Literary Analysis Worksheet Organizer

Click on the image to download the literary anlysis worksheet organizer.

"The Blind Man" Kate Chopin (Short Story) and "Not Waving but Drowning" Stevie Smith (Poem)

 

CLICK HERE for a copy of the short story.

Not Waving but Drowning

By Stevie Smith 1902–1971 Stevie Smith

Nobody heard him, the dead man,

But still he lay moaning:

I was much further out than you thought

And not waving but drowning.

 

Poor chap, he always loved larkinglarking Playing tricks, kidding, fooling around.

And now he’s dead

It must have been too cold for him his heart gave way,

They said.

 

Oh, no no no, it was too cold always

(Still the dead one lay moaning)

I was much too far out all my life

And not waving but drowning.

Descriptive Paragraphs (Notes)

CLICK HERE for worksheets and notes.

Literary Elements

Literary Elements from Lina Ell

Sample Body Paragraphs from Culture Essay - Student Version

           "Besides traditions, there are eminent types of food that have originated in the Dominican Republic. To begin with, tostones are very famous and delicious to Dominicans and others who enjoy Hispanic meals. These can also be called plantains. Plantains are bananas that are somewhat fried. Frying the bananas help to give them a sweeter taste. These are usually served as side dishes within most Dominican families. On the other hand, a dessert called, flan is popular as well. This is a dish that has a caramel color and taste. This dessert is very liked because of its ability to spread its sweet flavor as it is being eaten. Although flan can be served as a typical dessert, it is also frequently served after a meal for a special occasion. There are numerous types of foods that are deliciously made from this country.

            Furthermore, different categories of music was created in the Dominican Republic. Most Dominican music has a specific dance to go along with the rhythm. These dances are taken into action with partners. Two types of music are bachata and merengue. Bachata originated from the countryside of the country. The lyrics of this kind of music are incredibly romantic. Bachata music became famous in other Spanish speaking countries because of one successful group of people. Aventura was the name of the group that caused bachata music to be as famous as it is today. However, merengue is music that combines the Spanish and African elements of music. This has a partner dance that fits its rhythm as well. Dominican music is played at special events like a quinceanera, wedding, or a family gathering. The people of this culture would then express themselves while dancing to the intricate beat of different songs. Listening and dancing to this type of music usually helps to get negative ideas out of the minds of a handful of people."

Blog 10: Current Events

For this week's blog, choose one current event from a reputable news source to inform the class of an issue or news topic going on in the world. Read through articles online in sources such as The New York Times or Time Magazine; you may also find interesting articles on cnn.com, USA Today, or Psychology Today. You are open to any topic of your choice. Once you choose an article of interest to you, read it in its entirety before discussing it.

In your first paragraph, tell us who is involved or who it affects, what is happening, when the event takes place, where it is happening, how the events unfold, and why it is newsworthy. In your second paragraph, discuss the issue of the news article in relation to students and society. What are its future implications? What is the larger impact of the event/topic and what can people learn or do with it?

Post a link to the news article after your response so we can read the article itself. Then, each student must read one other article from any blog post by following the link and respond to that student’s post--building upon it, disagreeing with it, or re-thinking it.

Also, no two people are allowed to post on the same current event for their original post.

Problem Sentences PowerPoints

Problem Sentences from Lina Ell

Problem Sentences Continued from Lina Ell

Peer Review Questions

CLICK HERE to download the questions.

 

Cultural Experience Expository Essay Guidelines

Ever since its founding in 1776, and even before then, the United States has attracted immigrants from around the world. For well over two centuries, people have flocked to this nation as opportunists, sojourners, missionaries, and refugees. Over time, millions around the world have found emigrating to the U.S. as the only alternative to starvation, death, or a life full of hardships and suffering. With thousands from nations spanning the globe, American has become a mosaic of people, culture, and hope.

Researching: Research the concerns and life experiences of one particular cultural group. There are a number of excellent immigrant life stories found on the internet that may provide insight into their experiences. Consider the following questions as you research:

1. What were conditions like in the homeland that caused people to emigrate? (intro)
2. What type of jobs were available to them (once they got here)? What kind of work did they do? (conclusion)
3. What were the struggles they faced when they arrived? (conclusion)
4. What are some cultural specific traditions of the group? (body)
1. Holiday traditions
2. food
3. music/art
4. folklore/legends
5. religions
6. behavior/norms
7. values
8. clothing

CLICK HERE for the expository essay outline.

