Preparing an informative speech
A guide from Purdue

For a simple overview of the steps to preparing an informative speech: http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/speaking/infomod/index.cfm

Informative Speech Outline Format
(Directions: Please use this sheet as a guide to your own Informative Speech Outline)

Specific Goal:
Thesis Statement:

I. Introduction

A. Attention-getter: Rhetorical Question, story, startling statistice, etc. Write a brief description of your attention-getter here.
B. Motivate the Audience to Listen: Explain why the audience should be willing to listen to your speech.
C. Establish Credibility: Tell us why you are speaking about your topic. If you have special knowledge or experience with regard to your topic, let us know here.
D. Preview Main Points: Write out your thesis statement so that you preview each of your main points.

Transition

Write out your transition. How will you leave the introduction and begin the body?

II. Body

A. Point One. Provide a phrase here indicating the first point you will be discussing. List your support material as sub-points. Provide the name of the source from which the support material came (Put direct quotes within quotation marks and list the name of the book or magazine from which it came after. Example: Jones, Time, Oct. 5, 1998. This citation should coincide with the citation on the bibliography.

Transition

Write out your transition. Indicate with a transition that you are discussing the next main point.

B. Point two. See information under point one.

Transition

Write out your transition. Indicate with a transition that you are discussing the next main point.

C. Point two. See information under point one.

Transition

Write out your transition. Indicate with a transition that you are beginning the conclusion of your speech.

III Conclusion

A. Review Points. Tell us what you told us. Provide us with a brief explanation of what you said.
B. Tie it up! End your speech with a bang! If you told, or began, a story in the intro, you can finish it here. If you gave a startling statistic, end with one. Memorable quotes are always good ways to tie up your speech. However you choose, make sure it relates to what your speech was about.

http://www.accd.edu/sac/speech/sp1311/inolform.html

Posted by Michael L Umphrey on 10/03 at 08:58 PM
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Classes • Speech and Media Arts •

Paragraph Development
8 Modes

For an explanation of what makes a good paragraph (Unity, Coherence, A Topic Sentence, and Adequate Development): http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_pgrph2.html

For explanations of eight basic modes of developing paragraphs, along with sample paragraphs:
http://www.longleaf.net/ggrow/modes.html

http://www.tameri.com/write/paragraphs.html

Posted by Michael L Umphrey on 10/03 at 08:49 PM
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Classes • Composition • Handouts •

Examples of 5-Paragraph Essays
Composition

The 5 Paragraph Essay Format

The five-paragraph essay is a simple way of using a general principle of effective communication: state an idea; develop it with examples, illustrations, anecdotes, reasons, or facts; then summarize or re-state evocatively your main idea.

The first paragraph:

1) Begins with a topic sentence that introduces a general theme.
2) Follows the topic sentence with sentences that narrow the focus of the theme, so that it is less general.
3) Narrows the discussion of the topic by identifying an issue or problem.
4) Finishes by making a debatable claim (a thesis statement, which is defined as a debatable point/claim).

Body paragraphs:

1) Begin with topic sentences that clearly relate to the topic, or issue, or problem, that was identified in the introductory paragraph.
2) Sentences that elaborate on the issue, or problem discussed in the introductory paragraph, and also demonstrates a clear connection to the thesis statement.
3) A sentence or sentences that make a claim about the topic, issue, problem.
4) A quote from the text you are analyzing that supports your claim.
5) Your interpretation of that quote, which explains how you arrived at your conclusion, and also demonstrates a clear connection to the thesis statement.

Body parargraphs may employ the One, Two, Three Rule, which is:

1) Make a debatable claim.
2) Support the claim with a quote.
3) Explain the connection between your claim and the quote, which means you make an intellectual conclusion.

Concluding paragraph:

1) Begins with a topic sentence that clearly relates to the topic, or issue, or problem, that was identified in the introductory paragraph.
2) Sentences that make connections with, or revisit, points from your introductory paragraph and your body paragraphs. These points now serve to close your argument.
3) A synthesis of these points that clearly demonstrates the focus of your thesis statement.
4) A final comment, or intellectual conclusion of sorts that points out the larger significance of your argument.

http://www.englishdiscourse.org/5.paragraph.essay.format.html

More Help

5 paragraph Essay Explanation and sample essay

Structure of the 5-paragraph essay A model essay

Posted by Michael L Umphrey on 10/03 at 02:01 PM
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Classes • Composition • Readings •

Parallel Structure Self-Test
Think you understand parallelism?

