English 8

Your one page of newspaper copy is due on Friday.  It should be typed.

P3
Answer the questions on the Trojan War, parts Two and Three.

P4
Answer the questions on The Odyssey, Part One.

English 10

Answer the first 7 questions on the Act II Study Guide.

English 8

Both periods:

Your mythological character investigation, with a well-rendered image, is due on Friday.  You also need to complete and submit today's journal (an eye-witness account of a crime committed by a Greek deity). If you have not completed your webquest, do so as soon as possible. Remember, too, to bring it to school as we'll be discussing these gods and you may want to refer to your previous work.

Period 3:
Make sure you have answered the 4 questions at the end of "The Jaguar", for we will discuss them tomorrow.

English 10

Today, we finished reading Act I.  Tonight, complete the questions on the final two scenes.

English Lit

Tomorrow, you will present your sonnets to the class by doing the following:

• presenting it dramatically
• explaining the plot
• discussing the imagery
• discussing the tone
• discussing the poetic devices
• discussing the theme

English 8

P3
Finish the last page of the package on metaphors

P4
The antonyms we discussed today were as follows:

• peaceful/chaotic
• hushed/loud
• relaxed/tense
• happy/sad
• light/dark
• cold/hot
• sweet/sour 
• soft/rough

In class you chose one pair and turned each word into a simile like so...

"As hushed as falling snow" and "As loud as a screaming firetruck"

Next, you gave three synonyms for each word in the pair so that your final product looked like this...

Quiet, silent, mute,
As hushed as falling snow.

Blaring, blasting, roaring,
As loud as a screaming firetruck.

For homework, do the same thing for two more word pairs.

English 8

P3
We finished viewing the movie today.  We will spend the next two days reviewing for the test on Friday.  Tonight, come up with five possible questions (and answers) that you think might be on the test. Write them on a piece of loose leaf paper and bring it to class.
The format of Friday's test will be as follows:

• approximately 15 true/false and fill-in-the-blank questions (many will be on plot and character)
• 3 quotation recognition
• approximately 5 multiple choice
• approximately 5 short answers
• 1 paragraph question (expository format of 8-12 sentences and transitional words) 

P4
Today, we went over "Richard Cory" and discussed poetic devices.  Students too notes on what a poetic device is, as well as notes on specific figurative devices such as metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole.  They also took notes on alliteration and onomatopoeia.
They have no homework for this evening.

English 10

From the list of possible thematic topics from the novel, write theme statements for three.  The topics are as follows:

• human nature, beauty and chaos, violence, British exceptionalism, fear, loyalty, power, decay/imperfection/loss of modernity, society, boundaries, leadership, and courage.

Also, come up with five different examples of irony from the novel.  Be sure to specify the kind of irony each is.

English 8

P3
We'll continue with the movie tomorrow.  Do make sure that the Chapter 12 questions are done.

P4
Finish the questions on the poem we looked at in class.

English 10

I've asked students to come up with 5 broad thematic topics for tomorrow by answering the following question five times:

In a word or two, what is Lord of the Flies about?

We'll develop these broad topics into theme statements in the coming days.

Students have also been asked to select five of the following important objects from the novel and state their emotional (or symbolic) meaning:

• Fire
• Beast
• Parachutist
• Castle Rock vs. Lagoon
• Masks
• Spears
• Mountain
• Pigs
• Scar
• Island

English Lit

Today, students wrote the Middle Ages test.  They must take notes on pp. 127 to 148.  On Wednesday, I'll check for notes on pp. 127-138.  I'll check for the rest on Friday.

English Lit

Your Middle Ages test will be on Monday.  Happy studying!

English 8

P3
Finish reading Chapter 12 and answer both sides of the question sheet that I gave you in class on Friday.

P$
Mr. Chong will take in your projects on Monday.

English 10

Finish reading Chapter 12 and complete the questions distributed in class on Friday.  You may work with a partner to divvy up the responses, but you'll have to make sure to record your partner's answers.

