We are almost finished with the presentations of our parodies. Tomorrow, block 5 will complete their presentations, and block 2 will finish up on Friday.
That will leave us with two classes next week, to prepare for the provincial exam. We will do a complete walk-through of an entire exam, and I will give suggestions/tips for each section of the exam. Please let me know if there is a particular section you would like me to focus on!
Final exam takes place on Monday June 25th at 9:00 am.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Reviewing the Elements of Fiction with "Crash"
We spent the past two classes watching the movie "Crash," with the goal of reviewing elements of fiction. After we finished the movie, we spent time discussing aspects such as irony, symbolism, theme and characterization. In particular, we noted the use of stereotypes in the film, but observed that only one character could really be classified as a stock character. All other characters initially seemed to "fit" a stereotype; however, after some development to each story, the stereotypes dissolved and complex, unique characters emerged.
A reminder that if you haven't yet written a synthesis essay, you will need to do that this week. Please see me to set up a time.
Also, the poetry re-test will take place next Monday, at 3 pm.
A reminder that if you haven't yet written a synthesis essay, you will need to do that this week. Please see me to set up a time.
Also, the poetry re-test will take place next Monday, at 3 pm.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Synthesis Essay
We spent the past two weeks preparing for and writing a synthesis essay. We read the article "Blindly He Goes... Up" and the short fiction piece "Versabraille", and, after practicing the multiple choice questions, students wrote a synthesis essay. I will assess the essays using the Provincial Exam Rubric for Synthesis Texts, and students will receive a mark out of 24.
Please see me if you need to schedule a time to write this essay. It must be completed at school.
Please see me if you need to schedule a time to write this essay. It must be completed at school.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Columbine: Who's Fault is it?
Today, I gave back the poetry tests, and we went over the answers to all the questions. There will be a re-test in the coming weeks. I will let you know when this will occur.
Then, we reviewed student responses to the article, "Should You Let Your Kid Drink at Home?" Students had some very different opinions on the matter....
Finally, I gave out pre-reading questions for the article we will read next class, called "Columbine: Who's Fault is it?" We will consider the points made by the author, as well as the stylistic and persuasive techniques used to make the argument.
Then, we reviewed student responses to the article, "Should You Let Your Kid Drink at Home?" Students had some very different opinions on the matter....
Finally, I gave out pre-reading questions for the article we will read next class, called "Columbine: Who's Fault is it?" We will consider the points made by the author, as well as the stylistic and persuasive techniques used to make the argument.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
"Should You Let Your Kids Drink at Home?"
Students completed their poetry final test last block. If you were away, please see me to schedule a time to write it.
Today, we began a mini-unit on informational text. We discussed the features of informational text and how reading non-fiction differs from reading fiction. I gave out a Macleans article titled, "Should You Let Your Kids Drink at Home?" and we read through the article together, noting use of such techniques as anecdotal evidence, statistical evidence, expert testimony and case study. We also discussed whether the tone was objective or subjective.
The article and questions to be answered can be picked up from the English 12 handout folder in my classroom.
A reminder that parodies are due on Friday (Block 5) and Monday (Block 2).
Today, we began a mini-unit on informational text. We discussed the features of informational text and how reading non-fiction differs from reading fiction. I gave out a Macleans article titled, "Should You Let Your Kids Drink at Home?" and we read through the article together, noting use of such techniques as anecdotal evidence, statistical evidence, expert testimony and case study. We also discussed whether the tone was objective or subjective.
The article and questions to be answered can be picked up from the English 12 handout folder in my classroom.
A reminder that parodies are due on Friday (Block 5) and Monday (Block 2).
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Synthesis Review/Test Preparation
We spent today's class going over our synthesis essays, noting some common errors. I spent some time in class reviewing pronoun agreement and subject-verb agreement - minor errors - but errors we should nonetheless address!
I informed students of the POETRY TEST that will occur on Monday/Tuesday next week. The format is as follows:
I informed students of the POETRY TEST that will occur on Monday/Tuesday next week. The format is as follows:
- 2 poems to read
- multiple choice questions for each poem (testing knowledge of poetic devices and comprehension of poem)
- short answer questions for each poem (testing knowledge of poetic devices and ability to support with evidence)
Students then either chose to take part in a quotation integration workshop (review of this skill) or to complete a practice poem, as review for the test. It is called "Widow" and should be completed for Thursday's class.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Synthesis Essay - Practice Run
We have read "Wordsmith" and "The Gold Mountain Coat" in preparation for writing a synthesis essay next day. Please bring the copy of both poem and story, as well as your plan for writing. You are welcome to copy one (or both) of the model synthesis essays we completed in class together, to use as a guide while you write. Check the links at the side.
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