Blog 9: Books and Knowledge

DUE TUESDAY December 4, 2012
 

It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why? Make sure to use specific examples and reference detailed events, experiences, books and other material. A minimum of 2 paragraphs, as always, with at least a 2-3 sentence response to someone else's blog.

Paraphrasing Practice and Games

If you are unsure about plagiarism vs. paraphrase, CLICK HERE for another website full of explanations and examples. Also, please follow the links below to complete the class activities and homework worksheet. 

• Practicing Paraphrase Worksheet
• Online Activities on Paraphrasing
• More Online Paraphrase Practice
• Last Online Activity for Paraphrasing 

Paraphrasing Notes from Pros

Quoted From  Purdue Online Writing Lab

A paraphrase is...

• your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
• one legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.
• a more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill because...

• it is better than quoting information from an undistinguished passage.
• it helps you control the temptation to quote too much.
• the mental process required for successful paraphrasing helps you to grasp the full meaning of the original.

6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

1. Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
2. Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
3. Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
4. Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
5. Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
6. Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Some examples to compare

The original passage:

Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes. Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers. 2nd ed. (1976): 46-47.

A legitimate paraphrase:

In research papers students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to a desirable level. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize the material recorded verbatim (Lester 46-47).

An acceptable summary:

Students should take just a few notes in direct quotation from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper (Lester 46-47).

A plagiarized version:

Students often use too many direct quotations when they take notes, resulting in too many of them in the final research paper. In fact, probably only about 10% of the final copy should consist of directly quoted material. So it is important to limit the amount of source material copied while taking notes.

Paraphrasing PowerPoint Notes

Plagiarism and Paraphrasing from Lina Ell

What is Culture?

Culture from Lina Ell

Blog 8 - "The Machine"

DUE Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Bill Gates stated, “I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we’ve ever created. They’re tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.” Why might one argue that a machine can be life-changing? Using examples from literature, history, science, or observation, write a 2 paragraph response about how a “machine”/”technology” can change the way of life. Make sure to be specific and detailed in your reasons and explanations.

Please read other posts before writing. A response that merely restates another blogger’s response will receive no credit. Additionally, comment on at least one other student’s response by providing additional insight or commentary on their ideas.

Blog 7: Hurricane Tale

How did you spend the hurricane (and post-hurricane) days? (with or without power). Write at least a 2 paragraph reaction, including observations, emotions and your own experiences in the narrative.

Persuasive Paper Guidelines

Draft needs to be completed by the end of Monday's class, along with the organized outline.
Remember:

• Topic sentences for body paragraphs should include the counterargument as well as your argument.
• At least 2 cited facts per body paragraph AND a 2 sentence explanation for each.
• Closing sentences for paragraphs that summarize what the reader should get out of reading that section
• Body paragraphs should be about 8 sentences long, given the specifications above
• Works Cited page

Examples of closing sentence techniques:

• "What the evidence shows is that..."
• "Because of the evidence presented..."
• "As a result of the facts..."
• "The conclusion to this argument..."
• "Since..."
• "Not only...but also..."

For your conclusion, try to tie your issue back to the real world. Explain why this issue is significant to think about and discuss. What would the impact be if this issue be if people were convinced by your argument?

Using Sources Notes

CLICK ME for notes on how to use and comment on facts.

CLICK ME for notes on citations.

Blog 6: Propaganda as Persuasion

DUE TUESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2012
According to Wikipedia, propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position by presenting only one side of an argument. Propaganda is usually repeated and dispersed over a wide variety of media in order to create the chosen result in audience attitudes. Generally, propaganda is distributed in the form of cartoons, posters or visuals - and often has a political slant (but not always). During WWII, many cartoons depicted the Germans as evil and inhumane in order to paint the enemy as monsters.

For the blog response, select a piece of propaganda on a subject of your choice. Paste a link to the piece in your response for reference (since you can't post the actual picture). Explain how the piece is trying to use persuasion to convince the audience or the viewer. What emotions is it using? What language? Look at the image and explain how it relates to the message. Explain if the technique used is effective? or offensive? Sometimes propaganda is inflammatory on purpose, to cause anger so that people will discuss the subject. Are the images used recognizable - often propaganda references visuals that people are familiar with or they spoof previous propaganda (see the "We Can Do It" ones below). Think about the way the piece is trying to engage the audience: could the author have done things differently to get the point across.

