A "Mini" Story

Using one of the sentences written in class as your first sentence, write a "mini" story (no more than 200 words at most). Use what you've learned about stories (plot, conflict, theme etc.) to make your story better. We'll share in class on Friday (and, yes, I will be there!).

Resources for Writing Comparison Contrast Well

A Lesson in Contrasts: Writing Comparison Contrast (includes sample paragraph)

Working with Comparison Contrast (includes example paragraph outline, comparison sentence structures and a teacher written sample paragraph)

Is that a Comparison or a Contrast? (includes a different example outline, comparison sentence structures)

Learning to Write with "March of the Penguins" (includes a sample comparison paragraph from teacher, Rick)

The World: Changed Forever? (Worksheet based on 9/11 attacks with a sample, teacher written, comparison paragraph)

Showing a Trait of a Character

Post an excerpt (max 75 words) demonstrating the trait "nervous". Please make sure that you show the trait rather than tell it. Try to include other elements of fiction if you can.

Blog Homework for Wall-E

To see the film again at YouTube try starting with Wall-E and Eve Talks (for other scenes see the "related videos" box on the right; you may not be able find all of it, however).


Identify one technique (from our handout) used in the film. Briefly explain why the technique is used. (no more than 100 words or so; be sure to make it easy for us to know exactly where in the film it occurs)


What is your personal reaction to what you have seen today? Write a paragraph to explain your feelings. (up to 250 words; no more, please!)

Yale Film Analysis Resource

Click only on the left side links. Don't use the drop down on top left of page. A bit clunky with small photos, but includes a number of good video examples and all is explained simply and clearly. Use it to find a match with techniques you see on Friday.

Yale Film Analysis Resource

"Don't Get Fooled Again!" Learning Persuasion

Remember to write your ideas in a way that someone who has never seen the video can understand and be persuaded. I will provide a sample before Sunday night.

Affluenza Homework and Video Links

Answer one of the following questions in paragraph form:

1. How do you feel towards the program and why do you feel this way?

2. Does the program confront or confirm your personal beliefs? Explain.

3. Write about something important you learned from the program.

4. What stayed in your mind after the program was over? Why do you think that happened?

5. What made the program effective (or ineffective) in your opinion?

Here are the links to Affluenza and the Barry Schwartz videos.

Affluenza: Part One; Part Two; Part Three; Part Four; Part Five; Part Six

Barry Schwartz: The Real Crisis? We Stopped Being Wise

Report on Advertising During a Favourite Show

You do not need to say something about every advertisement! See if you can provide a general sense of the messages and what they convey to you. Is there a connection between the commercials and the show itself? Enjoy the show!

Substances as Stress Relievers: Deconstructing Advertisements (full handout, in colour, of today's advertisement; includes alcohol, cigarettes and candy)