An explanation of parallel structure

A brief explanation of parallel structure

Take this test online to check your understanding

Another test over parallel structure

Posted by Michael L Umphrey on 09/28 at 10:08 PM
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Grammar and Usage Guides •

English 10 Composition - Oct 1
s

Posted by Michael L Umphrey on 09/28 at 10:05 PM
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Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics
Table of Virtues and Vices

SPHERE OF ACTION OR FEELING	EXCESS	MEAN	DEFICIENCY
Fear and Confidence	Rashness	Courage	Cowardice
Pleasure and Pain	Licentiousness/Self-indulgence	Temperance	Insensibility
Getting and Spending (minor)	Prodigality	Liberality	Illiberality/Meanness
Getting and Spending (major)	Vulgarity/Tastelessness	Magnificence	Pettiness/Niggardliness
Honour and Dishonour (major)	Vanity	Magnanimity	Pusillanimity
Honour and Dishonour (minor)	Ambition/empty vanity	Proper ambition/pride	Unambitiousness/undue humility
Anger	Irascibility	Patience/Good temper	Lack of spirit/unirascibility
Self-expression	Boastfulness	Truthfulness	Understatement/mock modesty
Conversation	Buffoonery	Wittiness	Boorishness
Social Conduct	Obsequiousness	Friendliness	Cantankerousness
Shame	Shyness	Modesty	Shamelessness
Indignation	Envy	Righteous indignation	Malicious enjoyment/Spitefulness

Taken from p. 104 of translation by J.A.K. Tomson

Posted by Michael L Umphrey on 09/28 at 07:55 PM
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Classes • American Literature • Readings •

English 11 - Monday, October 1
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, p. 85

Test over the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Discuss First Thoughts, 1. If you had to name one character trait that made Franklin a success, what would it be?

Discuss other lists of virtues, including Aristotle’s and the Medieval Church’s.

Posted by Michael L Umphrey on 09/28 at 07:30 PM
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Classes • American Literature •

« First < 25 26 27

Google Apps
Writers' Studio
PHS Online (Moodle)
OurSpace (Ning)
PHS Flickr
Photography Club (Google)
Photography Club (MySpace)

Find more photos like this on OurSpace

Today's Assignments

English 11:

Wed, Jan 27
Assignment: Wind From an Enemy Sky 19-20

Watch video Place of Falling Waters, part 3

Complete worksheet for Part 3

Tue, Jan 26
Assignment: Wind From an Enemy Sky 17-18

In class, view Place of Falling Waters, Part 2

Complete worksheet over the video

Mon, Jan 25
Assignment: Eng11: Wind From an Enemy Sky 15-16

In class view Place of Falling Waters, Part 1

Hand in worksheet over video

Wed, Dec 09
Assignment: Eng11: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Test over video and reading test over Ralph Waldo Emerson ("Nature" and “Self-Reliance") p. 219

Tue, Dec 08
Assignment: Eng11: Test over Rip Van Winkle

Test over Rip Van Winkle: p. 154

Video: The Spirit of Nationalism: Franklin & Emerson

Fri, Dec 04
Assignment: Eng11: Romanticism: Washington Irving

In class read “Rip Van Winkle” p. 194

Test Tuesday

Tue, Nov 24
Assignment: Eng11: Presentations on Romanticism

Objective: understand the historical and cultural background out of which Romanticism emerged.

If you are absent when your presentation is due, submit a 750-word essay on your topic to http://www.turnitin.com. The class id and password is on Moodle (at the top of the page).

Mon, Nov 23
Assignment: Eng11: Test: the Romantic Period

Test over pages 136-150: the Romantic Period

Work on PowerPoint presentations on a topic related to romanticism

Rubric for scoring presentations

If you are absent during the class time we are creating presentations or on the day the presentation is due, your makeup will be to write a 750-word report on your topic and turn it in to http://www.turnitin.com

Fri, Nov 20
Assignment: Eng11: Test: Frederick Douglass

Test over Frederick Douglass

Read intro to Romanticism, pages 136-150

Prepare a 5-minute presentation on one ot these topics:

Passing the Bill of Rights
Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin
Moving the capital to Washington DC
Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase
Mexican War of Independence
The War of 1812
Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
Napoleon at Waterloo
The Missouri Compromise
Opening of the Erie Canal
Cherokees and the Trail of Tears
Brook Farm
Treaty of Nanking
The war with Mexico over Texas
Irish potato famine
California gold rush
Commodore Perry and Japan
Dred Scott decision
Sojourner Truth
Samuel Morse and the Morse code

rubric for scoring presentations

Wed, Nov 04
Assignment: Eng11

Read and understand the Declaration of Independence. We will go through the entire text today, in preparation for a test tomorrow.

Mon, Nov 02
Assignment: Eng11: 1776

Objectives:

Understand the political and philosophical background of the American Revolution:

Continue video: 1776

Wed, Oct 28
Assignment: Eng11: Thomas Paine

Objectives:
1. Analyze the author’s style
2. Recognize modes of persuasion
3. Understand and use new words

Go over vocabulary for Paine and Henry

Read pages 106-112, taking notes

Tue, Oct 27
Assignment: Eng11: Thomas Paine

Objectives:
1. Analyze the author’s style
2. Recognize modes of persuasion
3. Understand and use new words

Prompt

Read pages 106-112

Mon, Oct 26
Assignment: Eng11: Patrick Henry

Objectives:

1. Analyze persuasive techniques
2. Recognize modes of persuasion

Read “Speech to the Virginia Convention” p. 100-104

There will be a test tomorrow, including vocabulary. You may use your notes (though not on the vocabulary section).

