Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Tuesday, September 29

AP Language and Composition
Students took the time to analyze previously-published AP argumentative essays for content and structure.

Homework:  No homework this week!!  Please take the time to go work on your class's float!

Pre-AP English 9
Students took the time to read and analyze Book XII of The Odyssey today and began working on a project that will show their understanding of direct and indirect characterization.

Homework:  No homework this week!!  Please take the time to go work on your class's float!

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students took their Genesis 4-10 test in class today.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Monday, September 28

AP Language and Composition
We held a current events debate in class today, discussing the merits of US involvement with the Syrian civil war.

Homework:  No homework this week!!  Please take the extra time to go work on your class's homecoming float!!

Pre-AP English 9
We held a current events debate in class today, discussing whether or not the US should allow Syrian refugees to take refuge within American borders.

Homework:  No homework this week!!  Please take the extra time to go work on your class's homecoming float!!

Reading the Bible as Literature
We finished discussing the Deluge in class today and its effects on modern-day culture.

Friday, September 25, 2015

AP Language and Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of September 28

No current events blog this week!!  Go help build your class's float!

Friday, September 25

AP Language and Composition
Students took their second 1984 test in class today.

Pre-AP English 9
Today's topic of discussion was imagery and tone and how to identify them in a text.  We then read Book 11 of The Odyssey.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued reviewing for next week's test in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to ensure that they have their notes in order for the test on Genesis 4-10, which will be given on Tuesday, September 29.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Thursday, September 24

AP Language and Composition
Students took a practice AP multiple-choice exam in class today.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading Part 2 of 1984 by the beginning of class tomorrow.

Pre-AP English 9
Students held a current events debate in class today regarding the use of surveillance technology in law enforcement.

Homework:  Students need to read Book X in The Odyssey by the beginning of class tomorrow.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students finished studying The Epic of Gilgamesh in class today.

Homework:  Students need to ensure that they have all of their notes together in preparation for the Genesis 4-10 test that will be given next week.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Wednesday, September 23

AP Language and Composition
Students received several grades back in class today, including their first perissology quiz.  Then, students took a practice AP-style multiple choice exam.

Homework:  Students need to finish Part 2 of 1984 by Friday.

Pre-AP English 9
Students took their first perissology test in class today.  Afterwards, we reviewed the introductory paragraphs that they wrote regarding the veterans article that we read.  After reviewing their paragraph, students had the opportunity to write another introductory paragraph regarding Book IX of The Odyssey.

Homework: Students need to read Book X of The Odyssey by Friday.

Students in sixth period need to complete the introductory paragraphs that they began in class today.  Here is the prompt:

"Contrary to modern-day notions of bravery and hospitality, the episode between Polyphemus and Odysseus portrays a convoluted picture of heroism that blurs the line between hero and villain, protagonist and antagonist.  Think carefully about what you read in the text and in a well-organized essay, describe how Homer characterizes either Odysseus or Polyphemus."

Reading the Bible as Literature
We discussed The Epic of Gilgamesh in class today.

Homework:  Students need to get their notes together in preparation for the Genesis 4-10 test which will be given on Monday.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Tuesday, September 22

AP Language and Composition
Students used the recent shooting of Cecil the Lion to practice writing thesis statements from differing points of view.

Homework:  Students need to finish their Avenues of Argumentation worksheet if they did not finish it in class.  Also, students need to read Part 2 of 1984 by Friday, September 25.

Pre-AP English 9
Student analyzed Book 9 of The Odyssey in class today, focusing on Homer's characterization of Polyphemus and Odysseus in their encounter with one another.

Homework:  Students need to respond to the following prompt:

Book IX of the Odyssey features the story of the blinding of Polyphemus, as told from Odysseus’ point of view. In at least one well-developed paragraph, retell the story from Polyphemus’ point of view. Write in first person, imagining that you are Polyphemus, telling your father, Poseidon, the events that transpired. Feel free to be creative, but be sure that you provide strong characterizations of both Polyphemus and Odysseus in your writing. The goal is to demonstrate your understanding of characterization, not to summarize the events of Book IX.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued their compare/contrast exercise between the Biblical story of the Deluge and the film Evan Almighty.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Monday, September 21

AP Language and Composition
Students read Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" in class today as a segue into a discussion about the danger of blindly following tradition.

Homework:  Students need to read Part 2 of 1984 by Friday.

Pre-AP English 9
After practicing their introductory paragraphs, students split up books 1-8 of The Odyssey in class today.

Homework: Students need to read Book 9 of The Odyssey and answer the corresponding questions that they received in class today.

Reading the Bible as Literature
In today's class, we focused on the Deluge's influence on modern, popular culture.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of September 21

Read the following article that discusses the influx of Syrian refugees into countries across Europe:

http://news.yahoo.com/east-european-leaders-argue-migrants-pour-across-borders-143858423.html

Look at this map to get an idea where Syria is in relation to the European Union.



