English 10-4/20-4
This is the website for Mr. Chomistek's English 10-4/20-4 Class. This site will be organized by both Days and Literary Work. This website will be a gathering area for assignments, tests, and any other course materials.
In this class, we will striving towards the Alberta Education English Language Arts curricular goals. By the end of the course you will be able to:
1. listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences.
2. listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual, and multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically, and creatively.
3. listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to manage ideas and information.
4.listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.
5.listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to respect, support, and collaborate with others.
These are the general outcomes. The specific outcomes for this grade are listed below.
During the year, as a student in this class, you will have the opportunity to:
General Outcome 1
1.1.1 - Form tentative understandings, interpretations, and positions
1.1.2 - Experiment with language, image and structure
1.2.1 - Consider new perspectives
1.2.2 - Express preferences, and expand interests
1.2.3 - Set personal goals for language growth
General Outcome 2
2.1.1 - Discern and analyze content
2.1.2 - Understand and interpret content
2.1.3 - Enage prior knowledge
2.1.4 - Use reference strategies and reference technologies
2.2.1 - Relate form, structure, and medium to purpose, audience and content
2.2.2 - Relate elements, devices, and techniques to created effects
2.3.1 - Connect self, text, culture, and mileu
2.3.2 - Evaluate the verisimilitude, appropriatenss, and significance of print and nonprint texts
2.3.3 - Appreciate the effectiveness and artistry of print and nonprint texts.
General Outcome 3
3.1.1 - Focus on purpose and presentation form
3.1.2 - Plan inquiry or research, and identify information needs and sources
3.2.1 - Select, record, and analyze information
3.2.2 - Evaluate sources, and assess information
3.2.3 - Form generalizations and conclusions
3.2.4 - Review inquiry or research process and findings
General Outcome 4
4.1.1 - Assess text creation context
4.1.2 - Consider and address form, structure, and medium
4.1.3 - Develop content
4.1.4 - Use production, publication, and presentation strategies and technologies consistent with context
4.2.1 - Enhance thought and understanding and support and detail
4.2.2 - Enhance organization
4.2.3 - Consider and address matters of choice
4.2.4 - Edit text for matters of correctness
General Outcome 5
5.1.1 - Use language and image to show respect and consideration
5.1.2 - Appreciate diversity of expression, opinion, and perspective
5.1.3 - Recognize accomplishments and events
5.2.1 - Cooperate with others, and contribute to group processes
5.2.2 - Understand and evaluate group processes
Day 1 Welcome to the class.
Today we need to go over the following:
Class Guidelines/Expectations
Course Outline
Extra Help Times
Letter to your Teacher
Then, we will head down to get our textbooks. When we return, please do the pre-reading questions on the board:
Day 3
From the title "1 Mile of Ice"(page 14), predict:
A. What is the story going to be about?
B. What kind of story is it going to be?
Then, I will be reading the story aloud, and you will complete the questions on page 23. We will finish by discussing setting and character types.
Then, we will watch this Simpsons Episode, "Mountains of Madness" as a comparison.
Day 4
Further discussion around 1 Mile of Ice
Types of Conflict
Writing Workshop: Commas with coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
Background information for John Henry:
What is a folk tale? What are some Canadian folk tales?
-Here is a weird one that is very Canadian.....it's about flying canoes and fur traders and the devil.
La Chaisse Galerie
To give us a quick preview, here is Johnny Cash's telling of John Henry's story.
Silent Reading of John Henry, page 52.
Questions from the text:1-4.
Day 7
Project Introduction
Watch Competition Video
Begin "Two Brothers" (Page 180) and do questions 1 and 2.
Day 8
Irony discussion - 3 types
Point of View - 3 types
Read "The Visitor" and complete questions 1,2, and 4.
Day 9-10
Today, we will read "The Monkey's Paw"
Then, we will spend a few days writing our own short stories from the following prompt:
Imagine you got three wishes. What would you wish for? How would it change your life for the better? How would it change your life for the worse?
Day 11
Today we will start our novel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
To start, we will discuss what we know about the American Dream and the Great Depression.
Oh look, here's a video on the Great Depression!
I will be sending the students 5 at a time to grab textbooks.
Pre-Reading Discussion Questions
Why are dreams and goals important?
How do they help? Are they always helpful?
What is the 'America Dream?' Is there a Canadian version?
Why is friendship important?
What defines a good friend?
We will finish Chapter 1, and then answer these questions:
Chapter One:
1. Examine the following quote: “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then they go into town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got a thing to look ahead to.”
2. Steinbeck spends a lot of work describing the setting. How do you feel about this place? What places have you seen that are similar?
3. What do you think of the way George treats Lennie? George says he’d like to get rid of Lennie. Do you think that’s the way he really feels? Give proof for your opinion.
4. What has life been like for George and Lennie in the past? What do you expect it will be like for them now?
5. What would life be like for both these men if they didn’t have each other?
6. What is their dream? What do you think of it?
7. What happened in Weed?
8. What is Lennie supposed to do if the boss talks to him? Why?
Discussion
Day 13
You can access the full text of the book here:
There is also and audiobook version online, which can be found here:
We will discuss what we have read so far.
Who are the main characters? What is their relationship?
Where and when is the story taking place?
What happened to the two men in Weed?
I will read the first half of the chapter, and then have you do the first few questions. Then, we will do the same with the second half.
Chapter Two:
1. What is the bunkhouse like?
2. Describe your first impression of Candy. Why does he clean out the bunkhouses?
3. Why does the blacksmith leave the ranch?
4. What do you learn about Curley and Curley’s wife?
5. What kind of work is being done on the ranch?
6. Why is Lennie such a good worker?
7. What is the problem with Candy's dog?
8. What does Carlson offer to do to Candy’s dog?
9. Why does George lie in this chapter?
10. In this chapter, we meet some of the workers at the ranch: Candy, Slim, and Carlson. How do they live? How do they get along together? How do they react to George and Lennie?
11. Written Response: Choose one of the characters and write a 4 sentence description of them. This will be a Written Response mark only, so write as well as you can!
Day 14
We will discuss the Chapter 2 Questions.
Before we begin, let's make some predictions with the foreshadowing as information:
-What is going to happen with Lennie? Why do you think so? What hints have you been given so far?
-What is going to happen with Curley's wife? Why do you think so? What hints have you been given so far?
-What is going to happen with Candy's dog? Why do you think so? What hints have you been given so far?
We will read Chapter 3, and complete the following questions.
Chapter Three:
1. Carlson and Candy disagree about the dog. Who do you think is right? What would you do? Have you ever had a similar experience?
