Last entry of the year!

This will most likely be the last blog entry for the 2015-2016 school year.  I hope that you have all had as good of a year as I have had!!  You guys are the best!

For the freshmen, here is a list of topics that will be on your end-of-the-year grammar assessment, which will be given on Friday, May 20.

Apostrophes
Commas, Semi-colons, and Colons
Rules of formal writing
Active/Passive Voice
Verb Mood
Sound Devices and Literary Terms (can be found on your yellow pages)
Pronoun / Antecedent Agreement
Subjects/Objects/Complements
Quotes vs. Italics with titles
Verbals and Phrases
Parallel Structure
Often-misused words
Run-on sentences

Please email me if you have any questions!

Monday, May 9

AP Language and Composition
Students wrote their final practice essay in class today in preparation for the AP Exam.

Homework: Students should look over their exam review sheets.

Pre-AP English 9
Students began studying George Orwell's background in preparation for Animal Farm in class today.

For a copy of the Orwell PowerPoint, click here.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 1-5 in Animal Farm by Wednesday, May 11.

Thursday, May 5

AP Language and Composition
Students wrote a practice synthesis essay in class today.

Pre-AP English 9
Students finished the second entry of their obsession journal in class today.  Afterward, they began reading "Laugh, Kookaburra" by David Sedaris.

Homework: Students need to have their copy of Animal Farm by tomorrow (Friday, May 6).

Reading the Bible as Literature
After taking their Concept Quiz today, students finished presenting their parables project.

Wednesday, May 4

AP Language and Composition
Students wrote a practice rhetorical analysis in class today.

Pre-AP English 9
Students wrote a practice introductory paragraph today before working on a team-building exercise.

Homework: Students need to obtain their copy of Animal Farm by Friday, May 6.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students presented their parable projects in class today.

Tuesday, May 3

AP Language and Composition
Students wrote an argumentative essay in class today.

Pre-AP English 9
Students finished reading "Gone Fishin'" and "The Tell Tale Heart" today.

Homework: Students need to have Animal Farm by Thursday, May 5.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students finished their parable projects in class today.

Monday, May 2

AP Language and Composition
Students wrote a practice rhetorical analysis essay in class today.

Pre-AP English 9
Students wrote a creative writing piece in class today that helped them to review the grammatical concepts we've covered in class so far.

Homework: Students need to obtain their copy of Animal Farm, if they can, ASAP.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued working on their Parables Project in class today.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of May 2

For this week's blog post, I want you to go back and look at last week's answers.  In the directions, I stated explicitly that your answers needed to be specific, detailed, and supported by specific evidence.  Many of you half-heartedly sent in one-sentence answers with your opinion and no evidence to support them.  Let me reiterate myself, answers such as these will receive no credit.  Re-think your answer, decide if you need to amend it or not, and RE-POST YOUR ANSWERS.

I will grade your re-posted answers this week.

I know that the year is almost over, but finish strong, and do not allow yourself to be represented by sub-par work.  Once the relief of summer comes, you'll be glad that you gave it your all until the end.

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of May 2

This week, I want you to go back and look at the blog responses that you sent in last week.  Many responses were half-hearted or half-attempted at best, and since this is some of the last rhetorical analysis practice you'll get before the exam, I want you to go back and make sure you are happy with your answers before I grade them.

When you are happy with your answers REPOST THEM, and I will grade them this week.

Tuesday, April 27

Please join me in thinking about and praying for those who were so devastatingly affected by the tornado five years ago.

AP Language and Composition
Students practiced on more rhetorical analysis prompts in class today.

Pre-AP English 9
Students reviewed all of their comma rules and phrase types in class today.

Homework: Students need to get Animal Farm by next week.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students began working on a group projects about the Parables in class today.

Monday, April 25

AP Language and Composition
Students took their second (and final) reading quiz on Columbine in class today.

Pre-AP English 9
Students wrote an essay on "Cask of Amontillado" in class today.

Homework: Students need to finish reading A Separate Peace by tomorrow (Tuesday, April 26.)

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students reviewed the miracles of Christ in today's class.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of April 25

This week's blog will be worth forty points to Gryffindor.

In a shocking turn of events, this week's current events blog is very short!  Read it here:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ODD_THE_DONALD_ELEMENTARY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-04-23-17-15-23

After you have read this small blurb, I want you to consider the ramifications of such an action by the school board and respond to the following questions:

1. If it is the popular vote, should the school board rename the elementary school Donald J. Trump Elementary?

2. What considerations should be made when considering whether or not to name a school after someone?


**** While the article may be short, I don't expect that your answers will be.  Each of your answers should be well-thought-out and supported by specific evidence.  I will not give a length requirement, but don't give me any puny answers!!

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of April 25

(This week's blog will be worth thirty points to Ravenclaw.)

Read the following speech from former President Abraham Lincoln:

http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres32.html

After you read, answer the following questions:

1. Describe the author, audience, occasion, and purpose for this particular piece of rhetoric.
2. Describe how Lincoln uses comparison in his speech.
3. Explain how Lincoln effectively or ineffectively uses references to God in his speech.

Friday, April 22

AP Language and Composition
Students studied satire in class today.

Homework:Students need to read chapters 13-16 and 18-19 in Columbine by Monday, April 25.

Pre-AP English 9
Students read "The Cask of Amontillado" in class today.

Homework: Students need to finish "The Cask of Amontillado" this weekend.  They also need to read chapters 10-13 in A Separate Peace by Tuesday, April 26.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued studying the miracles of Christ in today's class.

