English 7a (Period 6) Assignments

Extra credit book review. Give me 3-5 clear, interesting paragraphs about a book you've read recently or are currently reading and I'll give you 20 extra credit point per paragraph. You can retell the story a little bit but try not to spend the whole paper on that. Tell me more about characterization, theme, and the message given. Tell about any of the literary issues we've discussed over the year.

This is not a new assignment but just a reminder that the extra credit book report is due this Friday. Extra credit is optional, of course.
Also, we will be doing a persuasive essay together in class this week. This is just for you and your parents' information.

R & A, pg. 341, #'s 1-8 (40 points)

This is the first day in a week that I have been able to access this page due to computer issues. But, here is the final assignment regarding "The Outsiders."

Be a movie critic.

A minimum of five paragraphs. More if you're feeling particularly loquacious (look it up).
Introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion will get the job done.
Possible questions to respond to might be:

Did you find the movie much as you imagined the book?
Was the acting believable?
In your opinion, what was the climactic event?
Would you recommend the book and/or movie to others? Why or why not?
Was the story a good educational experience? Explain your answer.
What issues did the story raise that are most memorable to you.

As always, neatness, grammar, and spelling count. Attach a rough draft to the back of your paper so that I can see that you have done some revision. Good luck.

Pick a theme to write about from "The Outsiders."
Paragraph #1 - Make an assertion as to why you think this is a significant theme - 30 pts.
Paragraph #2 - Give an example (supporting quote or paraphrase) and explain how this supports your assertion - 30 pts.
Paragraph #3 - Give a second example and explanation - 30 pts.
Paragraph #4 - Conclusion - bring it all together (wrap it up) -30 pts.
Neatness will count! Late work will not be accepted on this one! Turn it in on time or you lose out. You have plenty of time. Do your best and this will help your grade greatly. Good Luck!

"The Outsiders" test tomorrow - 25 questions (100 points) - short answer and a few multiple choice questions.
Worksheet exercise as test prep for CST - lesson 4 & 5 (30 points) - multiple choice questions just like on the CST.

Read up to at least chapter 10 in "The Outsiders" so that we can view the movie soon. Also, be prepared to be quizzed or tested on the book at any time.

I have been unable to post homework for the past few days due to computer issues.
Please read up to Chapter two by the due date and be prepared to be quizzed on what we have read so far.

Expect quizzes at any time on "The Outsiders".

Write an original short story that cannot contain over 150 words. Students are to use literary devices and techniques in the comprehension and creation of written communication.
Assessments: Adhere to 100 words or less requirement (30 points)
Convey a sense of wholeness and completeness with adherence to the main idea (30 points)
Demonstrate a command of language (word choice) with freshness of expression (30 points)
Use literary devices and techniques (similes, metaphors, punctuation, proper grammar, etc. (30 points)
Creates an overall emotional effect (30 points)
I will show you an example of a short short story in class.
Total possible points = 150

We will soon be reading "The Outsiders" and, as with "Mango Street", I would appreciate anyone who can get their own copy as we are a few short. Thanks.

Read poems in text - pages 38, 39 & 40 - pick one of the poems and write one paragraph showing a relationship between that poem and what we've read so far in "Mango Street." (40 points)

Research, then write one paragraph about Sandra Cisneros. Find out what she has written since "The House on Mango Street" and provide any interesting facts you may learn about her. (40 points)
Reminder - we need more "Mango Street" books - pick one up if you can and haven't done so already. Thanks.
Periods 1,2, & 4 - bring workbooks and the usual school supplies daily.
Periods 5 & 6 - Bring all necessary supplies daily and do not leave items in the classroom. They tend to disappear and you will then need to replace them.

"Pet Parade" project. Put together a minimum of three interesting and informative paragraphs about a pet you have now, or once had, or about a pet that interests you. Please include a photo or drawing or an internet picture. Also, include an anecdote, or brief amusing and/or interesting story about the animal you choose. This is worth more points than anything we have done this year (300) so I will expect some professional looking work. I will answer any further questions about this in class.

Special request - I need as many of you who can to purchase a copy of "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros by 2/6/13. I have some school copies but not enough for all classes. I will be asking the same of you with the book, "The Outsiders" when we finish with this one. The books, of course, are yours, unless you choose to donate them. Thanks!

