English 11

This weekend, read up to page 224 (the end of Chapter 24) and do the questions for all the chapters up to that point.

A big thank you to May in Period 2 who created a Quizlet for her class (students in Period 1 can benefit too as many of the words are the same).  To access the Quizlet, click here.

Here are the vocabulary words for Periods 1 and 2:

Period 1 Vocabulary Set Two—All the Words:   

nonplussed (adj):     a) describing one who’s so surprised or confused they do not know what to do  

b) (informal, North America) describing one who is not bothered by an 

irritant; unperturbed  

plethora (n):  a large or excessive amount of something  

toady (n):  an obsequious person; a sycophant; one who uses flattery to curry favour with a more powerful individual  

murky (adj):               a)  a thing not fully explained or understood, especially because it has been  concealed with dishonesty or immorality  

b)  (of liquid) dark, cloudy, or unclear  

c)  dark and gloomy, especially because of a thick mist  

ramification (n): a consequence of an action or event, especially when it is complex or unwelcome  

draconian (adj): (of laws/rules and their application) excessively harsh and severe  

straggle (v): 1) to move along slowly or lag behind a group  

libido (n): sex drive  

melancholic (adj)     a) feeling or expressing pensive sadness  

b) suffering from a severe form of depression  

lethargy (n): a lack of energy or enthusiasm  

sanguine (adj):  confidently optimistic; cheerful 

geriatric (adj):  elderly; relating to old age 

dwarf (v): to be so over-sized that it makes other things minute (e.g. “The large cloak dwarfed the small child.”) 

liable (adj): a) having legal responsibility for someone or something b) likely 

relinquish (v): to give up; to let go 

imbibe (v): to drink, esp. alcohol 

logophile (n): a lover of words 

defenestrate (v): to throw someone out a window 

conniptions (n): a fit of rage or hysteria 

subliminal (adj): subconscious 

delusions (n): faulty or hallucinatory beliefs that are maintained despite evidence to the contrary 

latent (adj): existing, but not yet developed; hidden 

euphemism (n): a gentle word for a harsh truth (e.g. “passed away” in stead of “died”) 

ambiguous (adj): having more than one possible meaning 

linoleum (n):  a hard, washable floor covering often found in institutions (also called “lino”) 

stoicism (n) endurance of pain without display of feelings or complaint 

esoteric (adj): likely to be understood only by a few people with specialized knowledge 

dwell (v):  a) to think moodily or anxiously about something b) to live in a place 

perspicacious (adj): having a keen ability to understand something 

serendipitous (adj):  finding value by chance, value one was not seeking 

abnegation (n): the denial or rejection of something, such as doctrines or beliefs, but also the denial of self because of extreme altruism 

reminisce (v): to indulge in enjoyable memories 

sanist (n): the belief that only the sane have rights (not those experiencing mental problems) 

cynical (adj):              a)  believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of sincerity or  integrity  

b) concerned with one’s own self-interest and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards to get them  

zealous (adj):  having or showing enthusiasm, passion, or commitment to a cause or endeavor  

leery (adj):  being cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions  

aberration (n): a departure from what is typical, normal, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome  

insinuate (v): to suggest or hint (at something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect, unpleasant  

way; to maneuver oneself into a favorable position by subtle manipulation  

ephemeral (n):  lasting only a very brief time  

fluster (v and n):       (v)  to make someone agitated or confused  

(n) a state of agitation or confusion  (“to be in a fluster”)  

Period 2 Vocabulary Set Two—All the Words:   

polemic (n): a strong written or verbal attack on someone  

cynical (adj):              a)  belief people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of sincerity/integrity  

b) concerned with one’s own self-interest and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards to get them  

zealous (adj):  having or showing enthusiasm, passion, or commitment to a cause or endeavour  

leery (adj):  being cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions  

aberration (n): a departure from what is typical, normal, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome  

acumen (n): the ability to make good judgements and quick decisions, typically in a particular field or domain  

insinuate (v): to suggest or hint (at something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect, unpleasant  

way; to maneuver oneself into a favorable position by subtle manipulation  

ephemeral (n):  lasting only a very brief time  

fluster (v and n):       (v)  to make someone agitated or confused  

(n) a state of agitation or confusion  (“to be in a fluster”)  

melancholic (adj):    1) feeling or expressing pensive sadness  

2) suffering from a severe form of depression  

sanguine (adj):  confidently optimistic; cheerful 

geriatric (adj):  elderly; relating to old age 

dwarf (v): to be so oversized that it makes other things minute (e.g. “The large cloak dwarfed the 

small child.”) 