2. Who is William (Bill) Tenner? What did he do?
3. Why do you think George tells Slim what happened in Weed? How can he trust Slim?
4. What is Suzy’s place? How is it different from Clara’s place?
5. What does Candy say to George after they shoot his dog? Why?
6. Why does Candy have so much more money than the others do? How has it affected his life? What does he want to make himself happy?
7. What is the plan of Lennie, George, and Candy? How much longer do they need to work on the farm to achieve this dream?
8. What do you think of Curley’s attacking Lennie?
9. What is the machine that Curley got his hand caught in?
Chapter 3 Writing Assignment:
Please write a paragraph of 7-10 sentences that answers the following questions. This is going to be a Written Response Mark only, so be sure to pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Choose one of the characters and describe them in detail. Please explain at least three of their characteristics and explain what you believe motivates them to act as they do.
Chapter Four:
1. What is Crooks doing at the beginning and at the end of the chapter?
2. How is the setting different in the chapter?
3. Why does Crooks “S’pose” a lot of situations to Lennie?
4. Why does Crooks offer to join in the dream of Candy, Lennie and George?
5. How does the arrival of Curley’s wife affect the three men in Crooks’ room? What do you think of her?
6. Why is George unhappy when he returns to the ranch? What do you think he should do?
7. What do you expect will happen next in the story?
First, we wil discuss the chapter questions.
Then, we will do a writers workshop on subordinating clauses.(I will explain what this means)
Then, we will watch this documentary on the south. It gives an image of how, even twenty years after the events of this novel, things were difficult for those who were different.
Ghosts of Ole Miss.
Day 18
We will work on our project. Here is how it will go:
1. We will create a timeline.
2. We will divide into our groups(before, during, after)
3. We will choose who we are interviewing, where they live, and put it on a map. I need a city, state/province, and a nation.
4. Google Streetview for research
5. Research the area and the culture.
6. By the end of class, each person must have this decided and submitted to me.
Day 19:
Visual Response: Due at the end of class.
Day 20-21:
We will read Chapter 6:
Class discussion:
Why did George do what he did?
Do you believe he made the right choice?
What will happen to George now?
What were the dreams of:
George
Lennie
Candy
Crooks
Curley's Wife
Did any of them achieve their dream?
Why did Curley act the way he did?
Why did Curley's wife act the way she did?
-After Curley's wife's visit with Lennie, does she seem like a more sympathetic character? Why or why not?
Why does Crooks act the the way he did?
Then, please answer the following questions.
1) List a few of George’s actions that show his sympathy or understanding for Lennie.
2) How is the killing of Candy’s dog an example of foreshadowing and symbolism?
3) Consider what friendship is and write a definition. Demonstrate how Curley, Crooks, Candy, Curley’s wife, Slim and George are examples of either good friends or bad friends.
4) Dreams allow people to rise above their daily, possibly unhappy, existence and hope for a better future; however, unrealistic dreams frustrate and increase unhappiness rather than helping a person through hard times. Discuss the effects of dreams on several characters in the book.
5) How does the use of foreshadowing prepare the reader for the end of the novel? Define the term and discuss the major incidents that give clues about who, why, how, and where.
6) Loneliness is a central theme. Define loneliness and explain who you believe are the two loneliest people in the novel.
7) Which character is the protagonist? Why do you think so?
8) Choose two characters besides Lennie and George and explain why they are needed to tell the story properly. How would the story be incomplete without their presence.
9) What does "Of Mice and Men" tell us about human nature? What broad statements about life can we learn from it?
We will break up the next two days with a persuasive writing(closing down the Prosper Library-January 2011) assignment as well.
Day 21-22 - Film Study: Of Mice and Men
Day 23-24
We will write a 2 paragraph response to the film and novel. Here is your assignment:
Paragraph 1: Describe either George or Lennie
Paragraph 2: Describe their friendship and why their friendship is important.
Each paragraph must be at least 5 sentences.
Day 25: We will start our poetry unit:
We will analyze poems using the TFTASTI Approach. Here is a sheet that outlines it:
Day 26:
Imagery
Imagery is any descriptive language that appeals to the senses. The senses are:
Smell
Sight
Hearing
Touch
Taste
Any time that there is a description that appeals to one or more of the five senses, the author is using imagery:
We will come up with examples.
Then, read "Lineage" from page 13 in your text. Complete a TFTASTI Chart for it, complete question 1.
Then, please identify any examples of imagery from the poem.
Day 27
Figurative Language:
Today, we will be discussing similes, metaphors, and personification.
Simile - comparison of two unlike things using as, like, or than.
Examples:
Metaphors - a direct comparison of two unlike things. This does not use as, like, or than.
Examples
Personification - giving human characteristics to a non-human. This is a kind of metaphor
Then, we will look at the the four poems selected for "Poetry and the Machine" in your textbooks on pages 58-60. Complete a TFTASTI Chart and complete question 1.
Day 28:
To begin, we will look at a poem called "The Tortoise and the Scorpion" by David Rakoff, as read on an episode of "This American Life" from NPR
We will listen to it being read by the author. Again, from "This American Life" on NPR
As we listen, identify the 'facts.'
Who is the speaker?
Who are the other characters?
When is it happening?
Where is it happening?
What is happening?
What is the main idea?
What do we notice is different about this poem? What makes it different?
Today, we will look at onomatopoeia, alliteration, and rhyming as a literary technique.
Onomatopoeia - words that sound like sounds
Examples:
Alliteration - the repetition of consonant sounds
Rhyming - the repetition of sounds at the end of words. Often, these come at the end of a line, but do not have to.
To look at rhymes, we will compare these two songs. How do they compare? How is the rhyme scheme different? What is the effect?
Blackalicious - Deception
Who is the speaker?
Who are the other characters?
When is it happening?
Where is it happening?
What is happening?
What is the main idea?
Deltron 3030 - 3030
Who is the speaker?
Who are the other characters?
When is it happening?
Where is it happening?
What is happening?
What is the main idea?
Day 30
Today, we will discuss 'shifts' in poetry.
Nearly every poem will have a shift, or a change somewhere in its lines. The shift can be in a number of areas:
A) Tone
B) Speaker
C) Purpose(ex. descriptive to questioning)
D) Tense(past, present, etc)
E) Rhyme Scheme
F) Rhythm
G) Diction or word choice
E) Structure
We will look at two poems today. Namely:
Legacy - page 127
Complete TFTASTI Chart
Complete Questions 1 and 2
and
Rick Hansen: 1100 Metres High in Hinton, Alberta on March 20, 1987 - page 130
Complete TFTASTI Chart
Complete Question 1
Day 31
Today we will look at symbolism.
Symbolism is when something concrete or tangible represents something that is not.
Example: Gun represents conflict. Heart represents love.
Read "Chrysalis Diary" on page 47.
and "fences" on page 96
Complete a TFTASTI Chart for one of the poems and complete question 1 for each section.
