Friday, May 31, 2013
Something New; Something Memorable
Write two paragraphs, one for each topic, one for "something new" and one for "something memorable." You may mention multiple examples or expand on one example. Your paragraphs should be a minimum of 150 words and maximum of 200 words for each topic.
Be specific and detailed in your writing. Use your best sentences and proofread carefully. Work is due before class time on Wednesday, June 5. Post here and bring a copy, properly formatted, to class to hand in that day. Thank you everyone.
My comments will follow yours and will be posted before the end of next week.
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20 comments:
Something New…
For me was the time when the class had an assignment to find a poem, that we regarded as favourable enough to discuss in a group. I had a difficult time finding the illusive poem that had the power to speak to me. After an endless search I discovered a unique piece of poetry titled “Origin”. As I analyzed this poetry a few times, I found hidden meanings and could see the images clearly in my head. The subject of poetry really stupefied me over the years and still does. Sarah Lindsay, the author of the poem, engineered the curriculum of humanities and applied science and collided them together to create an epic master piece. It is about how we start in life and how we in- twine to other facsimiles of life. It is life bona fide! Two different life forms that amalgamate and fashion a new organism! The experience of reading Mrs. Lindsay’s work of art helps me appreciate all types of poems and gives me confidence that maybe I can be a distinguished poet like her.
-181 words
Something Memorable…
Was when we as a class read a short story titled “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” by William Saroyan. There was a fascinating character in the story that I cannot stop laughing at his interpretation of theft. His name was Mourad, the older cousin of the main character Aram. Aram told the story how he and his cousin “borrowed” a white horse from a farmer known as John Byro. The two boys were members of the Garoghlanian family. They had a reputation of being extremely honest. The boys had to hide the horse from everyone in the community if they still wanted to ride the horse! As mischievous as they are, the boys did not think that anybody would get hurt, but themselves as they tried to ride the mystical beast. I remember reading about, Aram contemplating if it was stolen or not. He realized if he is going to ride the horse, he cannot be worried about it being stolen. In life we do not worry about the consequence when we are deeply immersed in something.
-181 words
Something New..
For me film literacy was a new chapter. We watched the film “Temple Grandin” based on a true story of the person Temple Grandin with high-functioning autism. The film showed what kind of challenges Grandin faced in her personal life as well as in her career path. We students had to pick one of three themes selected by our teacher Brad and write a paragraph about the camera work, the frame and setting, context, character and casting, and mood and sound track. This was a challenging assignment for me, but now, I know what people are talking about when they pick a film apart. The other new thing was writing poetry. We got a sample poem and had to write a list poem as close as possible to the syllable count given by the original. Some pretty remarkable results were presented by us students.
(144 words)
Something Memorable...
I will never forget the feelings before, during and after the presentation of “Here I Am” at the beginning of the semester. We had to write a poem about ourselves and present it in front of all those (at the time) strangers. I felt like a fully inflated balloon ready to burst. When the task was completed I let go of all that accumulate pressure with a deep sigh of relief and satisfaction. We also had a lot of fun reading many short stories and narrative essays. Afterwards we usually had to sum them up in short paragraphs. One fictional character became my favorite—the grandmother in the story “Homework” written by Helen Simpson. Granny is only a small side character that adds a lot of color to the work by putting down her memoirs on a note pad in the form of dead pan revelations, and shocking her family with those disclosures. In my opinion, the material covered in this class, and all the discussions had, are valuable preparations for continuing education in college or university.
(176 words)
The English 11 course ends and we can summarise our results and remind the most bright moments of this semester. I know that our first presentation "Here I Am" was "something new" for most of us and for me also because it was something unusual; we didn't have such experience before. I wanted to tell more about myself during the presentation, but was nervous and forgot all words. That is why my speech was so plain. Nevertheless, for all of us it was first attempt to introduce yourself. We opened the piece of our internal world to our classmates and teacher and became closer to each other. In class we also watched several films and all of them were interesting and extraordinary. The main character of movie "Temple Grandin" impressed me a lot. It is important that this lady is a real woman, not fictional character. Despite of her mental problem she is a professor of university now. I realized that a person with mental disability could be successful and reach such a high position in society.
