Tricky Rough Draft Day

Today you did a timed write from the language test. While you were doing your timed write I quickly glanced at the final papers you turned in. Every paper had something that needed to be fixed so I passed them back. Make sure you bring your drafts to class tomorrow as we will be doing a class edit day. Also remember you are always free to come and see me after school for help. I didn't have one person ask for help which worries me a little.
Upcoming: Read Eyes closely and carefully for Thursday. There will be another reading check quiz.
Revise your paper for Friday 11/18

Long Time No See

Why hello everyone! Sorry I have been slacking MAJORLY! Helloooo Tasha, since she is the only one who actually reads this!

Today we went over the Crucible final paper a little bit. Make sure you start working on it this weekend. We also went over the multiple choice test. The most exciting news is that we started our first novel. Read every night! Make sure you finish chapters one through four by Monday. TAKE NOTES. You must have questions about the novel.

Upcoming: Final Crucible paper 11/14/2011.

I will make sure not to slack as much anymore.

LOVE SOPHIEEE!

Discussion Practice

Hola all you slackers! Once again it is Ms. Meister's secretary Sophiaaaaa. Quit slackin' and complainin' and do your work. GET OFF OF FACEBOOK!

Today we had our first practice discussion. Went pretty well for the first time. Talkers make sure you are aware and tone it down. Shy people step it up, life isn't that scary. Then got your first essay. If you are struggling come and see me. Don't forget to do multiple choice for tomorrow:)

Love your fellow favorite Senior,

Sophie:)

First (of many ) practice MC

Started out the morning with a sample multiple choice. Then spent the rest of the hour presenting on "Indian Ed." Homework for tonight, read and do the questions for "Dwellings." This is Curly Sophie being Feisty Meisty's secretary:) Have fun all you LAME-O JUNIORS! :)

What is an artist?

What a great day in English when you get to talk about how a passionate drunk is on the same level as an artist!
Today we spent most of the class looking at the sample text from Ralph Ellison. Hopefully you're starting to get the hang of this annotation business. The good news is that it only gets easier. We closed the class by looking at three different perspectives on Native Americans and we'll start with that tomorrow.
The homework for tonight is the Silko piece. If you were unlucky like Beth you ended up with a dysfunctional text but click above for another copy of it.
Enjoy your last night of hot sticky weather.

Happy Friday

Well hello everyone. Welcome to a new year!
We started the hour by finishing up my short intro. to analysis with Snow White. If you're nerdy like me pick another fairy tale and practice with it.
Today we got our first set of vocab words. If you need the list or want to watch the video again go to the website. After the vocab we talked about how to annotate a text and then I gave you a text to practice with this weekend.
Happy analyzing!

Work Day

Today was just another work/reading day. However, reading time isn't very helpful when only a handful of you bring your books to class. Tomorrow I will talk a little about the Language test at the start of class and then you'll have work time for the rest of the period so make sure you BRING YOUR BOOK.
My gift to you today is that I'm taking the individual paper off your group assignment sheet. I think you'll be too rushed to do an adequate job so luck you! However in place of it I will test you on the presentations but I'll allow you to use notes. This will make sure that everyone gives the group appropriate attention.

Question: Why did Sophie have weird things drawn all over her arm? Does she not own some paper?

Curly Sophie I missed you didn't see you once today--weird.

Megan, I don't think you read this, but if you do don't forget to go to Borders today.

Project Due Dates

Well you made it through one week of AP bliss. If you can survive one more you'll be in coasting mode. Please remember to bring your novels to class on Monday because you will have quiet reading time. Below are the due dates for all the groups. These dates are set in stone unless you choose to switch with another group. If you decide to do that let me know as soon as possible. All class days will be work days except for next Tuesday and any day that there is a presentation scheduled.
The extra credit will be due on a DVD to me by 6/2.

Per 2:
Catch-22 Disc. 5/24
Poisonwood Disc. 5/25
Copper Sun Disc. 5/26
Catch-22 Present 5/27
Copper Present 5/31
Poisonwood Present 6/1
Middlesex Disc. 6/2
Middlesex Present 6/7
Sam Disc. 6/8
Sam Present 6/9

Per. 4/5
Scarlet Letter Disc. 5/19
Bastard Disc. 5/20
Scarlet Present 5/24
Bastard Present 5/25
Cities Disc. 5/26
Cities Present 5/27
Eyes Disc. 5/31
Eyes Present 6/1
Adam Disc. 6/2
Middlesex Disc. 6/7
Adam Present 6/8
Middlesex Present 6/9

Per. 9
The Help Disc. 5/19
Clockwork Disc. 5/20
Chosen Disc. 5/24
Catch 22 Disc. 5/25
Middlesex Disc. 5/26
Invisible Disc. 5/27
Clockwork Present 5/31
Chosen Present 6/1
Invisible Present 6/2
The Help Present 6/7
Catch 22 Present 6/8
Middlesex Present 6/9

Novel Review

Today we went over all the novels we've read this year as review for the open essay question. If you were gone today you can click on the blog title for the notes from today. You can also see all the open essay prompts on the website.
Open essay questions

Bring any final questions you have about the test to class tomorrow. Also I will buy dinner for anyone who gets a five on the test so work hard!