Thursday, April 21

AP Language and Composition
Students rhetorically analyzed a speech by Bill Clinton in class today that he gave in the wake of the Columbine tragedy.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 13-16 and 18-19 in Columbine by Monday, April 25.

Pre-AP English 9
Students read and analyzed "The Cask of Amontillado" in class today.

Homework:  Students need to read chapters 10-13 in A Separate Peace by Tuesday, April 26.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students studied the parables of Christ in class today.

Wednesday, April 20

AP Language and Composition
Students were treated to a guest speaker today, a psychologist who spoke on the prevalence of mental health issues among teenagers in America.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 13-16 and 18-19 in Columbine by Monday, April 25.

Pre-AP English 9
Students discussed types of phrases in class today.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 10-13 in A Separate Peace by Friday, April 22.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued their survey of the New Testament in class today.

Tuesday, April 19

AP Language and Composition
All Juniors finished taking the school-administered ACT today.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 13-16 and 18-19 in Columbine by Monday, April 25.

Pre-AP English 9
Students read "Cask of Amontillado" in class today.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 10-13 in A Separate Peace by Friday, April 22.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students discussed the modern implications of the history of the Gospels in class today.

Monday, April 18

AP Language and Composition
Students missed class today to begin taking the ACT.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 13-16 and 18-19 in Columbine by Monday, April 25.

Pre-AP English 9
After reviewing some of the grammar concepts that we studied last week, we began reading and analyzing Edgar Allan Poe's "Cask of Amontillado."

Homework: Students need to read chapters 10-13 in A Separate Peace by Friday, April 22.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued our survey of the New Testament in class today.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for the Week of April 18

This week's blog is worth thirty points.

Read the following article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MANSON_FAMILY_PAROLE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. In what year did Leslie Van Houten participate in the murder for which she was convicted?  How old was she then?
2. Describe her behavior while she was in prison.
3. Why does Van Houten say that she bought in so easily to Manson's philosophy?
4. According to the article, why did the Manson family kill its victims?
5. Who will make the final decision as to whether or not Van Houten can be paroled?
6. Who is Louis Smaldino?  Why doesn't he want Van Houten to be released?
7. In you opinion, can people who commit such an atrocious act really change?  Should Van Houten be released into society?  Explain your answer.

AP Language and Composition Current Event Blog for Week of April 18

This week's blog is worth fifty points (to Gryffindor).

Read the following review of Susan Klebold's book:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/books/review/a-mothers-reckoning-by-sue-klebold.html?action=click&contentCollection=Sunday%20Book%20Review&module=RelatedCoverage&region=EndOfArticle&pgtype=article

Answer the following questions related to the review:

1. Answer the following rhetorical analysis questions about the review:

- Who is the author?
- Who is the intended audience?
- What is the stated or implied purpose of the review?
- What rhetorical strategies are most in evidence?  Give examples of each.

2. How does the author feel toward Susan Klebold?  How do you know? (Give specific evidence from the review.)

3. What evidence does the author give that Klebold is experiencing penance for her parental actions?

4. In the paragraph that begins, "It is hard to shake the prosecutorial instinct while reading this book," why does the author enlist a series of rhetorical questions?

5. What is red herring argumentation?

6. In the comments for this review, one responder claimed that Klebold's book and the subsequent discussion about mental health issues and suicide prevention were merely red herrings for the real issue at hand: gun control.  Do you agree with this idea?  Based on what you read, what is the reason that this book was written?

7. How does the reviewer characterize Susan Klebold?  Is she justified in her characterization?

Thursday, April 14

AP Language and Composition
Students took their first Columbine reading quiz in class today.  Afterwards, we had a rapid-fire review of ACT material in preparation for the administration of the test next week.

Pre-AP English 9
Students took their second A Separate Peace reading quiz before having a writing workshop in class today.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We began a survey of the New Testament in class today.

Wednesday, April 13

AP Language and Composition
Students began a multi-day discussion about the media's portrayal of those who commit acts of mass violence in today's class.

Homework: Students need to finish reading chapters 1-12 in Columbine by tomorrow (April 14).

Pre-AP English 9
In the spirit of A Separate Peace, students wrote an introspective "Rude Truth" essay in class today.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 5-9 in A Separate Peace by tomorrow (Thursday, April 14).

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students had time to catch up on assignments in today's class, including the test that they took on Monday, the Psalms Journals that they are supposed to finish, and the first New Testament packet that they received yesterday.

AP Language and Composition and Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of April 11

There is not a current events blog this week!

Friday, April 8

AP Language and Composition
Students took time to conference about their recent essays in class today.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 1-12 in Columbine by Thursday, April 14.

Pre-AP English 9
Students took their first reading test on A Separate Peace in class today.

Homework: Students need to finish their obsession journals by Monday at the beginning of class.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students watched a television rendering of the Babylonian Captivity in class today.

Thursday, April 7

AP Language and Composition
Students had a chance to rewrite one of their mock exam essays for credit in today's class.

Homework:Students need to read chapters 1-12 of Columbine by Thursday, April 14,

Pre-AP English 9
Students finished reading "A Christmas Memory" in today's class before practicing introductory paragraphs.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 1-4 in A Separate Peace by Friday, April 8.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students studied the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in today's class.

Wednesday, April 6

AP Language and Composition
We spent time analyzing multiple-choice questions and argumentative essay prompts in today's class.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 1-12 in Columbine by Thursday, April 14.

Pre-AP English 9
After discussing many of the themes included in A Separate Peace, we began reading a short story in class today entitled "A Christmas Memory."