177 words
There were some memorable moments in our studying. One of them was writing a narrative essay. I spent a lot of time to consider and analyze my aunt's life. It was big internal work and it was useful for me because I got several insights on the role of my aunt in my life. And the most memorable experience in this semester was writing a poem. It made me remember the most bright moments and feelings of my life. And the most amazing thing-I could write a poem! I guess that it is not perfect, but I did it! Due to our lessons I knew my classmates better, got a lot of new knowledge and experience, and improved my English. I can't say that it was easy course for me, but it was impressive and useful-no doubt.
141 words
something new....
Mr. Brad’s various and multifaceted teaching style is new to me. During this term, I completed my first blog posting with pride. I felt like a potential poet when I wrote two English poems: “Here I am” and “A Note”. Being assigned written works with strange names, for me, of course, I finally knew how to “Anatomy of a Scene”, “Pity a Narrative Essay”, and “Analyse a TED Video”. It took a great deal of deep thought and brainpower in order to hand in my assignments on time, and I realize that my knowledge and confidence in my work are increasing as well. In addition, typing all the assignments on computer is another challenge for me, but thanks to that, my typing is a lot of faster now; I have improved from slowly searching for individual keyboard letters to having a more reasonable typing speed, which is another extra accomplishment for me. I have experienced plenty of new things in English 11 class this semester, which has been greatly beneficial.-173 words
Something Memorable...
Reminiscing upon the whole term in English 11, a lot of memories are still vivid in my mind and easily accessible. The unique learning materials, which were thoughtfully prepared by Mr. Brad, gave us an overall idea about what we will be tackling each class, and gave me an idea of what to expect. For example, I would feel excited when it was a movie day, nervous when I knew it was almost my turn for a presentation, comfortable and enlightened when I can absorbed various new ideas from my classmates during our group discussions. Sitting on the train of Mr. Brad’s class, my point of view and the ways of thinking have been expanding gradually each school day, and my knowledge of English has improved not only in writing, but in oral speaking as well. Step by step, the assignments are not longer tasks which used to drag my legs to avoid attending school. I feel lucky to have chosen this course, and all these unforgettable moments and experiences will be stored in my memory for sure. -177words
Something new
On one of the classes Mr. Brad has focused on importance of annotation while reading (or watching movies.) For English 11 class assignments I finally tried a method that I also had learned from my friend who writes poetry and short stories. He always carries a small notebook and takes notes on everything around him. I found out that if I take notes right after final titles or every time I can think of an idea for homework, then my writing is better than when I just sit down on the night before due day and try to write something. It was not news that writing poetry is a challenge for me. But spending a weekend taking notes (words, images, flashbacks) and then writing the list poem (surprisingly the romantic one!) was definitely the whole new experience. Also I have to mention that a completely new and challenging was to regulate the number of words in paragraphs: sometimes I needed to edit my writings, sometimes I desperately seek words to fill in the required amount.
—174 words
Something memorable
First of all, I will never forget the friendly atmosphere of our class. Our discussions always were full of laughs, talks, sharing personal details; when we were done with Mr. Brad’s assignments, we always talked on everyday topics. It was a great opportunity to practice speaking, and I learned many interesting things from my classmates with different culture background! The supportive atmosphere definitely made some miracles with my classmates and me. In my opinion, most of the guys were more relaxed and self-confident presenting the second poem, than “Here I am” on our second class. Also I found that Unit tests could be very exciting, especially when a topic touches you to the quick. I remember that watching TED-lecture two times made me really angry and inspired, which allowed me to finish well advance of the time. Actually all unit tests I wrote with interest and pleasure (hope the finals will be the same!).
—153 words
Something New...