Extra Credit: By Wednesday, memorize the first sentence of the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

Fri, Oct 23
Assignment: Eng11: Work on weekly blog post: Virtues and “The Laws of Life”

Post a brief essay on your OurSpace blog.

First, list 5 virtues that you think are important in your life.

Second, write a brief essay about one of them. Explain what you mean, perhaps including a brief story that makes it clear what the virtue looks like in action and why it is important.

1. Spell check.
2. Proofread.
3. Make sure all your sentences are complete. Make sure you use apostrophes and capitals correctly.

This handout on virtues and “the laws of life” might be useful.

Thu, Oct 22
Assignment: Eng11: Benjamin Franklin

In what ways is Franklin’s thinking similar to that of the Puritans? In what ways is it different?

Review vocabulary and list of virtues from Franklin autobiography.

Take test over Benjamin Franklin selection. This is timed--30 minutes.

Wed, Oct 21
Assignment: Eng11 Revolutionary Minds

Prompt: What three character traits are most important to you? (Think of such things as curiosity, friendliness, courage, obedience, strength, patience, etc. . .)

America’s first “self improvement” guru: Benjamin Franklin.

Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 8 of his autobiography. (slide show)

Homework: p. 84-95 in anthology.

Tue, Oct 20
Assignment: Eng11: Mary Rowlandson

Understand the “pre-modern self” as it relates to Puritan typology.

Finish reading the “captivity narrative” for test tomorrow.

In class: watch Utopian Visions video

Mon, Oct 19
Assignment: Adv11: Proofread Essays, Get a Blog

Proofread one other person’s essay using this checklist.

Get a Wordpress blog. And consider setting up a Homepage Startup Page and getting a Backpack page to help keep your online world organized. Information here.

Mon, Oct 19
Assignment: Eng11 Mary Rowlandson

Writing Prompt: Which of the following statements seems more true:
1. The important thing in life is to fully develop your personal potential.
2. The important thing in life is to take care of family and friends.

You should have finished Mary Rowlandson’s Narrative.

1. Review Vocabulary Words
2. Work on answering the Study Guide questions

Work in 5 groups. Each group prepare answers to 2 questions.

1. How does the Narrative demonstrate Puritan theology and thinking at work?

2. In what ways does Rowlandson use her experience to reaffirm Puritan beliefs? How does she view herself and her fellow Christians? How does she see the Indians? What do her dehumanizing descriptions of the Indians accomplish?

3. Are there any instances where she seems to waver in her faith?

4. Why does Rowlandson distrust the “praying Indians”?

5. How does she use the Bible and varied scriptural allusions in her analysis of her captivity and restoration?

6. Does her world view change at all during her eleven weeks of captivity? Why or why not?

7. How does the narrative combine/demonstrate/refute what Bradford in Of Plymouth Plantation and John Winthrop in “A Modell of Christian Charity” had to say about the Puritan’s mission in the New World?

8. The subject of food receives a great deal of attention in Rowlandson’s Narrative. How does Rowlandson’s attitude toward food change over the course of her captivity? Why is she so concerned with recording the specifics of what she ate, how she acquired it, and how she prepared it? What kinds of conflicts arise over food? What do her descriptions of eating tell us about Native American culture and about Rowlandson’s ability to acculturate?

9. How does Rowlandson use typology within her Narrative? What kinds of biblical images does she rely on to make sense of her captivity? How does her use of typology compare with that of other writers in this unit (Winthrop or Taylor, for example)?

10. In his preface to the first edition of Rowlandson’s Narrative, published in 1682, Increase Mather describes her story as “a dispensation of publick note and of Universal concernment” and urges all Puritans to “view” and “ponder” the lessons it holds for them. Does Rowlandson always seem to understand her captivity in Mather’s terms? How do the moments when Rowlandson narrates her experience as personal and individual complicate this imperative to function as a “public,” representative lesson for the entire community?

11. Many scholars view the captivity narrative as the first American genre and trace its influence in the development of other forms of American autobiographical and fictional writings. Why do you think the captivity narrative became so popular and influential? What might make it seem particularly “American”? Can you think of any nineteenth- or twentieth-century novels or films that draw on the conventions of the captivity narrative?

Short Review of the Text

Tue, Oct 13
Assignment: Eng11: Test over Desperate Crossing

Finish Desperate Crossing.

Be able to explain typology, covenant theology (as it relates to divine right of kings and consent of the governed), separatists, great chain of being, plain style, weaned affections.

Take 30 item multiple choice test. Open notes.

Mon, Oct 12
Assignment: Eng11 Test over Desperate Crossing

Test over Desperate Crossing

You should be able to answer the questions about Rowlandson in this study guide.

Test tomorrow over Mary Rowlandson

Objectives

How does the Narrative combine/demonstrate/refute what Bradford in Of Plymouth Plantation and John Winthrop in A Modell of Christian Charity had to say about the Puritan’s mission in the New World?

1. The subject of food receives a great deal of attention in Rowlandson’s Narrative. How does Rowlandson’s attitude toward food change over the course of her captivity? Why is she so concerned with recording the specifics of what she ate, how she acquired it, and how she prepared it? What kinds of conflicts arise over food? What do her descriptions of eating tell us about Native American culture and about Rowlandson’s ability to acculturate?