Random shout outs: Wow Sophie is going to track today, Eric didn't make his pig noise today Nina read the blog yesterday and Rebecca angrily said, "I smile all the time."

AP Review

Today we spent half the class going over some basics of the tests. I gave out two review sheets you can get them online or ask for a hard copy in class. After we talked about the tests I went over the final project for the rest of the year. You should be thinking about who you want in your group (3-5 people) and what book you would like to read. I need your groups and novels by Friday of this week so I can start putting together your deadlines.
Tomorrow we will be reviewing all the novels we've read this year so you're prepared for the open essay on Thursday.
Study your vocab words.

Quote of the day: Eric to Rebecca "I would never trust you with my kids!"

And winner for longest most convoluted question goes to Keith Phelps. Nice work!

Final AP Prep

Hurray! Today you took your last practice with the AP test stuff. Next week we will just review the different parts of the tests but no stressful practice or graded stuff. Tomorrow we will work with Tortilla. Make sure you finish the book!! There will be a test on the book. I want you to have the book finished so you have at least one other book to use for the open essay question.

Upcoming: Some of you have papers due tomorrow others have them due Monday. Come see me if you need some help or want some feedback.

Random thought: There really needs to be a "sarcasm" font, especially for texting. I feel this would greatly add to my life.

What's in a 9????

Today we looked at the five different types of essays you'll have to write for the two English tests. You read a sample 9 for each one and then made a list of what they have in common. I made a compilation list of all your ideas and I'll make copies for you by next week, but if you are really excited and can't wait click on the blog title and it will take you to the list online.
As an update for the vocab extra credit videos the following lists have been taken.
1, 2, 8, 11
The vocab videos need to be done by June 3rd

Upcoming: Final MC test tomorrow!
Finish the entire novel for Thursday and possibly your Cuckoo paper
Slacker deadline 4/28
Non-slacker deadline 5/2

Slackerville

Okay this will be short because I am behind on correcting. I will list all the students that had an adequate rough draft for me today. If your name is listed here your due date is 5/2. If your name is not listed here it is due 4/28. I believe in rewarding hard work.
Again I will be gone on Monday but feel free to take your corrected work out of the bins. Maybe someone could even be nice and pass it all out. Have a great weekend everyone and don't forget to keep reading Tortilla. Since I didn't do a quiz the first round it's pretty much a given I will for the completion of the novel.

Non-Slackers
Carter
Nina
Evan
Rebecca
Megan
Craig
Reid
Michael
Keith
Tyler
Mabel
Gina
Kayla
Peder
Angela
Claire
Sydney
Jabray
Mak
Dean
Kristel
Pa Houa
Michelle
Panra
Joel
Siri
Alex
Tiffany
Haley
Sergio
Grace
Rachel

Language Test Practice

Today we did a practice with the language test as a class. The language test usually has the longer and what I consider more boring passages so the trick is to try and keep your focus. If you have trouble with your mind wandering while reading you should really try the whisper reading. The physical act of moving your lips while reading has been proven to increase attention span.
We only did two passages from the text but if you want to borrow a copy of the test to practice on your own just let me know. We will have our last official practice one next Wednesday.
Upcoming: Cuckoo papers due tomorrow with two copies
Finish Tortilla for 4/28

Final Vocab List

Today we watched our last vocab video :( If you need the list of words or want to watch the video again click on the blog title.
After the video we had our discussion on the first part of the novel. Now I was kind and didn't give you a test today but it was very clear that not everyone finished the reading. Please make sure you finish the book by the 28th so we can have a full discussion. If you are taking the literature test it is also helpful to be familiar with another book to use for the open question. I promise things will slow down after the tests but you need to keep working hard until then.
Upcoming: Thursday final drafts of your Cuckoo paper. I will base the final due date on how well the original drafts are written.
Vocab test 5/3 The Last One!

Remember that if you're interested in extra credit pick out which vocab list you want and let me know. I would prefer you pick some of the lists that I didn't have videos for or that I had bad ones for.

Language Timed Write

Happy Monday everyone!
We are nearing the end of the pain. Today was your second to last time write (the last one will be next Monday) and tomorrow is the last batch of vocab words. Nothing much to report today because you were just writing. Tomorrow make sure you finish the reading and come in with two discussion questions.