English 8

Tonight, write down the different kinds of conflict you see in the novel and give each conflict a sentence of explanation.
For example:

1. Character vs. _________________ - This conflict can be seen in how __________________ fights with ___________________.

English 10

Read to the break on page 192 for tomorrow.

English Lit

Today, we discussed the student questions and quotes on "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight".  I've asked the class to answer the "For Study and Discussion" questions #1-3 that come immediately after the story (I can't give you the page # as I don't have the text in front of me at the moment). 

I also went over the format for Monday's Middle Ages test:

• approximately 10 vocabulary terms
• 5 quotes from "The Prologue to the CT"
• approximately 10 multiple choice questions (on Chaucer/P to the CT, Barbara Allan, Gawain, and the Middle Ages as a whole)
• 4 short answer questions of 5 points each
• 1 longer answer of 10 points

For the last two sections, think about what we discussed in class. What presentations did you give?  What did we informally debate or discuss during this unit?

Remember, this test will ask you what you know about the writing, its historical context, how it might be similar or different to previous works and/or our modern-day culture.

Also, I pointed out some pages in the text that you might want to skim for review (not memorize) before the test.  We've discussed most of this, but these pages provide a good refresher.  The pages are as follows:

• Your and my notes on the Middle Ages (pp. 43-54)
• Chaucer notes (pp.55-57)
• Writing about Literature p. 80
• Sir Gawain intro p.89
• Write up on Folk Ballads p.105
• Writing about Literature p.110

English 8

Your "Wanted" posters are due on Friday.  You will be given some class time to work on them tomorrow.  Tonight, answer the questions on Chapter 8. 

English 10

We discussed Chapter 8 today, then read Chapter 9.  For homework, students are to ask (and answer) two open-ended questions about the chapter and select an important quote and explain its significance.

English Lit

Today, we finished discussing "Bonnie Barbara Allan" and read all of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight".  For homework, do a question (with answer), a quote, and a literary device.  The Medieval Test will be on Nov. 25th.

English 10

This weekend, read Chapter 7 and select what you think is the most important quote in the chapter.  Write a paragraph explaining why you think it is significant.  Also, complete the vocabulary sheet that I gave all of you.

English 8

P3
This weekend, read Chapter 6 and answer the questions, complete all sections of the new vocabulary sheet EXCEPT the cartoons (they'll be due next Wednesday), and finally, answer the two questions on the "Nothing Gold Can Stay" worksheet.

English 8

Finish read Chapter 5 for homework, and answer questions 1-3 for tomorrow.  Also, tomorrow I will collect your vocabulary sheet  with the words clad, ruefully, reformatory, implore, and apprehensive because I need to photocopy your cartoons.

English 10

Finish reading Chapter 6 and answer questions 1-4 for tomorrow.

English 8

P3
I hope you were all paying close attention to the class debate today because you now have to write a properly formatted paragraph that argues whether Johnny should be sent to prison for the murder of Bob Shelton (the Soc), or whether Johnny should be acquitted of the crime (set free).  This paragraph is due on Thursday.  Here is a reminder of the format for an expository paragraph of 8-12 sentences:

1. Topic sentence (where you state whether Johnny should be imprisoned or acquitted)
2. Reason #1 for your opinion.  State this in 2-3 sentences.
3. Reason #2 stated in 2-3 sentences.
4. Reason #3 stated in 2-3 sentences.
5. A concluding sentence that reminds us of the opinion you stated in your topic sentence.

Remember to use transitional words such as first, next, also, additionally, finally, and in conclusion. Transitional words give your writing cohesion and help your reader follow your argument as you move from point to point.

English 10

Read Chapter 5 tonight.  Also, finish the cartoons for the vocabulary sheet so that I can photocopy them tomorrow. Students will have time in class to finish the 4-Square sheet.

English 8

We read Chapter 4 in class.  Make sure to finish the questions for Tuesday.

English 10

Finish reading Chapter 4, and complete the questions. If you did not get a question sheet, email me on Saturday or Sunday. Also, complete the vocaublary sheet, including the cartoons.