2. How does Rowlandson use typology within her Narrative? What kinds of biblical images does she rely on to make sense of her captivity? How does her use of typology compare with that of other writers in this unit (Winthrop or Taylor, for example)?

3. In his preface to the first edition of Rowlandson’s Narrative, published in 1682, Increase Mather describes her story as “a dispensation of publick note and of Universal concernment” and urges all Puritans to “view” and “ponder” the lessons it holds for them. Does Rowlandson always seem to understand her captivity in Mather’s terms? How do the moments when Rowlandson narrates her experience as personal and individual complicate this imperative to function as a “public,” representative lesson for the entire community?

4. Many scholars view the captivity narrative as the first American genre and trace its influence in the development of other forms of American autobiographical and fictional writings. Why do you think the captivity narrative became so popular and influential? What might make it seem particularly “American”? Can you think of any nineteenth- or twentieth-century novels or films that draw on the conventions of the captivity narrative?

Mon, Oct 12
Assignment: Eng11 Test: Desperate Crossing

Test: Desperate Crossing
Tomorrow: Test: Mary Rowlandson

Fri, Oct 09
Assignment: Eng11: Puritans

By Monday, you should have finished Mary Rowlandson’s Capitivity Narrative p. 58-86

In class: Desperate Crossing video

Objectives: Be able to answer these questions:

1. What was the core philosophy of the Separatists? Why were they so frustrated with the Church of England?
2. Why was King James I so opposed to the Separatists’ philosophy and practices? What was his philosophy of obedience?
3. Why do you think Bradford and his followers moved to Holland? What explanation is given for the tolerance of many religious views in Holland?
4. Why were Bradford and his followers unable to make their community work in Holland? How did they convince investors that they could be prosperous in
the New World?
5. What were three unexpected events that occurred in this documentary? How do you think the story of the Mayflower could have been different?
6. What was the Mayflower Compact and why was it important?
7. Before the arrival of the Mayflower, over 50 million Native Americans inhabited North America. What did the British think or know about these groups before
they arrived?
8. Describe the early encounters between the British and the Native Americans. How did they communicate with one another?
9. Do you think the Native Americans stood to benefit anything from cooperating with the British and vice versa? What obstacles prevented them from living peacefully?
10. At what point do you think the foundation of Plymouth was most imperiled? At what point do you think it was clear that Plymouth would survive?
11. How did this documentary change your view of the Mayflower and its journey?

Thu, Oct 08
Assignment: Eng11: Pigrims: Continue Desperate Crossing

In class: Desperate Crossing video

Objectives: Know these words:

blasphemous
habeas corpus
inscrutable
magistrate
manifest
non-conformity
persecution
repression
seditious
theology
tolerant

Be able to answer these questions:

Tue, Oct 06
Assignment: Eng11 Test, William Bradford

Write a character sketch that might belong in your journey narrative. Include physical description, dialogue.

Objective: Practice close reading of primary document

Take multiple choice reading test over “Of Plymouth Plantation”

Hand out copies of Mary Rowlandson’s “Captivity Narrative”

Reading assignment: finish by Monday

Tue, Oct 06
Assignment: Eng11: “Where I’m From” poem due

Poem should be posted on Our Space in your profile. On your home page, click “settings” and paste the poem into the “About Me” box.

In class: Desperate Crossing video

Objectives: Be able to answer these questions:

Mon, Oct 05
Assignment: Eng11 Begin Pilgrims

The “where I’m from” poem should be posted in your OurSpace Profile (click “settings” on the main page) in the “About Me” box before Wednesday morning.

Bellwork: Write about the most amazing journey you have ever taken.

Objectives: Understand key Puritan concepts.
Know who the Pilgrims were and who Puritans were.

Hand in copies of The Chosen--put them on the counter under the window.

Hand out Puritan Concepts.

Begin the Pilgrims: background information. Read William Bradford, page 29. Listen to first section in class.

Thu, Oct 01
Assignment: Eng11: Desperate Crossing

Watch video: Desperate Crossing: take careful notes.

Thu, Oct 01
Assignment: Eng11 Final Exam: The Chosen

Objective: writing with specific, sensory details that evoke emotional meanings

Go over writing a “Where I’m From” poem by following the steps in http://www.flatheadreservation.org/index.php/phs/printer/template_for_a_where_im_from_poem1/” title="this worksheet">this worksheet. Work on the poem when you finish the test over the Chosen. This poem should be placed in your profile on your OurSpace page.

Final Exam: The Chosen.

When finished, begin working on the “Where I’m From Poem” which needs to be posted on OurSpace Friday.

Wed, Sep 30
Assignment: Eng11 Study Guide: The Chosen

You should have finished the novel.

Objective: select specific sensory details to communicate important information about yourself

Go over writing a “Where I’m From” poem by following the steps in this worksheet. Work on the poem when you finish the test over the Chosen. tomorrow. This poem should be finished and placed in your profile on your OurSpace page.

Objective: Review the way theme emerges from plot

We will discuss any questions you have from your reading or from the study guide for the final test, which will be Wednesday.