Answer the following questions related to the article:
1. How is Hungary trying to keep refugees from crossing its border?
2. Explain the journey that many refugees have been trying to make through the Mediterranean Sea.
3. In the four years since the Syrian civil war began, how many people have been displaced by the war either in their own country or to another country?
4. What does US Secretary of State John Kerry say is "preventing this crisis from ending"?
5. How many refugees has President Barack Obama pledged to take in over the coming year?
6. Should the US allow these Syrian refugees into the country?  How responsible should the country be for helping to care for them while they are here?
7. Look at the first picture that is featured with this story (of the little boy in the train window).  Why do you think this picture is placed where it is?  What sort of impact does this picture have on people who are reading this article?

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of September 21

Read the following article that discusses the escalating conflict in Syria:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/19/world/europe/us-to-begin-military-talks-with-russia-on-syria.html?src=recg&_r=0

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. How long as Syria been embroiled in a civil war?
2. What has been America's official stance on Russian action in Syria?
3. In what three ways can the Russian-military buildup in Syria serve the interests of Russia's government?
4. How do American concerns about ISIL and ISIS play into the situation in Syria?
5. Why does the article claim that "the whole region is watching this" (the actions taken by the US and Russia)?
6. What is John Kerry's goal when it comes to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad?
7. In this familiar situation (think back to last year's Russian advances in Ukraine), the White House's actions seem bent on trying to settle this present situation diplomatically.  In your opinion, how effective is this strategy?  At what point, if any, should the US resort to military force to achieve its aims in the region?

Friday, September 18

AP Language and Composition
Students took their first perissology quiz in class today before grammatically analyzing last week's current events blog debate sheet.

Homework:  Students need to read Part 2 of 1984 by Friday, September 25.

Pre-AP English 9
In today's class, students read a New York Times article about veterans returning home from war as Odysseus did.  We then spent time learning how to write thesis statements and opening paragraph for non-fiction writing prompts.

Homework:  Students need to finish writing their introductory paragraphs as practice for the writing prompt that will be given on Monday.  Additionally, students need to study their perissology words in preparation for the perissology quiz that will be given on Wednesday.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We finished discussing Genesis 10 in today's class before reviewing for next week's test.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Thursday, September 17

AP Language and Composition
Students discussed different avenues of argumentation in today's class and ways that they can make and/or analyze any argument.

Homework:  Students need to read Part 2 of 1984 by Friday, September 25.  They also need to study for their perissology quiz, which will be given tomorrow.

Pre-AP English 9
We discussed The Iliad in class today and how The Odyssey has its roots in this first poem of Homer.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We read through the story of Noah's Ark in today's class.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Tuesday, September 15

AP Language and Composition
Students read through an article that details much of the new technology utilized in civilian surveillance by the FBI in today's class.

Homework:  Students were assigned a prompt from which they are to formulate an opening paragraph for homework.  They also need to read Part 2 in 1984 by Friday, September 25.

Here is a picture of the sample introductory paragraph from class today:


Pre-AP English 9
We discussed thesis statements in class today.

Homework:  Students need to bring their copy of The Odyssey with them to class every day, starting tomorrow.

If you need extra help with phrases and clauses, here are a couple of links for you:


Reading the Bible as Literature
We read through Genesis 4 in today's class after taking the Biblical concept quiz.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Monday, September 14

AP Language and Composition
Students finished discussing the life of George Orwell in class today, especially as it relates to his superb ability to write satire and to present propaganda.

Homework:  Students need to read Part 2 of 1984 by Friday, September 25.

Pre-AP English 9
Students held a current events debate in class today regarding whether or not parents should allow their students to fail.

Homework:  Students need to bring their copy of The Odyssey with them to class tomorrow.

Reading the Bible as Literature
After reviewing the Genesis 1-3 test, we read through Genesis 4 in class today.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of September 14

Read the following news article that discusses police surveillance:

http://news.yahoo.com/drone-policing-us-seen-wild-west-215907770.html

Then, answer the following questions that relate to the article:

1. What regulation in North Dakota has brought the issue of drone usage back to the forefront of the news?

2. What kind of certificate does a police force have to obtain before using drones?

3. What concerns does the ACLU have about the widespread use of drones?

4. Name some of the examples from the article that exemplify drones as being a waste of money.

5. Do you think that drones should be used by police forces for surveillance and enforcement of the law?

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of September 14

Read the following article that discusses an ancient Spanish tradition and its moral ramifications:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34213101

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. How do participants in the tradition try ensure that the fight with the bull is fair and is the "purest of battles"?

2. Describe the kind of numbers that each side of this argument will have represented at the festival next week.

3. In what year did this tournament begin?

4. What is a microcosm?  Why does Mayor Poncela claim that the event in Tordesillas is a microcosm for modern-day Spain?

5. How does Luis Guillermo Lopez Olea personally feel about the tournament?  How does he justify selling his bulls for the tournament?

6. In your opinion, should the tournament in Tordesillas continue?  Why or why not?  (PLEASE NOTE: You cannot ONLY use the issue of animal cruelty as an argument for or against the tournament.  IF YOU DO, YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO FOR THIS BLOG POST.)

Friday, September 11, 2015

Friday, September 11

Please take time to remember those who were lost and who sacrificed their lives fourteen years ago.