English Lit

I enjoyed seeing all your creative projects on Friday. There is no homework, so enjoy the long weekend.

English 8

Period 3
Please do the Chapter 3 questions for homework tonight.

English 10

Please do the Chapter 3 questions for homework tonight.

English Lit

I'm looking forward to seeing your completed projects on Friday!

English 10

Tonight, make sure to finish the final two Chapter 2 questions, and read Chapter 3 for tomorrow.

English 8

Period 3
Today in class, we read to the bottom of page 43 in The Outsiders.  For homework, just fill in the chart that is on the back of the Chapter 2 questions.  You have already filled in the top half (as the answers for that section were in the previous chapter).

English10

I didn't collect the vocabulary sheets today, but I will tomorrow.  Also, answer questions 1-3a on Chapter 2 for Tuesday.

English 8

Period 3
Answer questions 1-4 on Chapter 2 for Tuesday.

English Lit

We'll wrap up our discussion of The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales on Tuesday.  Bing any of your remaining questions and complete the "For Study and Discussion" questions #1-4 on page 79.  We will look at two more Medieval works before the next test.
Finally, your projects are due on Friday (not Thursday) because of the class change with Ms. Alexis.

English 10

Your vocabulary sheet will be due on Monday.  Also, read Chapter 2 as there could be a small Chapter 2 quiz to make sure you are keeping up to date with the reading.  Finally, on Friday, students were assigned specific characters to fill out in their Character Charts.  Students were given Ralph, Jack, Piggy, and Simon.  Some were also given Samneric and Roger to do together.  If you were not in class on Friday, choose one of these groups to fill out for Monday.

English 8

Period 3
Make sure both vocabulary sheets are completed for Monday.  Also, read the first 10 pages of Chapter 2 in the novel (pp. 19-29).  You can read more, just remember to look surprised when we get to that part in class!

Period 4
Complete The Outsiders questions #1-5 for Monday.

English8

Your stories are due tomorrow.  Make sure your planning sheet has been filled out as well.

English 10

Today, we finished Chapter 1.  Students should finish the chapter questions and take notes on Simon. We'll go over this on Friday.  As for tomorrow, I'm looking forward to seeing your projects.

English Lit

Come to class with complete character notes on Friday.

English Lit

On Wednesday, we'll look at satire in the various pilgrims in Chaucer's Prologue.  I'm looking forward to seeing creative ways of categorizing these people!
Also, here are the vocabulary words for this unit (You'll need to know 10 of them):
1. shriven                      2. counterfeit
3. encumbered              4. superfluities (I misspelled this in class!)
5. benign                       6. burnished
7. engendered               8. sundry

9. prevarication            10. burgess

11. pestilence               12. cloisters
13. solicitous                14. penitent
15. dirk                         16. palfrey
17. felicity                    18. whelks
19. arrears                     20. fustian

English 10

Fill in the Character Chart boxes for Ralph and Piggy and do the synonym/antonym section of the vocabulary sheet.  Your short story projects are due on Thursday.

English 8

Period 3:
Study your vocabulary words for Wednesday's quiz! Look at the words and definitions on last Thursday's post. Your short stories are due on Thursday.

English Lit

Continue taking notes on the characters that we read on Wednesday (The Reeve, the Summoner, and the Pardoner).  Also, finish reading to the end of the Prologue and write a question and answer about the work as a whole. Next week, I'll assign questions 1-4 on page 79 (For Study and Discussion), so if you want to get ahead of the game, you can do those too!

English 10

Do the matching section of the vocabulary sheet that you received today.  Also, your short story unit projects are due on Thursday.  Happy creating!

English 8

Period 4:
Your short stories are due on Thursday, October 31. Also, do questions #6-8 on The Outsiders.