liable (adj): a) having legal responsibility for someone or something b) likely 

relinquish (v): to give up; to let go 

imbibe (v): to drink, esp. alcohol 

logophile (n): a lover of words 

defenestrate (v): to throw someone out a window 

conniptions (n): a fit of rage or hysteria 

subliminal (adj): subconscious 

delusions (n): faulty or hallucinatory beliefs that are maintained despite evidence to the contrary 

latent (adj): existing, but not yet developed; hidden 

euphemism (n): a gentle word for a harsh truth (e.g. “passed away” in stead of “died”) 

ambiguous (adj): having more than one possible meaning 

linoleum (n):  a hard, washable floor covering often found in institutions (also called “lino”) 

stoicism (n) endurance of pain without display of feelings or complaint 

esoteric (adj): likely to be understood only by a few people with specialized knowledge 

dwell (v):  a) to think moodily or anxiously about something b) to live in a place 

perspicacious (adj): having a keen ability to understand something 

serendipitous (adj):  finding value by chance, value one was not seeking 

abnegation (n): the denial or rejection of something, such as doctrines or beliefs, but also the denial of self because of extreme altruism 

reminisce (v): to indulge in enjoyable memories 

sanist (n): the belief that only the sane have rights (not those experiencing mental problems) 

lethargy (n): a lack of energy or enthusiasm  

toady (n):  an obsequious person; a sycophant; one who uses flattery to curry favour with a more powerful individual  

murky (adj):               1) a thing not fully explained or understood, especially because it has been concealed with dishonesty or immorality  

2) (of liquid) dark, cloudy, or unclear  

3)  dark and gloomy, especially because of a thick mist   

draconian (adj): (of laws/rules and their application) excessively harsh and severe 

nonplussed (adj):     1) describing one who’s so surprised or confused they do not know what to do  

2) (informal, North America) describing one who is not bothered by an 

irritant; unperturbed  

ramification (n): a consequence of an action or event, especially when it is complex or unwelcome 

      plethora (n):  a large or excessive amount of something 

English 8

Finish reading Chapter 1 of "The Outsiders".  Make sure you fill in the chart on your assigned character.  We will fill this out completely as a group tomorrow.  You do not have to answer the Chapter 1 questions yet.

English 11

Read Chapters 18-20 tonight and answer the questions as you go.

English 8

Today in class, we reviewed Point of View (first person and third person only) and applied our understanding to the stories in the short story unit.

Then, students worked on review posters of all the stories in the unit.  Tomorrow, we will finish these and use them to make the short story review sheets as complete as possible.

Tonight, students can work on their short stories that are now due on Monday, November 5th.  They can also review for the short story test, but memorizing the words on their short story terms sheet.

Tuesday's test will consist of...

1. approximately 10 questions on the short story terms for 15 points
2. a matching/labeling section on terms worth 12 points.
3. five short answer questions on the stories and how they relate to the terms worth 15 points
4. one paragraph question worth 10 marks

English 11

Period 1:

Read Chapter 6 tonight.

Period 2:

Read Chapter 5 and answer the questions for it.

English 11

For Monday, have your presentations ready to go on a USB stick.  Also, read up to the end of Chapter 5 and do the questions for all the chapters we have read so far.

English 11

As mentioned when I distributed the class novels, students should read approximately 15 words a day--without my telling them--until the book is finished.  This includes weekends.  That means, students should read Chapter 4 tonight.

English 8

Students were assigned to write a 2-3 page short story for Friday, Nov. 2nd.  They have the assignment sheet which has more details.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6th, students will have a short story test.  They will need to be very familiar with the short story terms and the short stories we have read.  We will be doing review activities over the coming days.

