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 10. 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.

Writing a List Poem: "A Note"

Beginning with "Life is the only way," write your own list poem using "A Note" as a model. Your poem must use the same (with minor variations) number of words and structure as Szymborska's. Use what you learned this week to compose a stronger poem.

Try to find a rhythm to the words you choose (note the number of syllables as well as the number of words). Be careful to punctuate exactly the same way and be aware of how the poet has used punctuation to divide and compare ideas. Post a copy of your poem to the blog before coming to Wednesday's class.

Be prepared to do a recital of your poem (please practice ahead of time!) and speak for one to two minutes on the process you followed and any difficulties you experienced.  Marks will be assigned as follows: quality of poem—50%; recital—25%; remarks on process—25%.

NOTE: Check your formatting carefully after copy and pasting poem. You'll need to add spacing. Try to have your poem look exactly the same as the original handout if you can!

"Biker Brad"; narrative essay on my ride to Halifax

Choosing a Poem

To help you find a poem, here are three online sources of quality poetry. You must find a poem from one of these three sources. Remember that you will need to defend the poem's quality in group work that day, so be sure to choose well. Remember to print a copy to bring to class that day.

Poems at Slate.com (each poem is read by the poet; a good way to decide if you like the way it sounds)

Canadian Poetry Online (from the University of Toronto library; a list of poets that links to poems from each one)

Poetry Daily Archive (alphabetical archive of poems by title; here you can look for an interesting title and see if you can find a poem you like)

NOTE: If you have a poem that you wish to share that is not on these sites, you must send it to me in advance for my approval. Let me know why you think the poem is worthy of discussion in an email by Wednesday, May 20.

My Experience with Poetry

Write a 50-word paragraph that refers to your personal experiences with poetry. The experiences do not have to be at school, although they may be if you wish. Be specific please.

Paragraph Answer for "A Spoiled Man"

Write an answer that is based on information found on the pages you have been assigned. Try, as best you can, to connect what happens on that page to events that occur either before or after in the story. Quote the story at least once, but no more than 20 words, maximum, for all quotes. Identify the page numbers and topic, please, as a heading before your paragraph. See my model answer for more ideas on what to do.

Write between 150 and 200 words. Bring your word processed work to class on Wednesday. 

Link to the story online for easier cut and paste quoting.

Making a Pitch for Your Narrative Essay

Write a short (100 to 150 word) pitch for your narrative essay idea. Why would we be interested in the person you chose? What makes this person interesting? What influence have they had on you that is interesting to others?

Please bring a copy of your pitch to class on Friday, word processed and printed.

A Memorable Scene: "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans"

Post your comment here by next Wednesday. Answers should be approximately 200 words, plus or minus 10%.

Here's a link to the film at YouTube: "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans"

Homework for "Homework"

Write an answer based on information found on the page range you have been assigned. Try, as best you can, to connect what happens on those pages to events that occur either before or after in the story. Use at least one literary term (setting, conflict, plot, irony etc.) in your answer. Quote the story at least once, but no more than 20 words, maximum, for all quotes. Identify the page number, please, as a heading before your paragraph. See my model answer for more ideas on what to do.

Write between 150 and 200 words. Bring your word processed work to class on Wednesday.

A Persuasive RSAnimate

View two or three examples of RSAnimates and then choose the one you find most persuasive.

In a paragraph, explain why you find it persuasive (in a way, persuade us that we should also watch it!). Post your paragraph here (100 to 150 words) before coming to class.

Be sure to bring your work to class, word processed, next Wednesday.

Responding to "Etiquette: Reintroducing real-life to a smartphone-obsessed society"

Write about something that surprised you, angered you, delighted you, or evoked any strong reaction when reading the editorial, “Etiquette: Reintroducing real-life to a smartphone-obsessed society.” Answer in a paragraph of between 150 and 200 words. Bring a copy, word processed and double spaced, to class on Wednesday, March 25.

Personal Reaction to Class Activity and Kurt Vonnegut's "How to Write With Style"

What is your personal reaction to what you learned about writing from your peers and from Kurt Vonnegut? Did anything surprise or puzzle you? Do you strongly agree or disagree with any rule or suggestion? Explain why (note that, although you can respond to more than one question, space does not allow you to answer all). 

Answer in a single paragraph of about 150 to 200 words. Focus mostly on Vonnegut's suggestions in your response, although please do refer to any similarities or differences you notice between his advice and your and your group's thoughts. Quote Vonnegut at least once. Note: Bring your paragraph to class double-spaced and word processed.

Here I Am

Write your version of "Here I Am" here as a comment to this post. Remember to follow the format of my examples exactly (use the same punctuation and word forms etc.).

I will post my original, written in September of 2009. It was written for a class introduction exercise on this blog for English 12 students.

NOTE: Be sure to post your "Here I Am" here as a comment and not to "post" to the blog.

Remember to bring a copy on paper to class for your performance. Good luck!

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, January 21. 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.

Writing a List Poem Based on "A Note"

Beginning with "Life is the only way," write your own list poem using "A Note" as a model. Your poem must use the same (with minor variations) number of words and structure as Szymborska's. Use what you learned this week to compose a stronger poem.

Try to find a rhythm to the words you choose (note the number of syllables as well as the number of words). Be careful to punctuate exactly the same way and be aware of how the poet has used punctuation to divide and compare ideas. Post a copy of your poem to the blog before coming to Wednesday's class.

Be prepared to do a recital of your poem (please practice ahead of time!) and speak for one to two minutes on the process you followed and any difficulties you experienced.  Marks will be assigned as follows: quality of poem—50%; recital—25%; remarks on process—25%.

NOTE: Check your formatting carefully after copy and pasting poem. You'll need to add spacing. Try to have your poem look exactly the same as the original handout if you can!