“Temple Grandin,” movie based on a true story, gave me a new insight and better understanding about autism. What I learned is what we sometimes perceive as a sickness or abnormality, it might be a gift, or hidden intelligence in disguise. It is a story about unconditional love, patience, and determination. Temple had all the support she needed to uncover her incredible intelligence that brought her to the top. This movie is a real inspiration for people who have (or closed ones have) the autistic children. I think the autistic children are here to challenge humanity, their behaviour, and belief systems. This story really touched me.
After watching and discussing Chaplin’s “City Lights,” as an entertainment “bonus,” we watched a fragment of Chaplin’s speech from his “The Great Dictator” movie. The speech wasn’t long, but I found it really powerful. I have to admit, it was emotional for me (even my eyes became wet.) It wasn’t Charlie I recalled from my teenage years, funny and childish, but there was wisdom behind this “little” man. I found out that, even though Chaplin’s movies are old and mostly silent, the messages are still current.
- 192 words
Something Memorable...
“A Note,” by Wislawa Szymborska, I took it literally, and it was a “nice and simple” poem, but some light switch on in my brain discovering: “There’s something more there!” The poet gave me a chance to see more than just simple words. I saw a picture after picture, and as more I was contemplating on it, the more implications I found out. Poems are for reflections, not just for reading, I concluded. I don’t consider myself as a poet, but when given a chance I tried my best. It wasn’t easy task. I didn’t realize that every word, structure, and punctuation are so important in poetry; even comma has a meaning. Even though it was a tough assignment, it was a pleasure to listen to my classmates’ own poems. Each one was reflection of their personality. There were their experiences, happy thoughts, life observations, worries, nostalgia – I just felt them; they were alive for me. It was the most memorable experience for me.
- 164 words
Something New...
There are a variety of new important things I have learned from this semester. Firstly the blog, posting my assignments on a blog was very new to me; I have never had to this in school before, and I was honestly was not a fan. It’s nerve racking to have other read your work; you don’t know what they will think. I slowly began to start to appreciate the blog; it was helpful to see what others had come up with, when I was having difficulties in my own assignments. Secondly was to improve my own writing and vocabulary, I’ve never cared much about my ability to write well, so this was very new to my personality not just my writing. Thirdly would have to be my new found liking for poetry, I have loathed poetry all though out school until now. I don’t know why? When I had to write a poem, I could write it know problem, it’s when it came to reading a poem that I didn’t like. So many hidden messages, and reading between the lines. I now enjoy and appreciate poetry, especially when it’s something that I have experienced myself.
-197 words
Something Memorable..
My English 11 class is a memorable one that’s for sure. Everyday I came to class inspired for what was in store for me. So many interesting, wild topics would come up aside from English. Some of my classmates where very passionate and opinionated, while others would sit and listen to all the commotion going on in the room. I enjoyed hearing everyone’s thoughts and opinions because everyone comes from a different culture. Our teacher Brad’s life experience tips through out the course where intriguing to hear, considering he had already gone thought his 20’s and had great experience. I found my self always agreeing with him and never once did I doubt him. I remember one day he had told the class, he had not figured out what he wanted to do, till he was 30 years old. I’ve always thought I was going back to school so late. I thought to my self, wow, age really doesn’t matter, if you want something go for it! This class didn’t just teach me English, it taught me a lot about my abilities and I got to know some amazing individual’s and that alone will stay in my memory.
-200 words
Something New
For a second language student, Grade 11 English is a fantastic course. Although the process of studying is hard, I learn a lot. Brad, my English teacher, uses a lively teaching style—group discussions, blog our homework, and presentations. And he always commands us to write a paragraph to react what we learn in class before we leave. It is a totally different study pattern in my home country. Moreover, the schedule of course is from easy to difficult in variety fields. For me, in Grade 11 English is very fresh, specifically visual Literacy “RSA Lecture” and “Temple Grandin”. RSA is a short persuasion film. The presenter talked very quickly and showed many information. I use hours to finish this homework because I can’t catch the meaning. At last, I separated many periods to repeat watching and listening. And the film” Temple Grandin” also confused to me. I liked this story, but I had to learn using different angles to analyze the characters, plots, and settings. Actually, I haven’t had this experience before. Overall, this class not only I can learn English, but I also can interpret something in different points.