Here are your spelling words for Friday:

1. desert--the one with cacti and rattle snakes!
2. dessert--what you eat after dinner (note the ss)
3. descend
4. embarrass--note the rr and the ss
5. excellent--don't forget the c
6. its--"The cat flicked its tail."
7. it's--"It's (it is) a lovely day."
8. loose--"I have a loose tooth."
9. lose--"Don't lose that bus pass; you won't be given another one."
10. noticeable--notice + able (the ea together look odd, but it's correct)

English 11

Read to the end of Chapter 3 and answer the quetions for Chapters 1 and 2.

English 11

Monday's test (60 points total) will be structured as follows:

• matching terms to definitions (10 points)
• single term answers (5 points)
• short answers on theory and the stories (15 points)
• three paragraph answers (30 points)

 
I also handed out a list of student-generated predictions for test questions as a review.  If you want these, please email me by Saturday.

Today, we reviewed the six short stories in class.
"HillsLWE":

"AHandfuloD":

"2in1":

"ALBB":

"AST":

"TOWWAFO":

English 8

If you have not already done so, please finish your journal about the image you chose in class.  Try to complete a page of writing if you can with at least three different sensory images if possible.

English 8

Today's journal topics were the following:
1. A good luck charm...
2. It was a risk, but I took it...
3. Write a story that contains the words/terms, surgical nurse, white-grey room, and oven.

Complete your journal for tomorrow if you have not already handed yours in.

English 11

Send me an email of five questions you think I might put on Monday's unit test.  I'll compose a review sheet for students based on this.  Also, continue filling in information on your review sheets.

Monday's test (60 points total) will be structured as follows:

• matching terms to definitions (10 points)
• single term answers (5 points)
• short answers on theory and the stories (15 points)
• three paragraph answers (30 points)

English 8

Tonight, complete the first side of the vocabulary handout (the synonym and antonym chart).  There is no antonym for "parabled".
Also, complete the ten sentences on the "Sensory Imagery" handout.

English 11

Begin studying for the short story test by filling out the review sheets and studying the handouts I gave you on short stories.  You need to know bolded terms plus words like epiphany and allusion.  The tests will be on Monday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 23.

English 8

Reread "The Dog of Pompeii" and find the following sense images within the story:
a. one example of what something sounds like.
b. one example of what something looks like.
c. one example of what something feels like.
d. one example of what something tastes or smells like.

Then, answer questions 3-7 at the end of the story.  Remember to answer them in full, neatly completed sentences.

Finally, make sure to come to class with a brainstorm of how Bimbi is more like a human than like a dog.  On this brainstorm, you should also include an exact sentence from the story that proves this.

You may add information to the brainstorm we made today if you wish.  Our brainstorm on the board looked like this:

English 11

Your presentations are due on Monday (unless otherwise discussed).  Remember to also fill in your review sheet for your assigned story.

English 8

Remember to study for the vocabulary quiz tomorrow.

English 11

Your in-class essays will be tomorrow.  We will finish discussing "Omelas" on Thursday; then, you'll have some time to work on your group projects.

English 8

Your 8-12 sentence expository paragraphs are due on Tuesday.  Here are the class writing prompt options:

1. Life is complicated.  What are the biggest problems facing the world today?
2. Friends are important.  Is it better to have a large group of friends or a small group of close friends?
3. Everyone has a favourite food.  Explain why your favourite should be named "best food in the world".
4. Rules are important.  Explain what three rules every school should have.
5. Pets are important.  Explain why your favourite pet (or kind of pet) is the best.
6. Climate change is frightening.  Explain what three things everyone should do in order to help the planet.

Remember to give three good reasons (2-3 sentences each) for the opinion you have.

