river oaks [english]

Why do you need sources? Easy...to support your argument. This is true for the History paper you guys are writing, as well as the Independent Reading essay you are writing for me. A good paper starts with a strong central focus and a sense of purpose. Research is used to provide evidence -- facts, numbers, statistics & examples. In order to find useful information, and to avoid plagiarism, there are some simple guidelines you must follow. First, you have to know where to look. Students now have far more options than their parents did when they were in school because many magazines and periodicals previously available only in print are now reprinted online. Below are two of the many places you can go to begin your search: InfoTrac gives you access to databases of full-text articles on every topic under the sun. Although this database requires a subscription, you have complete access to everything they have there as a student at River Oaks (type in LDOE for the password). Fi

Your assignment this weekend is to declare your independence -- from anything you believe limits your freedoms. The key here is to make an argument for independence by following specific steps, as outlined in class: First, in the preamble, state WHY it has become necessary for you to declare your independence. You are arguing here that conditions are serious enough, and that you've made all possible appeals to reason. Treat it as an introduction in that you will state your topic and purpose. Second, you must clearly state WHAT your rights are. In other words, which freedoms have been violated? Third, you need to clearly state HOW those rights stated above have been violated. Provide specific details and examples to make your points stronger. Finally, conclude your paper with the declaration itself. This is where you summarize your argument and appeal to the audience's emotion, ethics and logic. Your paper should be at least 250 words, typed and double-spaced. Please form

Your last assignments of the semester revolve around Fairy Tales (called Marchen in German). You'll read about six total, including versions from Charles Perrault (1697), Mme. de Beaumont (1757), Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (published in 1857), and Andrew Lang (1889). Many of the tales, although familiar, are quite different from Disney or other popular, modern interpretations. In some cases, the values of the period dictate a slightly different moral purpose; in others, the stories in their original form are quite simply not suitable for children. As I stated in class, the typical audience for these tales is teenagers, who are more likely to face the challenges/dangers symbolically (or literally) presented. Your Reading List: Cinderella (or Aschenputtel ). TEXT . Little Red Riding Hood (four versions). TEXT . Bearskin . TEXT . Beauty and the Beast . TEXT . The Sleeping Beauty of the Wood . TEXT . The Slaying of the Tanuki. TEXT . These six tales, along with the terms discussed

Your assignment for the weekend is to write a two-page Mystery story using the elements discussed in class: a crime a main character/detective/investigator a suspect a motive an alibi Setting is important in establishing the mood, so remember to use the five senses in your description. Use the techniques we used in the last paper to establish the Who, What, When, Where and Why. For organization, think about the models we discussed -- the Sherlock Holmes story, TV crime dramas, Suspense/Thrillers, even Scooby Doo . Most stories of this type begin with the crime and the investigator, then the evidence, and finally the suspect (and interview). In the end, there's usually a confrontation and resolution, where the "real" story of the crime is detailed. The ROUGH DRAFT is due Monday. Please type, double-space, and format according to MLA.

I forgot to post the discussion questions when I was at school, but everyone should have the handout. The vocabulary assignment is the same as before -- 10 words, cited in context, along with the Webster's definition and an orignal sentence using the word approriately. Ch 20-22 due Monday Ch 23-24 & Vocab (typed) due Tuesday

Vocabulary: Choose your own! Pick 10 words from chapters 16-19 and provide the original sentence, Webster's definition, and a sentence of your own. Chapter 16: “A Forest Walk” Where does Hester plan to meet Dimmesdale? Why? Describe the scene with Hester and Pearl in the sunlight. What symbolic meaning could the sunlight have? Why does sunlight shine on Pearl and not on Hester? What story has Pearl heard about the “black man”? What does Hester mean when she says, “Once in my life, I met the Black Man. This scarlet letter is his mark.” Why does Pearl think the minister holds his hand over his heart? How is there symbolic truth in what she says? Chapter 17: "The Pastor and His Parishioner" How has Dimmesdale’s secret sin affected his life? Use a quote to support your answers and cite the page number. What is Dimmesdale’s “secret poison his malignity, infecting all air about

DUE MONDAY Questions -- answer the following in complete sentences: Chapter 13: “Another View of Hester” How old is Pearl in this chapter? How has the townspeople’s view changed toward Hester? What does the “A” now stand for? How has Hester’s appearance changed? What does Hester resolve to do? Chapter 14: “Hester and the Physician” How has Roger Chillingworth changed in the past seven years? What does Hester want Chillingworth to do? What revelation is Hester going to make to Reverend Dimmesdale. What effect has Chillingworth had on Dimmesdale? Quote a line to support your answer. Chapter 15: “Hester and Pearl ” Read Hester’s description of Chillingworth carefully. How does she feel about him? What questions does Pearl ask her mother? Why does this trouble Hester? Vocabulary (page numbers refer to the Modern Library edition) – For each of the following, provide the origin

For any of you who caught the Cedar Creek contingent who came to speak with students about their annual publication Southern Voices , and even for those who didn't, here is a link to their website . You can find all the information you need there for submitting your work for consideration. They even offer cold hard cash to contest winners. I'd like to encourage you to consider submitting your work to either Mr. Thompson or myself first, as we are looking for poems and stories for this year's edition of Musings . He and I can both offer editorial assistance in getting your writing ready for publication. Also, I'd like to announce that Riley Weston will be on campus November 15th for a reading/discussion/talk about the world of publishing. She's a screenwriter and recently published her first novel, Before I Go . She'll be at Windows the following day for a book signing.