AP Language and Composition
Students took their first reading test on 1984 in class today.

Homework:  Students need to read Part 2 of 1984 by Friday, September 25.

Pre-AP English 9
After taking a syntactical pattern test today, students analyzed their own syntactical tendencies.

Homework: Students need to finish their obsession journals and have them ready to turn in on Monday.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students discussed modern-day Biblical allusions in class today.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Thursday, September 10

AP Language and Composition
Students began discussing the background of 1984 and how Orwell's life influenced the action of the novel.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading the first eight chapters of 1984 in preparation for the test tomorrow.

Pre-AP English 9
Students reviewed syntactical patterns in class today.

Homework:  Students need to bring their copy of The Odyssey to class with them tomorrow.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students took their "Introduction and Genesis 1-3" test in class today.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Wednesday, September 9

AP Language and Composition
Students took time to review claims, grounds, and warrants in today's class before discussing Orwellian literature.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading chapters 1-8 in 1984 by Friday, September 11.

Pre-AP English 9
Students reviewed their syntactical tests from yesterday before reading and discussing more examples of myth.

Homework:  Students need to bring their copy of The Odyssey with them to class tomorrow.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students reviewed for their test in class today.

Homework:  Students need to study for the test on the introductory material and Genesis 1-3 that will be given tomorrow.  They need to ensure that their notes on the material are complete.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Tuesday, September 8

AP Language and Composition
Students continued to practice identifying claims, grounds, and warrants in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading chapters 1-8 in 1984 by Friday, September 11.

Pre-AP English 9
After taking a short quiz on English syntactical patterns, students compared and contrasted differing accounts of King Arthur's half-sister, Morgan le Fay.

Homework:  Students need to have their copy of The Odyssey by Thursday, September 10.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students interacted with and analyzed Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights as it relates Bosch's account of the Fall.

Homework:  Students need to study for their first test, covering the introductory information we discussed in class along with Genesis 1-3.

Monday, September 7, 2015

1984 Resources

As you finish reading the first seven chapters of 1984, here are a few resources that may help you along the way...

1984 Audiobook

Part 1 Vocabulary

Part 2 Vocabulary

Part 3 Vocabulary

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of September 7

Because of their brevity, you will be reading two related stories this week.  Please read them in order.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34166605
http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-ouch-28311809

After you have finished both stories, answer the following questions from the stories:

1. Who is the Archbishop of Canterbury?  (Both his name and his position)
2. Why does Welby and other faith leaders oppose the intended "assisted dying" bill?
3. Is there a difference in calling the bill's action "assisted dying" rather than "assisted suicide"?  What is that difference?
4. Who is Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Romain?  Why does he support the bill?
5. Why does Nikki Fox, author of the second article, claim that the Dignity in Dying's study is misleading?
6. Why does Baroness Jane Campbell say that it's a "dangerous time" to introduce and pass such a bill?
7. The end of the second article mentions a patient by the name of Pam, who also opposes the bill.  Why does she have the authority to voice her opinion on this issue?
8. What are your thoughts on this bill?  Should "assisted dying" become legal in any country?  Why or why not and under what circumstances?

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of September 7

Read the following article that discusses the importance of failure:

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/sep/05/parenting-tomorrow-why-should-let-children-fail

After you have finished reading, answer the following questions:

1. Why does Jessica Lahey have any authority to speak to the importance of letting children fail?
2. What does Lahey claim is the most important lesson of childhood?
3. What is an idyll?
4. Explain "enmeshment" in your own words.
5. What was the first task that Lahey taught her nine-year-old son to accomplish on his own instead of doing it for him?
6. Complete Lahey's sentence: " The sooner parents learn to appreciate the positive aspects of hardship and allow children to benefit from the upside of failure..."
7. How important do you believe that failure is?  As a student, would you rather your parent allow you to fail an assignment that you don't know how to do or would you rather them help you so that you get a better grade and risk you not learning from that assignment for yourself?

Friday, September 4, 2015

Friday, September 4

AP Language and Composition
Students practiced the Toulmin Model of Argumentation with sentence-level arguments in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to read chapters 1-7 in 1984 by Wednesday, September 9.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued discussing the Arthurian legend in today's class.

Homework:  Students have a bit of work to finish from today's class.  They should also get their copy of The Odyssey by Tuesday, September 8.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Wednesday, September 2

AP Language and Composition
Mrs. Jemison, the junior class counselor, came to speak to our classes today about the importance of beginning the college application and scholarship process as soon as possible.

Homework:  Students need to read chapters 1-7 in 1984 by Wednesday, September 9.

Pre-AP English 9
Students began learning about the Arthurian legend in class today, focusing on its influence on pop-culture.

For a link to the presentation, click here.

Homework:  Students need to obtain the Dover Thrift Edition of The Odyssey as soon as possible.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Anna Holcomb, a humanitarian worker who recently served in Israel, came to speak to the class today about Jewish culture and how its modern-day iteration relates to its ancient past.

Homework:  Students need to study for their concept quiz, which will be given tomorrow.