Homework: Students need to read chapters 1-4 in A Separate Peace by Friday, April 8.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students finished discussing the book of Daniel in today's class and had time to work on their Psalms Journals.

Tuesday, April 5

AP Language and Composition
Students set goals for themselves about what they need to score on each section of the AP exam before discussing the mock exam essay prompts.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 1-12 in Columbine by Thursday, April 14.

Pre-AP English 9
Students read a selection entitled "A View from a Bridge" today and used it to practice our recent discussion of the semi-colon, colon, and apostrophe rules.

Homework:  Students need to finish their A Separate Peace likert scales before class tomorrow.  They also need to read chapters 1-4 in the novel by Friday, April 8.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students studied the book of Daniel in today's class.

Monday, April 4

AP Language and Composition
Students received their mock exams in class today and began to analyze their answers.

Homework: Students need to obtain Columbine, by Dave Cullen, immediately.

Pre-AP English 9
We discussed punctuation in class today by discussing semi-colons, colons, and apostrophes.

Homework: Students need to read A Separate Peace, chapters 1-4, by Friday, April 8.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students finished discussing the major and minor prophets in class today, focusing especially on the book of Daniel.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for the Week of April 4

Read the following article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MINIMUM_WAGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-04-01-10-07-57

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. What are the current minimum wage rates in New York and California?

2. The article claims that Democrats in both states are hailing the wage hike as a “boon” to workers.  What is a boon?

3. By what year must the wage be implemented in California?

4. If the current population in American is roughly 319 million people, how many of those people live in New York and California?  Why would the author include this statistic in the article? (Think: pathos, logos, and ethos.)

5. What other economic deal did New York pass in confederation with the minimum wage hike?  Hint, they claim it will help the middle class in the state.

6. Hillary Clinton advocated for the minimum wage to be raised to what amount?

7. In your opinion, should the rest of the country follow suit and raise the minimum wage?  Why or why not?

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for the Week of April 4

This week’s blog is very different from what we typically do.  

On Monday, you will all be receiving your scores from the mock exam.  As you will see, many of us still have a lot of work to do before the actual administration of the exam.

This week, I want you to look at all of your essays and the score that you made on them.  Then, in lieu of a current events blog, I want you to write a paragraph per essay telling me what you did well in that particular essay and what you need to improve.  In order to receive credit, your comments must be specific (ex: I need to clarify the purpose of the argument, or I need to connect my examples with my assertion) and you must provide actual evidence from your essay demonstrating what you’re talking about (ex: In paragraph 2 I discussed how encouraging kindness can be, but this is not what the prompt is asking me to do).

This blog will be worth 45 points (15 per essay) and is due by the start of school (7:45 am) on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6.

Friday, April 1

AP Language and Composition
Students wrote an argumentative essay on the death penalty in class today.

Homework: Students need to obtain their copy of Columbine as soon as possible.  We will begin this study next week.

Pre-AP English 9
Students took their Lord of the Flies test in class today.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copy of A Separate Peace as soon as possible.  We will begin this novel next week.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued discussing the major and minor prophets in class today.

Thursday, March 31

AP Language and Composition
As a continuation of yesterday's discussion, students read another opinion about the use of the death penalty in the United States.

Homework:  Students need to get their copy of Columbine by next week.

Pre-AP English 9
Students played a review game to prepare for the Lord of the Flies test that will be given tomorrow.

Homework: Students need to study for their Lord of the Flies test.  Also, if they have not obtained their copy of A Separate Peace, they should do so immediately.

To download a copy of the background PPT for the novel, click here.

To download a copy of the "Character PPT," click here.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued studying the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament in today's class.

Wednesday, March 30

AP Language and Composition
In relation to the topic that they have been studying over the past two weeks, students read an opinion piece about the death penalty in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copy of Columbine as quickly as possible.  We will begin the memoir next week.

Pre-AP English 9
Students reviewed over the ending of Lord of the Flies before finishing their movie posters that help summarize the novel.

Homework: Students need to study for their Lord of the Flies test, which will be given on Friday, April 1.  They also need to obtain their copy of A Separate Peace as quickly as possible. We will begin this novel next week.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students took their Job test in class today.

Tuesday, March 29

AP Language and Composition
Students finished analyzing a psychoanalytical essay about the media portrayal of mass murderers in modern society as it relates to Devil in the White City.

Homework: Students need to obtain Columbine by Dave Cullen as quickly as possible. We will begin the memoir next week.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued discussing the archetypal portrayal of characters from Lord of the Flies.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 11-12 in Lord of the Flies tonight.  They also need to obtain their copy of A Separate Peace as soon as possible if they have not already.  We will begin this novel next week.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students began studying the "major" and "minor" prophets in class today.

Monday, March 28

AP Language and Composition
After taking their final In Cold Blood test in class today, students continued analyzing articles related to Devil in the White City in class today.

Homework: Students need to obtain their copy of Columbine as quickly as possible.  They will receive their first reading assignment for the book next week.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued trying to find ways to use the new vocabulary that they are receiving in relation to Lord of the Flies.  Afterwards they continued discussing the archetypes apparent in the novel.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 9-10 in Lord of the Flies tonight.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued reading and studying Job in class today.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of March 28

Read the following article related to the new Batman vs. Superman movie:

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/pat-garofalo/articles/2016-03-24/batman-v-superman-v-taxpayer-subsidies

After reading it, answer the following questions related to the article:

1. How did Michigan get the production studio making the movie to film in its state?
2. How big of a budget did the film have?  Why is this such a danger for the film studio?
3. The film is privately funded by a production company.  How in the world would taxpayers be at a loss because of the movie?
4. What was the cost of the film per job created?
5. How does the author claim that the film industry holds states hostage?
6. Do you believe that states should try to subsidize the film industry?  Why or why not?

