"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking its stupid." ~Einstein
English I Assignments
3/28/18: Homework-7th Period
Read and analyze your poem using TPCASTT or TWIST.
Due Date: March 29, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3/28/18: Homework-6th Period
Read and analyze the following poem using TPCASTT or TWIST.
Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson
Whenever Richard Cory went downtown,
We people on the pavement looked at him:
He was a gentleman from sole to crown,
Clean favored, and imperially slim.
And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
"Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked.
And he was rich—yes, richer than a king--
And admirably schooled in every grace:
In fine, we thought that he was everything
To make us wish that we were in his place.
So on we worked, and waited for the light,
And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;
And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,
Went home and put a bullet through his head.
Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson
Whenever Richard Cory went downtown,
We people on the pavement looked at him:
He was a gentleman from sole to crown,
Clean favored, and imperially slim.
And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
"Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked.
And he was rich—yes, richer than a king--
And admirably schooled in every grace:
In fine, we thought that he was everything
To make us wish that we were in his place.
So on we worked, and waited for the light,
And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;
And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,
Went home and put a bullet through his head.
Due Date: March 29, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3/20/18: Homework
Develop an effective 3x2 pre-writing organizer for the prompt below, then write the introduction, including a hook, thesis and topic sentences.
Read the following information: As many as 97% of US kids age 12-17 play video games, contributing to the $21.53 billion domestic video game industry. More than half of the 50 top-selling video games contain violence.
Do violent video games lead to violence?
Write an essay explaining the effects that playing violent video games can have on teens.
Be sure to--
•Clearly state your thesis
•Organize and develop your ideas effectively
•Choose your words carefully
•Edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
Read the following information: As many as 97% of US kids age 12-17 play video games, contributing to the $21.53 billion domestic video game industry. More than half of the 50 top-selling video games contain violence.
Do violent video games lead to violence?
Write an essay explaining the effects that playing violent video games can have on teens.
Be sure to--
•Clearly state your thesis
•Organize and develop your ideas effectively
•Choose your words carefully
•Edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
Due Date: March 21, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2/23/18: Weekend Homework
Read and annotate chapters 13-18 of "The Other Wes Moore" over the weekend. Be prepared to test on Monday over chapters 1-18. Also be prepared for a notebook check on Monday for your Dialectical Journal entries for chapters 1-18.
An example can be found here: Dialectical Journal
An example can be found here: Dialectical Journal
Due Date: February 26, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2/16/18: Homework
Read: According to an NPR news report, "Rates of gun deaths in the U.S. are far greater than in much of the rest of the world."
Think: Is the U.S. Gun Homicide Rate Really That High?
Write: an essay that explains what schools can do to protect students from gun violence.
Think: Is the U.S. Gun Homicide Rate Really That High?
Write: an essay that explains what schools can do to protect students from gun violence.
Due Date: February 19, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
1/25/18: Homework (Amnesty)
- English Fury Checklist (follow it explicitly and stop lying because I check)
- Membean (either sign-up, calibrate or train)
- Winter Break Assignment (click here)
- Concentric Squares (click here)
- One-word Cards
- Writing Wednesday
- 3x2
- Buy your book (e-books are allowed as long as you can annotate and color mark on the application or in your notebook.)
Due Date: January 26, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
1/18/18: Homework (3x2)
On the paper provided, on one side, write the 3x3 pre-writing chart that you wrote in class yesterday. Then, on the other side of the paper provided, choose one of the following four prompts (you cannot use the one we did in class) and complete a 3x3 pre-writing chart.
1. Explain why classes should be separated into boys and girls.
2. Explain why college should be free.
3. Explain whether people should be punished for illegally downloading movies and music.
4. Explain what makes a person successful.
1. Explain why classes should be separated into boys and girls.
2. Explain why college should be free.
3. Explain whether people should be punished for illegally downloading movies and music.
4. Explain what makes a person successful.
Due Date: January 19, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
1/17/18: Homework (3x3)
If you did not finish your 3x3 and Introduction in class today, please complete your 3x3 on the unlined paper provided, and your Introduction on the lined paper provided. Here is the prompt:
Explain how a person's actions or behaviors are influenced by their environment.
Explain how a person's actions or behaviors are influenced by their environment.
Due Date: January 18, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
1/9/18: Homework - Part 1 (Concentric Squares)
Level One: Concrete (Reading ON the line)
1.Choose the most SIGNIFICANT word in the text.
2.Write the denotative meaning of the word, then the connotative interpretation as well.
3.Write the line from the TEXT the word appears in.
4.Write one COMPLETE sentence explaining what makes the word significant.
Level Two: Abstract (Reading BETWEEN the lines)
1.Referring to the text, make at least two inferences about the word.