--191 words
Something New…
Something New for me in Grade11 was Brad’s teaching techniques. I learnt a lot from him just in a short period of time. He taught us with the help of short stories, watching movies and writing poems. One of the most shocking practices was blog posting.At first I was scared that I have to post and share my work with all other classmates. I had never been familiar with the blog.Posting homework on the blog removes the barrier of my hesitation. Writing poems was also another new experience which I had in Grade 11.I had never written a poem before, but Brad builds up confidence in me by providing the various examples of poems.I gained knowledge, but Brad’s lessons also broadened my way of thinking.
-140 words
Something Memorable…
I have experienced so many unforgettable things in Grade11, but the most memorable moment was when I got the homework for the 1000-word narrative essay. I was stunned and my mouth was left wide open when he announced about the narrative essay in the class. I think this was the toughest assignment ever for me because I had never written an essay of more than 300 words. But actually, I like the idea of writing about our favorite character because it not only aims about writing, but also knowing that character so closely and deeply. On the other hand, watching movies was also another memorable moment. Brad shows it’s not only the reading and writing material which obtains a lot of information, but the observation also plays an important role. So Grade11 is not only meant for preparing of Grade12, but it also provides us with a bulk of knowledge.
-150 words
Something Memorable
Grade 11 English is very special to me. I love to study in this class, but I am also scared. During the start of this term I was shocked when I first stepped in the class. I saw the student presenting “Here I am”. (I missed two classes, so I didn’t know anything about the presentation.) Most of them were nervous; their hands and legs were shivering. I also felt the serious atmosphere, at that time, Brad reminded us to applause for the presenters before they read the poem. I appreciated that action because it can calm down the presenter’s emotion. Like a magic, the second time presenting”the note”, all of us improved. Besides that, I also have a sweet memory, Group discussion is my favourite time, we evoked our ability of knowledge while sharing our writings, ideas, and personal life experiences. We can help and encourage each other’s. I enjoyed in this class. Brad is a successful teacher.
--165 words
Something New
If I am going to review all of these classes, writing a paragraph to respond a short speech is a fresh new lesson for me. The teacher (Brad) found some interesting speeches for us to watch. Normally when I was listening a speech, an interesting example can draw me attention immediately. I may miss some points what the speaker wants us to catch up. Brad listed some questions that I need to answer. I can not answer all of them. That is harder than to write a summary. To write a summary, I can issue two or three points to finish job. But to answer brad’s questions that I need to understand the speech totally. When I have to rewrite and to watch the speech again I know exactly what I missed. After this training I can share some my experiences—take notes, pay more attention to the conclusions that the speaker gave after a vivid example. By the way if I have chance to give a speech, I am not going to tell more than three points in my speech. In case some audiences like “used me” can not get. (188 words)
Something Memorable
Watching a film, presentation, and group discuss are remarkable time I have had during the whole course. I still can remember the details that I was writing the narrative essay about my mother-in-law. My first draft is about 1,400 words. It looks like a complain letter. That is horrible. After a group discuss, I got some very useful suggestions from Amada and Kim. So I totally changed my tone. The finial draft brought back some happiness time from my life. My classmate helped me a lot in the group discuss. Usually when I wrote a paragraph to answer a question, it looked like to seldom a mathematic problem. My style is list the reasons#1,#2,#3. When I listened their work it seems to read a diary. I feel very disappointed. Fortunately Brad published his work on the blog. I tried to copy Brad and my classmates’ form. I thought what I wrote was getting more interesting. (155 words)
Something New...
