A 100-Word Introduction

Introduce yourself to the class in 100 words (no more).

NOTE: remember to accept your confirmation email from Google to activate your membership in the blog. See you on Wednesday!

Something New; Something Interesting; Something Puzzling

This is it! Your last chance to share your ideas with your classmates (and your teacher, of course). As we did earlier in the course, share with us your thoughts on new, interesting and puzzling things you've encountered since we began our study in February. We'll share and discuss your writing at our last class session next Wednesday. Write about 200 words in paragraph form (multiple paragraphs are fine).

Remember that our final tests begin on June 5th and continue on June 10. If you need to write at special times, please email me with your requirements as soon as you know.

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.