There is NO vocabulary homework for the next reading assignment! Please answer the following questions for Friday 11/3 and be ready for a quiz: Chapter 9: “The Leech” To whom in the colony does Chillingworth attach himself as a medical advisor? Describe Dimmesdale’s health. What gesture has become Dimmesdale’s habit? Quote a sentence from this chapter that associates Chillingworth with evil. What two opposing views do the townspeople hold about Roger Chillingworth? Chapter 10: “The Leech and His Patient” What “investigation” consumes Chillingworth? Who is Chillingworth’s main suspect and victim? What is a leech? What double meaning does the world “leech” have? What secret does Chillingworth believe is buried in Dimmesdale’s heart? Why would Dimmesdale live with guilt and not confess his sin openly? What reaction does Pearl have to Chillingworth when she sees him with Rev. Dimmesdale? What discovery doe

I'd like to thank the Irish for Halloween . It's always been one of my favorite holidays...

Freshmen are currently reading (and watching) "The Birds" and working on an essay revision. The revision assignment follows: First, you are to "grade" your essay based on my comments and the Six-Traits handout. Then, based on the comments, the handout and our discussion in class, you are to revise your paper. I want everyone to think about what RE/VISE means -- to look at the paper again, with a new set of eyes. The final step is to submit the revised draft, along with a letter summarizing your experience revising the paper -- what you saw on second look, what you changed, and how your perception of the paper (or the experience itself) has changed, if at all. The goal of the assignment is two-fold: students learn what the essay grade is based on (and how their perception matches up with mine) while learning to become more critical readers of their own work.

CHAPTERS 5-8 As before, for each word, include the sentence from book (cited), the definition (from Websters ), and your own sentence. *VOCAB & QUESTIONS DUE FRIDAY* 1. annihilate 2. inscrutable 3. assimilations 4. martyrdom 5. plebeian 6. superfluous 7. repugnance 8. ignominious 9. venerable 10. talisman 11. mutability 12. despondency 13. inviolable 14. phantasmagoric 15. imperious 16. dauntless 17. tome 18. expatiating 19. plumage 20. unwonted Please respond to each of the following using complete sentences and MLA citation when needed: 1. Give at least TWO reasons why Hester does not leave the colony. 2. Describe Hester’s home (and location). 3. Name one thing Hester sews (for someone else) and one thing she's not allowed to sew. 4. What special knowledge does Hester feel the Scarlet Letter gives her? 5. Why did Hester name her child “Pearl”? 6. Describe Pearl. What do the townspeople think of her? 7. Name TWO reasons Hester visits Governor Bellingham. 8. How can Belling

CHAPTERS ONE-FOUR *Questions due Monday (Vocab due Tuesday)* Study Questions -- respond to the following using complete sentences: What is the setting? Where exactly does the book begin? Why does Hawthorne mention Anne Hutchinson ? What two possible symbols does the rose have for the reader? Describe the Puritan women (use quote to support your answer). Describe the appearance of Hester Prynne. What is Hester’s sin? Punishment? What punishment is usual for her "crime"? What is astonishing about the “A” on her bodice? Importance? What things does Hester think about while she is on the scaffold? Describe her baby. Who are Hester and her baby compared to? Describe the man who is standing on the outskirts of the crowd. What does the stranger learn from the townsman next to him? Who is the father of Hester’s baby? What are Hester’s feelings toward the stranger? Who is Dimmesdale, and what is his relationship to Hester? What does he ask her to reveal? Why does the jailer call

Your next PowerPoint assignment is to deliver a presentation on one of the United States' National Parks. The presentation must include at least twelve organized and informative slides. Please include a title page and a works cited page. We picked topics in class, but if you'd like to change your topic (as long as no one else has the same topic), then please let me know by Friday 13th. Although the National Park Service ’s website will most likely be your best source, you are required to use at least two other credible Internet sources.