When I started English 11, I never expected Brad teaching is different from my previous teacher. His technique is unique. Standing in front of the class, telling everybody my process how I did my poem and reading them is something I never experience before. I would not forget the feeling I had at the time. I was so shaky inside and I never did to tell everything I was practicing during my process. Watching black and white movie is another experience for me. Although, I was hesitant at first when Brad told us we are going to watch a silent black and white movie. I was surprised; I did like the movie a lot. Another thing that surprises me is Brad way of grading. His comment is different from my other teacher. In English 11 I wrote a lot of reaction in my entire school life before. Also blogging is something really new to me I never experience before.
Something Memorable...
I have a lot of experience in English 11 I can’t forget. During the first week of class started, Brad assigned us to write a poem about ourselves. I never had a difficulty on composing my poem, but when Brad told us to read it in front of the class; I started panicking. I never forget the feeling I had that time. Walking towards the front, all I can hear is my heart beating. The silen , black and white movie we watched in class is something memorable to me. I never laughed hard on a silent movie before. Group discussion is something I dreaded before, but in Brad’s class I learned a lot. I learned a lot from my group and knew more about my classmates. English 11 class is a different experience for me I will never forget, it has a unique way of teaching.
Something New…
For me it was when watching the city light; 1931 with the class. It was the first time watching black and white movie. Even though none of the characters said a word it get me laughing so hard. It is a lot funnier to watch the black and white because it takes a lot of skills to get the crowed laughing and not say a joke or say anything. I believe that the city light film can get any one laughing no matter what race, color, religion or age you are. The film also taught me that the true love is stronger than money. The poor man went to jail for the girl that he loves .After the film Mr. Brad asks us if we can recommend to a friend. The true fact is most of my friends would run a mile than watch a black and white. It may not be a HD movie with flying cars and beautiful woman but it’s definitely has more meaning than the movies today .
Something Memorable…
For me my most memorable thing is learning about Temple Grandin and her life story. Every weekend I work with autism kids and something and I don’t understand why they do what they do. When I saw the movie Temple Grandin it was like watch the kids that I work with. They do the same thing that temple Grandin did in the movie. It’s hard for the families that have autism kids. They can’t raise their kids just like the other normal kids and that can be difficult for some families. Many people that I know think its curse or bad luck just like what the doctor said in the movie. I think these kids are just different from other kids .they think different and they see the world in different way. If the people in this world know how to train or use these kids ;the world would be much different from now. The movie temple Grandin taught me to except these kids the way they are and that would be something memorable for a long time.
Something New:
English 11 class in PALC was entirely a new and valuable experience for me. Sharing ideas both in group-work and on the blog, not only gives the students the chance to get ideas, but also causes them to improve their writings and correct their mistakes if they misunderstood something. Another thing which was new for me was having no books in class. I think it is both good and bad; it is good because you don`t need to spend a lot of time reading unnecessary stuff. On the other hand, it is bad because sometimes you may feel that the information given on the worksheet is not sufficient, especially when you get stuck during doing a homework. In that case, you may feel the absence of the book. I am glad to take English 11. It was an invaluable and constructive experience for me and I am sure I will do better in English 12 class.
(158 words)
Something Memorable:
English 11 class was a collection of unforgetable and colourful moments for me. I had some easy and enjoyable time, meanwhile, some difficulties. I found it quite different than what I experienced before coming to Canada. Brad always omitted my introductions and some part of my writings; for that I lost a lot of marks. I worked hard on my writings but still the result was not satisfying, until I got the point that I am supposed to be specific and don`t go farther beyond the given instructions. My half draft homework was going to be handed in the next day; I was sad and nervous. I didn`t know how to start it. I just tried to remember the tips and the requirements. After giving it to Brad, I was anticipating knowing his reaction to it. When he gave it back to me, marked as a perfect piece of writing, my heart started beating fast. I got excited and asked him if he liked it. He smiled and answered, “Yes, it is complete,” I will never forget that time.
(180 words)
Something New...