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of March 28

Because of the more intensive nature of this week's blog post, it will be worth 50 points.

The following is a link to an ongoing debate about the 2012 attacks in Benghazi.  Read the rhetorical set up for the article and all five opinions that are listed.

http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/is-benghazi-a-legitimate-scandal

After reading the opinions presented, complete the following tasks:

1. Give a two-sentence summary of the issue being debated.
2. Choose three of the debaters' opinions and write a paragraph-long summary of each.  Your choices must represent each side of the issue.
3. Decide which of the debaters present the most compelling and effective argument and tell me why you believe it to be so effective.
4. Write a two-paragraph-long rhetorical analysis of one of the debater's argument.

Thursday, March 24

AP Language and Composition
Students read an article in today's class that denigrated the practice of hunting.  Students attempted to set aside personal beliefs about the article in order to analyze the argument being made.

Homework:  Students need to read Part IV of In Cold Blood by Monday, March 28.

Pre-AP English 9
Students studied vocabulary related to Lord of the Flies in class today before studying some of the prominent literary characteristics of the novel.

Homework:  Students need to read chapters 7-8 in Lord of the Flies tonight.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued studying the book of Job in today's class.

Wednesday, March 23

AP Language and Composition
Students read and analyzed an article written by Stephen King in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to read Part IV of In Cold Blood by Monday, March 28.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued to discuss background information related to Lord of the Flies.

Homework: Students need to read chapters 5-6 of Lord of the Flies tonight.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued studying Job in class today.

Tuesday, March 22

AP Language and Composition
Students spent time analyzing an article that relates laughing to sanity in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to read Part IV of In Cold Blood by Monday, March 28.

Pre-AP English 9
In today's class students continued studying subjects related to Lord of the Flies

Homework: Students need to read chapters 3-4 in Lord of the Flies by tomorrow (Wednesday, March 23).

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued studying Job in today's class.

Monday, March 21

AP Language and Composition
Students spent time in class today analyzing an article that expounded on issues surrounding Devil in the White City.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading Part IV of In Cold Blood by Monday, March 28.

Pre-AP English 9
Students began discussing issues surrounding Lord of the Flies in class today.

Homework:  Students need to read the first two chapters of Lord of the Flies by tomorrow (Tuesday, March 22).

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students began studying the book of Job in today's class.

AP Language and Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of March 21

There is not a current events blog this week!

Week of March 7-11

During the week of March 7-11, I will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota doing some consulting work with ACT.

My intern, Mr. Bryant, will be leading class that week, so students should expect to continue to work up until the nine weeks' exams.  If students have any questions about class material, Mr. Bryant will be able to answer their questions.

For both Pre-AP and AP classes, there will be no homework assigned over Spring Break.  I hope that you all have a restful holiday!

Friday, March 4

AP Language and Composition
Students took their mock exam today.

Homework:  Students need to finish Part III of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 7.

Pre-AP English 9
Students took practice exams today in preparation for their nine-weeks' exam.

Reading the Bible as Literature
After finishing their Psalms Journals, we continued discussing Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in class today.

Thursday, March 3

AP Language and Composition
Students finished their final review for the mock exam in today's class.

Homework:  Students must read Part III of In Cold Blood by Monday, March 7.

Pre-AP English 9
Students practiced rhetorically analyzing Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech" in today's class after taking the second Of Mice and Men quiz.  This is in preparation for their nine weeks' exam.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students continued studying Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in today's class.

Tuesday, March 1

AP Language and Composition
We continued studying visual analysis in today's class before looking at a sample synthesis essay.

Homework:  Students need to finish Part III of In Cold Blood by Monday, March 7.

Pre-AP English 9
Students wrote a compare/contrast essay in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to have the rest of Of Mice and Men read by Thursday, March 3.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We finished learning about Esther today.

Monday, February 29

AP Language and Composition
After taking their second In Cold Blood test, we began to discuss visual analysis in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to read Part III of In Cold Blood by Monday, March 7.

Pre-AP English 9
Students received several grades back today, including the last essay that they wrote.  We then spent the rest of class discussing compare/contrast essays and body paragraphs.

Homework:  Students need to finish Of Mice and Men by Thursday, March 3.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We discussed the story of Esther in today's class.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of February 29

For this week's blog, search the internet and find an article that relates in some way to a leader (or group of leaders) who has abused his/her (or their) power.  The article itself can be propaganda, or it can be discussing propaganda in some way.  (DO NOT JUST GOOGLE "ARTICLE ABOUT LEADERSHIP ABUSING POWER" AND PUT THE FIRST THING YOU FIND.  ACTUALLY PUT SOME EFFORT INTO THIS!)

To receive credit for your post, to the following:

1. Past a link to the article.
2. Summarize the article in a paragraph.
3. Write five questions about the article, including one question that is opinion-based.

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of February 29

For this week's blog, search the internet and find an article that relates in some way to propaganda.  The article itself can be propaganda, or it can be discussing propaganda in some way.  (DO NOT JUST GOOGLE "ARTICLE ABOUT PROPAGANDA" AND PUT THE FIRST THING YOU FIND.  ACTUALLY PUT SOME EFFORT INTO THIS!)

To receive credit for your post, to the following:

1. Past a link to the article.
2. Summarize the article in a paragraph.
3. Write five questions about the article, including one question that is opinion-based.

