 1 place of importance); (10/14) Marxist Critiques (relate to Brave New World). SAT: Grammar and Punctuation Review. PSAT on Saturday, 10/16. INDEPENDENT: Classic British Authors (students should have signed in book by this point -- check PowerSchool).
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 4, 2010 PAPERS: Marxist Critiques assigned by the end of this week. READING: Students will read an article on Marxist Criticism as they prepare to write their own critiques. SAT: Students will complete Unit 2 in the SAT Vocabulary Book. INDEPENDENT READING: October is Classic British Authors month. I gave students a list of authors from which to choose. I will check books in all this week, and I will test students during the last class meeting in October.
DIRECTIONS FOR ARTICLES (DUE MONDAY) Your article will contain: 1 main title; two opening paragraphs (general opening; forecast of your journal ideas); three subheadings, each with its own title (these are your three journals -- sight, sound, smell); transitions between each journal; subtitle for conclusion and one concluding paragraph. Make sure to include design elements as well. You do not need to use columns. If you want to, you may. You must, however, include three graphics and a catchy main title font. Remember, I will be lenient as I grade the setup and design of these papers, as you have never tried the article before. I will, however, expect detailed content. ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 PAPERS: Articles on memory / senses due Monday 9/27. Marxist Critiques assigned Friday 10/1. READING: Students will read an article on Marxist Criticism Wednesday night as they prepare to write their own Marxist Critiques of Great Expectations and Brave New World. SAT: SAT Unit 1 test on Friday 10/1. SAT Unit 2 work assigned on 10/1. Students need to sign up for the October PSAT starting 9/27 in Guidance. INDEPENDENT READING: The first Independent Reading test will be held on Wednesday 9/29. Students will have until the end of next week to show me their new Independent Reading books.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2010 PAPERS: Students are working on journals in response to Great Expectations (memories through various senses) READING: Students will read and respond to Literary Criticism on Dickens and Great Expectations. We will also review the summer exam questions on Great Expectations. SAT: Students will take sample tests, review grammar and work on vocabulary. INDEPENDENT READING: Students should be reading their biographies, autobiographies or memoirs. Test will be the last class meeting in September.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 EXAMS: Essay portions of summer exam on Monday and Wednesday of this week. PAPERS: Draft of Feminist Critique on Dickens and Huxley due Monday. Final Paper Due Friday (9/17). Draft of Sensory Memories Paper (Part 1) Due Wednesday. HOMEWORK: Writing Goals for Portfolio Due Monday, 9/13. UPCOMING ASSIGNMENTS: Independent Reading Book Exam at the End of September. SAT Vocabulary Exam I at the End of September. ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2010 SAT VOCABULARY UNIT 1 (WE ARE WAITING FOR BOOKS, SO I AM ASSIGNING THE UNIT FOR THIS WEEK) COLLEGE WORKSHEETS, ENGLISH BINDERSAND INDEPENDENT READING BOOKS DUE (SEE BELOW)
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2010 1. STUDENTS WILL DO LESSON 1 IN THEIR SAT VOCABULARY BOOKS. 2. STUDENTS WILL FILL OUT THE COLLEGE INFORMATION SHEET. 3. STUDENTS WILL FIND A BIOGRAPHY OR AUTOBIOGRAPHY FOR THEIR SEPTEMBER INDEPENDENT READING BOOK. 4. STUDENTS WILL ORGANIZE THEIR ENGLISH BINDER (1" BINDER WITH FOUR SECTIONS: LITERATURE NOTES, GRAMMAR, SAT VOCABULARY, IN-CLASS WRITING). |
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