When Shirley Jackson published "The Lottery" in 1948, in the pages of The New Yorker , neither she nor her publisher could have guessed the response. According to Wikipedia , "many readers canceled their subscriptions, and hate mail continued to arrive throughout the summer." South Africa banned the story altogether. What is so dangerous about the story? Is it that the brutality is committed by people very much like us, and not some foreign dictatorship? Remember that Miller's The Crucible was published some years after this, and was set in the distant past. This story seemed to take place yesterday. Again, from Wikipedia: Amid the optimism of the post-WWII years, when such issues as racism, torture, the Holocaust, child abductions, police brutality and serial killers were not regurgitated daily in the mass media, many readers of family magazines were shocked or confused by reading about the traditions and values of small town America twisted into violence

REMINDER: Independent reading papers are due SOON! FRESHMEN ~ Your paper is just like the summer reading paper ...don't forget to CITE. Also, don't forget that you must take a "reading practice" test on the computer (50 points) JUNIORS & SENIORS ~ You have three options, as discussed in class: Historical Criticism -- placing the text in its historical context, whether the time of publication or the setting, discussing either the impact OF the period or ON the period Character Analysis -- looking closely at the development of a major character, focusing on turning points/realizations, or mental and physical attributes Thematic Analysis -- focusing on a central theme, or idea central to meaning in the novel, including the various "forces" affecting the major characters (socio-political issues, economics, class struggles, etc.)

Although there are infinite visual interpretations of the places and characters in The Hobbit , I though I'd post a sampling. First, Bag-End : Here's Gollum (by Inger Edelfeldt): And, finally, Smaug (by David Wyatt) Also, there are more than few websites dedicated to Tolkien and his collected works. Here are some specifically related to The Hobbit : Abiator's The Hobbit (this one has quizzes) Wikipedia: The Hobbit Houghton Mifflin (publisher) Middle-Earth Tours (includes sections about places and people in The Hobbit ) Okay, so these last two are just because they made me giggle: The Hobbit Restaurant The Hobbit Pub (dig that swirling logo!)

As we are watching The Crucible , and soon beginning Scarlet Letter , you may want to learn more about the Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692 (also at Discovery School ) Again, we will have a test on the film on Monday , including the vocabulary from the play (in your book). I also recommend that you read the introductory pages to Act One, at the very least. As noted, we will begin Scarlet Letter next week, so you must have your book with you when you come to class on Tuesday . Although no particular edition is required, I recommend the Modern Libary version (and I'll be referencing page numbers from that version in class).

Your next paper, the Solutions to your Problem , requires that you evaluate at least two solutions using a set criteria (the basis for your comparison). For Monday, you are all required to construct a sentence outline of your third paper. Please insert your information into the following outline, using complete sentences and including any relevant information you have gathered so far: I. Introduction -- Restate Problem, and introduce Solutions and Criteria II. Solutions A. Solution One (brief description) B. Solution Two III. Evaluation A. Criterion One (why is this a good basis for comparison?) Evaluation of Solution One Evaluation of Solution Two B. Criterion Two Evaluation of Solution One Evaluation of Solution Two IV. Conclusion -- State your conclusion based on the evidence presented Remember that the purpose for this paper is to provide the best (or primary) solution to the problem you've been researching. This outline should be ty

Your assignment for Friday is to turn in an annotated bibliography of your research so far, including sources used in the first paper. For each source, include an MLA citation, followed by a short paragraph (about 75 words) summarizing the source as it applies to your paper . In other words, you are explaining why each source is relevant . Samples and explanations can be found at the following sites: Purdue University's OWL (explanation) Purdue University's OWL (sample) Cornell University University of Wisconsin-Madison University of California-Santa Cruz Note: At the end of the process, once you've combines all three papers, you'll revise this annotated bib to include all of your sources. In other words, save it in your "research" folder.

We've been in the computer lab this week preparing for the SAT. As you know, the program we're using is through the Princeton Review. College Board also has a great site on SAT prep, so I thought I'd mention it and supply a link. SAT - CollegeBoard Go to College Board's site for information about colleges and degree programs , as well. You'll spend a good bit of your time preparing for your future career at the beginning of next year, but it's never too early to start.

OVERVIEW Write a two-three page definition and discussion of a specific problem in your chosen field of interest. The problem you discuss here will form the basis for your analysis in Paper #3. Problems can be “academic” or “work-related.” The paper must cite at least three credible sources. Format according to MLA. PROCESS (1) Investigate possible “problems” utilizing the following types of sources: Interview –ask a professional Ouachita Public Library --- Library Catalog Online Resources --- GaleNet (enter LDOE in both spaces) --- Google --- Find Articles --- Highwire Press (Science) (2) Propose a topic via MEMO . Your memo should include a statement of purpose and show an awareness of audience. Also include reference to any research conducted so far (progress report). (3) Compose a 2-3 page description of the problem: * Define the problem – one specific problem, discussed in context * Provide details, statistics, analogies, and specific examples * Finally, explain how the

The time has come for you to tell a story about your family. You can either re-tell a story that you were told by your interviewee, or you can tell one of your own stories. In either case, the story must be grounded in reality, based on true events. Remember that a "legend" often changes slightly the more it is told; a snowball of accumulated details fill in the gaps in your story. In general, keep the following in mind: (1) Your audience must believe the story to care about it (2) Your story should have purpose ; otherwise, why tell it? (3) Provide specific information about your character(s) and setting (4) Try to anticipate (and answer) the reader's questions The story should be at least 300 words long, although it can be longer. Type the story, but you can pick any readable font (size 12). Include an original title and your name.