Friday, February 26

AP Language and Composition
Students annotated a letter from Kurt Vonnegut in class today.

Homework:  Students need to read Part II of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 29.

Pre-AP English 9
Students took their Of Mice and Men quiz today before working on comma usage.

Homework: Students need to finish Of Mice and Men by Wednesday, March 2.

Thursday, February 25

AP Language and Composition
Students analyzed a memorial speech for the Marines who fought at Iwo Jima.

Homework:  Students need to read Part II ("Persons Unknown") of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 29.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued watching Simon Birch in today's class in order to draw comparisons between the movie and other pieces that we have been reading.

Homework: Students need to read pages 1-65 in Of Mice and Men by tomorrow, Friday, February 26.

Reading the Bible as Literature
As we began to study the Jewish exile, students examined examples of modern-day allusions to the exile.

Wednesday, February 24

AP Language and Composition
We took a left turn in today's class.  Taking a break from discussing WWII rhetoric, we read and analyzed an article about friendship and how friendship is forged during wartime.

Homework: Students need to read Part II of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 29.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued watching Simon Birch today in preparation for comparing it with the other pieces that we've read recently.

Homework: Students need to read pages 1-65 Of Mice and Men by Friday, February 26.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students took the test on Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles in today's class.

Tuesday, February 23

AP Language and Composition
Students analyzed Reagan's 40th Anniversary D-Day Commemoration speech in today's class and wrote AP-style multiple-choice questions about the passage.

Homework:  Students need to read Part II of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 29.

Pre-AP English 9
Students finished rhetorically analyzing an article on friendship before beginning Simon Birch today.

Homework: Students need to read pages 1-65 in Of Mice and Men by Friday, February 26.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We finished Chronicles and Kings in today's class before working on our Psalms Journals.

Monday, February 22

AP Language and Composition
Students began today's class by taking their first In Cold Blood quiz.  Afterwards, they rhetorically analyzed a speech by Ronald Reagan commemorating the 40th anniversary of D-Day.

Homework:  Students need to read Part II of In Cold Blood ("Persons Unknown") by Monday, February 29.

Pre-AP English 9
Students were introduced to rhetoric and the art of analyzing non-fiction in today's class.

Homework: Students need to read pages 1-65 in Of Mice and Men by Friday, February 26.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students studied Chronicles and Kings in today's class.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of February 22

Read the following letter that was written by Tim Cook to Apple Customers:

http://www.apple.com/customer-letter/

Answer the following questions related to the letter:

1. Explain what Cook claims that the government has asked Apple to do.
2. What event precipitated this action?
3. Cook claims that the FBI has suggested that they create a hack that will allow them to look at the information on only one phone.  Why does Cook say that it is impossible to isolate the hack to one phone?
4. What law is the FBI invoking to cover this unprecedented request?
5. What are the far-reaching effects that Cook delineates, which he believes will result from acquiescing to this request?
6. In your opinion, should Apple comply with the FBI's request to create this hack?  Why or why not?

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of February 22

Read the following letter that was written by Tim Cook to Apple Customers:

http://www.apple.com/customer-letter/

Answer the following questions related to the letter:

1. Explain what Cook claims that the government has asked Apple to do.
2. What event precipitated this action?
3. Cook claims that the FBI has suggested that they create a hack that will allow them to look at the information on only one phone.  Why does Cook say that it is impossible to isolate the hack to one phone?
4. What law is the FBI invoking to cover this unprecedented request?
5. What are the far-reaching effects that Cook delineates, which he believes will result from acquiescing to this request?
6. In your opinion, should Apple comply with the FBI's request to create this hack?  Why or why not?

Friday, February 19

AP Language and Composition
Students read and analyzed Churchill's "Their Finest Hour" speech in today's class.

Homework: Students need to finish Part 1 of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 22.

Pre-AP English 9
After practicing with our comma rules, we finished James Hurst's "The Scarlet Ibis" in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to obtain Of Mice and Men and A Separate Peace by Monday, February 22.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students did a comparative study between David's life in 2 Samuel and his writings in the Psalms in today's class.

Thursday, February 18

AP Language and Composition
Students continued studying the rhetoric of WWII today as they looked at the infamous "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech by Winston Churchill.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading Part 1 of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 22.

Pre-AP English 9
Students began reading James Hurst's "The Scarlet Ibis" in class today.

Homework:  Students need to get their copy of Of Mice and Men and A Separate Peace by Monday, February 22.

Reading the Bible as Literature
After taking their Concept Quiz, students continued studying the life of David, as it is presented in 2 Samuel, in today's class.

Tuesday, February 16

AP Language and Composition
Today we began studying some of the most famous rhetoric of WWII.

Homework:  Students need to read Part 1 of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 22.

Pre-AP English 9
We finished The Glass Menagerie in class today before viewing of the students' Romeo and Juliet previews.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copies of Of Mice and Men and A Separate Peace.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued studying the life of David in 2 Samuel in today's class.

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of February 15

This week's current events blog is a little different.  Instead of reading a story that I post and then responding to questions about the story, I want each of you to search the internet and find a recent story (posted within the last five years) that has to do with some type of leadership incorporating new technology in its governance.  In order to receive credit, you must complete the following:

1. Post the link to the article.
2. Write a summary of the article.
3. Write five questions that relate to the article.  (At least one of the questions can't be a simple recall question and must require deeper thought.  This can be an opinion question, a question that relates the article to something we've read in class, etc.)

For the extra effort this week, the current events blog will be worth thirty points.