Upcoming: Cuckoo Paper due Thursday
Finish the novel for 4/28

Random fact of the day:
What we now call prom was first labeled “the prom” in the 1890s. The word is a shortened form of promenade, meaning a march of the guests at the beginning of a ball or other formal event. Basically it was a way for Middle class parents and kids to mimic the debutante balls of the upper class. It was used to teach social skills and etiquette. The dances were strictly chaperoned and were often restricted to only the senior class.

Vocab Test

First part of the hour was occupied with the second to last vocab test. Hopefully you are feeling quite intelligent with all these new words you know. Remember the extra credit for fourth quarter is to make a new vocab video for one of the sets we have. It will be first come first served so if you have a list you want come see me early.
After the test we worked with some sample texts from a synthesis prompt about immigration in groups.

Upcoming: TC part one for Tuesday and two questions for discussions
Cuckoo Paper due Thursday

Daily Observation: Rebecca laughed today!

Have fun at prom and be safe.

Sentence Type Links

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5000099234677133181
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/cgi-shl/quiz.pl/sentence_types_quiz.htm
http://itech.pjc.edu/writinglab/senpat.htm

Border Debate

We started the hour talking about love and how it is misinterpreted by so many sigh...
Actually we talked about the essays you wrote on the poems about Eros. The scores you got back were straight scores so congrats most people were in the passing range. After the essays we had a brief debate/discussion on the pros and cons of Mexican immigration to the U.S. The discussion was surprisingly more heated than I had anticipated but I think the point was made that it's a very complicated issue. Keep these things in mind as you are reading the novel. The next step is to try and come up with some valid solutions.
The last 10 mins. of class we went over some sample sentence types. If you are still struggling do some more practice ones.


Upcoming: Vocab test tomorrow
Finish part 1 of Tortilla for Tuesday

Random thought: If a cannibal ate a clown would it taste funny?

Outline Day

In our brief time together we talked about the thesis statements and outlines for your Cuckoo paper. I'm sorry I didn't get around to everybody today but please feel free to come see me before or after school or during advisory if you want me to check your topic. Remember to connect with the "so what" to make your paper interesting. I know that's the hard part but it will make your paper a lot stronger and easier to write once you have it down. I will post a sample of the outline for my Turn of the Screw paper too so you have a model to look at.
I suggest writing your outline or reading Tortilla outside today!
Upcoming: Vocab test Friday (look over the sentence types)

Welcome to the border

Today started out with some very confused students. It's amazing how a little change sends you all in a tizzy. Remember the sign of a strong person is being able to easily and happily (Rebecca) adapt to change. As part of the new room arrangement we started our final class novel (try not to be too sad). We spent the hour talking about some immigration issues and just some basic background on the border issue and what the actual Tortilla Curtain is.
Enjoy the new books and start reading your twenty pages tonight. I will forewarn you that since there is no reading assignment with it I will most likely have to test you to make sure you're completing the reading.

Upcoming: Cuckoo paper topic for tomorrow
TC part 1 due next Tuesday
Vocab Test this Friday

Random thought of the day: why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?

End of a quarter

Today was a short day so all we did was finish up the presentations on Cuckoo's Nest. Make sure you are thinking about your paper topics. Start with just something that stands out to you and then try to work that into a claim. I'll attach my notes from the presentations which might help spark a unique topic.

Upcoming: Eros essays are due Monday--make sure you read the prompt carefully.
Monday we also start our last book as a class!

Enjoy your actual spring weekend :)

Cuckoo’s Nest Notes Part 1

Fog—represents an escape from reality and is comforting but there’s also the possibility of getting lost in it
Examples of fog: sex, drugs, drink, work, gambling

Chief—unique narrator, able to see/hear both sides of the hospital, confusing but insightful, biased towards Ratched
Key Quote: “But it’s the truth even if it didn’t happen” (8). What does this mean?

Nurse—thinks she’s doing the right thing, shock therapy was the new way to treat people effectively
Patients do need some type of help: peeing, Chief, chronics

Mac—violent been in several fights, raped a 15 year old girl, gambles for the patients money, faking crazy to get out of jail, big on laughter and his sexuality

Combine—treats humans like machines, no longer individuals, everyone must conform, treatment is the same for everyone, shock therapy acts like a restart

Role reversals—Blacks and females are in control of white males but how is it working?