Also, review your vocabulary words for the quiz on Wednesday. Here are the words you need to know:

1. heretic (noun): a person holding opinions that are at odds with what is generally accepted  
2. gusto (noun): a feeling of vigor, enthusiasm, or enjoyment when doing something  
3. pitch-black  (adj):  dark, dark black (pitch is tar) 
4. foreman (n): a worker who supervises other workers at a job site  
5. remorse (noun):  deep regret or guilt because of a wrong the person has committed  
6. plausible (adj):  believable  
7. to defraud (v):  to cheat, to swindle  
8. genial (adj):  happy, good-natured  
9. conspicuous (adj):  obvious; easily noticeable   
10. precariously (adv):  in a way that is not secure or in danger of collapsing  
11. to scrutinize (v):  to study closely  
12. judiciously (adv):  wisely, like a judge  
13. to reap (v):  to collect, especially collect crops at harvest time  
14. incurious (adj):  lacking curiosity  
15. to lurch (v):  to move in a jerky, stumbling manner  
16. to boast (v):  to brag  
17. panic-stricken (adj):  feeling great panic and anxiety because of a nasty shock  
18. hobble (v):  to walk with a limp  
19. to smother (v):  to suffocate  
20. cataract ** (n):  1) a cause of blindness because of clouded lenses 2) a waterfall 

**for cataract, I'll expect you to know that it is a cause of blindness.

English 11

This weekend, review your vocabulary words for the quiz on Tuesday.  Also, look for quotations to use for the in-class essay on symbolism on Wednesday.  The planning sheet I gave you this can be brought to that class. 
When writing about how symbols reveal theme, you can talk about three different symbols in a story OR three aspects of one symbol within a story.

English 11

Complete the questions on the short story for Tuesday.  Friday will be used as a work period for the short story group presentations.

Also, remember that the vocabulary quiz will be on Tuesday.  May graciously offered to put up her Quizlet on this blog.  You can find it by clicking here.

English 8

Complete the expository paragraph that we began to day.  It is due on Tuesday.  Also, start reviewing your vocabulary words.  The chart on the vocab sheet needs to be completed.  Finally, begin reviewing the short story terms sheet that was distributed in class today.

English 11

The vocabulary quiz has been postponed until Tuesday, October 9th.  On Friday, short story groups will have the class to work on their presentations.

English 8

Tonight, finish questions 1-3 on "A Secret for Two".  Remember to use full sentences.

English 11

Today, students had a debate on whether or not the trash picker was of sound mind.  The class also took down the final ten vocabulary words from Set One; the vocab quiz will be next Tuesday, October 9th. Here are all 30 words:

1. to loathe (v) – to feel intense dislike or disgust for something 
2. contention (n) –  (1) a heated disagreement; (2) an assertion, esp made in an argument 
3. to emerge (v) – (1) to become apparent, important or known; (2) to come into view 
4. transience (n) – lasting only for a short time, fleeting, momentary, passing 
5. to digress (v) – to leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing 
6. indolent (adj) -- lazy 
7. ablutions (n) -- the washing/cleansing of the body, especially connected with religious practices
8. surfeit (n & v) -- (n) an excessive amount/a surplus of something; (v) to stuff to the maximum capacity
9. callous (adj) -- cold, uncaring, insensitive (callus the noun is the hardened patch of skin, perhaps resulting from friction/hard work)
10. malevolent (adj)  -- evil, having or showing an intent to do evil to others
11. layman (n) - an everyday person; someone who is not an expert in a particular area 
12. entrails (n) - guts; viscera 
13. swinish (adjective) - like a pig; boorish 
14. sadist (n) - one who enjoys inflicting pain on others 
15. infamy (n) - an extremely bad reputation because of shameful, criminal, or outrageous  behaviour 
16. macabre (adj) - gruesome and horrifying 
17. don (verb) - to put on an article of clothing 
18. dissuade (v) - to persuade someone not to do something  
19. impetuous (adj) - impulsive; acting without thinking 
20. amass (v) - to collect; to gather 
21. maniacal (adj) – like a maniac (aggressive, high-energy)     
22. to delve (v) – to reach into to something (physically or intellectually)     
23. pittance (n) – a small amount (usually money)
24. inviolable (adj) – something which cannot be altered or violated    
25. to traverse (v) – to travel across or through
26. nonchalance (n) – pretended indifference
27. to hasten (v) – to hurry
28. wrathful (adj) -- angry
29. austerely (adv) – severely    
30. diaphanous (adj) – gauzy, translucent, delicate    