What symbols exist in this poem? What are they symbols and what do they represent?
Day 32
Our final poetry assessment will be as follows:
Read "History Lessons" on page 200.
Complete a TFTASTI Chart for it.
Complete Question 1.
Lastly, you may choose a song and analyze it using the TFTASTI technique. The song must be school appropriate and incorporate at least two of the techniques listed below.
You may work on this in partners. For the Techniques component, be sure to identify as many examples of the techniques as you can. These include:
Imagery
Figurative Langauge
Rhyme/Rhythm
Symbolism
Alternatively, you may write your own poem. It should take an equivalent amount of work as a TFTASTI.
Day 30-35 - Film Study
In groups, please discuss:
What films do you like? Why do you like them? What is that makes them good?
To begin, we will watch this video on film techniques.
Graphic Novel Unit:
We will be working through few graphic novel excerpts. For each, we will answer the following questions:
1. How would you describe the style?
2. Who is the main character? What are their character traits?
3. What is your favorite visual or picture from the selection?
4. What is the main message of the selection?
Film Study Questions:
This week, we are looking at origin stories in films. You can complete the questions right on this sheet. Please use complete sentences to answer the questions.
Ghost Rider:
1. What are three things that contributed to his identity?
2. What changed in the main character throughout the film?
3. What lesson did the main character learn?
4. Who are two characters that influence the main character? How do they influence him?
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
1. What are three things that contributed to his identity?
2. What changed in the main character throughout the film?
3. What lesson did the main character learn?
4. Who are two characters that influence the main character? How do they influence him?
Both:
Write a short paragraph(6 sentences) that outlines the differences and similarities between the films. What is the same and what is different between the two?
Functional Writing Unit
For the next week, we will be focusing on writing different types of letters that you will probably have to write in the course of your life.
There are a few things to keep in mind when writing formal letters.
1. Write politely and formally. No slang words.
2. No contractions(won’t, didn’t, isn’t)
3. Always introduce yourself.
4. State the purpose of the letter in the first few lines.
5. End with a salutation.(Regards, Sincerely)
Cover Letter Assignment
A cover letter accompanies your resume when you respond to an advertisement, follow up on a job lead, or just want to indicate interest in a company. The purpose of this letter is to introduce yourself and your resume and to get an interview. Following are some tips to keep in mind when developing your cover letter:
• It should be addressed to a specific person. This may require contacting the business to which you are applying to find the appropriate person (e.g. manager / owner)
• If you can’t find the name of the contact person, begin your letter with “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.
• The letter must be typed, error-free and properly formatted. It must include your name and full address, the date, the name and title of your contact person, and the full address of the company/business. The content of the letter should be formatted as follows:
Paragraph 1: Explain your purpose for writing (which is to apply for a student
co-op position). State the job for which you are applying and how you learned about the position. If you are applying to a job advertisement, explain where you saw the ad.
Paragraph 2/3: Explain why the business should want you as a co-op student. Refer to your resume, highlighting the major qualifications that relate to the position and how you can benefit the employer. Include any special experience or training you have.
Paragraph 4 Express your enthusiasm and appreciation for the person’s attention to your application. This is the concluding paragraph - be direct and ask for a personal interview.
Sample Cover Letter
Bob Carter
123 Elm Street
Leamington, ON
N8H 5C7
<1 space>
September 13, 2010
<1 space>
Mr. Steve Perry
Publisher
The Leamington Post
456 Seventh Street
Leamington, ON
N8H 4S9
<1 space>
Dear Mr. Perry:
<1 space>
I would like to take this time to thank you for reading my letter and considering me as a co-op candidate. It is my hope that a placement with your company will have a great influence on my
life and I’m sure that you will benefit as well.
<1 space>
I’m great at completing projects and always look for the best outcome. I’m also open-minded to many ideas on new projects that I will be shown. I’m hoping to expand my mind and make myself a better person with this experience. A co-op placement like this will allow me to bring so much to the table that I believe will take me farther in life. Doing something that is art based gives me great joy and pride and motivation to show up to work every day.
<1 space>
My high school experience includes 1 credit in photography, 3 credits of art and 2 communication technology credits. Taking these courses has allowed me to understand the theory as well as the practical components, including the following software programs: Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, Adobe Premiere and Corel Draw.
<1 space>
I hope to continue my desire for photography and graphic design outside the classroom to a workplace atmosphere such as the Barrie Nugget. I would appreciate the opportunity for an interview at your convenience. I can be reached at 705.123.4567 after 3:00pm. Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope to hear from you soon.
<1 space>
Sincerely,
signature
Bob Carter
Letter of Complaint
The situation:
Imagine that you purchased something in Airdrie, Alberta.
Recently you have noticed that what you bought has broken down and is not working at all anymore. You would like either a replacement or your money back.
The Assignment:
Write a business letter to the store or the maker of what you bought in regards to your frustration with the product.
When writing, be sure to
- Identify the purpose of the letter
- Explain the details of the situation and request
- Organize your thoughts appropriately in sentences and paragraphs
- Use vocabulary that is appropriate and effective
Format:
Salutation (Greeting):
Body:
1. What is the problem?
2. When did you notice the problem? (You can make up this information). How has this situation inconvenienced you?
4. Tell what you want done about it.
5. Make sure to say you want a reply to your letter by phone or by letter. When do you
want your response by?
6. Your expressed anticipation of a satisfactory response to the complaint
Closing: (Pick one of the two standard closings)
Signature:
Printed Name:
Letter of Resignation
The Resignation Letter
When you decide to leave your job, it is important to leave on the best note possible. By writing and turning in a letter of resignation, you will be following professional protocol. Even though everyone may already know you are planning to leave, you still need to maintain professional attitude and etiquette. Remember, your personal and professional reputation is on the line. Co-workers will remember you by the way you handle this important last impression.
This letter will be the final document in your personnel file, so resign correctly and leave the windows of opportunity open for future jobs. It will also help to maintain a good relationship with your employer and associates.
To write a letter of resignation:
Use appropriate business letter format
Give proper notice, usually at least 2 weeks in advance of your last day
Be brief, clear, and concise
State your appreciation of the job and opportunities you held and experienced
Include some skills you learned/used while during your employment
Include positive things about the company, co-workers, and your experiences
Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors
State the date you plan to leave
You do not have to give a reason for leaving, but include your contact information
Using what you have experienced at your present job, write a letter of resignation. Of course, you do not have to be leaving this job, this is just for practice. Choose a date that will be your “last day.” Follow the guidelines above, proofread the letter, then turn it in to your teacher.
Digital Presentation Assignment
Crime Multimedia Unit:
For the next three weeks, we will be looking at a variety of print and non-print texts regarding crime. As we go through the unit, please keep the following questions in mind:
What defines crime?
What causes crime?