The next step in your folklore project is to interview a family "elder" about your family's history/heritage. You will then write a summary of the interview for Tuesday (no class on Monday). Please include who you talked to, when and where the interview took place, and what you learned. The paper should be at least 250 words, typed, double-spaced, and formatted according to MLA. To get us started, I asked for a set of ten questions for Wednesday. The typed draft of those questions is due Friday. Please format according to MLA and number the questions. Avoid questions that will lead to YES, NO, or "I don't know." Make the questions specific. For example, instead of asking "Do you know much about our family's history?" ask "How far back can you trace our family tree?" Remember that the purpose for this assignment is two-fold -- to learn more about your family, and to collect a story about someone in your family. Your next assi

The first part of your "Family Legend" project is to research information on your family's name. You can focus on your father's last name or your mother's, or both. Please look for the following information: (1) country/culture of origin (2) meaning of your name (3) family history Your assignment is to write a 250-word discussion of what you find in your research. The report must be typed, double-spaced, and formatted according to MLA. There are several good (free) sites available online, but you might want to start with the following: The National Archives FamilySearch The Genealogy Home Page The USGenWeb Project Even if you don't find that much, don't despair; your family really is your best resource, and that's the next step. Consider this a "before" snapshot. Talk about what you do know, based on your research so far and on what you've learned through the process. If you run out of information, then talk about what you'd like

Remember in class when I mentioned that the Iroquois Nation had a very organized confederacy of tribes and that some argue they influenced the founding fathers? Some of you looked perplexed. After all, aren't Indians just a bunch of primitives, savages? Check this out. It's the Iroquois Constitution , and scholars argue it dates to the 15th century. Interesting.

Your first major assignment in World Geography is to apply (some of) what you've learned to your own city. In other words, we're starting locally. Hopefully, we'll all come away with a better appreciation for Monroe's natural beauty and rich history (yes, we have natural beauty and a rich cultural history). Your task is to investigate your topic and to present a brief (8-10 slide) PowerPoint presentation to the class. Your presentation should include a brief overview of the origins, changes, and current status of your subject. Primarily, your goal is to determine how your particular subject helps to define and distinguish Monroe. You chose the following: Ouachita River - ainsley Masur Museum of Art - anna Layton Castle - pogg Bayou Desiard - morgan Black Bayou - aimee Finks Hideaway Road - patrick Forsythe Park - candice River Oaks School - kenny Kiroli Park - maegan Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) - erin Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo - austin Poverty Point - kr

Interview questions are due on Wednesday. Include your interview subject's name and contact information, if you have it, and add five focused questions to the list of ten we discussed in class. Relate your five to the career you've selected to profile. Set up the interview as soon as possible, whether in person or not. If you need help finding someone to interview, please let me know. Again, those of you who are undecided need to make a decision quickly. Suggestions for the interview process itself: (1) if meeting face-to-face, arrive prepared and on time (2) if contacting via phone, identify yourself and be polite (3) if emailing, treat the email like a formal letter (4) take careful notes (5) if taping, ask first (6) follow up with a "thank you" note For all interviews, you must also write a letter to me with information about the interview. Think of the "five w's" -- who you talked to, why you talked to him/her, when & where the intervie

The first step in your research paper is to decide on a career path. You might change your mind over the course of your senior year; in fact, many people change majors once they begin taking classes their freshman year of college. I'm asking you to investigate one possibility for your research project. That project will include research in the following areas: (1) Your possible career (education, experience, availability) (2) Current problems in your field of study (3) An evaluation of solutions to the problem Again, the first step is to pick a career. If you do not know what you'd like to do, take one of the following quizzes (or both) to narrow down the options: Career Zone Career Interest Survey There are others out there, as well. Again, you might want to call ULM's counseling center for details on their career testing. Once you have done that (or skipped that step), go to College Board's Major & Career Profiles and print out a copy of your career's de

Hello everyone....welcome back to school and to my class. If you haven't taken my class before, or if it's been awhile, this site will become very familiar to you. Bookmark it and check back often. I'll post assignments here, as I've done with the Summer Reading assignment (see below), and announcements. Right now, for example, I need to answer a couple of questions: (1) We'll take tests on Wednesday, and the reports are due then, as well. (2) I'll discuss MLA in class, but you can also look at examples at Purdue University's online writing center. See you on Monday, and Tuesday...

I would like to welcome all newcomers to River Oaks and to invite all students and parents to contact me with any questions related to curriculum, including the summer reading program. It is very important to me that students and parents feel comfortable contacting me with questions and/or concerns. To contact me via email, please click on CONTACT ME under "Links" in the column to the right. If you'd prefer to type in the address, it is aryland@earthlink.net . You are also welcome to contact me via phone (before 8pm). My number is in the River Oaks directory. Thanks.