Microcosm—the hospital is a smaller version of society as a whole

Sexuality—used as tool, combine needs to repress to dehumanize,
Nurse covers her boobs
Harding possibly homosexual
Billy innocent and naïve
Female in power seen as a bitch would it be the same with a male?
Mac flaunts his and gains status and power from it

Part 2
Harding’s wife—overly sexual puts her husband down for not satisfying her

Dog and car scene—Chief actually looking outside of the hospital, nature vs. machine

No-win situation—epileptics and the drugs, Mac and his rebellion, patients in/out of hospital

Cheswick—suicide after he loses faith in Mac; can’t rebel on his own
His death sparks Mac back into action

Decisions: Rebel or submit, Friend or foe, Clear or fog, silent or vocal

Consequences: medicine, restrictions, shock, lobotomy

Nurse: she won’t release Mac; needs to keep him until she can break him; destroy his image so he doesn’t leave as exceptional

Setting: isolated hospital out in the country; need to put any non-conformity away from rest of society


Part 3
Emasculation—several castration references, what does it mean to be a man?
Chief took his mother’s name, govt. only listened to her not his father

Chief—thinks he’s small, Mac will make him grow, literally gives him part of his manhood back
Starts to become human again: talking, no longer just sweeps, laughing

Basketball—actual therapy where the men work together, fight back against black aides

Mac—returns as hero after initial defeat in part 2

Laughter—brings the men out of the fog, makes them human again

Fishing trip—independence, they finally act on their own,
Contrast with sterile hospital setting, out in nature on the water,
uncontrolled environment men in control of selves; controlled environment unstable men
Biblical—12 disciples, fisher or men, picked misfits and sinners, changes the men’s behavior and attitudes, Mac is drained by the effort

Part 4
Women—bitch, whore, religion

How much of the story actually happened? Chief’s quote on page 8
Native American as narrator—outcast of society given a voice

Humanized Nurse by exposing her boobs and she lost her power/control

Historical—question the status quo, rebel against the norm (Civil rights, women’s lib. War)

Did Mac kill himself? Knowingly went after Nurse even though he knew possible consequences

Patients also knowingly let Mac be a sacrifice. He was the person with the most to lose yet they let him take the fall.

Biblical—Last supper with the party scene, no one stays awake to warn Mac
Mac “crucified” to save the others, Billy (Judas) betrayed him then killed himself out of guilt,
the followers initially deny him, Chief spreads the Gospel, the novel is the Gospel (the Truth p. 8)

Mac had to die in order to be a legend and an inspiration. A living vegetable would have been a visible warning to all who tried to rebel again.

Chief literally destroys the Combine in the end by ripping out the control panel.

Ratched as a dictator/communist ideas—ration out privileges, make everyone the same
Mac as America/capitalist—loud, liberal, sexual, out for his own good, wants people to embrace themselves

Mac and Chief on parallel paths—silent to talking, constrained to free, Mac saves Chief then Chief saves Mac

Nurse is finally destroyed when Mac shows her as human by exposing her sexuality (boobs) and literally takes her voice from her

Extra Credit Day

Today was a day of mercy. I gave you the 2009 MC test to work on with a partner and offered extra credit based on the percentage you got correct. It was essentially an hour to just boost your grade.(What a nice teacher you must be thinking)
I think the spring weather must be getting to me, but I'll fight hard against it for future class purposes.
Tomorrow we finally finish up both the novel and the quarter.
Remember it is early release so Sophie N. don't forget to come to per. 9 first instead of Broadcast.
Sophia L. and Eric no advisory tomorrow so I'll only see you twice sad :(

Upcoming: Eros essay for Friday or Monday
Cuckoo's Nest paper topic for Tuesday

Part 4 Discussion

Well I've been a little remiss in my postings lately, but I'm back on the horse now. (Notice the use of a comma and a fanboy making the previous sentence a compound one)
Today we went over the space synthesis essays. Please remember to read all essay prompts carefully. You are all capable of writing an essay with a passing score (except maybe Sophie but she's working on it :-) but you have to understand the prompt first. You also have to look at the sources carefully. They aren't all created equally.
The rest of the hour was used for group discussions on the last section of the book. You really should be thinking about your paper topics now. You want them to be something interesting and something you really feel you can prove.

Upcoming: Poetry essay "Eros" due either Friday or Monday. If you want revenge on me you could turn it in Friday so then I have homework this weekend to correct it.

Thanks for reading you can now return to Facebook.