Mon, Sep 28
Assignment: Eng11 Review Blog Posts

Review samples of errors from blog posts on Facebook.

For tomorrow, finish The Chosen.

Fri, Sep 25
Assignment: Chpater 17: The Chosen

Weekly Blog Post

http://flatheadreservation.org/images/uploads/Facebook_users_have_poor_grades.pdf">“Facebook Users Get Worse Grades” Reflect on this article and Chapter 14 (Reuven’s recital in Rav Gershenson’s class)

Read Chapter 18 for Monday

Thu, Sep 24
Assignment: Chosen: Chapter 15-16

Quiz on Wednesday: The Chosen: Chapters 7-14

“Facebook Users Get Worse Grades”
1. Annotate this article: underline key points, make comments in margin.
2. At bottom, write a thesis statement for it.

Writing: Capitalization Rules, Apostrophe Rules, Complete Sentences

Capitalization Rules

Be ready for discussions/quizzes on the following days:
Tues September 22: Chap 13
Wed September 23: Chap 14
Thurs September 24: Chap 15-16
Fri September 25: Chap 17

Wed, Sep 23
Assignment: Quiz: Chosen: Chapter 7-14

Quiz on Wednesday: The Chosen: Chapters 7-14

Be ready for discussions/quizzes on the following days:
Tues September 22: Chap 13
Wed September 23: Chap 14
Thurs September 24: Chap 15-16
Fri September 25: Chap 17

Tue, Sep 22
Assignment: Chosen: Chapter 13

Quiz on Wednesday: The Chosen: Chapters 7-14

Be ready for discussions/quizzes on the following days:
Tues September 22: Chap 13
Wed September 23: Chap 14
Thurs September 24: Chap 15-16
Fri September 25: Chap 17

Mon, Sep 21
Assignment: Eng11: The Chosen, Chapter 12

Discuss weekly blog posts

Your weekly blog post

These are things you need to have in mind when you write. You have all week to be thinking about this, and to be working on it during your daily writing time.

1. A good piece of writing needs to have a purpose–this might be to make the reader laugh or to record an important insight or to make a point–but without a purpose there will be no way to organize the writing, or to know how to begin or to know when to stop. Reading it will tend to be a waste of time.
2. It needs to be interesting. It is always a writer’s responsibility to be interesting.
3. It needs to be at least 400 words long.
4. It should show evidence of reflection about what is happening in the course. You can refer to insights from the readings or from the class discussions.
5. It needs to be written in standard English, including complete sentences, no run-on sentences, correct capitalization, and correct use of apostrophes. It should be spell checked.

Discuss The Chosen: Chapter 12.

Quiz on Wednesday: The Chosen: Chapters 7-14

Be ready for discussions/quizzes on the following days:
Tues September 22: Chap 13
Wed September 23: Chap 14
Thurs September 24: Chap 15-16
Fri September 25: Chap 17

Thu, Sep 17
Assignment: Eng11 Chapter 11

Move one of your journal entries to your blog on OurSpace. Correct it and revise it as you go. Be sure to spell check (you can copy it into Word and spell check it, then paste it back into your blog if your browser doesn’t support spell check). Be sure all your sentences begin with capitals. Be sure you capitalize the pronoun “I” and proper nouns. Be sure to write in complete sentences. Failure to do these things is a “fatal error” and will result in a zero for the assignment.

Read Chapter 11 before Monday.

Wed, Sep 16
Assignment: Eng11 Continue discussion: Chosen

Bellwork: If you could have design a new dollar bill, what famous American would you put on it and why?

Discussion questions:
1. What circumstances led to the destruction of the great Jewish community in Poland?
2. Explain the teachings of Israel (Besht’s) known as Hasidism?
3. Explain two ways that the Talmud can be studied. Which way does Reuven’s father prefer?
4. Why do you believe is Reb Saunders raising Danny in silence?
5. In what way is Reuven a buffer between Danny and his father. What lesson from Jewish history lets you know that Reuven is in a dangerous situation?

Homework: read Chapter 9, The Chosen

Wed, Sep 16
Assignment: Eng11 Continue discussion: Chosen

Bellwork: If you could have design a new dollar bill, what famous American would you put on it and why?

Homework: read Chapter 9, The Chosen

Tue, Sep 15
Assignment: Eng11 Chosen Chapter 8

Bellwork: The most important step in anyone’s education is to know your own people.

Homework: read Chapter 9-10

Mon, Sep 14
Assignment: Eng11: The Chosen: Chapter 7

Bellwork: How is the story of Solomon Maimon sad? How is he similar to Danny?