I hope everyone's summer has been great so far. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in the classroom! Below is a reminder of the book lists and writing assignment: BOOK LISTS Remember -- Honors students will read the required book plus TWO additional books; Non-honors students will read the required book plus ONE additional book. Choose additional books only after some research. Although all books on the lists are commonly assigned texts, parents are strongly encouraged to pre-read books for content. FRESHMEN Required book: The Alchemist -- Exam ONLY Additional book(s) -- Essay ONLY (see below): (1) A Northern Light (2) Speak (3) Eragon (4) Bleachers (5) Stargirl SOPHOMORES Required book: And Then There Were None -- Exam ONLY Additional book(s) -- Essay ONLY (see below): (1) Vote For Larry (2) Chinese Cinderella (3) The House of the Scorpion (4) Catalyst (5) Bless Me, Ultima (on Laura Bush's TOP TEN list !) JUNIORS Required book: A Lesson Before Dying -- Exam O

One last writing assignment before you go.... Each of you needs to write a one-page response to one of the following short stories: Endurance by James Katowich (my good friend) Bohemians by George Saunders The Trip Back by Robert Olen Butler (handout) First, please read all of the stories. There will be 3-4 questions from each story on the final. Then, choose ONE to write a one-page response to. What was your first impression? After thinking about what the story could mean, what do you think? How are these stories different from the fiction we've read this year? The focus is "tight" in these stories; all are in some way related to family -- the people you spend your time with. What is each main character's relationship to his/her family? Type and format according to MLA.

In groups of two or three, you will research and produce a PSA about an issue facing teenagers today. Your PSA needs to include specific information from at least one credible source. That source must be included with the handout distributed in class. The assignment is due MONDAY, May 15th. Your audience for this assignment is your classmates. Your purpose is to make your audience aware of a particular issue. You have two options: (1) A 60-second video (no more, no less) that is ready for TV (2) A poster (color or black & white) that is ready for printing First, you will need to decide on a topic; then, you will make a “claim” or statement about the topic; finally, you will provide evidence to support your claim. Again, please use the Ad Council as your model. NOTE: You may want to attach yourself to an organization already in existence; if you do, then provide contact information somewhere in your PSA.

The goal of this assignment is to successfully “spoof” a brand or product. Using a poster board visual aide, groups of two will create an advertisement that emphasizes the negative impact of the product rather than the positive attributes usually emphasized in advertising. In other words, groups will develop a critique of one aspect of the brand or product. Example: Instead of emphasizing the size and power of an SUV, you might focus on its low gas mileage. Each group will then write a one-page summary of the spoof ad and its message. The paper will be typed and formatted according to MLA. The following steps were outlined in class: (1) Decide on a product type – i.e. fashion, cars, alcohol, tobacco (2) Pick a specific brand of that product to spoof (3) Determine some negative impact of the product (your message) (4) Change the name and slogan of the product to match your message (5) Design a visual image that captures your message (6) Use text to make your message clear Each group

This assignment has two parts: (1) First, your goal is to evaluate the audience and purpose of a print advertisement. What is the target audience* for the ad? What magazine was it in? Who would the image(s) in the ad appeal to? Beyond selling a product, what else is being sold? What is the message of the ad? If there is text, what does it say? What does the image suggest? Is there a slogan on the ad (usually next to the logo)? * Target audience = the demographic that the company wants to reach, or that segment of the population (age, sex, race, class) that is most likely to buy the product or to use the service advertised. (2) Second, your goal is to analyze the effectiveness of the advertisement. Do you believe the ad appeals to its intended audience? Why? What specifically does the advertisement use to reach that audience (including the magazine where it appeared)? How well does the advertisement communicate its message*? What techniques does the ad use to communicate this

Next, we will be honing our critical thinking skills. Critical thinking involves, well, thinking critically about the world around you. Specifically, we will focus on the world of advertising. First, it is ubiquitous (everywhere). Second, whether we realize it or not, it affects us all. Certainly, we are all targeted by companies who want us to spend our money and time on them. My goal is to teach you to look more closely, critically, at the thousands of ads you see around you. It's not that advertising is EVIL or that being targeted is necessarily BAD; it's simply important to realize when and how we are being sold to. That said, your first assignment is to bring me THREE print ads. You can do this the old-fashioned way and look in an actual magazine, or you can print out examples online. I suggest you start with the magazines around your house. It doesn't matter whose magazine it is, just as long as you have permission to tear out some pages. Make a mental note

Your final draft is due MONDAY. Please include the following in your folder, in this order: (1) Your final draft of Paper #2 (including works cited page) (2) Your graded draft of Paper #1 (the one with my comments) (3) Your annotated bibliography (4) ALL sources used in the paper -- stapled, with noted cards, in the order that they appear on the work cited page. Bring everything to class on Monday! Don't "forget" to bring your Paper #1 or your sources. It's all due MONDAY! The penalty for late work in my class is 10 points/day . Total Points possible = 200