2.Write an explanation linking the word and the inference.
3.You must write in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Level Three: Thematic (Reading BEYOND the lines)
1.Write one thematic statement drawn from the significant word you wrote in the innermost circle.
2.Tie everything to the work as a whole.
1.Choose the most SIGNIFICANT word in the text.
2.Write the denotative meaning of the word, then the connotative interpretation as well.
3.Write the line from the TEXT the word appears in.
4.Write one COMPLETE sentence explaining what makes the word significant.
Level Two: Abstract (Reading BETWEEN the lines)
1.Referring to the text, make at least two inferences about the word.
2.Write an explanation linking the word and the inference.
3.You must write in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Level Three: Thematic (Reading BEYOND the lines)
1.Write one thematic statement drawn from the significant word you wrote in the innermost circle.
2.Tie everything to the work as a whole.
Due Date: January 10, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
1/9/18: Homework - Part 2 (Checklist)
1. Complete the CHECKLIST issued in class today.
2. Bring the first two items on your supply list (TOMORROW, JANUARY 10, 2018)
3. Bring your remaining supplies to class.
2. Bring the first two items on your supply list (TOMORROW, JANUARY 10, 2018)
3. Bring your remaining supplies to class.
Due Date: January 12, 2018 at the START of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
One-Pager Reader's Response
A One Pager is a single-page response that shows your understanding of a piece of text you have read, be it a poem, novel, chapter of a book or any other literature. It is a way of displaying your individual, unique understanding and respond to your reading imaginatively and honestly. The purpose of a One Pager is to own what you have read. We learn best when we are able to create our own patterns!
The Rules (You may do all or a few of the following activities. It’s up to you!)
What TO Do
What Not To Do:
*Your answers must cite textual evidence using MLA citation (author’s last name, page number/s). If your passage/quote is a part of dialogue, include the character's name who said it.
The Rules (You may do all or a few of the following activities. It’s up to you!)
- Use a lot of color, patterns, texture, writing styles, etc., to illustrate your thoughts and ideas clearly and creatively. Be neat, but your ENTIRE PAGE should be filled with these elements.
- If you find you have extra room, repeat any of the above steps/elements.
- No space should be blank or left in pencil (unless you’re using colored pencils to sketch).
- Your full name and class period should be on the BACK of the one-pager.
What TO Do
- Be sure to put the title of the text you’re responding to, the author’s name and the genre somewhere on the page where the reader will notice it (required).
- Include no less than THREE notable quotes, phrases or passages that are important to the understanding of the novel. Include quotation marks and an MLA citation.*
- Draw/Create/Paste no less than THREE images that stand out and represent themes, characters, conflict and/or the setting of the book.
- Write THREE personal statements or connections about what you have read. These are not simple opinions or book review type statements. (EX: “I could relate to the main character feeling lost in the book because it reminded me of when I got to middle school and didn’t know where everything was.”)
- Write and answer TWO Level 2 or Level 3 questions.*
- When you finish, your audience should be able to understand something about the literature from reviewing what you wrote/illustrated.
- Include a “border” that reflects the unit of learning or theme. This can include words, pictures, symbols, or quotes from the text. Fill the paper to the edges.
What Not To Do:
- Do NOT use both sides.
- Don’t merely summarize—you’re not retelling the story.
- Use unlined paper only, to keep from being restricted by lines.
- Don’t think half a page will do—it won’t be accepted. Period. Make the paper rich with “quotes” and images. FILL THE PAPER UP!
*Your answers must cite textual evidence using MLA citation (author’s last name, page number/s). If your passage/quote is a part of dialogue, include the character's name who said it.
Exemplary Samples
Grading Rubric
Due Date: December 18, 2017 at the start of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
12/13/17: Homework
Read the expository writing prompts below and give an appropriate thesis sentence for at least three prompts. Use the 3x3 pre-writing strategy to develop your essay.
1. Write an essay that explains why it is important not to gossip.
2. Write an essay that addresses ways to decrease violence in schools.
3. Write an essay that reveals the importance of recycling.
4. Write an essay that tells why so many people focus on name brand labels.
5. Write an essay that discusses the significance of using technology in the classroom.
6. Write an essay explaining why following rules is important in school.
7. Write an essay that tells why it is important to have a backup career plan if you are an athlete.
1. Write an essay that explains why it is important not to gossip.
2. Write an essay that addresses ways to decrease violence in schools.
3. Write an essay that reveals the importance of recycling.
4. Write an essay that tells why so many people focus on name brand labels.
5. Write an essay that discusses the significance of using technology in the classroom.
6. Write an essay explaining why following rules is important in school.
7. Write an essay that tells why it is important to have a backup career plan if you are an athlete.
Due Date: December 14, 2017 at the start of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
12/11/17: Homework
Notebook Check Test Checklist
1. Annotating (every chapter)
2. Word Hoard (each chapter)
3. Discussion Log: six questions answered (one question from each of the chapter sections read)
4. Current Event Articles: eight articles (one for each of the chapter sections read)
Please use post-it notes to let me know where to look in your Interactive Notebook, and an indicator that directs me to "Read this" for what you want graded. (Choose your best work!)