Moodle: Quz: Chapter 1-7

Reading: Chapter 8

Advanced English 11:

Wed, Feb 10
Assignment: Adv11: Crucible

Finish viewing Crucible

Tomorrow: 40 minute timed essay
Using your story analysis sheet
and
your thesis/outline sheet

Tue, Feb 09
Assignment: Adv11: Crucible viewing / writing

In class: continue viewing Crucible
Homework: Complete a thesis/outline worksheet

Mon, Feb 08
Assignment: Adv11 Work on Crucible Essay

In class: watch Crucible film
Homework: Do plot to theme worksheet for Crucible Essay. Do this for the essay topic you’ve chosen from this list:

You will need to write a 600-word essay that deals with one of these questions:

1. How does Proctor’s major dilemma change in the course of the play?
2. How does Reverend Hale change during the play?
3. Compare or contrast the role of Abigail Williams with that of Elizabeth Proctor.
4. Which three characters are most to blame for the injustice that takes place in Salem?
5. Discuss Elizabeth as a symbol of truth.

Fri, Feb 05
Assignment: Adv11: Crucible Act IV

Read Act IV Crucible in class

Homework: complete Act IV worksheet

Thu, Feb 04
Assignment: Adv11 Crucible continue Act III

Continue reading Act III in class

Homework: complete Act III worksheet

Wed, Feb 03
Assignment: Adv11: Crucible Act III

Discuss Acts I and II
Read Act III in class
Work on Act III Character Worksheet

Complete Hamlet essay revisions in Criterion before class.

Tue, Feb 02
Assignment: Adv11: Begin Crucible, Act I

In class: read Act I
homework: Read Act II

complete Act I Conflicts worksheet
and
Act II Status Changes Worksheet

Mon, Feb 01
Assignment: Adv11: Finish Hamlet

Finish viewing Branagh’s version of Hamlet

Hamlet essay: have editing on Criterion finished by Wednesday’s class meeting.
Hamlet essay: have finished draft submitted to turnitin by Friday’s class meeting.

Tomorrow: begin The Crucible (literature anthology, page 825)

Mon, Jan 25
Assignment: Adv11: Hamlet viewing

Watch Hamlet, Act II

Fri, Dec 04
Assignment: Adv11: Hamlet: Act 1 Scene 2

In class read scene 2

Mon, Nov 23
Assignment: Adv11: Write Snow Essays

Work in class on process essays for Wind From An Enemy Sky. These must be written on one of the AP prompts provided in class.

Wed, Nov 18
Assignment: Adv11: Timed Essay: Wind

Write an essay in class on one of the past AP Prompts.AP Prompts

Tue, Nov 17
Assignment: Adv11: Wind Final Exam

Final Exam: Wind From an Enemy Sky

Wed, Nov 04
Assignment: Adv11

Close reading and analysis of literary techniques.

We will do a 40-minute timed essay on “Q2” style prompt, using a passage from Wind from an Enemy Sky.

Mon, Nov 02
Assignment: Adv11: Wind From An Enemy Sky: Q2 Prompt

40-minute timed writing, following Q2 Prompt from the AP Exam:

close analysis of a prose passage.

Fri, Oct 30
Assignment: Adv11: Wind From an Enemy Sky

Assignment sheet and study questions

Watch Part 3, The Place of Falling Waters
and complete the worksheet

Thu, Oct 29
Assignment: Adv11: Wind From an Enemy Sky

Assignment sheet and study questions

Watch Part 2, The Place of Falling Waters
and complete the worksheet

Wed, Oct 28
Assignment: Adv11: Wind From an Enemy Sky

Assignment sheet and study questions

In class, watch Part 1, The Place of Falling Waters
and complete the worksheet

Tue, Oct 27
Assignment: Adv11: Wind From an Enemy Sky

Assignment sheet and study questions

Mon, Oct 26
Assignment: Adv11 Wind from an Enemy Sky

Assignment sheet and study questions

There will be a test tomorrow (Tuesday) over Chapters 1-6. This will include questions from the historical background I presented in class. This information is also on the study guide on my website (follow the link above).

Fri, Oct 23
Assignment: Adv11 Wind from an Enemy Sky

Assignment sheet and study questions

Thu, Oct 22
Assignment: AP12: Darkness and Metaphor

Review essay question answers. Samples here.

re: Laura’s comment that Frost’s poem is only about a moth being eaten by a spider, and that’s just the way the world is.

Frost said that a poem was metaphor or it was nothing.

If metaphor works, this suggests that patterns of meaning exist in reality and that these matter. Can you see a relation between this and Puritan typology? Or can you contemplate it in Pablo Neruda’s refusal to use metaphor:

the blood of the children ran in the street like
the blood of the children.

Some modernist poets refuse to use metaphor and other figurative language because they feel these literary devices suggest false relationships that do not actually exist.

So.

For Frost, the poem is not merely about a spider eating a moth. What is it about?

Thu, Oct 22
Assignment: Adv11 Begin Wind from an Enemy Sky

Thinking about writing an essay for the AP Exam
AP Prompts
Discussing an AP Prompt

Wind from an Enemy Sky
Assignment sheet and study questions

Wed, Oct 21
Assignment: Adv11 Editing sentences

1. Proofread your essay looking for these sorts of errors:

Dangling modifiers
Parallel structure
Active and passive voice

2. Move the finished draft of your essay to your WordPress Blog. (information)

3. Paste the URL of your WordPress blog into the appropriate discussion forum on OurSpace (it’s in the Advanced 11 Group, and the Forum is named “WordPress Blogs")

4. You will need to log on to your Diigo account before you will be able to see my comments on your essay. I created a group on diigo which includes you, so you need to get your user name and password from me. These are ugly passwords, so you may want a Basecamp page online to save such things.