Enjoy!

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of February 15

This week's current events blog is a little different.  Instead of reading a story that I post and then responding to questions about the story, I want each of you to search the internet and find a recent story (posted within the last five years) that has to do with love or friendship.  In order to receive credit, you must complete the following:

1. Post the link to the article.
2. Write a summary of the article.
3. Write five questions that relate to the article.  (At least one of the questions can't be a simple recall question and must require deeper thought.  This can be an opinion question, a question that relates the article to something we've read in class, etc.)

For the extra effort this week, the current events blog will be worth thirty points.

Enjoy!

Thursday, February 11

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

Homework:  Students need to read Part 1 of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 22.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued studying The Glass Menagerie in class today.

Homework:  Students need to finish their Romeo and Juliet preview projects by Friday (tomorrow).  These projects can be uploaded to YouTube and emailed to me (jlray@tcss.net) (this is my preferred method), or they can be brought in on a flash drive.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students studied about the life of King David in class today.

Tuesday, February 9

AP Language and Composition
Students rhetorically analyzed a passage in class today.

Homework: Students need to read Part 1 of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 22.

Pre-AP English 9
We began our study of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie in class today.

Homework:  Students need to finish their Romeo and Juliet Preview Projects by Friday, February 12.

To access a free copy of The Glass Menagerie, click here.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We began studying 2 Samuel in class today.

Monday, February 8

AP Language and Composition
Students had the opportunity to revise and re-write their rhetorical analysis essays in class today.

Homework:  Students need to read Part I of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 22.

Pre-AP English 9
Students wrote an essay about Shakespeare's treatment of fate and free will in class today.

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

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued studying 1 Samuel today, focusing specifically on the story of David and Goliath.

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of February 8

Read the following article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_NKOREA_ROCKET_LAUNCH?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-02-06-20-50-17

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. How do North Korea's current actions relate to its supposed actions of a month ago?
2. How much of the bomb detonated in South Korea?  How much in Japan?
3. What does North Korea say is the only thing that will keep it from striking the US mainland?
4. North Korea claims that the missiles are actually what kinds of tests?
5. How has the UN tried to halt North Korea's nuclear plans?
6. In response to last week's article, many of you said that America needs to maintain or decrease its present in Afghanistan because the local peoples need to be able to govern themselves rather than endangering American lives.  Should that same principle be put in place in dealing with North Korea?  Explain.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of February 8

There is not a current events blog or an obsession journal due this week.  Spend the time working on your Romeo and Juliet preview project!

Friday, February 5

AP Language and Composition
Students wrote a rhetorical analysis essay in class today.

Homework:  Students need to buy their copy of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 8.

Pre-AP English 9
We finished Act V of Romeo and Juliet in class today.

Homework:  Students should be working on their Romeo and Juliet Preview Projects.  They also need to have their copy of The Glass Menagerie by Monday, February 8.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued studying 1 and 2 Samuel in class today.

Wednesday, February 3

AP Language and Composition
Students rhetorically analyzed two letters from Benjamin Franklin in class today before discussing the content of rhetorical-analysis body paragraphs.

Homework:  Students need to procure their copy of In Cold Blood by Monday, February 8.

Pre-AP English 9
Students finished reading Act III of Romeo and Juliet in class today, paying special attention to the blame that Romeo and Juliet assigns for their situation.

Homework: Students need to procure their copy of The Glass Menagerie by Monday, February 8.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued studying 1 Samuel in class today.

Tuesday, February 2

Everyone please stay safe in the severe weather that is sweeping through our area today!

AP Language and Composition
Students rhetorically analyzed letters from Benjamin Franklin today.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copy of In Cold Blood as soon as possible.

Pre-AP English 9
We read through Act III and part of Act IV in class today.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copy of The Glass Menagerie.  We should begin this play on Friday or Monday.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued studying 1 Samuel in class today.

Monday, February 1

AP Language and Composition
Students took their final Devil in the White City in class today.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copy of In Cold Blood by Truman Capote by next week.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued Romeo and Juliet in class today, finishing Act II and beginning Act III.

Homework: Students need to obtain their copy of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.

Reading the Bible as Literature
After finishing their presentations, we continued our study of 1 Samuel in class today.

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of February 1

Read the following article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AFGHAN_WAR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-01-30-09-36-17

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. What is the current state of affairs in Afghanistan?  Why is President Obama reconsidering decreasing American military presence in the region?

2. Who is the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman?  What is his opinion about the troop reduction?

3. Is Hamdullah Mohib correct in calling Kunduz a "setback"?

4. Type the line that represents the first rhetorical shift in the passage.

5. Why is the Afghan government planning many "economic development projects" in the near future?

6. In your opinion, should America increase, decrease, or maintain its forces in Afghanistan?  Why?

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of February 1

Read the following article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_REL_JAPAN_MONK_DELIVERY_ASOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-01-30-01-20-46

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. What is Obo-san bin?  Why is it drawing criticism from Buddhist organizations?
2. How many other countries in the world offer this type of service?
3. Why are so many Buddhist temples, especially rural ones, having such financial trouble?
4. Who is Kakeru?  Why does the author include his story in this article?
5. Kaichi Watanabe says that this new internet service is helping people relate to Buddhist monks more than ever.  Explain his reasoning.
6. In your opinion, is this type of service for a religious ritual appropriate?  Should it be offered?  Why or why not?

Thursday, January 28

AP Language and Composition
Students continued rhetorically analyzing movie speeches in class today.