Welcome Back

So glad to have everyone back and I hope you all had a restful spring break. Today we reviewed sentence types so make sure you do the rest on your own and I'll go over the answers Wednesday or Thursday. You got a synthesis essay to do on your own for Thursday. Again, I would suggest timing yourself. Use 15 mins. to read the sources and then 40 mins. to write the essay.
We ended the hour analyzing a short movie clip from The Bear and working on how to use visuals.
Eric I put the sentence type notes on the website so click the blog title and it's on the bottom of the page.
Upcoming: Vocab Test Firday

Timed Write

I should probably be correcting right now but instead I'm following the example from some of you and procrastinating. Today we did a timed write with an argument prompt. The good news for all of you is that I'm not putting this one in the grade book. We will work with scoring them tomorrow and just count it as a practice.
Please make sure you are getting caught up on the reading for Cuckoo's Nest.
We will have another discussion/group day on Friday and the presentation of part 1 on Thursday.
After the presentation I'll post some of my notes from the first section.
Upcoming: Movie review due Thursday

MC Practice

Today we did a multiple-choice practice in teams with a poetry sample and then had some reading time. Please make sure you finish the reading by Monday. It is confusing at first but I promise it gets easier after about 50 pages. Also if you are confused or have questions make sure you ask me.
Upcoming: Part one for Monday and Movie Review due Thursday.

Also I would really suggest checking out paperrater.com Use one of your old papers just to see how helpful it is for future purposes.

Native Son

We finished the movie up today and it wasn't the best feat of movie excellence but it gives you plenty to write about for your review. After the movie I gave out the next set of vocab words and we'll watch video tomorrow.
Upcoming: Poetry analysis due Friday and make sure you are reading Cuckoo's Nest.

Craig I did some research and the term cuckoo as in crazy comes from the weird call cuckoo birds make over and over for no purpose and the fact that they lay their eggs in other birds' nests. Interestingly enough it is also where the term cuckold comes from.

Vocab Test 7

Today we took the vocab test and then we got our exciting new novel. We will be reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and doing some group presentations with it. You will also have questions do for each of the four parts of the novel. The first section is the longest but I'm considering giving you reading time on Friday.
The last part of the hour was spent working on analyzing "The Century Quilt" using the poetry guide sheet. I will collect the sheet tomorrow.
Upcoming: Poetry analysis due this Friday
Read part one of the novel with questions for Monday

Native Son Movie

We spent the hour watching the Fear section of movie. Make sure you are taking some notes so you have specific things to comment on for your movie review. Since I didn't get a chance to talk about Fate I'll paste my notes in below. Yesterday you got your MC scores back and if you'd like to see the answers or go over any of them come see me for the answer key before or after school or during advisory.
Upcoming: Vocab test Monday and poetry due Friday.
Enjoy the weekend!

Fate Notes
Social Satire—exaggerate the negative to show the consequences (Modest Proposal)
Contrast to first half where everything is white (snow, people, cat, etc.) everything is black around him in jail “black floor” “black bars”
Bigger tortured—dragged away, fingernails torn off, swollen tongue p. 320
Newspaper portrayal p. 322
Portrayal of Jan is he realistic?—very sympathetic, understanding, forgiving p. 332
Inequality in the Black Belt p. 377—housing shortage, pay more, only educate for trade jobs
Use of Bessie’s body as evidence p. 382
Crazy jail mate—writing a book about how coloreds live, drove him crazy p. 397-98
Buckley’s irony—“A man commits two of the most horrible murders in the history of American civilization” p. 434
Reasons to incite the public p. 449
Jail actually better than home life p. 471
Title—what does native son mean?
Religion—what is Wright’s opinion on religion, what is it used for?
Wright’s purpose and connection with communism

Trumbo and Native Start

We started the hour going over the Trumbo essays that you wrote last week. I had some notes on common mistakes and some basic tips so if you were gone you should get some notes from someone.
After the essays we went over the final assignment for Native Son which is a movie review. We also started the movie but only got about twenty minutes into it.

Upcoming: Journals due Friday and vocab test Monday

2001 MC

Today was the timed multiple-choice test for March. It was the 2001 Language test and I've had some really high scores from the ones that have already been corrected. For this test you want to be scoring close to thirty. If you are well below that take one of my sample books to practice with or click here to take the practice ones online and find out what areas you are struggling with.
Upcoming: Finish Native Son for Thursday and the journals are due Friday. You should have 18 total if you include the three for the discussions.

I moved the vocab test till Monday to give people a little more time to study.

More Poetry Fun

Today we talked very briefly about Native Son but we'll be working more with it tomorrow. The one thing I would keep in mind is to look at the novel from the perspective of satire. As you finish up Fate keep returning to the idea of what is Wright trying to accomplish with this novel.
The rest of the hour was spent picking out your personal poets. If you lose your assignment sheet just click on the blog title for a new one.
Upcoming: Finish Native Son for Wednesday

Flight Discussion

I'm going to save my commentary until next week so here are my notes from "Flight." The discussions went well today but they were a little heavy on plot. I was surprised that the media didn't really get mentioned and it's so over-the-top in this section.

Upcoming: Trumbo essay due tomorrow and make sure you are doing your Native Son journals as you go rather than waiting until the end.