What can we do to prevent crime?
Is there any time that crime is okay?
Today, we will look at a few news articles that discuss crime and try to answer the above questions, as well as some below.
Article: Video on Distracted Driving
1. What is the message?
2. How is the message delivered?
3. What is your opinion?
Opinion Article on Bullying
4. What is the message?
5. How is the message delivered?
6. What is your opinion?
One of the two is an opinion piece. That is, the author is promoting their own views on a topic, rather than giving simply the facts. A single person's opinion that alters how facts are presented is known as bias. Which article has the most examples of bias?
10. What are some examples of bias in the opinion piece?
11. Do you agree with their perspective? Why or why not?
Now, we will watch this announcement regarding a national bullying law. Please write an Opinion Piece(5-8 sentences) that outlines the following:
1. What are you writing about?
2. What facts about it do you know?
3. What is your opinion? What do you believe?
4. Why should other people believe you?
Infographics:
Infographics are a kind of visual text. They attempt to display information in a creative way. The idea is that the form matches function. That is, the way the information is presented is related to the information itself.
Please answer the following questions. You may answer the questions in point form, as this will be a Visual Comprehension Mark only.
Toronto Crime Patterns
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
If Crime Was Elevation in San Francisco
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
Crime and Punishment through History
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
What is Corruption Video
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
4. How is a video different in terms of how you receive the information?
Short Story:
We will read "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roahl Dahl
Then we will watch the video:
Please answer these questions.
1. How would you describe the main character? Give 3 traits.
2.How would you describe her husband? Give 2 traits.
3. What crime does she commit? How does she do it?
4. Why does she commit this crime?
5. What story does she try to tell the police?
6. What evidence is in the house when the police arrive? What happens to the evidence?
Television Representations of Crime:
We will watch "Criminal Minds" and "Futurama" and compare their representations of Criminality.
Again, we will be looking at how form and function are related, specifically with regards to sound.
How does "Futurama" represent criminality?
Criminal Minds
1. How would you describe the tone of this episode?
2. Choose one of the characters and describe them in as much detail as possible.
3. Draw a plot diagram of the events in the episode.
4. How are television shows different than short stories?
5. How does "Criminal Minds" represent the criminals? Is it positive or negative?
Futurama - Bender Gets Made
1. How would you describe the tone of this episode?
2. Choose one of the characters and describe them in as much detail as possible.
3. Draw a plot diagram of the events in the episode.
4. How are comedic television shows different than dramatic shows?
5. How does "Futurama" represent the criminals? Is it positive or negative?
Both: How are the sound effects and music different in these two shows? What effect does this have?
Reading Comprehension Practice
We will read "On the Sidewalk, Bleeding" and answer the following questions.
1. What effect does Andy's jacket have on the people who find him in the alley?
2. What are the reasons these people do not help Andy?
3. At what point does Andy realize he is dying?
4. What does Andy do with the last of his strength? Why?
5. What is the author's message?
5. What is the police officer's reaction to Andy? How does this contribute to the author's message?
6. What kind of person do you think Andy was? Did he deserve what he got? Why or why not?
Film Study: The Italian Job
Questions:
1. How would you describe the main character? Who do you believe is the protagonist?
2. How does the portrayal of crime change throughout the film?
3. Describe the tone of the film. How does sound and storyline impact the tone?
Crime Research Project:
We will be completing a short digital research project / visual presentation on 'Defining Justice.' There are several key understandings we will hope to attain in this project:
1. How do I define justice? What does it mean to me?
2. How do I do effective research?
3. How do I communicate ideas effectively?
This project will be divided up into Content and Form.
Content Questions
1. What is my definition of justice?(must be in your own words)
2. How have three other cultures defined justice?
3. What are some examples of justice being carried out?
Content Marks - This will follow our standard 5 Category Rubric
Excellent - I have answered the questions thoroughly and insightfully
Proficient - I have answered the questions thoroughly
Satisfactory - I have answered the questions satisfactorily. I have answered most of the questions completely.
Limited - I have answered the questions incompletely and have missed some key points.
Poor -
Form
1. How are you planning to visually and digitally present your information?(powerpoint, prezi, video, this cool site, etc)
2. Your presentation must contain at least one imbedded video.
3. You must do research for your presentation.
4. The facts that you include must be verified by TWO independent sources. That is, for every fact you include, you must be able to find proof of it in at least two places that do not cite each other on the internet.
5. How does the form that you have chosen help to present your information better in terms of multimedia, design, colors, etc?
Form marks - This will also follow our 5 Category Rubric. This will go in as a Visual Presentation mark.
Excellent - The presentation is visually engaging and the form is purposefully chosen for the content.
Proficient - The presentation is visually pleasant and the form suits the content.
Satisfactory - The presentation is visually interesting and the form mostly matches the content.
Limited - The presentation is visually interesting some of the time and the form is inconsistent with the content.
Good luck! This is meant to be a fairly quick project, as we will only be spending the day on them. Please email me the finished project by the end of the week.
Literary Exploration Review
Then, we will look at how to brainstorm for a literary exploration assignment, which is very similar to an essay. See student examples
here.
For the Literary Exploration practice, I would like you to do the following:
For the question provided, think of three examples that relate to the question. You have the following three categories to choose from:
Personal-how does the question relate to your own life?
Provided Text-how does the question relate to the short passage you are given?
Previous Texts-how does the question relate to something else you have read or watched in the past in an English class?
-just bullet points is fine for this assignment.
You can see an outline here:
We will now work on writing introductions. Introductions should include your answer to the question, as well as some of your thoughts on the topic.
This is the website for Mr. Chomistek's English 10-4/20-4 Class. This site will be organized by both Days and Literary Work. This website will be a gathering area for assignments, tests, and any other course materials.
In this class, we will striving towards the Alberta Education English Language Arts curricular goals. By the end of the course you will be able to:
1. listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences.
2. listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual, and multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically, and creatively.
3. listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to manage ideas and information.
4.listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.
5.listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to respect, support, and collaborate with others.
These are the general outcomes. The specific outcomes for this grade are listed below.
During the year, as a student in this class, you will have the opportunity to:
General Outcome 1
1.1.1 - Form tentative understandings, interpretations, and positions
1.1.2 - Experiment with language, image and structure
1.2.1 - Consider new perspectives
1.2.2 - Express preferences, and expand interests
1.2.3 - Set personal goals for language growth
General Outcome 2
2.1.1 - Discern and analyze content
2.1.2 - Understand and interpret content
2.1.3 - Enage prior knowledge
2.1.4 - Use reference strategies and reference technologies
2.2.1 - Relate form, structure, and medium to purpose, audience and content
2.2.2 - Relate elements, devices, and techniques to created effects
2.3.1 - Connect self, text, culture, and mileu
2.3.2 - Evaluate the verisimilitude, appropriatenss, and significance of print and nonprint texts
2.3.3 - Appreciate the effectiveness and artistry of print and nonprint texts.