Wow. FINALS. Your final exam will be 50 questions, multiple choice, on scantron (bring a pencil). There may be a brief writing component...emphasis on brief . Please study the following: John Milton Paradise Lost (Fall of Satan) Jonathan Swift A Modest Proposal Satire Fairy Tales ~ Archetype, Motif, Allegory Marchen, Grimm Brothers Charles Perrault Andrew Lang Cinderella Bluebeard Hansel & Grettel Sleeping Beauty Uraschimataro & the Turtle The Slaying of the Tanuki That's it. Read everything again, and look at your notes, and you should be fine. Both finals are Monday morning, and we have Doc's make-up day on Thursday. Let me know if you have any questions.

Each of you have been tracking a character throughout the reading of John Hersey's Hiroshima . Now's the time to put your close reading to use. Each of you will write an essay answering the same question: What is the most important event/change/influence in your character's life? Your opinion, your answer, is your thesis. Your paper must support that thesis with reasonable evidence and explination. Your evidence should come directly from the book and should be cited according to MLA . The essay should be 2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced, and formatted according to MLA.

Okay, you have three more writing assignments for me before you go, two poems and one letter. As mentioned in class, the two poems will go into your scrapbook but should also be typed and turned in to me. The copy for me should use MLA format (single-spaced is fine). The other you may cut out of a printout (with your choice of font) or hand-letter yourself. It's also up to you to decide which one you want to put on the front page of your scrapbook (the other will be your last page). The two poems should follow these guidelines: (1) A free-verse poem of at least 10 lines, describing the school, using at least three of the five senses. Try not to rhyme, but instead to mimic the human voice. Think about this, please. Take it somewhat seriously, even if the poem itself is not. (2) A ballad of at least three four-line stanzas, about the senior class. In case you've forgotten, a ballad is traditionally sung, using a steady rhythm and an alternating rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD

Okay, it's a scrapbook. Whatever. Your assignment is to gather material for a scrapbook that will memorialize the last four years of your life. For each year of high school, you are required to have at least four pages (front & back) organized into the following categories: (1) Student Life -- includes life inside and outside the school (2) Sports/Clubs/Activities -- includes religious groups (3) Popular Culture (4) Politics/Current Events/Headlines NOTE: Four sheets = 8 pages/year = 32 total pages (16 sheets). Although everyone is required to use these same four categories, consider them as starting points. You can break each category into sections if you'd like. Use headings and titles for each section. Use copies of photos or printouts for images. You can use text and graphics, as well. You can find pop culture and current events for each year of high school on the Internet. Print out or cut out headings and headlines, or create your own. Some suggestions: CNN&#

The ULM library trip has been temporarily cancelled due to time constraints. It's been an extremely busy five days. THANKS to all those who helped out at Habitat For Humanity on Saturday. Sunday was a two-family whirlwind. Yesterday, I had to go to a funeral in Arkansas... That said, we still might go to the library this week if necessary. Again, I have SEVERAL articles that would helpful to some of you, in books and on my computer. Most of you, of course, have enough sources now. And, I hope, most of you have now read and highlighted those sources. Your assignment for the break (due tomorrow) is to write your annotated bibliography . As discussed in class, this requires that you do TWO things for EACH source: (1) create a bibliographic citation using the form on the handout I gave you (2) write a short paragraph summarizing the source as it relates to your topic Use MLA format, including double-spacing and page numbers. An example can be found at Cornell and Purdue .

Your assignment for tonight (and the rest of the week) is to gather sources from the Internet related to your topic. We will evaluate your sources and, if found reliable, we will learn how to create a bibliographic citation for each. You will need your notecards for this, so please bring them by Wednesday. The 4X6 or 5X7 notecards work best. You will need from 10-20 each, depending on how many sources you find. Please evaluate each source before printing: Relevance -- Is the source related directly to your topic? How long is the article, more than a page? Reliability -- Is the source reputable? Is it connected to a university or library? Is there an author? Has the article been published in print? Print out a copy of each source you find, and keep your citation worksheet handy. Also, staple each source individually as you print it. If you do this now, it will save you time later. As discussed in class, the best way to find articles on topics pertaining to literature is to g

Paper #1 is due tomorrow, and we didn't have time on Friday to go over the citatiom for the book. It can be found at the Purdue OWL site. Coming this week: * Lecture on Monday about Internet research * Going to the library (TBA) * ACT prep (test on Sat)