Below (and above) are some examples of propaganda. You are welcome to choose one of them if you cannot find your own (just let us know which you are writing about). As always, the response should be 2 paragraphs.

Thesis Worksheet

Click on the image to download worksheet.

Blog 5: Rewards in Education

DUE Tuesday, OCTOBER 16, 2012

Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.

Learning and doing are their own rewards. No external rewards are required. Yet when external rewards are introduced—whether attention and praise from parents or prizes from teachers—these rewards exert a substantial influence. Instead of reading books to find out about the world, kids will read to win prizes. Kids will produce for rewards, but the quality of their activity and their interest in it will be dramatically altered.

Adapted from Barry Schwartz, The Costs of Living

Assignment:

Is it wrong or harmful to motivate people to learn or achieve something by offering them rewards? Plan and write a minimum 2 paragraph response in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations. Post your response by Tuesday.

Freshmen Focus Day Response

Directions:  Write a reaction paper (5 paragraph response minimum) describing your experience throughout the Freshmen Focus Day activities. Use the following questions to guide you; however, add additional information to your response beyond these questions.  Follow all the rules of good writing (focused ideas, clear organization, grammar, and sentence fluency.)  When you are finished with a first draft, proofread your work then get it checked by me for submission. Final draft will be due tomorrow.
I.                   Intro

1. What did you enjoy most about Freshmen Focus Day?
2. What are some significant things you learned from this experience?

II.                 

3. Did your color category fit your personality traits? Explain.
4. Which speaker did you like best? Why? 

III.              

5. Is there any particular career of interest to you? Describe what you would like to contribute to the world someday.  How do you plan to reach your goal?

IV.              

6. What would you say was the most successful part of the day? Explain.
7. What, if anything, could have made the day more significant and interesting for you?
8. What are some goals the school should focus on for the future success of this event?

V.                Conclusion

9. How is motivation and hard work going to be an important way to achieve your goals?
10. Final comments about what you observed, and how it may apply to you in the future.

Blog 4 - Respect Week

Your response must be a minimum of 2 paragraphs and is due Tuesday October 9, 2012:

This week, schools across New Jersey celebrate Respect Week, where we give a little extra respect to our peers, teachers, loved ones, our neighbors, our pets (and even those people we don't like very much). As we go through the week, try and think of how you can embody this mantra in your own life - choose to respect someone else's opinion, not argue with them; help out your little brother, sister, cousin or parent; respect the beliefs of another culture (or at least their right to have a belief other than yours). There are many people who we can give respect to, both older and younger than us.

For your blog this week, I want you to think about the word "respect" and what it means to you. First, define the word in a personal way, perhaps illustrating with an interesting or colorful example. Tell us a situation when it was hard for you to respect someone (or try to think of a fictional character that has experienced a similar event). Relate a moment when a person has earned your respect.
We all know that we need to respect certain people. In your own words, describe the types (or specific) people that demand your respect, either habitually or occasionally. What makes them worthy of your attention and respect? Also, consider how one gets respect: is it something that is earned? or something that comes with a certain position or relationship to you? Explain. Think about how a person could lose respect (either self-respect or the respect of others) and how one earns it back. Isn't it difficult to earn the respect of someone whom you've let down? Finally, think about how you respect yourself: how do you evaluate your value? what actions to you take (or chose not to take) that show self-respect?

You do not have to tackle all of the questions above - they are meant to guide you and spark thoughts. I would much rather read a lengthy discussion of a few of the topics, with depth and meaning, than a list that answers all of them briefly.  

Debate Handouts



Click Me for "Debate Roles and Rules"
Format.

Click Me for "Debate Grading Rubric."

Blog 3 - Persuasive

DUE Monday October 1, 2012
In preparation for the persuasive assignment, construct a response of a minimum of 2 paragraphs to the prompt below:
Should the high school cafeteria offer healthier options for students and staff? (Think about vegeterain options and consider personal restrictions on food) Please discuss and elaborate on at least 2 reasons for your point of view.

Sentence Structure (Bike Metaphor)/Dependent and Independent Clauses

Sentence Structure Using a Bike Metaphor from Lina Ell

Avoiding Sentence Fragments Worksheet

Click Me

 

Sentences and Fragments Notes

Sentences and Fragments from Lina Ell

Parts of Speech Worksheet

Click Me

Blog 2: Practicing Narrative

Response due Tuesday September 25, 2012:

In the spirit of this week's assignment, think about the numerous events and memories that have impact on a person or character. Using your favorite story (book, video game, movie, folktale, etc.), demonstrate how the events shape the character in both positive and negative ways. Focus one paragraph on the experiences and the reactions of the character, as well as the lesson and change that occurs as a result. Focus another paragraph on the story telling aspect of the piece you've chosen. What makes this a good story, in your opinion? Think about the way the story is told, the emotions involved, the tone or atmosphere of the tale, along with any other aspect that make it unique and memorable.