English 11

Tonight, answer questions 1-3 and 5-6 on "The Lady's Beaded Bag".
Also, here are your vocabulary words to date:

1. to loathe (v) – to feel intense dislike or disgust for something 
2. contention (n) –  (1) a heated disagreement; (2) an assertion, esp made in an argument 
3. to emerge (v) – (1) to become apparent, important or known; (2) to come into view 
4. transience (n) – lasting only for a short time, fleeting, momentary, passing 
5. to digress (v) – to leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing 
6. indolent (adj) -- lazy 
7. ablutions (n) -- the washing/cleansing of the body, especially connected with religious practices
8. surfeit (n & v) -- (n) an excessive amount/a surplus of something; (v) to stuff to the maximum capacity
9. callous (adj) -- cold, uncaring, insensitive (callus the noun is the hardened patch of skin, perhaps resulting from friction/hard work)
10. malevolent (adj)  -- evil, having or showing an intent to do evil to others
11. layman (n) - an everyday person; someone who is not an expert in a particular area 
12. entrails (n) - guts; viscera 
13. swinish (adjective) - like a pig; boorish 
14. sadist (n) - one who enjoys inflicting pain on others 
15. infamy (n) - an extremely bad reputation because of shameful, criminal, or outrageous  behaviour 
16. macabre (adj) - gruesome and horrifying 
17. don (verb) - to put on an article of clothing 
18. dissuade (v) - to persuade someone not to do something  
19. impetuous (adj) - impulsive; acting without thinking 
20. amass (v) - to collect; to gather 

English 8

Tonight, answer questions 1-3 on "The Old Man".  For question #3, a character trait is a descriptive word.  For example, you might think that Knocker is suspicious.  Write down suspicious in the Character Trait column.  Then, you have to give evidence of his being suspicious, which might be that he has difficulty believing that the old man wants to give him something for free.  Write that down, and then come up with two more traits with evidence.

English 8

On Friday, students will have a regular spelling quiz on 15 commonly misspelled words.  They will also have a quiz on nouns and verbs, similar to the sheet the class worked on today.

For homework, students need to complete the journal they were given today (if they didn't finish during class).  The three writing prompt options are as follows:
1. If I could predict the future...
2. The cheater
3. The eeriest experience...

I've asked students to try to use at least one of the following vocabulary words in bold (from "The Golden Pants") in their journal:
1. pinnacle (noun) -- the highest point
2. remorse (noun) -- a feeling of guilt
3. maternal (adjective) -- relating to mothers
4. luster (noun) -- a gentle shine or soft glow
5. dowdy (adjective) -- dull, unstylish, ordinary
6. gusto (noun) -- great enthusiasm
7. heretic (noun) -- an unbeliever

English 11

Tonight, read the short story distributed in class.  Do not do the questions; just come up with one question about the story that puzzles or intrigues you. Also, please do not look up the story online.  I will not be marking you on your answers to the questions; it's more important that you come up with ideas about the story yourself.

Email me tonight if you need a copy of the story.

English 8

For homework, complete the Venn diagram (two interlocking circles) distributed in class by listing the similarities and differences between the two stories "The Golden Pants" and "The Sweater".  When you have done this, complete the following sentences:  The message of "The Sweater" is __________________.  This message is different from the one in "The Golden Pants" because ____________________.
If you want to see the video of "The Sweater", you can do so by clicking here.

Finally, begin to study the next 15 commonly misspelled  words for Friday:

• belief -- note the "ie"
• bruise  -- note the "ui"
• bought  
• brake  -- this word can be a verb meaning to slow down or stop or it can be a noun meaning the device used to stop a vehicle
• break -- this word can mean the verb to fragment into pieces or it can be a noun that has two meanings i) a fragmenting of something  ii) a pause or rest during an activity
• business  -- remember to spell the word this way:  busy, busy, bus + iness = business
• busy  
• buy  -- remember the "u" when you are writing about purchasing something
• bye  -- this is what you say when saying farewell
• by  -- this is the preposition to tell you where something is (e.g. The cat is by the door.)
• emigrate -- to leave one country and move permanently to another (e.g. Terry's dad emigrated from France in 1989; he has lived in Vancouver ever since then.)
• immigrate -- to come to one country and establish a home, leaving an old country behind (e.g. Terry's dad immigrated to Canada in 1989; he originally came from France.)
• environment -- note the "nm" in this word
• eerie -- this word means spooky or inspiring fear (e.g. Jena left when eerie music began to play.)
• aerie-- the nest of a large bird of prey built high up on a cliff (e.g. High above the forest, the eagle watched the world from his lofty aerie.)