General Outcome 3
3.1.1 - Focus on purpose and presentation form
3.1.2 - Plan inquiry or research, and identify information needs and sources
3.2.1 - Select, record, and analyze information
3.2.2 - Evaluate sources, and assess information
3.2.3 - Form generalizations and conclusions
3.2.4 - Review inquiry or research process and findings
General Outcome 4
4.1.1 - Assess text creation context
4.1.2 - Consider and address form, structure, and medium
4.1.3 - Develop content
4.1.4 - Use production, publication, and presentation strategies and technologies consistent with context
4.2.1 - Enhance thought and understanding and support and detail
4.2.2 - Enhance organization
4.2.3 - Consider and address matters of choice
4.2.4 - Edit text for matters of correctness
General Outcome 5
5.1.1 - Use language and image to show respect and consideration
5.1.2 - Appreciate diversity of expression, opinion, and perspective
5.1.3 - Recognize accomplishments and events
5.2.1 - Cooperate with others, and contribute to group processes
5.2.2 - Understand and evaluate group processes
Day 1 Welcome to the class.
Today we need to go over the following:
Class Guidelines/Expectations
Course Outline
Extra Help Times
Letter to your Teacher
Then, we will head down to get our textbooks. When we return, please do the pre-reading questions on the board:
Day 3
From the title "1 Mile of Ice"(page 14), predict:
A. What is the story going to be about?
B. What kind of story is it going to be?
Then, I will be reading the story aloud, and you will complete the questions on page 23. We will finish by discussing setting and character types.
Then, we will watch this Simpsons Episode, "Mountains of Madness" as a comparison.
Day 4
Further discussion around 1 Mile of Ice
Types of Conflict
Writing Workshop: Commas with coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
Background information for John Henry:
What is a folk tale? What are some Canadian folk tales?
-Here is a weird one that is very Canadian.....it's about flying canoes and fur traders and the devil.
La Chaisse Galerie
To give us a quick preview, here is Johnny Cash's telling of John Henry's story.
Silent Reading of John Henry, page 52.
Questions from the text:1-4.
Day 7
Project Introduction
Watch Competition Video
Begin "Two Brothers" (Page 180) and do questions 1 and 2.
Day 8
Irony discussion - 3 types
Point of View - 3 types
Read "The Visitor" and complete questions 1,2, and 4.
Day 9-10
Today, we will read "The Monkey's Paw"
Then, we will spend a few days writing our own short stories from the following prompt:
Imagine you got three wishes. What would you wish for? How would it change your life for the better? How would it change your life for the worse?
Day 11
Today we will start our novel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
To start, we will discuss what we know about the American Dream and the Great Depression.
Oh look, here's a video on the Great Depression!
I will be sending the students 5 at a time to grab textbooks.
Pre-Reading Discussion Questions
Why are dreams and goals important?
How do they help? Are they always helpful?
What is the 'America Dream?' Is there a Canadian version?
Why is friendship important?
What defines a good friend?
We will finish Chapter 1, and then answer these questions:
Chapter One:
1. Examine the following quote: “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then they go into town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got a thing to look ahead to.”
2. Steinbeck spends a lot of work describing the setting. How do you feel about this place? What places have you seen that are similar?
3. What do you think of the way George treats Lennie? George says he’d like to get rid of Lennie. Do you think that’s the way he really feels? Give proof for your opinion.
4. What has life been like for George and Lennie in the past? What do you expect it will be like for them now?
5. What would life be like for both these men if they didn’t have each other?
6. What is their dream? What do you think of it?
7. What happened in Weed?
8. What is Lennie supposed to do if the boss talks to him? Why?
Discussion
Day 13
You can access the full text of the book here:
There is also and audiobook version online, which can be found here:
We will discuss what we have read so far.
Who are the main characters? What is their relationship?
Where and when is the story taking place?
What happened to the two men in Weed?
I will read the first half of the chapter, and then have you do the first few questions. Then, we will do the same with the second half.
Chapter Two:
1. What is the bunkhouse like?
2. Describe your first impression of Candy. Why does he clean out the bunkhouses?
3. Why does the blacksmith leave the ranch?
4. What do you learn about Curley and Curley’s wife?
5. What kind of work is being done on the ranch?
6. Why is Lennie such a good worker?
7. What is the problem with Candy's dog?
8. What does Carlson offer to do to Candy’s dog?
9. Why does George lie in this chapter?
10. In this chapter, we meet some of the workers at the ranch: Candy, Slim, and Carlson. How do they live? How do they get along together? How do they react to George and Lennie?
11. Written Response: Choose one of the characters and write a 4 sentence description of them. This will be a Written Response mark only, so write as well as you can!
Day 14
We will discuss the Chapter 2 Questions.
Before we begin, let's make some predictions with the foreshadowing as information:
-What is going to happen with Lennie? Why do you think so? What hints have you been given so far?
-What is going to happen with Curley's wife? Why do you think so? What hints have you been given so far?
-What is going to happen with Candy's dog? Why do you think so? What hints have you been given so far?
We will read Chapter 3, and complete the following questions.
Chapter Three:
1. Carlson and Candy disagree about the dog. Who do you think is right? What would you do? Have you ever had a similar experience?
2. Who is William (Bill) Tenner? What did he do?
3. Why do you think George tells Slim what happened in Weed? How can he trust Slim?
4. What is Suzy’s place? How is it different from Clara’s place?
5. What does Candy say to George after they shoot his dog? Why?
6. Why does Candy have so much more money than the others do? How has it affected his life? What does he want to make himself happy?
7. What is the plan of Lennie, George, and Candy? How much longer do they need to work on the farm to achieve this dream?
8. What do you think of Curley’s attacking Lennie?
9. What is the machine that Curley got his hand caught in?
Chapter 3 Writing Assignment:
Please write a paragraph of 7-10 sentences that answers the following questions. This is going to be a Written Response Mark only, so be sure to pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Choose one of the characters and describe them in detail. Please explain at least three of their characteristics and explain what you believe motivates them to act as they do.
Chapter Four:
1. What is Crooks doing at the beginning and at the end of the chapter?
2. How is the setting different in the chapter?
3. Why does Crooks “S’pose” a lot of situations to Lennie?
4. Why does Crooks offer to join in the dream of Candy, Lennie and George?
5. How does the arrival of Curley’s wife affect the three men in Crooks’ room? What do you think of her?
6. Why is George unhappy when he returns to the ranch? What do you think he should do?
7. What do you expect will happen next in the story?
First, we wil discuss the chapter questions.