Homework: Students need to finish their reading selection in Devil in the White City by Monday, February 1.

Pre-AP English 9
Students finished re-writing and performing the "Balcony Scene" from Act II of Romeo and Juliet in today's class.

Homework: Students need to obtain their copy of The Glass Menagerie as soon as possible.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students wrote a play about and illustrated their favorite story from the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth in today's class.

Wednesday, January 27

AP Language and Composition
Students reviewed rhetorical analysis through several movie speeches in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to finish their reading assignment in Devil in the White City by Monday, February 1.

Pre-AP English 9
Students worked at rewriting the Balcony Scene from Romeo and Juliet in today's class.  They also individually recited the prologue to the Canterbury Tales.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copy of The Glass Menagerie as soon as possible.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students began working on a project related to Joshua, Judges, and Ruth in today's class.

Tuesday, January 26

AP Language and Composition
After reviewing commas we analyzed Charlton Heston's keynote address to the National NRA Convention.

Homework: Students need to finish their reading assignment in Devil in the White City by Monday, February 1.

Pre-AP English 9
We continued our study of Romeo and Juliet in class today.

Homework:  Students need to finish memorizing the first twelve lines of The Canterbury Tales in the original pronunciation.  They will recite them tomorrow.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students took their Joshua, Judges, and Ruth test in class today.

Monday, January 25

AP Language and Composition
After reviewing comma usage, we held a current events debate in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to finish their introductory argumentative paragraphs from today's debate.  They also need to obtain their copy of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood.

Pre-AP English 9
After reviewing commas in today's class, we held a truncated current events debate before continuing our study of Romeo and Juliet.

Homework:  Students need to finish memorizing the opening twelve lines of The Canterbury Tales in the original pronunciation.  They will recite these to me tomorrow.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We finished our study of Judges in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to make sure that they have all of the notes for Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, along with their Biblical concepts (words of the day).

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of January 25

Read the following opinion piece:

http://www.larryeducation.com/raise-act-of-2016-is-fatally-flawed/

Answer the following questions related to the piece:

1. Summarize the RAISE Act of 2016 (will require some independent research).
2. According to Lee, why can't teaching be compared to working in a shirt factory?
3. Rhetorically, why would he use the shirt factory example?
4. In what city does Lee live?
5. What one reason did teachers in the cited study give for why their personal efforts would not lead to student achievement gains?
6. In your opinion, would offering teachers incentive for test scores improve the educational system?  Why or why not?
7. What would improve the educational system?

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of January 25

Read the following article:

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/01/18/463488364/amid-controversy-scholastic-pulls-picture-book-about-washingtons-slave

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. Describe the controversy that has arisen over this children's book.
2. Who are the main characters in the book?
3. Cite the comparisons that the article makes between A Fine Dessert and A Birthday Cake for George Washington.
4. Which two people, quoted in the article, provide a defense for the book?  Summarize their defense.
5. What details given in the article qualify these two people to defend the book?
6. Why does Demetria D'Oyley dismiss these defenses?
7. In your opinion, should Scholastic have pulled the book?  Why or why not?

Friday, January 22

AP Language and Composition
After taking their Devil in the White City test, we rhetorically analyzed the forward to Dave Barry's book Guys vs. Men.

Homework:  Students need to complete the Devil in the White City reading assignment by Monday, February 1.

Pre-AP English 9
We completed our study of Shakespeare today and began reading Romeo and Juliet.

Homework:  Students need to memorize the first twelve lines of the Canterbury Tales prologue by Monday, January 25.

Bible as Literature
We continued studying the book of Judges in today's class.

Thursday, January 21

AP Language and Composition
Students worked on revising thesis statements in class today.

Homework:  Students need to finish the assigned reading for Devil in the White City by tomorrow, Friday, January 22.

Pre-AP English 9
We continued discussing Shakespeare in today's class.

Homework:  Students need to memorize the first twelve lines of the Canterbury Tales prologue in the original pronunciation by Monday, January 25.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We began discussing the book of Judges in today's class.

Wednesday, January 20

AP Language and Composition
We continued analyzing "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" in class today.

Homework:  Students need to finish their reading assignment in Devil in the White City by Friday, January 22.

Pre-AP English 9
We discussed verb mood in today's class before continuing our study of Shakespeare.

Homework:  Students need to memorize the first twelve lines in the original pronunciation of the Canterbury Tales prologue by Monday, January 25.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We began our study of Ruth in today's class.

Tuesday, January 19

AP Language and Composition
We began reviewing comma usage today as a part of an ACT review. Additionally, we began analyzing MLK, Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail."

Homework:  Students need to finish the assigned reading in Devil in the White City by Friday, January 22.

Pre-AP English 9
After continuing our lesson on commas, students had the opportunity to edit and revise their essays from last week.  Afterwards, we continued our study of Shakespeare and the English Language.

Homework:  Students should finish revising and re-writing their poetry analyses tonight and bring them to class tomorrow.  They should also begin memorizing the first twelve lines of the Canterbury Tales prologue in Middle English.  They will recite it on Monday, January 25.

For a copy of the Shakespeare PowerPoint (which contains the CT prologue), click here.
For a copy of the Hughes poetry prompt, click here.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We began studying and discussing the story of Ruth in today's class.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for Week of January 18

Read the following article:

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/01/18/463488364/amid-controversy-scholastic-pulls-picture-book-about-washingtons-slave

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. Describe the controversy that has arisen over this children's book.
2. Who are the main characters in the book?
3. Cite the comparisons that the article makes between A Fine Dessert and A Birthday Cake for George Washington.
4. Which two people, quoted in the article, provide a defense for the book?  Summarize their defense.
5. What details given in the article qualify these two people to defend the book?
6. Why does Demetria D'Oyley dismiss these defenses?
7. In your opinion, should Scholastic have pulled the book?  Why or why not?