There are two different words (eerie and aerie) on this list than on the green class list because I mistakenly used two words you have already studied.

English 11

For homework, read the short story distributed in class and answer the corresponding questions for Monday.

English 11

On Thursday, classes will be reduced to 65 minutes to accommodate the Terry Fox Run.  As a result, the in-class essay has been moved to this Wednesday.  The topic will be the following:

Show how character helps reveal theme in Tayeb Salih's short story "A Handful of Dates".

You will write your essay on one of the three characters in the story--the narrator, the grandfather, or Masoud--and explain how that person is important to revealing the theme.

Tonight, write the theme statement you will use in your essay.  Use the handout entitled "Theme and the Short Story" for more guidance.  I'll be available at lunch or after school if you want to discuss your preparations.  Just make arrangements to see me.

English 8

Tonight, complete the plot diagram for the short story "The Golden Pants".  I'll do a homework check at the start of the next class.  Also, begin reviewing the next group of tricky spelling words (see previous post).

English 11

We finished the questions on "A Handful of Dates" and then students worked in groups to write a paragraph on the theme of the story. 

I also gave the class a planning sheet for an in-class essay that students will write on Thursday.  I'll explain this more on Monday in class; but if you did not get a copy of this, please email me.

English 8

On Friday, students wrote their weekly spelling test, finished the fairy tale plot project, and were given the class' short story textbook.  No reading was assigned. For homework, students should begin to review the next 15 tricky words:

• already -- this is an adverb used to describe something that has happened before a certain time (e.g. Joe had already finished his homework before his friends invited him out.) 
• all ready -- this is a phrase meaning completely prepared (e.g. As soon as I put on my coat, I'll be all ready to go.)
• all right  -- this term means something is acceptable or satisfactory (e.g. It is not all right to use alright in a written sentence because alright is slang)
• a lot -- this term means many or a great number of something (It is always spelled as two separate words)
• allot -- this verb means to give or allocate something to a group of people (e.g. Students were allotted ten minutes to complete the task.)
• answer -- note the "sw" in this word
• appearance  -- watch the double p and vowels in this word
• appreciate  -- watch the double p
• argument  
• athlete  
• awful  -- remember the w
• awhile -- remember the h
• because  -- if you have trouble remembering how to spell this, say it in a rhythm
• beginning  -- remember this word as "begin" + "ning" (note the double n)
• behaviour  -- the u makes this the Canadian spelling

English 8

Tomorrow, we'll have the spelling test that we've been reviewing for all week.  Students will also present their group posters.  My room will be open at lunch for people who want to put the finishing touches on their assignment.

English 8

Today in class, students worked on their plot diagram posters, reviewed common and proper nouns, learned about concrete and abstract nouns, played some word games, and did some review for the spelling quiz on Friday. 

Yesterday, the students wrote a journal on one of the following writing prompt options:

1. My favourite teacher or coach from elementary school
2. How to deal with difficult people

Please make sure that the journal has been handed in to the #4 bin at the back of the room.

English 11

Tonight, complete questions 1-5 on "A Handful of Dates".  Also, note new words #6-10 of the class vocabulary list:

1. to loathe (v) – to feel intense dislike or disgust for something 
2. contention (n) –  (1) a heated disagreement; (2) an assertion, esp made in an argument 
3. to emerge (v) – (1) to become apparent, important or known; (2) to come into view 
4. transience (n) – lasting only for a short time, fleeting, momentary, passing 
5. to digress (v) – to leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing 
6. indolent (adj) -- lazy 
7. ablutions (n) -- the washing/cleansing of the body, especially connected with religious practices
8. surfeit (n & v) -- (n) an excessive amount/a surplus of something; (v) to stuff to the maximum capacity
9. callous (adj) -- cold, uncaring, insensitive (callus the noun is the hardened patch of skin, perhaps resulting from friction/hard work)
10. malevolent (adj)  -- evil, having or showing an intent to do evil to others

Yesterday, the students wrote a journal on one of the following writing prompt options:

1. People can sometimes surprise us.
2. Describe favourite place from childhood.

Please make sure that the journal has been handed in to the appropriate bin at the back of the room.