Then, we will do a writers workshop on subordinating clauses.(I will explain what this means)
Then, we will watch this documentary on the south. It gives an image of how, even twenty years after the events of this novel, things were difficult for those who were different.
Ghosts of Ole Miss.
Day 18
We will work on our project. Here is how it will go:
1. We will create a timeline.
2. We will divide into our groups(before, during, after)
3. We will choose who we are interviewing, where they live, and put it on a map. I need a city, state/province, and a nation.
4. Google Streetview for research
5. Research the area and the culture.
6. By the end of class, each person must have this decided and submitted to me.
Day 19:
Visual Response: Due at the end of class.
Day 20-21:
We will read Chapter 6:
Class discussion:
Why did George do what he did?
Do you believe he made the right choice?
What will happen to George now?
What were the dreams of:
George
Lennie
Candy
Crooks
Curley's Wife
Did any of them achieve their dream?
Why did Curley act the way he did?
Why did Curley's wife act the way she did?
-After Curley's wife's visit with Lennie, does she seem like a more sympathetic character? Why or why not?
Why does Crooks act the the way he did?
Then, please answer the following questions.
1) List a few of George’s actions that show his sympathy or understanding for Lennie.
2) How is the killing of Candy’s dog an example of foreshadowing and symbolism?
3) Consider what friendship is and write a definition. Demonstrate how Curley, Crooks, Candy, Curley’s wife, Slim and George are examples of either good friends or bad friends.
4) Dreams allow people to rise above their daily, possibly unhappy, existence and hope for a better future; however, unrealistic dreams frustrate and increase unhappiness rather than helping a person through hard times. Discuss the effects of dreams on several characters in the book.
5) How does the use of foreshadowing prepare the reader for the end of the novel? Define the term and discuss the major incidents that give clues about who, why, how, and where.
6) Loneliness is a central theme. Define loneliness and explain who you believe are the two loneliest people in the novel.
7) Which character is the protagonist? Why do you think so?
8) Choose two characters besides Lennie and George and explain why they are needed to tell the story properly. How would the story be incomplete without their presence.
9) What does "Of Mice and Men" tell us about human nature? What broad statements about life can we learn from it?
We will break up the next two days with a persuasive writing(closing down the Prosper Library-January 2011) assignment as well.
Day 21-22 - Film Study: Of Mice and Men
Day 23-24
We will write a 2 paragraph response to the film and novel. Here is your assignment:
Paragraph 1: Describe either George or Lennie
Paragraph 2: Describe their friendship and why their friendship is important.
Each paragraph must be at least 5 sentences.
Day 25: We will start our poetry unit:
We will analyze poems using the TFTASTI Approach. Here is a sheet that outlines it:
Day 26:
Imagery
Imagery is any descriptive language that appeals to the senses. The senses are:
Smell
Sight
Hearing
Touch
Taste
Any time that there is a description that appeals to one or more of the five senses, the author is using imagery:
We will come up with examples.
Then, read "Lineage" from page 13 in your text. Complete a TFTASTI Chart for it, complete question 1.
Then, please identify any examples of imagery from the poem.
Day 27
Figurative Language:
Today, we will be discussing similes, metaphors, and personification.
Simile - comparison of two unlike things using as, like, or than.
Examples:
Metaphors - a direct comparison of two unlike things. This does not use as, like, or than.
Examples
Personification - giving human characteristics to a non-human. This is a kind of metaphor
Then, we will look at the the four poems selected for "Poetry and the Machine" in your textbooks on pages 58-60. Complete a TFTASTI Chart and complete question 1.
Day 28:
To begin, we will look at a poem called "The Tortoise and the Scorpion" by David Rakoff, as read on an episode of "This American Life" from NPR
We will listen to it being read by the author. Again, from "This American Life" on NPR
As we listen, identify the 'facts.'
Who is the speaker?
Who are the other characters?
When is it happening?
Where is it happening?
What is happening?
What is the main idea?
What do we notice is different about this poem? What makes it different?
Today, we will look at onomatopoeia, alliteration, and rhyming as a literary technique.
Onomatopoeia - words that sound like sounds
Examples:
Alliteration - the repetition of consonant sounds
Rhyming - the repetition of sounds at the end of words. Often, these come at the end of a line, but do not have to.
To look at rhymes, we will compare these two songs. How do they compare? How is the rhyme scheme different? What is the effect?
Blackalicious - Deception
Who is the speaker?
Who are the other characters?
When is it happening?
Where is it happening?
What is happening?
What is the main idea?
Deltron 3030 - 3030
Who is the speaker?
Who are the other characters?
When is it happening?
Where is it happening?
What is happening?
What is the main idea?
Day 30
Today, we will discuss 'shifts' in poetry.
Nearly every poem will have a shift, or a change somewhere in its lines. The shift can be in a number of areas:
A) Tone
B) Speaker
C) Purpose(ex. descriptive to questioning)
D) Tense(past, present, etc)
E) Rhyme Scheme
F) Rhythm
G) Diction or word choice
E) Structure
We will look at two poems today. Namely:
Legacy - page 127
Complete TFTASTI Chart
Complete Questions 1 and 2
and
Rick Hansen: 1100 Metres High in Hinton, Alberta on March 20, 1987 - page 130
Complete TFTASTI Chart
Complete Question 1
Day 31
Today we will look at symbolism.
Symbolism is when something concrete or tangible represents something that is not.
Example: Gun represents conflict. Heart represents love.
Read "Chrysalis Diary" on page 47.
and "fences" on page 96
Complete a TFTASTI Chart for one of the poems and complete question 1 for each section.
What symbols exist in this poem? What are they symbols and what do they represent?
Day 32
Our final poetry assessment will be as follows:
Read "History Lessons" on page 200.
Complete a TFTASTI Chart for it.
Complete Question 1.
Lastly, you may choose a song and analyze it using the TFTASTI technique. The song must be school appropriate and incorporate at least two of the techniques listed below.
You may work on this in partners. For the Techniques component, be sure to identify as many examples of the techniques as you can. These include:
Imagery
Figurative Langauge
Rhyme/Rhythm
Symbolism
Alternatively, you may write your own poem. It should take an equivalent amount of work as a TFTASTI.
Day 30-35 - Film Study
In groups, please discuss:
What films do you like? Why do you like them? What is that makes them good?
To begin, we will watch this video on film techniques.
Graphic Novel Unit:
We will be working through few graphic novel excerpts. For each, we will answer the following questions:
1. How would you describe the style?
2. Who is the main character? What are their character traits?
3. What is your favorite visual or picture from the selection?
4. What is the main message of the selection?
Film Study Questions:
This week, we are looking at origin stories in films. You can complete the questions right on this sheet. Please use complete sentences to answer the questions.