When I started English 11, I never expected Brad teaching is different from my previous teacher. His technique is unique. All our class exercises involved writing. Standing in front of the class, telling everybody my process how I did my poem and reading them is something I never experienced before. I would not forget the feeling I had at the time. I was so shaky inside and I never did tell everything I was practicing during my process. Watching a black and white movie is another experience for me. I was hesitant at first when Brad told us we are going to watch a silent black and white movie. I was surprised; I did like the movie a lot. Another thing that surprises me is Brad’s way of grading. His comment is different from my other teachers, in a way I needed to be more careful with my writings. In English 11 I wrote more reactions than in my entire school life before. Also blogging is something really new to me I never experience before. It allows me and my classmate to see each other’s work.
186 words
Something Memorable...
I have a lot of experience in English 11 I can’t forget. During the first week of class started, Brad assigned us to write a poem about ourselves. I never had a difficulty on composing my poem’’ Here I Am’’, but when Brad told us to read it in front of the class, I started panicking. I never forget the feeling I had that time. Walking towards the front, all I can hear is my heart beating. The silent, black and white movie we watched in class is something memorable to me. I never laughed hard at a silent movie before. Group discussion is something I dreaded before, but in Brad’s class I learned a lot. I learned to loosen myself and start talking. Even in class discussion I learned to get my ideas ready in my head in case Brad picks me. English 11 is an experience I can use in life forever.
154 words
Something New
Presenting is terrifying and so, on some days, is teaching. Perhaps students (as does my wife) feel that since I’ve taught now for almost 30 years, it would be easier now than when I started. But no, the first days and a new class are always a big challenge. I sweat—there is no denying it. I have great sympathy for all my students as they present to their class, but I also am proud to see how well many of you do and how well you overcome your fears. The results are deeply satisfying aren’t they? Facing the new is something that teachers do every day, no matter how experienced we are, no matter how well prepared. Keeping that in mind helps me to understand better how my students feel, for, if I am shaky some days, then so must my students. Empathy is an essential quality when teaching. Believe me, I do feel your terror in a most personal way and, even with years and years of experience, every day in a classroom is a new day, every term a new adventure.—184 words
Something Memorable
The “oh” that many of you voiced at the end of “City Lights” is a highlight for me this term. As the screen faded to black on that wonderful image of the Little Tramp’s face, his modesty and joy apparent at the same time, you were left wanting more. I had thought about showing you the film, “Election,” but changed my mind at the last minute. I’m glad I did. It was a bit of a risk deciding to show the first both silent and black and white film I had ever used in an English class (my Drama Film and Television class has seen them of course). That you loved Charlie Chaplin doesn’t surprise me; what surprises me is how much he has been forgotten in the modern world. Perhaps our class can spread the word about him just a little bit and help others to appreciate his deeply humanistic vision of our world.—155 words
Something New
I have always gone to class with my own age group. I was never genious and never too slow either. I had 3 courses to finish up to have a basic high school education. I was a little uncertain going into a class of people coming from all walks of life. It is a lot different than high school which was a sigh of relief for me. I learned that people coming from other age categories and cultures doesn’t make them slow or that they don’t understand it, some of my classmates had ideas which surprised me and had very interesting perspective. Brad has a great technique to teaching and making you think differently. I am glad I didn’t finish high school when most of my age group did because taking the “hard road”, typical for me, actually earned me higher marks (I believe).
-146 words
Something memorable
Poetry was definitely a challenge for me. Poetry is really difficult in school because not only do you have to be creative, you have guidelines to follow strictly. I got through two poetry assignments, afterward thinking “now that wasn’t too bad”. Probably my best piece of writing, which someone propositioned me to publish (with some editing) is my 1000 word narrative essay. I was really passionate about Hodgy when I was writing about him. This was a really memorable piece of writing. I put a lot of thought into my assignment. The heartbreaker was having a great mark on the assignment but thinking how much better my mark could have been with a little editing and double checking that the required parts were there. The most memorable part of the class was just how well everybody got along during group work and got to hear good perspective from other people. Everybody got along, maybe that’s why its called adult school?
-162 words
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