English 8

Each week, students will learn 15 of some of the most misspelled words in English.  When I write these words in my blog, I will sometimes provide definitions as this will help the students tell the difference between similar looking terms.  Additionally, sometimes I will note a word's part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.) if I think it can help the students learn the term more easily.

For homework this weekend, study these 15 words from the "Tricky Words" list:  

1. accept -- to approve of something; to willingly receive something that is given
2. except -- not including; other than
3. accidentally -- note the double letters
4. advice -- (noun)  John gives the advice, and we all follow it. 
5. advise  -- (verb) Often, you advise me to eat vegetables, yet you never eat them yourself.
6. affect  -- (verb) You affect the outcome of the game when you yell so loudly.
7. effect  -- (noun) The effect my kindergarten teacher had was impressive.
8. aisle  -- a passage between shelves or chairs
9. isle  -- a small island (note that this word is very similar to "island")
10. achievement -- note the vowels here, especially "ie"
11. ache -- note the "k" sound made by the "ch"
12. address  -- note the double letters
13. allowed  -- give permission to do something
14. aloud  -- audible; out loud (note the "loud" in aloud)
15. although --note the "gh" at the end

There will be a quiz next Friday on these words.

English 11

Please answer questions 6 - 9 on the second "Hills Like White Elephants" sheet that I distributed today.  I'll do a homework check on Monday.

Also, please note down our first five vocabulary words, which are as follows:

1. to loathe – to feel intense dislike or disgust for something 
2. contention –  (1) a heated disagreement; (2) an assertion, esp made in an argument 
3. to emerge – (1) to become apparent, important or known; (2) to come into view 
4. transience – lasting only for a short time/fleeting/momentary/passing 
5. to digress – to leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing 

There will be a quiz in a few weeks once we reach 30 class vocabulary terms.

English 8

Look over the first 15 words on the handout entitled Tricky Words.  There will be a quiz on them next Friday.  Also, come to class tomorrow with a list of five traditional fairy tales that you know.

English 11

Tonight, answer the seven questions at the end of "Hills Like White Elephants" to the best of your ability.  Do not worry about being wrong.  This is an exercise in understanding challenging, interpretive literature.  Do not discuss your answers with anyone tonight, and do not look up answers online--doing either would be worse than answering the questions incorrectly.  We'll discuss the story tomorrow.

Communications 11

Your Communications 11 exam will consist of the following:
1. a short story followed by multiple choice questions (reading comprehension and short story terms)
2. a news article followed by multiple choice questions (reading comprehension)
3. a business letter OR a visual design assignment (go over your letter formats)
4. a three-paragraph minimum composition (like we've been doing this week)

English 8

The novel test will be on Monday.  Tonight, complete the handout entitled "How to Review for a Novel:  The Outsiders".  Don't worry about answering the first page of 50 questions or so.  These are student questions that we will discuss tomorrow.

English 10

On Wednesday, we looked at poetry and poetic devices.  Students who were away camping can get these handouts on their return.  Today, we discussed more poetic devices, answered the Act 11 questions, and watched some of the 1996 version of Romeo and Juliet (I, iv and v).

English 8

Complete the yellow sheet entitled "Important Objects and Their Meanings".  Also, make sure that your Chapter 8 and 9 questions are complete.

English 10

Answer questions 6 and 7 from I, i and then answer all the questions for I, ii.

English 8

Your Body Bios are due on Tuesday.  Also, complete the following for Tuesday:

1. Finish the pink vocabulary package.
2. Complete the first page of the green handout on adjectives.
3. Read Chapter 9.
4. Answer the yellow sheet questions on Chapters 8 and 9.