Flight Notes
Issue of power—what gives Bigger strength?
Bigger’s willingness to kill again?
Treatment of Bigger—think he’s unintelligent, called boy
Stereotypes of communism
Newspapers—256-57, 280-83
Dehumanizing—it 272
Society—fairness 288-89
Is Bigger insane?
How do physical surroundings reflect Bigger’s situation—snow, storm,
Bigger’s Dream p. 189
Class vs. Race—which is more of a hindrance?
Stereotypes: Bigger as ignorant, violent, poor home life, whites, women, men, communists
Contrasts: different settings—Bigger’s apartment vs. the Dalton’s home. In addition to the spacial issues you also have the contrasting animals. (Watch for a parallel rat scene at the end of “Flight”)
Media: how the media is portrayed and how does the media portrays various groups—whites, blacks, communists. Newspapers—256-57, 280-83
Issue of power—what gives Bigger strength? Bigger’s willingness to kill again?
Blindness—more than just literal. Aside from her blindness what else is unique about Mrs. Dalton.
One of the ways to really understand what Wright is trying to do is to look at this novel as satire. He inflates all the stereotypes in order to make it more obvious for social commentary. T
Questions:
Be honest, were you secretly hoping Bigger would escape?
Did Bigger subconsciously want to get caught? Is that why he never cleaned the furnace?
Several instances are made about the communists in a negative light. Where is this information coming from? Bigger is fairly uneducated, yet even he has a low opinion of them.
How are stereotypes being played on, embellished, corrupted? Does it seem strange that a black author would make such an unlikeable black protagonist? What would be the possible reasons behind this? Along with this, what is the purpose behind the graphic violence. Wright isn’t just disturbed so why is it such a main focus? Hint: What is your reaction to it?
Is Bigger justified? I am in no way trying to say brutal violence is acceptable but try to get inside Bigger’s head. Is he medically insane? If so, was he born crazy or was he created? (This might also tie in with the title). Is he smart?

AP Scoring

Happy Friday Everyone!
Today you got a chance to see what it's like to be an AP essay scorer. We went through the rubric for the morally ambiguous open essay question and we looked at some samples.
Remember for your own writing that getting a passing score is not that difficult if you stick to the prompt. The higher range scores you need to focus on two things 1. Voice--make it interesting to read 2. Unique and developed content--have a lot of support and explain what you're talking about clearly.
Upcoming: Make sure you are reading Flight. We will have our discussion on Wednesday. Have your feelings about Bigger changed at all?
Enjoy Monday!

Three Bears

Today we had a little story time with "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." We looked at the story from two very different writing styles to practice some more with what makes a writer's style unique. Then we did a quick vocab review.
The really exciting part about today was that I found a video game based on The Great Gatsby! You know you want to check it out so click here Gatsby Game The first level is Gatsby's party--totally dorky cool!
Upcoming: Speech analysis and registration forms due Friday.
Make-up discussion for "Fear" tomorrow after school.
Let me know how the game goes!

Fear

I really hope everyone finished the Fear section so we got the full impact for the discussion. The discussions today went fairly well, but we need to push a little more on some key issues. We will get new vocab tomorrow and then I'll answer any questions you have about the Fear section go over some points.
Here are some things to think about from Fear and things to keep in mind for Flight.
Native Son: Fear Notes
Contrast Bigger’s home p. 1 to Dalton’s home
Treatment of Bigger from his mother—manhood, “why I birthed you”
Living behind a wall p. 9 Bigger is obviously angry does he have any other way to show emotions
Activities of Bigger’s friends—rob blacks, “play white” 18,
Flight imagery—plane 17, pigeon 22
Bigger’s behavior when in presence of whites—54
Irony of Dalton being member of NAACP
Why such graphic violence? Need to be strong to get a reaction
Purpose of media— Portrayal of Communists, whites, blacks
Is it okay for black authors/characters to use the N-word?
Structure—start and end with violence
Use of color and blindness
Nature vs. Nurture—what made Bigger?
Both Mary and Bigger have limited contact with other side—Bigger hand shake, Mary traveled world—zoo type scenario
Timeline: Fear takes place in less than 24 hours
Key Passages:
Mary 23, Bigger 20
Contrast Bigger’s home p. 1 to Dalton’s home
Treatment of Bigger from his mother—manhood, “why I birthed you”
Living behind a wall p. 9
Activities of Bigger’s friends—rob blacks, “play white” 18,
Flight imagery—plane 17, pigeon 22
Bigger’s behavior when in presence of whites—54
What is the “fear” that is so prominent in this chapter? What does he mean when he says “living behind a wall” (9).
Both Jan and Mary attempt to befriend Bigger, yet it only seems to make Bigger more angry. What is Wright trying to say with this?