1. Annotating (every chapter)
2. Word Hoard (each chapter)
3. Discussion Log: six questions answered (one question from each of the chapter sections read)
4. Current Event Articles: eight articles (one for each of the chapter sections read)
Please use post-it notes to let me know where to look in your Interactive Notebook, and an indicator that directs me to "Read this" for what you want graded. (Choose your best work!)
Due Date: December 13, 2017 at the start of class. LATE AND HALF-DONE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
11/9/17: Homework
Prompt: Re-write your five-paragraph essay that explains why you are failing or struggling in your English I class.
New to the class? Write a five-paragraph essay that explains your expectations for your new English I class.
New to the class? Write a five-paragraph essay that explains your expectations for your new English I class.
Due Date: November 10, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
10/19/17: Homework
Finish analyzing "Respiration" using TPCASTT.
T = Title (make a prediction about the meaning)
P = Paraphrase (in your own words, write what each line/stanza means)
C = Connotation (an idea or feeling that a word invokes: positive, negative or neutral)
A = Analysis (make inferences about theme, characters, mood, meaning, symbolism, etc.)
S = Shift (tone, setting, voice, etc.)
T = Tone (What words give you a clue about the tone?)
T = Theme (the overall abstract ideas; Level 3 questioning)
Answer the following questions:
1. What is the main idea of this poem?
2. How does the title relate to the poem?
3. What metaphors can you identify in the poem?
4. What personal connections can you identify in the poem?
5. How does the speaker feel about his city? How do you know?
6. What is the tone of the poem? How is it achieved?
7. What are the most predominant elements of poetry used? What is the effect of each?
8. Explain the historical and cultural context of the poem.
9. What images do the poet use? How do they relate to one another? Do these images form a unified pattern (a motif) throughout the poem? What is it?
10. How important is the role of diction? How does the word choice effect tone and meaning?
Metaphor Poem: Write a five stanza metaphor poem using one of the following five topics as your theme. You must CLEARLY use several elements of poetry in your composition. You will include this poem in your project.
Topics
Ego | Love |Abuse | Sports | Education
T = Title (make a prediction about the meaning)
P = Paraphrase (in your own words, write what each line/stanza means)
C = Connotation (an idea or feeling that a word invokes: positive, negative or neutral)
A = Analysis (make inferences about theme, characters, mood, meaning, symbolism, etc.)
S = Shift (tone, setting, voice, etc.)
T = Tone (What words give you a clue about the tone?)
T = Theme (the overall abstract ideas; Level 3 questioning)
Answer the following questions:
1. What is the main idea of this poem?
2. How does the title relate to the poem?
3. What metaphors can you identify in the poem?
4. What personal connections can you identify in the poem?
5. How does the speaker feel about his city? How do you know?
6. What is the tone of the poem? How is it achieved?
7. What are the most predominant elements of poetry used? What is the effect of each?
8. Explain the historical and cultural context of the poem.
9. What images do the poet use? How do they relate to one another? Do these images form a unified pattern (a motif) throughout the poem? What is it?
10. How important is the role of diction? How does the word choice effect tone and meaning?
Metaphor Poem: Write a five stanza metaphor poem using one of the following five topics as your theme. You must CLEARLY use several elements of poetry in your composition. You will include this poem in your project.
Topics
Ego | Love |Abuse | Sports | Education
Due Date: October 20, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
9/28/17: Homework
1. Sign up for Membean by SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1: Calibrate, then begin learning. YOUR CODE
2. Read and annotate chapters 16-21 (two chapters a day/evening) in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Complete two Dialectical Journal entries for each chapter.
2. Read and annotate chapters 16-21 (two chapters a day/evening) in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Complete two Dialectical Journal entries for each chapter.
Due Date: October 2, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
9/27/17: Homework
1. Use your test to complete the following Test Correction Template:
*Question Number
*My Answer
*Justification (why you chose the answer you did)
*Correct Answer
2. Read and annotate chapters 13-15 in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Complete at least six Dialectical Journal entries for chapters 7-15.
*Question Number
*My Answer
*Justification (why you chose the answer you did)
*Correct Answer
2. Read and annotate chapters 13-15 in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Complete at least six Dialectical Journal entries for chapters 7-15.