Ghost Rider:
1. What are three things that contributed to his identity?
2. What changed in the main character throughout the film?
3. What lesson did the main character learn?
4. Who are two characters that influence the main character? How do they influence him?
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
1. What are three things that contributed to his identity?
2. What changed in the main character throughout the film?
3. What lesson did the main character learn?
4. Who are two characters that influence the main character? How do they influence him?
Both:
Write a short paragraph(6 sentences) that outlines the differences and similarities between the films. What is the same and what is different between the two?
Functional Writing Unit
For the next week, we will be focusing on writing different types of letters that you will probably have to write in the course of your life.
There are a few things to keep in mind when writing formal letters.
1. Write politely and formally. No slang words.
2. No contractions(won’t, didn’t, isn’t)
3. Always introduce yourself.
4. State the purpose of the letter in the first few lines.
5. End with a salutation.(Regards, Sincerely)
Cover Letter Assignment
A cover letter accompanies your resume when you respond to an advertisement, follow up on a job lead, or just want to indicate interest in a company. The purpose of this letter is to introduce yourself and your resume and to get an interview. Following are some tips to keep in mind when developing your cover letter:
• It should be addressed to a specific person. This may require contacting the business to which you are applying to find the appropriate person (e.g. manager / owner)
• If you can’t find the name of the contact person, begin your letter with “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.
• The letter must be typed, error-free and properly formatted. It must include your name and full address, the date, the name and title of your contact person, and the full address of the company/business. The content of the letter should be formatted as follows:
Paragraph 1: Explain your purpose for writing (which is to apply for a student
co-op position). State the job for which you are applying and how you learned about the position. If you are applying to a job advertisement, explain where you saw the ad.
Paragraph 2/3: Explain why the business should want you as a co-op student. Refer to your resume, highlighting the major qualifications that relate to the position and how you can benefit the employer. Include any special experience or training you have.
Paragraph 4 Express your enthusiasm and appreciation for the person’s attention to your application. This is the concluding paragraph - be direct and ask for a personal interview.
Sample Cover Letter
Bob Carter
123 Elm Street
Leamington, ON
N8H 5C7
<1 space>
September 13, 2010
<1 space>
Mr. Steve Perry
Publisher
The Leamington Post
456 Seventh Street
Leamington, ON
N8H 4S9
<1 space>
Dear Mr. Perry:
<1 space>
I would like to take this time to thank you for reading my letter and considering me as a co-op candidate. It is my hope that a placement with your company will have a great influence on my
life and I’m sure that you will benefit as well.
<1 space>
I’m great at completing projects and always look for the best outcome. I’m also open-minded to many ideas on new projects that I will be shown. I’m hoping to expand my mind and make myself a better person with this experience. A co-op placement like this will allow me to bring so much to the table that I believe will take me farther in life. Doing something that is art based gives me great joy and pride and motivation to show up to work every day.
<1 space>
My high school experience includes 1 credit in photography, 3 credits of art and 2 communication technology credits. Taking these courses has allowed me to understand the theory as well as the practical components, including the following software programs: Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, Adobe Premiere and Corel Draw.
<1 space>
I hope to continue my desire for photography and graphic design outside the classroom to a workplace atmosphere such as the Barrie Nugget. I would appreciate the opportunity for an interview at your convenience. I can be reached at 705.123.4567 after 3:00pm. Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope to hear from you soon.
<1 space>
Sincerely,
signature
Bob Carter
Letter of Complaint
The situation:
Imagine that you purchased something in Airdrie, Alberta.
Recently you have noticed that what you bought has broken down and is not working at all anymore. You would like either a replacement or your money back.
The Assignment:
Write a business letter to the store or the maker of what you bought in regards to your frustration with the product.
When writing, be sure to
- Identify the purpose of the letter
- Explain the details of the situation and request
- Organize your thoughts appropriately in sentences and paragraphs
- Use vocabulary that is appropriate and effective
Format:
Salutation (Greeting):
Body:
1. What is the problem?
2. When did you notice the problem? (You can make up this information). How has this situation inconvenienced you?
4. Tell what you want done about it.
5. Make sure to say you want a reply to your letter by phone or by letter. When do you
want your response by?
6. Your expressed anticipation of a satisfactory response to the complaint
Closing: (Pick one of the two standard closings)
Signature:
Printed Name:
Letter of Resignation
The Resignation Letter
When you decide to leave your job, it is important to leave on the best note possible. By writing and turning in a letter of resignation, you will be following professional protocol. Even though everyone may already know you are planning to leave, you still need to maintain professional attitude and etiquette. Remember, your personal and professional reputation is on the line. Co-workers will remember you by the way you handle this important last impression.
This letter will be the final document in your personnel file, so resign correctly and leave the windows of opportunity open for future jobs. It will also help to maintain a good relationship with your employer and associates.
To write a letter of resignation:
Use appropriate business letter format
Give proper notice, usually at least 2 weeks in advance of your last day
Be brief, clear, and concise
State your appreciation of the job and opportunities you held and experienced
Include some skills you learned/used while during your employment
Include positive things about the company, co-workers, and your experiences
Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors
State the date you plan to leave
You do not have to give a reason for leaving, but include your contact information
Using what you have experienced at your present job, write a letter of resignation. Of course, you do not have to be leaving this job, this is just for practice. Choose a date that will be your “last day.” Follow the guidelines above, proofread the letter, then turn it in to your teacher.
Digital Presentation Assignment
Crime Multimedia Unit:
For the next three weeks, we will be looking at a variety of print and non-print texts regarding crime. As we go through the unit, please keep the following questions in mind:
What defines crime?
What causes crime?
What can we do to prevent crime?
Is there any time that crime is okay?
Today, we will look at a few news articles that discuss crime and try to answer the above questions, as well as some below.
Article: Video on Distracted Driving
1. What is the message?
2. How is the message delivered?
3. What is your opinion?
Opinion Article on Bullying
4. What is the message?
5. How is the message delivered?
6. What is your opinion?
One of the two is an opinion piece. That is, the author is promoting their own views on a topic, rather than giving simply the facts. A single person's opinion that alters how facts are presented is known as bias. Which article has the most examples of bias?
10. What are some examples of bias in the opinion piece?
11. Do you agree with their perspective? Why or why not?
Now, we will watch this announcement regarding a national bullying law. Please write an Opinion Piece(5-8 sentences) that outlines the following:
1. What are you writing about?
2. What facts about it do you know?
3. What is your opinion? What do you believe?
4. Why should other people believe you?
Infographics:
Infographics are a kind of visual text. They attempt to display information in a creative way. The idea is that the form matches function. That is, the way the information is presented is related to the information itself.
Please answer the following questions. You may answer the questions in point form, as this will be a Visual Comprehension Mark only.
