First Reaction for the Story, "Ghosts"

Choose one of the topics below and write a response in paragraphs (not an essay). Write a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 200 words. Include at least one direct reference to the story through the use of a short quotation but do not quote more than 20 words total in your answer. Link to "Ghosts" full text at NewYorker.com

1.Write about something that surprised you, angered you, delighted you, or evoked any strong reaction as you were reading. Write about anything that stays on your mind after reading.

2. Explore a social or ethical issue raised in the writing. Judge the behaviour of the characters or the views of the author. Are they right or wrong in your opinion?

3. Does this work confront or confirm your personal beliefs? Explain.

NOTE: Please finish all work before your class on Wednesday, February 24.

The Effect of Culture (100-Word Paragraph)

In what way has culture had an effect on you? Choose one good example and write a paragraph of about 100 words that follows the structure of a body paragraph (as in “A Unique Culture”).

Note that "culture" means the often unwritten rules we follow. For example, how long, in your culture, should a goodbye after a party take? In some cultures, goodbye may take an hour or more. In others, we say goodbye more quickly.

Corrections File for this Exercise

A Class Introduction

Put your "Here I Am" introduction here before next Wednesday's class. I will provide you with my second sample as the first comment.

Link for Friday February 5 Homework

Something New; Something Interesting; Something Puzzling (for homework assignment)

Group Work Notes from both English 11 and 12 Classes (Word file)

Detailed Information on Joining the Blog (Word file)

NOTE: I've written a sample for Friday's homework and include it in a comment to this post. Click on comments to see it.

Link to Sir Ken Robinson's Lecture

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

A Favourite Popular Song

Post a link to a favourite song (YouTube will have many available) before you come to class. After the link, briefly say why you like the song. Mention a lyric (words) that you prefer. Be sure to identify the performer or band by name.

NOTE: If you would like to share your final draft of the narrative essay with other students, please send a copy in Word format to Brad before class next Wednesday. I can create a special blog post to help you share the results of all your hard work.

Writing a Well Supported Answer

Each pair of students should post four short examples (40 to 50 words maximum) before Friday's class. Two examples should come from "Child, Dead, in the Rose Garden" and two from "Homework." It is not necessary to name the story in your answer. Each example must contain a quotation (or two) but quotations should not take up more than half of any one example.

We will review and correct examples on the screen this Friday.

Show, Don't Tell

Choose from "jealous" or "foolish" or "fearful." Write about 150 words in multiple paragraphs. Use dialogue. Do not use the word (or any variation) in your writing. Post your writing here before next week's class.

NOTE: Remember to bring a copy of "Child, Dead, in the Rose Garden" and "Homework" to class next Wednesday.