Period 3:
Your short stories are due on Thursday, October 31.  You will also have to hand in the planning sheet with your story.
Also, answer questions #1-3 on The Outsiders.  Try answering #4 if you can.  
Finally, review your short story vocabulary words because on Wednesday, you will have a quiz on them.  They are as follows:

1. boast (v):  to brag
2. hobble (v):  to walk with a limp   
3. smother (v):  to suffocate   
4. cataract (n):  1) a cause of blindness because of clouded lenses 2) a waterfall  
5. sham (n and adj): (n) something that is fake (v) bogus; false 
6. ponder (v): to think carefully about something before making a decision 
7. proverb (n): a short saying that expresses an obvious truth or piece of advice 
8. dislodge (v): to knock or force out of position; to remove someone from a place of power 
9. corrupt (adj): dishonest actions in return for money or personal gain; made unreliable by errors or alterations 
10. pumice (n): a spongy, light, volcanic rock
11. askew (adj): not straight, not level 
12. timidity (n): shyness or fearfulness 
13. remorse (n): a feeling of guilt 
14. luster (n): a gentle shine or soft glow 
15. dowdy (adj): dull, ordinary, not stylish 
16. maternal (adj): associated with mothers 
17. heretic (n): one who does not believe in commonly held ideas 
18. withering (adj): scorching heat or an intensely angry stare 
19. gusto (n): great enthusiasm 
20. pinnacle (n): the highest point

English Lit

Look up emjambment and euphemism and write their definitions in your notes.  Also, take character notes for the characters we discussed on Monday:  the Parson, the Ploughman, the Miller, and the Manciple.  Student projects are due on November 7th.

English 10

Students wrote their second short story unit test today.  They have projects that are due next Thursday, October 31st.

English 8

Students have been given a short story assignment and planning sheet.  They must hand in their 2-3 page short stories on Thursday, October 31st. 

English 10

Students wrote an in-class essay today.  Tomorrow, we'll review for Thursday's test.  Make sure your yellow sheets are complete.
Here is the format of the test:
A. Questions on literary terms - 10 fill in the blank questions and approximately 5 short answer questions
B. Questions on specific stories - 5 short answer questions and 1 paragraph question

English 8

Today in Periods 3 and 4, we reviewed for the short story unit test.  Period 3 will have the test on Friday. 
Here is the format of the test:

• 9 questions on short story terms
• 12 questions on labeling using terms
• 5 short answer questions on the stories we've read
• 1 paragraph question on one of the stories

Tonight, make sure to review your short story sheets and your short story terms sheet.

English Lit

Today in class we read about the Merchant, the Searjeant at Law, the Franklin, and the Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Carpet-maker.  Continue your notes on these characters (your own sentence, a quote, sins/virtues, humours, food preferences, colours, clothes, horses, and physical appearance).  Also consider where you'd rate each on a satir-o-meter out of 20.  Finally, come up with one question about anything we read in this section today.

English 10

Today, students received their review sheets for the stories we've read in this unit.  The stories are as follows:
"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl
"The Inheritor" by Frank Roberts
"The Doll's House" by Katherine Mansfield
"The Telltale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut
"The Metaphor" by Budge Wilson

Next week, we will do the following:

Tuesday--in-class essay
Wednesday--review for unit test on short stories
Thursday--unit test
Friday--cold story (you'll be given a brand-new story and have to answer questions on it)

Make sure you review your short story terms starting this weekend.

English 8

Period 3:
Your flyer is due Wednesday, October 16th.  If you want to ask me questions about it, you may do so on Tuesday.  Also, on Tuesday, come with all your review sheets filled in for the stories we have read, which include:
"The Golden Pants"
"The Sweater"
"A Secret for Two"
"The Dog of Pompeii"
"The Sentry"
"The Monkey's Paw"

There will be a short story test next Friday.  Be sure to know your short story terms and be very familiar with your review sheets.

Period 4:
Your flyer is due on Tuesday, October 15th. Your short story test is next Wednesday, so you should also be familiar with your review sheets and the short story terms.