Your next-to-last assignments revolve around Fairy Tales (called Marchen in German). You'll read about four total, including the well-known Cinderella (or Aschenputtel ). The version I want you to read is from the Brothers Grimm , Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. It differs a good bit from the Disney version, as you'll see, so don't assume you know the whole story. The text, published by the Grimms in 1857, is HERE . Please print it out and bring it to class. Believe it or not, many people devote their scholarshipto fairy tale studies . They believe that because these stories have impacted so many people, it is useful to study the tales themselves with a critical eye. Many books have been written on the subject, and there are many many college courses devoted to the subject. On that note, if you'd like to do something really crazy, then read this article about the various versions of Cinderella. The article is from The SurLaLune Fairy Tales Pages , a comprehensive i

The next book you are reading is Hiroshima , by John Hersey. It was originally published in The New Yorker in August of 1946. Written just one year after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki , arguably the most influential event of the 20th century, the book follows the lives of six survivors. It starts the morning of the "noiseless flash," and it ends with the author's return to Japan 40 years later. I've ordered copies for everyone. Your first reading assignment is over the weekend. Please bring $7.00 on Monday!

It's time now that I remind you of the "big picture" -- that is, the process as a whole and how each small assignment contributes to the final product. This what you've done so far, if you're on track: PHASE ONE (1) First, we read and discussed the book together. No shortcuts. (2) Second, you picked a topic from a long list of choices. Own it . Commit to it. (3) Third, you skimmmed the book for details related to your topic. (4) You took notes and cited page numbers, organizing into sub-topics. (5) You created a formal outline of your paper, including citations. (6) Finally, you are writing a draft of Paper #1. Next, this weekend, you will write the final draft to complete Phase One . Please keep the following in mind: * A strong THESIS is necessary for a strong paper. * Introduce the entire paper, not just the first body paragraph. * Connect your sub-topics to the thesis. * Keep each paragraph focused on ONE idea. Again, keep your thesis in mind. * Use spec

Your assignment for Wednesday is to write a short short story of around 250 words based on a popular fairy tale. Modernize your version to include contemporary characters and setting, but use familiar motifs (recurrent elements) to connect to the genre. Your story should include at least the following: (1) A central character who's named for his/her attributes (2) A moral/ethical choice (3) A lesson Remember also that most fairy tales involve some type of journey. The beginning and ending should be clear, as well. Please type and format according to MLA.

As noted on your assignment sheet, the first paper due is two-three pages long and based on the novel only . The topic you chose over the weekend is yours now, and only in rare occasions will you be allowed to change it. Commit to it, and the process should be relatively painless. Before we actually researching your topic, you will write your first draft using your primary source -- the novel. Please follow these steps: (1) Using your notes and study guide, locate information related to your topic. (2) Organize what you find into sub-topics. (3) Create an outline that includes citation of specific evidence. (4) Write rough draft for FRIDAY (5) Revise for MONDAY After the first draft is turned in, we will begin to look for secondary sources .

Your assignment is to write a two-three page essay, using ONE of the six prompts from your Macbeth exam: * Which character would be most difficult to portray? * Do the witches direct Macbeth’s fate or simply predict it? * What do you believe is the major turning point for Macbeth? * What do you believe is the major turning point for Lady Macbeth? * How does the natural world respond to Macbeth’s unnatural acts? * What is your opinion of Roman Polanski’s version of Macbeth? Your answer to the question will be the basis for your thesis. Your paper will develop around an argument in support of that answer. Remember that the grade is based not on your opinion but your argument. Support your argument with your own ideas and examples from the play. DO NOT use the internet. The essay should be typed, double-spaced and formatted according to MLA. Note that the form for citing lines of a play is slightly different . Place a slash [/] between lines of text, and include the Act, Scene and l

Every group needs to write a four-paragraph letter (to me) that includes the following information: One -- Group Members & Scene Two -- Staging ("theme," setting, location, costumes, props, etc) Three -- Task Allocation (who's doing what) Four -- Contact Information & Anticipated Conflicts Use full block format for the letter. Check it for spelling & grammar. This will be graded (possible 30 points), and everyone in the group will receive the same grade.

The time has finally come for the Macbeth video project. As discussed in class, groups will compete for scenes. The winner of the spelling bee will get first choice. The test will be oral, with each student writing down the correct spelling. Individual scores will be averaged for a group score, which will then be ranked. The winner gets the first choice of scenes. The words below are common, and commonly misspelled. I'll choose 10-15 words at random from the list: 1. absence 2. guarantee 3. height 4. grammar 5. believe 6. development 7. leisure 8. recommend 9. rhythm 10. restaurant 11. independent 12. maintenance 13. neighbor 14. cemetery 15. embarrass 16. existence 17. privilege 18. ignorance 19. definite 20. separate 21. humorous 22. mosquito 23. biscuit 24. conscience 25. conscious 26. mischievous 27. principal 28. principle 29. receive 30. occurrence