Tue, Oct 20
Assignment: Adv11: Utopian Visions

1. Revise your essay
2. Watch Annenberg Video: Utopian Visions

3. Get a “wordpress” or “blogger” blog. Put your revised essay there.

Wed, Oct 07
Assignment: Adv11: Winthrop

In Moodle, study the “Model paragraph using extensive quotations.” This is the first paragraph of an essay about Mary Rowlandson’s story, and it demonstrates a variety ways of using quotations. Very skillful. I’ve posted three essays about Rowlandson, and it would be fair game to quote from any of these essays in your final research essay. The texts written by Puritans are primary sources. These essays--texts written by people who were not there--are secondary sources.

Read in class “A Model of Christian Charity”

Write at least one interpretive paragraph using a quote.

Paragraphs on Bradford due tonight.

Possibly view scenes from Cromwell or Amazing Grace for background on “covenant theology”

Mon, Oct 05
Assignment: Adv11 Writing about Bradford

Continue writing fieldnotes (essay draft) about William Bradford.

Objective: Practice writing a paragraph developed by a quote

Read Mary Rowlandson’s “Captivity Narrative” p. 58-86

Thu, Oct 01
Assignment: Adv11 Begin draft of William Bradford article

Objective: Write interpretive essay based on interpretation of primary documents

Using the video and the text in the book, write a draft essay interpreting William Bradford’s “History of Plymouth Plantation” with a focus on one particular aspect of “the puritan mind”

Wed, Sep 30
Assignment: Adv11 Desperate Crossing

Objective:

Annotating from video and text, interpreting notes in support of a theme

Continue Cornell notetaking on video Desperate Crossing.

Focus on one aspect of the “puritan mind” in preparation to write an essay on that topic drawing on both the video and William Bradford’s text.

Tue, Sep 29
Assignment: Adv11: Continue Desparate Crossing

Objective 1: Understand how literature relates to various cultures. Understand why the Puritans still matter.

Nation’s question: how will studying the Puritans help us with the AP exam? One answer: The “puritan” mind is one vivid historical example of the “Christian mind,” which permeates European culture in the 16th-19th century and is still one of the world’s major cultures.

Objective 2: Practice Cornell note-taking with the AIM model in mind: Annotate, Interpret, Main Idea. The script for the video Desperate Crossing is based on William Bradford’s text, which you are also reading. Take notes focused on the aspect of Puritan thought you want to write about. You’ll do an in-class essay based on those notes when we finish the video.

Mon, Sep 28
Assignment: Finish Desperate Crossing

Hand out Analyzing a Story worksheet. Fill this out for William Bradford’s “History of Plymouth Plantation”

Finish Desperate Crossing video (Pilgrims). Take careful notes as you will need lots of information to complete your 1000-word research essay on “The Puritan Mind”

Fri, Sep 25
Assignment: Adv11: Finish Desperate Crossing

Puritan Unit Assignment

Test over William Bradford Monday

Thu, Sep 24
Assignment: Adv11: The Pilgrim’s story

Continue Desperate Crossing

Tue, Sep 22
Assignment: Adv11: Read William Bradford

Discuss Puritan concepts: Handout
Read Oliver poem, Page 19
Read “A History of Plymouth Plantation” pages 26-35

Readings in Adventures in American Literature

Mon, Sep 21
Assignment: Adv11: The Puritan Mind: Introduction

Turn in copies of Snow Falling on Cedars and The Chosen

We will use binders in Class. Here is a PDF copy of the texts.

Thu, Sep 17
Assignment: Adv11: Test over Chosen

Answer remaining questions over The Chosen.

What does the final image signify?
Contrast the vision of the cosmos in The Chosen with the vision in Snow Falling on Cedars. Chance or Providence?

Wed, Sep 16
Assignment: Adv11: Chosen Discussion questiosn

Continue discussion of the Chosen.

Handout of Discussion Questions

Tue, Sep 15
Assignment: Adv11: Discuss the Chosen

Continue discussion of the Chosen.

Handout of Discussion Questions

Mon, Sep 14
Assignment: Adv 11: Discuss The Chosen

Prepare answers for Chosen discussion questions.

Handout

AP English 12:

Tue, Dec 08
Assignment: AP12: Hamlet: Act 1 Scene 1

Read and discuss Hamlet in class, beginning with Act 1 scene ii

Fri, Dec 04
Assignment: AP12: Begin Hamlet

Read Act 1, Scene 1 in class

Mon, Nov 23
Assignment: AP12: Discussion Snow Falling on Cedars

Oral answers to discussion questions on Snow Falling on Cedar

Fri, Nov 20
Assignment: AP12

Oral answers to discussion questions on Snow Falling on Cedar

Fri, Nov 06
Assignment: AP12: Snow Falling on Cedars

Homework Reading: Reading Schedule

Wed, Nov 04
Assignment: AP12: Snow Falling on Cedars

Homework Reading: Reading Schedule

Wed, Nov 04
Assignment: AP12

Continue reading and scoring the AP sample essays for Q2

Tue, Nov 03
Assignment: AP12: Snow Falling on Cedars

Homework Reading: Reading Schedule

Thu, Oct 29
Assignment: AP12 Writing Prompt

Q2 style prompt on a passage from Snow Falling on Cedars.