Upcoming: Speech analysis due Friday and don't forget your registration forms.

MC practice

We started the class with a sample passage from the AP test. It was an older text so it was probably a little more difficult. You can expect at least one passage from the 18th century or earlier so don't be frightened off by the more complicated writing. It's usually just a little wordier and some higher vocabulary but just try to pick out the main ideas and use the questions to help guide you on the right track.
The second half was another work day with your partner on the speeches.
Don't forget to use your best friend when analyzing and make sure you do some background research on the context of the speech.
Upcoming: Vocab test tomorrow--STUDY
Finish the Fear section for Monday

Synthesis samples

The first half of class we went over two sample essays from the TV and election prompt. Remember the things to keep in mind when writing these essays is to first make sure you can get a passing score. If you are comfortable with that level then you need to try and raise your score through voice and complex ideas.
The second part of the class was work time with your partner on the speeches. You will have some more class time on Thursday and Friday of this week and the analysis is due next Friday.
Upcoming: Vocab Test Friday
Fear due Monday

Synthesis Timed Write

Today you got back your Awakening papers which was an amazingly fast turn around time. I'm impressed with it even if no one else is.
The rest of the hour was just writing time for you. I know it's your first synthesis one but that's why we spent an hour before going over the sources and doing an outline. I might even still give you a two point bonus even though we're into the third quarter now.
Hope to see a lot of you at Showcase tonight.

Gatsby Work Day

Today was a work day for the group presentations up in the library. I'm sorry for all the confusion with the groups but I didn't know there would be that many people switching class hours. I think I have everything worked out now but if you know that you'll be switching again please let me know right away. For the presentations make sure that you have some type of focused claim that you want to explain to the class.
Good luck on your finals since I won't see you tomorrow and please bring The Awakening books on Friday so I can take them off your hands.
Upcoming: Gatsby presentations next Thursday

Gatsby Close Read

We did a close read of the passage where Gatsby shows off his shirts to Daisy using the different theories. This was just a sample but I want you to see how important it is to look at the details used by an author. We also got our groups ready for your final project for this novel. If you will be switching classes hours at all please let me know right away as it will confuse the groups.
Upcoming: Awakening Paper this week

Gatsby Discussion

Today we had the Gatsby discussion and I thought it went really well. I will give some of my commentary tomorrow but I'll also post my notes here since I know I'll never get to say everything that I want to.
On a side note did anyone figure out the connection between Gatsby and Aladdin?
Upcoming: Awakening papers are due this week come see me if you need help. Homeroom would probably be best since there are meetings after school.

Gatsby Notes

Nick as narrator—how reliable is he? Nick as narrator—how reliable is he? He makes a big deal out of saying how honest and nonjudgmental he is but I think the narrator doth protest too much. He definitely makes judgments about Tom, Daisy, and Jordan. Speaking of Jordan why is she such a liar? Not to mention did anyone catch the Nick is a bit of a player?? (p. 59)
• p. 1
• p. 60

Description of Tom—very masculine, physical, cruel
• p. 7
• violence parallel (knuckle p. 12 Myrtle p. 37)
• racist

Jordan--very masculine as well but then George Wilson is very feminine--what's going on here?

Daisy's bizarre mothering skills. Why turn your head away and weep at the sight of a girl?
Baby girl p. 17 “beautiful little fool”

Description of Jordan—masculine p. 11

Don't be like the elitist and neglect the Valley of Ashes. There is a lot going on here some hints—desolate, biblical, industrial, lower class p. 24
Eyes of T.J. Eckelburg—very clearly God but what does that mean? What is God doing?

George and Myrtle interaction p. 25
• cramped apartment compared to airy house
• Myrtle’s shift in attitude (buys things, bossy, pride)

Jordan’s attitude—liar, careless p. 59

Watch for parallel scenes. Fitzy is a genius when it comes to this. We already talked about Tom's violence with both Daisy and Myrtle but there are others. Look at the different settings we have between ch. 1 and 2 along with Myrtle's treatment of Tom.

Gatsby’s bio
• Lies p. 65-66
• Connection to Daisy p. 99

Corruption of time—clock p. 87

Daisy/Myrtle parallel—power over husband p. 116

Fairly Tale—“voice full of money” “king’s daughter” p. 120

Son of God p. 99

George and Tom’s contrasting reactions to affairs p. 124

Weather
• Rain during first meeting
• Hot temp. during confrontation

Misc.
Is Myrtle the first time Tom’s cheated on Daisy?? Check out their honeymoon and the birth of their daughter.