Due Date: September 28, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
9/25/17: Homework
Read and annotate chapters 10-12 in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Due Date: September 26, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
9/22/17: Homework
Read and annotate chapters 7-9 in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Due Date: September 25, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
9/21/17: Homework
Read and annotate chapters 4-6 in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Then, complete three dialectical journal entries for each chapter, for a total of 9 entries.
Due Date: September 22, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
9/20/17: Homework
1. Read and annotate chapters 1-3 in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Then, complete three dialectical journal entries for each chapter, for a total of 9 entries.
2. Place post-it notes by the following assignments for your Interactive Notebook check tomorrow:
2. Place post-it notes by the following assignments for your Interactive Notebook check tomorrow:
- The setup of your Interactive Notebook (Front/Back Covers, Index, Bio and Resource pages, and License Plate)
- Bell Ringers: Word Hoards for chapters 1-6
- Dialectical Journals for chapters 1-6
- License Plate (8/24)
- Image Analysis (Confederate) (8/29)
- Foldable (9/14)
- Book Questions (9/17)
Due Date: September 21, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. NO EXCEPTIONS.
9/19/17: Homework
Answer the following questions based on what we read in class today.
- Based on how the narrator describes her childhood, what can readers conclude?
- Describe the tone of the story.
- How does the diction in the story reveal historical traditions?
- What examples of figurative language did you find in the chapter? What does is refer to?
- How does the chapter contribute to your understanding of the story?
- What is the main difference between Scout’s attitude at the beginning of the book up until now?
9/14/17: Homework
Finish your foldables that we started in class today.
The following Literary Techniques go on the right flaps of your foldable.
Ambiguity-the state of being unclear/difficult to understand.
Contradiction - expresses the opposite of a statement.
Subtlety - not open or direct.
Paradox - a seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth.
Irony - create meaning that seems to contradict the literal meaning or events.
Sarcasm - a bitter form of irony, intended to taunt or hurt.
Overstatement - an exaggerated statement.
Understatement - make a situation seem less important than it really is.
Oxymoron - two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect.
Tone - the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter and audience.
The following Literary Elements go on the left of foldable.
Plot - sequence of events that make up a story.
Setting – the environment where a story takes place.
Characterization – details that highlight the personality traits of a character.
Conflict - a struggle between two opposing forces.
Imagery – mental pictures that help readers see stories as images.
Dialogue - conversations between characters.
Mood – evokes certain feelings in readers about a story.
Theme – the main idea of a story.
Point of View – the reflection of an opinion of a writer or speaker.
Rhetorical Appeal – four elements that define the art of persuasion.
The following Literary Techniques go on the right flaps of your foldable.
Ambiguity-the state of being unclear/difficult to understand.
Contradiction - expresses the opposite of a statement.
Subtlety - not open or direct.
Paradox - a seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth.
Irony - create meaning that seems to contradict the literal meaning or events.
Sarcasm - a bitter form of irony, intended to taunt or hurt.
Overstatement - an exaggerated statement.
Understatement - make a situation seem less important than it really is.
Oxymoron - two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect.
Tone - the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter and audience.
The following Literary Elements go on the left of foldable.
Plot - sequence of events that make up a story.
Setting – the environment where a story takes place.
Characterization – details that highlight the personality traits of a character.
Conflict - a struggle between two opposing forces.
Imagery – mental pictures that help readers see stories as images.
Dialogue - conversations between characters.
Mood – evokes certain feelings in readers about a story.
Theme – the main idea of a story.
Point of View – the reflection of an opinion of a writer or speaker.
Rhetorical Appeal – four elements that define the art of persuasion.
Due Date: September 15, 2017 at the start of class. Late work will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or school is too late. No exceptions.
8/29/17: Homework
Mixed Ink due 9/1
Summer Reading due 9/8. Be Earth friendly. Click Summer Reading-2017 to see the assignment or pick up a copy from me.
Summer Reading due 9/8. Be Earth friendly. Click Summer Reading-2017 to see the assignment or pick up a copy from me.
Due Date: Do not do the assignment that was discussed in class today.
8/21/17: Homework
Bring your school supplies to class for a grade.
Due Date: Friday, August 25, 2017 at the start of class. Late entries will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or the school day is considered late and will not be accepted. No exceptions.
8/22/17: Homework
Write a letter to yourself explaining your expectations of your teachers and yourself. Your letter must include the following:
•Heading
•Salutation
•Body
•Closing
•Signature
•Heading
•Salutation
•Body
•Closing
•Signature
Due Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the start of class. Late entries will not be accepted. By the middle or end of class or the school day is considered late and will not be accepted. No exceptions.