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of January 18

Read the following opinion piece:

http://www.larryeducation.com/raise-act-of-2016-is-fatally-flawed/

Answer the following questions related to the piece:

1. Summarize the RAISE Act of 2016 (will require some independent research).
2. According to Lee, why can't teaching be compared to working in a shirt factory?
3. Rhetorically, why would he use the shirt factory example?
4. In what city does Lee live?
5. What one reason did teachers in the cited study give for why their personal efforts would not lead to student achievement gains?
6. In your opinion, would offering teachers incentive for test scores improve the educational system?  Why or why not?
7. What would improve the educational system?

Friday, January 15

AP Language and Composition
We held the second round of our Life Raft Debate in class today.

Homework:  Students need to read the newly-assigned chapters of Devil in the White City by Friday, January 22.

Pre-AP English 9
We began discussing Shakespeare in class today in preparation for our study of Romeo and Juliet.

Homework:  Students should obtain their copy of Romeo and Juliet and The Glass Menagerie as soon as possible.  We will begin Romeo and Juliet next week.

Wednesday, January 13

AP Language and Composition
We continued our study of rhetorical analysis in class today by analyzing President Obama's recent speech announcing his new measures about gun control.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading their assigned reading in Devil in the White City.  Their test will be tomorrow.

Pre-AP English 9
After continuing to review comma usage, we finished our survey of Western poetry in class today.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copy of Romeo and Juliet and The Glass Menagerie as soon as possible.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued studying different portrayals of Joshua in class today.

Tuesday, January 12

AP Language and Composition
Students began their study of rhetoric in earnest in class today by rhetorically analyzing famous football speeches.

Homework:  Students need to finish reading their Devil in the White City reading assignment by Thursday, January 14.

Pre-AP English 9
Before continuing our study of Western poetry, we reviewed our first comma rule in class today.

Homework;  Students need to obtain their copy of Romeo and Juliet and The Glass Menagerie.

Reading the Bible as Literature
We continued our study of Joshua today.

Monday, January 11

AP Language and Composition

Students began the life-raft debate in class today.

Homework: Students need to finish their reading assignment in Devil in the White City by Thursday, January 14.

Pre-AP English 9

We review the grammar concepts we learned from last semester in class today.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copies of Romeo and Juliet and The Glass Menagerie as soon as possible.  Free electronic editions can be found on this blog.

Reading the Bible as Literature

Students continued studying the book of Joshua in class today.

Thursday, January 7

AP Language and Composition
Students continued working on their life-raft debates in class today, and they watched examples from another life-raft debate to get ideas for their own presentations.

Homework:  Students need to finish the reading assignment from Devil in the White City by Thursday, January 14.

Pre-AP English 9
Students continued working on their poetic analysis essays in class today.

Homework: Students need to obtain their copy of Romeo and Juliet and The Glass Menagerie as quickly as they can.

Reading the Bible as Literature
Students had the chance to finish their concept quizzes in class today before beginning to discuss the book of Joshua.

Wednesday, January 6

Welcome back!  I hope that everyone had a restful break and is ready to finish our year strongly!

AP Language and Composition
Students were assigned their first debate of the semester in class today.  They will be working with partners to defend the importance of certain school groups and organizations.

Homework:  Students need to finish the assigned reading of Devil in the White City by Thursday, January 14.  They also need to work on their life raft debates.

Pre-AP English 9
Students reviewed the TAP-CASTT model of poetry analysis and practiced writing a literary analysis essay.

Homework:  Students need to obtain their copies of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams as soon as possible.  Free editions of these texts can be found on the class blog.

Bible as Literature
We reviewed over last semester's Biblical concepts in class today.

Pre-AP English 9 Current Events Blog for the Week of January 11

Read the following article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GOP_2016_HEROIN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-01-05-16-26-29

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. Who are the two main candidates featured in this article, both of whom have personal experiences with drug addiction?

2. To whom is Jeb Bush speaking in this article?

3. In your own words, explain Bush's exhortation.

4. What does John Kasich claim changed his view on drug addiction?  How about Chris Christie?

5. Do you think it is correct to politicize the issue of drug addiction?  Is that what these candidates are doing?

6. What are you opinions on addiction of any kind?  Is any kind of addiction a weakness or a "moral failing"?  Explain.

AP Language and Composition Current Events Blog for Week of January 11

Read the following article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_RANCHING_STANDOFF_BUNDYS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-01-05-16-51-24

Answer the following questions related to the article:

1. Who are Dwight and Steve Hammond?  Why are they at the center of this controversy?
2. How and why did Clive Bundy land himself in the media spotlight two years ago?
3. What reasoning is Ammon Bundy to justify his actions in Oregon?
4. How to the local landowners feel about Bundy's actions?
5. What does the LDS church officially say regarding this matter?  Should they have put forth an opinion?  Why or why not?
6. Stewart Rhodes, founder of another militia group, is quoted as saying, "We cannot force ourselves or our protection on people who do not want it."  Do you agree with this?  If you have strong moral conviction about a certain issue, does that mean you should try to force others to accept what you deem as help?

Free Digital Texts

Below, there are links to free digital editions of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.  We will be using these texts in my Pre-AP English 9 class in the very near future.

Click here for Romeo and Juliet

Click here for The Glass Menagerie