English Lit

We read about the first six pilgrims on Thursday.  For Tuesday, make notes on each.  You must  include the following:

1. Your own sentence describing this character
2. A telling quotation about this character from the text
3. Any deadly sins or heavenly virtues the character exhibits 
4. The estate to which the character belongs (feudal, ecclesiastical, mercantile)

These points you should note down if they are given:

1. a sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, or melancholic disposition
2. a description of the character's horse
3. a description of the character's clothes
4. colours mentioned in relation to the character
5. the food the character prefers
6. a physical description of the character

English 10

Answer the handout questions on "The Metaphor" except #5 and #8.  Also, answer your assigned question from the list that was put on the board.  They are as follows:
1. What role do the Grade 10s play in this story?
2. What causes Miss Hancock to change so dramatically when she teaches the 10s?
3. Why is the instrument of her death a school bus?
4. Was the death accidental or purposeful?
5. Why does Charlotte feel so responsible?
6. What specifically led Charlotte to change her mind about Miss Hancock (I'm presuming the question refers to Charlotte in Grade 10)?
7. Why is the mother so much more influential than Charlotte's dad?

English 8

P3
Answer questions #1-4 from "Taking a Closer Look" at the end of the short story, "The Sentry".
There will be a quiz on Wednesday on parts of  speech (this is only for Period 3).
P4
Write one short paragraph of predictions for the story "The Monkey's Paw" tonight.

English Lit

For Tuesday, read pp. 43-54 in the text.  Take 2-4 notes per section and answer the questions on pg. 54.

English Lit

Test on Thursday--study hard!

Also, for Ms. Alexis' English class tomorrow.  Read "Just Lather, That's All" and check her blog to see how many questions/quotes she wants you to write.

English 8

Tonight, brainstorm ideas for the news article that you have been assigned.  You will have about 30 minutes in class tomorrow to work on this.  The rough copy is due Thursday and the good copy is due Monday, October 7th.  The due date on the assignment needs correcting. 

Also, go over your parts of speech as you will have a quiz on this on Thursday.

English 10

No homework--lucky you!

English 10

Today in class, I handed back the paragraphs on "The Doll's House".  Then, we read "Harrison Bergeron" (pg. 175).  Find and define five good academic words from the story. If you don't know the words, great!  If you know all the words in the story, just choose the best five.  Then, write three open-ended questions (that could spark discussion) about the story.  Tomorrow, we'll have a socratic seminar using your questions.

English 8

P3:
Make sure to complete the parts of speech sentences (#s 2-3) that were given in class.  Also, on the flip side of that sheet is "Harlem".  Answer question #4 about the poem.

P4:
Try your best to assign an emotion to each sensory image of the poem. (Question #5).

English 8

P3:
Complete the vocabulary sheet on "A Secret for Two" and "The Dog of Pompeii".  Also, finish the 7 questions on page 10 about "The Dog of Pompeii".

P4:
Your homework is the same as Period 3.

English 10

Your paragraphs on how Edgar Allan Poe creates mood in his short story "The Telltale Heart" is due on Monday.  Today, we discussed the theme of the story and how to incorporate quotations into literary compositions.  When you proofread your paragraphs, be sure to do the following:
1. Read your paragraph out loud to check for word omissions and proper tense useage.
2. Check your punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
3. Correct any contractions.  For example, separate "doesn't" to "does not", "he's" to "he is", etc. Contractions are informal, and literary compositions need to be formal.

English Lit

Today, we finished watching Beowulf and students worked on their cue cards for next day's discussion.  The questions we discussed can be found on the blog post for Friday, Sept. 20th.  We will have our final discussion of the Anglo-Saxon period next Tuesday.
The test is scheduled for next Thursday, October 3rd. The test will consist of 7 vocabulary questions, 12 multiple choice questions, a short answer question on the poetry of Anglo-Saxon literature, and three paragraph questions.  One of the paragraphs will relate to a quotation.
Here are the vocabulary words you should study:

1. hosts
2. moors
3. gabled
4. reparation
5. solace
6. ravaged
7. scabbard
8. bolted
9. taut
10. writhing
11. blunted
12. pilgrimage
13. affliction
14. reprisal
15. kinsmen