Wed, Oct 28
Assignment: AP12: Reading Like a Professor

Read chapters 1-3 of Reading Literature Like a Professor on Moodle.

Tue, Oct 27
Assignment: AP12: Thinking like a Literature Professor

On Moodle, read the book excerpt How to Read Literature Like a Professor. It’s a 12-page PDF. It’s up near the top of the page, under the heading “Help with Reading.”

As you read, think about Ishmael and Hatsue, digging clams, talking about whether oceans are the same or different. . .What’s going on in that scene?

You should be to page 214 in Snow Falling on Cedars by tomorrow.

Mon, Oct 26
Assignment: AP12: Timed Essay

Today you will do a timed essay in the Q2 format from the AP Exam. This gives a section of prose, and you write an essay analyzing and interpreting that passage. The passage will be drawn from Snow Falling on Cedars.

I’m not at school, but I’ll be available via OurSpace if you have questions.

Nicole: Please review the Using Quotations slideshow on Moodle before you turn in another literary technique assignment.

Fri, Oct 23
Assignment: AP12: Literary Techniques

Work on your literary technique entries for next week.

Be sure to have read through chapter 11 of Cedars by Monday.

Wed, Oct 21
Assignment: AP12

Read Robert Frost’s “Design” (the poems handout)

If the universe is meaningful, is that meaning good? Or is it appalling?

By Monday, have read to page 169 of Snow Falling on Cedars.

Wed, Oct 21
Assignment: AP12 Symbolism of snow?

Review answers from the Chapter 1-3 quiz here.

By Monday, have the reading done through Chapter 11 (page 169)

Tue, Oct 20
Assignment: AP12: Snow Falling on Cedars

Snow as symbol: read Wallace Stevens’ “The Snow Man,” Robert Frost’s “Desert Places” and “Design.”

Read to page 169, through chapter 11, by Monday. Reading quiz on Monday.

Mon, Oct 19
Assignment: AP12 Begin Snow Falling on Cedars

What motifs do you see emerging so far?

Quiz: Chapters 1-3

Close Reading: Wallace Stevens’ The Snow Man

Resources

Tue, Oct 13
Assignment: AP12: Continue Alice Presentations

Reports on Chapter Summaries and Analysis (5 minutes)

Be prepared to do an original presentation, with an emphasis on interpreting the chapter.

~~Chapter 1 Jonah~~
Chapter 2 Melissa
~~Chapter 3 Nicole~~
~~Chapter 4 Logan~~
~~Chapter 5 Jordan~~
~~Chapter 6 Mary~~
Chapter 7 Kelsie
Chapter 8 Christian
Chapter 9 Erika
Chapter 10 Kayla
Chapter 11 Abigail
Chapter 12 Scott

Mon, Oct 12
Assignment: AP12: Alice in Wonderland reports

Reports on Chapter Summaries and Analysis (5 minutes)
Chapter 1 Jonah
Chapter 2 Melissa
Chapter 3 Nicole
Chapter 4 Logan
Chapter 5 Jordan
Chapter 6 Mary
Chapter 7 Kelsie
Chapter 8 Christian
Chapter 9 Erika
Chapter 10 Kayla
Chapter 11 Abigail
Chapter 12 Scott

Fri, Oct 09
Assignment: AP12: Literary Techniques

Work on a literary technique assignment

Or read: Hand out Snow Falling on Cedars

Due Monday: Reports on Chapter Summaries and Analysis (5 minutes) Alice Study Guide
Chapter 1 Jonah
Chapter 2 Melissa
Chapter 3 Nicole
Chapter 4 Logan
Chapter 5 Jordan
Chapter 6 Mary
Chapter 7 Kelsie
Chapter 8 Christian
Chapter 9 Erika
Chapter 10 Kayla
Chapter 11 Abigail
Chapter 12 Scott

Thu, Oct 08
Assignment: AP12 College essays

Write an essay in class for college or scholarship application. Do a real one, unless you don’t have one--then do one on citizenship.

Wed, Oct 07
Assignment: AP12 Guest Speaker: banned books

Objective: listening

1. Form questions as you are listening
2. Eye contact with speaker
3. Nod & give body language expressions of attention

Guest speaker: Banned books

Mon, Oct 05
Assignment: AP12 The Romantic Mode

Write a “literary technique” journal due Tuesday on the “romantic mode” in fiction, using the film Shane as your source.

Why does the film feature two strong “heros”? Why does Shane not return to the Starr farm at the end? What role does the boy play in the story? What is the film’s main message about violence?

How would the film be different if made today (in a more ironic mode)? Think about the way the heroes have few or no flaws, while the villains have few redeeming qualities.

Mon, Oct 05
Assignment: Alice Chap 11-12