Has your luck ever changed?

As you know, we have been working with our quote/adage essay; consequently, we have been explaining the validity of quotes using elaboration.

Today, you will be determining the validity of a selected quote, and explaining the quote’s validity through thorough elaboration.

 “The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.”
 – Wilson Minzer

Steps to Follow:

1. READ the quote
2. EXPLAIN what the quote means using elaboration
3. DETERMINE if the quote is valid or invalid
4. EXPLAIN why the quote is valid or invalid using elaboration

Please note: your entry should be at least 9 sentences long, and your entry will be shared with the class!

Life in America - What does it all mean?

Now that you have completed organizing your thoughts about the three texts we have been working with, it is time to begin a “mini-compare/contrast” essay. However, rather than writing an essay, you are going to be composing a blog entry.

Your Task:

Compare and Contrast TWO of the three texts we have been working with by writing three paragraphs about the significance in the different views portrayed about America.

What to include:

The titles of the two texts you will compare and contrast.

1 paragraph about the similarities in the two texts.

1 paragraph about the differences in the two texts.

1 paragraph reflecting on what this (the fact that they are different) suggests about life in America. 

Reflect on the peer evaluation process in a 2 – 3 paragraphs. During your entry, please discuss the following:


Your initial thoughts when told someone would be reading your work

How viewing a peer’s essay will help you become a better writer

How viewing a peer’s essay will help the class become better writers

Your thoughts about doing peer evaluations throughout the year


What does all of this suggest about you as a student of English?


This may be shared with the class!

HYPERBOLE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN AIR!

For today’s task, you are going to be identifying instances of hyperbole in the poem “Sarah Cynthia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out.” Once you identify the hyperboles, you must then explain the effect that it has on the reader.

Questions to consider:
Does it make your visualize something?
Does it emphasize a point?
Does it help you to understand something?
Does it make the poem more entertaining or funny?

In your entry, include:
4 – 5 different instances of hyperbole
4 – 5 lines from the poem that are hyperbole
Explanations of each of the instances of hyperbole
Explanations of the effect that the hyperbole has on the reader

CLICK HERE FOR THE POEM!

Discovery Learning - Oxymorons and Paradoxes

Today we are going to try a new type of learning, a style of learning that requires you take charge of what you accomplish in one forty minute lesson. We are going to try “Discovery Learning.”

Discovery Learning allows you to be in control of important concepts and skills that you learn in class.

Your goal today is to define, explain, and utilize oxymorons and paradoxes in your writing. You may use any tool or website that you find helpful.

In your post, include the following:

1. A definition of BOTH terms
2. An Example and Non-Example of each
3. Write a short piece in which you use 1 oxymoron and 1 paradox.
4. Use complete sentences.

Understatements are somewhat interesting

Your task today is to compose a short blog entry and to utilize understatements in your writing. Be sure to consider the positive and negative connotations of the words you use as you write.

The topic of your writing is “Staying Smart through Summer”

What is your Plan?

Today, the day before we start our last unit of study for the year, we would like you to take this opportunity to think about what you have been doing this year and how it will impact your life in the big picture.

We would like you compose a 2 – 4 paragraph analysis of your work so far this year and your hopes for your career after high school.

In your comment, include the following:

1. Assess your progress this year: did you accomplish everything that you wanted to? Why or why not? If you could have done something different, what would it be and why?
2. What are your plans for after high school? Do you want to go to college, a trade school, or start working? Which professions are you interested in? If you are interested in going to college, what majors are you interested in and why?
3. What are some steps you can take to make sure that you accomplish your goals? Have you put serious thought into these yet? If not, what can you do make sure you stay focused on accomplishing your dreams?

If you are interested in going to college, the website listed below will help you start the college process off right. The link to the site is:
http://www.college-scholarships.com/ten_rules_for_selecting_a_college_or_universities.htm