Toronto Crime Patterns
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
If Crime Was Elevation in San Francisco
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
Crime and Punishment through History
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
What is Corruption Video
1. What information is being presented? Summarize it.
2. How is it being presented?
3. How does the way it is being presented help you to better understand the information?
4. How is a video different in terms of how you receive the information?
Short Story:
We will read "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roahl Dahl
Then we will watch the video:
Please answer these questions.
1. How would you describe the main character? Give 3 traits.
2.How would you describe her husband? Give 2 traits.
3. What crime does she commit? How does she do it?
4. Why does she commit this crime?
5. What story does she try to tell the police?
6. What evidence is in the house when the police arrive? What happens to the evidence?
Television Representations of Crime:
We will watch "Criminal Minds" and "Futurama" and compare their representations of Criminality.
Again, we will be looking at how form and function are related, specifically with regards to sound.
How does "Futurama" represent criminality?
Criminal Minds
1. How would you describe the tone of this episode?
2. Choose one of the characters and describe them in as much detail as possible.
3. Draw a plot diagram of the events in the episode.
4. How are television shows different than short stories?
5. How does "Criminal Minds" represent the criminals? Is it positive or negative?
Futurama - Bender Gets Made
1. How would you describe the tone of this episode?
2. Choose one of the characters and describe them in as much detail as possible.
3. Draw a plot diagram of the events in the episode.
4. How are comedic television shows different than dramatic shows?
5. How does "Futurama" represent the criminals? Is it positive or negative?
Both: How are the sound effects and music different in these two shows? What effect does this have?
Reading Comprehension Practice
We will read "On the Sidewalk, Bleeding" and answer the following questions.
1. What effect does Andy's jacket have on the people who find him in the alley?
2. What are the reasons these people do not help Andy?
3. At what point does Andy realize he is dying?
4. What does Andy do with the last of his strength? Why?
5. What is the author's message?
5. What is the police officer's reaction to Andy? How does this contribute to the author's message?
6. What kind of person do you think Andy was? Did he deserve what he got? Why or why not?
Film Study: The Italian Job
Questions:
1. How would you describe the main character? Who do you believe is the protagonist?
2. How does the portrayal of crime change throughout the film?
3. Describe the tone of the film. How does sound and storyline impact the tone?
Crime Research Project:
We will be completing a short digital research project / visual presentation on 'Defining Justice.' There are several key understandings we will hope to attain in this project:
1. How do I define justice? What does it mean to me?
2. How do I do effective research?
3. How do I communicate ideas effectively?
This project will be divided up into Content and Form.
Content Questions
1. What is my definition of justice?(must be in your own words)
2. How have three other cultures defined justice?
3. What are some examples of justice being carried out?
Content Marks - This will follow our standard 5 Category Rubric
Excellent - I have answered the questions thoroughly and insightfully
Proficient - I have answered the questions thoroughly
Satisfactory - I have answered the questions satisfactorily. I have answered most of the questions completely.
Limited - I have answered the questions incompletely and have missed some key points.
Poor -
Form
1. How are you planning to visually and digitally present your information?(powerpoint, prezi, video, this cool site, etc)
2. Your presentation must contain at least one imbedded video.
3. You must do research for your presentation.
4. The facts that you include must be verified by TWO independent sources. That is, for every fact you include, you must be able to find proof of it in at least two places that do not cite each other on the internet.
5. How does the form that you have chosen help to present your information better in terms of multimedia, design, colors, etc?
Form marks - This will also follow our 5 Category Rubric. This will go in as a Visual Presentation mark.
Excellent - The presentation is visually engaging and the form is purposefully chosen for the content.
Proficient - The presentation is visually pleasant and the form suits the content.
Satisfactory - The presentation is visually interesting and the form mostly matches the content.
Limited - The presentation is visually interesting some of the time and the form is inconsistent with the content.
Good luck! This is meant to be a fairly quick project, as we will only be spending the day on them. Please email me the finished project by the end of the week.
Literary Exploration Review
Then, we will look at how to brainstorm for a literary exploration assignment, which is very similar to an essay. See student examples
here.
For the Literary Exploration practice, I would like you to do the following:
For the question provided, think of three examples that relate to the question. You have the following three categories to choose from:
Personal-how does the question relate to your own life?
Provided Text-how does the question relate to the short passage you are given?
Previous Texts-how does the question relate to something else you have read or watched in the past in an English class?
-just bullet points is fine for this assignment.
You can see an outline here:
We will now work on writing introductions. Introductions should include your answer to the question, as well as some of your thoughts on the topic.
Today, we will practice writing introductions for the following questions:
1. What is your opinion of the idea that people need to know they are not alone?
2. What is your opinion of the idea that people are strongly motivated by the need to prove themselves?
3. What is your opinion of the idea that an intense desire for success can actually contribute to failure?
4. What is your opinion of the idea that people are more influenced by the approval or disapproval of others than by what they think of themselves?
Tomorrow, we will come up with examples for each of these topics and try writing body paragraphs.
For body paragraphs, you need to relate your personal or literary example to the question. Here is an example of a personal example for the question,
"What is your opinion of the idea that a moment of crisis can have significant consequences?"
1. What is your opinion of the idea that people need to know they are not alone?
2. What is your opinion of the idea that people are strongly motivated by the need to prove themselves?
3. What is your opinion of the idea that an intense desire for success can actually contribute to failure?
4. What is your opinion of the idea that people are more influenced by the approval or disapproval of others than by what they think of themselves?
Tomorrow, we will come up with examples for each of these topics and try writing body paragraphs.
For body paragraphs, you need to relate your personal or literary example to the question. Here is an example of a personal example for the question,
"What is your opinion of the idea that a moment of crisis can have significant consequences?"
Now, here is an example of a body paragraph that uses a literary example for the same question about the main character, Elie, from the novel, Night.
Today, you may do either introductions or body paragraphs for any of the following topics. Again, you can use this to replace previous assignments:
What is your opinion of the idea that a single action can lead to significant change?
What is your opinion of the idea that individual actions affect the lives of others?
What is your opinion of the idea that our identity is shaped by difficult experiences?
What is your opinion of the idea that the ability to face hardship is an essential human quality?
What is your opinion of the idea that a particular experience can have a lasting influence on our lives?
What is your opinion of the idea that our beliefs are influenced by the actions of others?
What is your opinion of the idea that our values influence the choice we make?
What is your opinion of the idea that a single action can lead to significant change?
What is your opinion of the idea that individual actions affect the lives of others?
What is your opinion of the idea that our identity is shaped by difficult experiences?
What is your opinion of the idea that the ability to face hardship is an essential human quality?
What is your opinion of the idea that a particular experience can have a lasting influence on our lives?
What is your opinion of the idea that our beliefs are influenced by the actions of others?
What is your opinion of the idea that our values influence the choice we make?