Peer Editing Day

Well I was glad to see that almost everyone had much stronger drafts done this time around. Again, a rough draft should mean a completed copy there were a few skinny papers. As you work on revising your final draft keep a few things in mind. These are the main things I see in regards to people getting a much lower grade than necessary.
1. Make sure you properly format your paper
2. Make sure you fix any writing style issues it should be 100% free of errors and read smoothly
3. QUOTE support you should have multiple specific examples and quotes from the text to support your claim
4. Have a strong claim that you are always proving
5. Avoid plot summary

It's too cold to do much else this weekend so curl up with a blanket and The Great Gatsby. You should have the book finished by Monday and we'll have our discussion then.

Poetry Timed Write

In-class poetry essays today based on the poems we discussed yesterday. I've only corrected a few essays so far but remember the difference in the different types of essays. Today's was analysis one which means you have to talk about HOW the author gets their point across. In order to discuss the how you have to look at devices and the particular style of the author.
Tomorrow The Awakening is due so I'm guessing there will be some tired people tomorrow. Oh how I wish there was a magic pill to combat procrastination. Happy Writing everyone!
Upcoming: Gatsby due Monday

Poetry Discussions

Today we had the split small group discussions. I know it's a little intimidating to be in front of the class but I think the discussions went well. Remember when you are doing the AP essays make sure you always look back at the question you are supposed to be answering. Tomorrow will be the timed write for one of the poems you did not personally discuss so hopefully you took good notes. You also should be pretty close to finished with your Awakening paper so I hope you are not still just working from an outline at this point.
Upcoming: Paper due Friday and finish Gatsby for Monday

Vocab Test

Took the second poetry vocab test today and for the most part scores are good. Make sure you study a little each night because we have quite a few words now. After the vocab test we did small group discussion on Aladdin. I hope the theory practice helped everyone really understand how to do it and why it's useful. You should start analyzing some other movies this weekend just for fun!
Remember to continue working on your Awakening papers. Please be careful about just repeating claims that I talked about in class during my commentary.
Upcoming: Gatsby 1-4 due Tuesday

Aladdin Part Two

Okay, today we finished up the movie and even had a few minutes to discuss some of the things you noticed. Tomorrow after the vocab test we should have time to have a real discussion on the book. I'll attach some of my notes from the movie as well so you have some idea of how they tie in with the theories.
Upcoming: Vocab test tomorrow--you should be going over your flashcards right now!
Awakening paper due next Friday and Gatsby 1-4 for Tuesday

Aladdin Notes

Gender
Al assumes Jasmine is helpless (jumping over roofs)
Jasmine uses sexuality to distract Jafar
Jasmine needs a husband to take care of her
Frees the doves from the cage
“Speechless an excellent quality in a wife”
Gay stereotypes—hairdresser, “picking out curtains”
“I am not a prize to be won!”
Tiger associated with weak female
“Allah forbid you should have any daughters”

Historical
Prostitutes
Laws—cut off hand for stealing
American accents
Jafar—British accent


Psychoanalytic
Al feels inadequate
Jasmine is “trapped”
Color changes with characters—dark=bad, light=good
Apple, snake=biblical
Aladdin no self-esteem—be yourself

Marxist
Market place song—gotta steal to eat gotta eat to live
“Born a street rat always be a street rat”
Jasmine doesn’t even know what money is
Jasmine must marry a prince
Sultan is an idiot
Aladdin’s personality changes when he becomes a prince goes from selfless to selfish

Narratology
Al the hero—orphan, something special “diamond in the rough”
Colors—good light/bad dark
Trickster—Abu
Mentor—Geni
Villain—Jafar

Aladdin!

Yikes, sorry everyone. It's been the last two weeks as I've clearly been a little neglectful on the posting. Today we started some analyzing fun with Aladdin. Now I know the movie is pretty engaging but please make sure you are taking some notes on it as well so you can fill out your theory chart. We will finish up the movie tomorrow and then Friday I will collect your charts and hopefully we'll have time to discuss it after the vocab test.
Make sure you pay attention to the details--clothing, setting, animal characters, accents even??
Upcoming: Vocab test Friday
Awakening Paper 1/21
Gatsby 1-4 1/18

Please come and see me if you are having trouble with your Awakening paper. Save yourself some frustration and don't wait until the last minute.

Hi double Sophies!

Welcome Back

Happy New Year Everyone!
I hope you all had a nice break and are ready to dig right back in.
Today we went over the poetry essays that you wrote. As with all essays make sure that you answer all parts of the prompt. Poetry doesn't have to be that scary just talk about what you do know and avoid what you don't. You should be aiming for three pages for full development.
We then went over the final paper for The Awakening and talked briefly about the ending. I will talk more about my interpretations on Wednesday after your discussion.
Upcoming: Awakening outline two copies due this Friday
Vocab test next Friday

Hi Rachel