Assignment: Personal Narrative



Click the image above to download the
"Narrative Characteristics" handout.

Assignment

Genre: Personal Narrative

                A Personal Narrative is a form of writing in which the writer relates an event, incident, or experience in his or her own life. The events of a personal narrative are most often presented in chronological order, the order in which they actually occurred in time. The personal narrative incorporates vivid descriptive details as well as the thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the writer.

Directions: Choose one of the following and write a response that is at least five paragraphs in length (intro, body, and conclusion) and between 1.5 and 2 pages long, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font. Try to demonstrate your best content and clearest organization. Grammar is a priority, so make sure to proofread your work. Include sensory detail that appeal to all five of the senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing).

Topic 1 – Write a first-person narrative about an experience in your life that has taught you a valuable lesson. Use enough details to recreate the event exactly as you remember it. Be sure to explain what the incident taught you.

Topic 2 – Recount the details of an accident or disaster to which you were a witness or a victim. Try to make your audience experience the emotional impact of this event by including descriptive details in the conflict.

CLICK on the image for the handout: Sample Narrative.


 

Structure: In the intro, describe the setting and “characters” involved in meaningful detail. Try to use figurative language, like similes and metaphors, to engage the reader. The body of the essay should develop the scene, elaborate on the experience, use sensory detail and explain the emotional reaction of the “character” (you). The conclusion should emphasize the lesson learned through this experience or the way that the experience changed you. Make sure to go back to the person you were before this happened and detail the exact change that occurred.

 

 

Narrative Characteristics Handout / Sample Narratives

Click the image below to download the
 "Narrative Characteristics" handout.

Click this image to download the "Personal
Narrative Samples" from high school students.

Personal Narrative Writing Intro

Narrative Writing from Lina Ell

Writing Narratives Using the Senses

Narrative writing from Chiara Ojeda

Parts of Speech

English Parts Of Speech from guesta684c8b

Benefits of Writing

 

In a well constructed paragraph, explain what benefits does being a good writer have in the world. Make sure to use specific examples, elaborate and use proper grammar.

Welcome

Since another school year is upon us, I'd like to take the time to welcome the familiar faces as well as extend a salutation to those of you who I don't yet know. I'm hoping this year will be one of creativity, community and collaborative conversation about life and literature.

Reading and writing are essential skills both in the academic and professional realms; those that are able to use the English language successfully generally excel at their chosen career. Understanding Writing is a course aimed at developing critical thinking and writing skills in students so that they can become strong writers in high school subjects across the curriculum. In this course, students will write for a wide range of purposes - ranging from persuasive essays to formal research papers. Each assignment will work on developing each writer's unique voice and perspective.

            Writing well requires rewriting. Students will draft some pieces several times, with attention to audience, thoughtful content, and acceptable mechanics. A writing portfolio will be the best evidence of the student's progress as a writer.

            Grammar instruction will be embedded within the writing process with a focus on developing fluency in new contexts and mastering conventions. The ultimate goal of this course is to prepare students for the writing components on the HSPA, SAT, and in upper level courses.

            The purposes of this blog are multi-faceted. Often, assignments and prompts will be available for perusal on the blog and supplementary materials and creative inspiration posted by the teacher. The blog is also a venue to communicate with your classmates in reference to constructive criticism, to introduce assignments you would be interested in doing, as well as posit specific prompts of your own. As we move through the year, I would like to encourage you to post your reactions, thoughts and analysis assignments on the website – either in comment format or as a new post. Feel free to post any art, music (lyrics), poetry or pieces of pop culture in general that are reminiscent of the themes and topics of the material covered in class. Oftentimes, when I am connected to my work, I will find echoes of it in songs I listen to or movies I watch. Browsing the posts of the previous class and other students is encouraged, as long as you maintain originality in your own posts and use the work of others as a spring-board for your ideas and a medium to engage in academic discussion. Please, remain respectful and academic in your tone and intentions - use proper grammar, complete sentences and support in your responses.