Your "DEAR" essays are critical, meaning they should focus on some central point of significance in the novel. That central point (or THESIS) should be stated in the introduction to your paper and should be supported throughout the essay with details and specific examples (or EVIDENCE). Those details must be cited according to MLA . This paper should utilize your primary source ONLY. In other words, DO NOT use any summaries or articles you find on the Internet. If you do use outside sources, it will be obvious to me; I will be forced to give a ZERO to any plagiarized papers. For Seniors, that might make the difference between graduating and not graduating. Don't take that chance. Simply do your own work and take the grade it deserves. The paper should do the following: (1) State a clear thesis -- i.e. what is your argument? (2) Mention your main points in the Intro (3) Support each main point with a body paragraph (4) Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentenc

DEAR book essays are due the day you return from break. Please follow the format discussed in class: Format according to MLA (for an example, go to Purdue’s Online Writing Lab ). Use 12-point Times New Roman font. First, Summarize the book in an introductory paragraph. Imagine that you are writing a summary for the back of the book. Next, include a description of three important characters (one paragraph each), including physical and psychological details, as well as any other information that you feel “defines” the characters. Be specific and use examples from the book. Then, include a discussion of two major themes in the novel (at least one paragraph each), noting specific examples to illustrate your points. Please relate the thematic content to meaning or the writer’s purpose for writing the novel. Finally, please “review” the novel in a concluding paragraph. Tell the reader what you thought of the book, whether or not you would recommend it, and WHY . This should be a full par

Your assignment is to write a SONNET. Again, ALL sonnets have two things in common: (1) 14 lines (Use Shakespeare's form -- ABABCDCDEFEFGG) (2) Iambic Pentameter Iambic Pentameter = 5 iambic feet = 10 syllables with alternating stresses. Example: "Where ci vil blood makes ci vil hands un clean " (notice that when you read it, there are five stresses in the line) Your topic is LOVE ...of someone or something, living or not.

Your assignment for this weekend is to summarize the article from your textbook entitled "Critical Comments on Huck Finn." Your goal is to reduce the article to 250 words, keeping the key elements of the argument intact, while avoiding plagiarism. This skill is essential to the success of research writing. Although using direct quotes will be required, most references to articles in a paper are summaries. A SUMMARY requires you to reduce the article (or idea) to its essential element(s) and to re-word (or paraphrase ) those main points without changing the article's original intent or meaning. The first step is to READ THE SOURCE. This cannot be stressed enough. You cannot accurately or effectively summarize a source if you do not understand the source, so look up any words you don't know and make notes as you read. This is called ANNOTATION. A good friend of mine has come up with some very helpful advice on annotating sources and writing summaries. Note

Your assignment for this weekend is to write a 250-word reponse to a poem. Please do the following: (1) Go to POETRY 180 . (2) Choose a poem and print it out . (3) Write your response ~ 250 words, typed, MLA format . (4) Staple the reponse and poem together. Use the following questions as a guide for your response : (1) What is the name of your poem? Who is the author? (2) Is there a clear persona (speaker/narrator)? (3) What do you like about the poem? (4) What is the setting or situation? (5) What is the conflict or event? (6) Is there any figurative language used (similes, metaphors)? (7) Does the author use any specific sensory imagery? (8) Does the poem have a message? Answer only those questions that are relevant. DUE MONDAY

Your assignment for Friday is to choose one poem from Poetry 180 and to read it to the class. I've assigned a range of 10 poems for each of you, so that you will not pick the same poem as another student. Please print out your poem (or type) and follow the site's advice on How to Read a Poem. You will be asked first WHY you chose that particular poem and WHAT it means to you, so have an answer ready!

Your assignment is to write a poem of at least 10 lines describing an emotion or feeling. There are no requirements for rhyme and meter (although the poem can utilize both). However, you are required to use the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste and touch) and specific, concrete nouns . Options include, but are not limited to: Love, Hate, Freedom, Pride, Hurt, Sadness, Comfort, Fear, Peace, Joy, Pain... Avoid writing according to a formula (i.e. "Love smells like...Love looks like"). Boring. Use fragmented thoughts, complete sentences, compound-words, phrases, whatever...just make sure you are deliberate, thoughful, purposeful with your choice of words. Your poem must be typed and formatted according to MLA. Also, please include a title for your poem that is more than simply the word. We'll read some of the poems in class, and I'll encourage some of you to submit your work to MUSINGS . This is only the first of several creative writing assignments...

Most tend to agree that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a product of its time, and that the racism in the book simply reflects attitudes of the period. In fact, it can be argued that the use of the N-word adds to the realism (or authenticity?) of the book. However, as I've stated, many schools have banned this book for its racist content, saying that it could serve to reinforce stereotypes and encourage use of the "N" word. We all know that racism (and racist images) exist in our society still. The goal of your assignment for this long weekend is to confront some of those images and attitudes head-on. The Authentic History Center's Teaching Diversity website offers insight into the problem of the 19th century (and beyond) through images, mostly advertising, from our culture. Prepare to be offended. According to the site, "these items reflect the history and societal values of the time period in which they were produced." However, it is hard to lo