This is just an update on the "Pet Parade" assignment. As I mentioned in class, I now want you to include at least one citation at the end of your paper listing the source for the informational portion of the assignment and remember to put what you've learned into your own words unless you're including a quote or two.
Also, I am now offering 30 extra credit points to any who will present their essay in class. Depending upon how many of you take me up on this, it will probably take several days to get that accomplished as we will have regular classwork to complete as well.

Reminder - I need as many of you who can to buy "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros and, later on, "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton as I don't have enough for all classes. Besides, they are both great books for you to own. Thanks.

R & A, pg. 305 (50 points)

10 word vocabulary quiz. You will just match the words with their definitions, which will be provided. 8 words will come from page 289, 2 from page 293.
Also, bring your binder reminders/planner everday. If you don't have one you need to get one from counseling at nutrition or lunch.

R & A, page 298 (40 points)

R & A, pg. 284 (50 points)

Page 221 - #5, 6, 7, 9a & 9b

8 word quiz - see words on page 211

R & A, pg. 219 - Answer all for 55 pts.

You are to interview a family member, neighbor, or other acquaintance but not another student from Hale. It can be humorous but stay away from silly. I would appreciate some thoughtful, "open-ended," questions and an honest, correct, recording of the responses you get. To qualify for the full 150 points I'm offering you must have at least 20 questions and responses. It must be neat (typed if you can). I'm giving you eight days from today so anything turned in after 10/18/12 will be penalized. Have some fun with it. Learn something interesting about the person you are interviewing. Ask me in class if you have any further questions.

R & A, pg. 68 (all) - 55 points

R & A, pg. 54 for 60 points.

Complete synonym/antonym sheet.

R & A, pg. 684 (all) - 75 points - We started this in class.

I have given you the piece titled, "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters." I want you to reflect on it and maybe share your thoughts about it with a family member and then compose a two paragraph (or more) response giving your thoughts on what you think it means. What do you think is the message? Is there some truth to it? Generally, what do you think about it? I want to see some good writing here. It's just a two paragraph assignment but I will give you 50 points for a well-written response.

R & A, pg. 258 (all parts) for 60 pts.

R & A, pg. 354 (all) - Worth 60 points

Ten idioms in an "idiom book." Please make them colorful and creative. You are to write an idiom, illustrate it by drawing or attaching pictures to your book, and then, in a separate panel, explain what the idiom means and provide an illustration for that as well. If you will bring some paper and any coloring materials you may wish to use to class on Thursday and Friday I will give you some time to work on this. When you come to class on Thursday you should already have at least ten idioms with you. You might want to get a few more just in case you decide not to use one or two of them. Just bring them on a sheet of paper for me to see. I will deduct points from your total score if you don't have them with you this Thursday. Total points = 100

Reminder - The "Idiom Book" assignment is due on Tuesday. I gave all classes time in class to get started (some finished them) so all they should have to do over the weekend is put finishing touches on them.
Also, I have been making myself available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at nutrition to any students needing to check for missing assignments, to turn in late work, to ask me questions, or just to study. Any student not getting the English grade they want should be meeting with me at those times.

R & A, pg. 367 - 55 points

Give me two paragraphs telling me what you know about what happened on 9/11. You can research it on the internet. (40 pts.)
Also, answer the R & A questions on pg. 76 of your text (40 pts.)

R & A, pg. 10 (65 points) - Please give complete sentence answers and write neatly, including full name, period, date, and page number of all assignments. Thanks.

Complete summer reading answers for 18 points. On this one I do want you to write out the questions as well.
R & A, pg. 125 - Answer all questions except #3 and #6 for a total of 40 points. As always, I need to see complete sentence answers and you do not need to copy the questions.
Please make sure your name, period and date are on all of your papers as well as the page number of whatever exercise we are doing. Some of you may finish these assignments in class but I want all of you to turn these in on Monday. Thanks.

In text, page 121, please answer all review and assess questions in complete sentences. Don't forget to answer parts (b) and (c) whenever they are offered unless I indicate otherwise. I will give you 5 points per answer for a total of 55 points on this assignment. Also, be thinking about a fun assignment suggestion you can offer in class. It must be educational but, hopefully, creative. Thanks.

Welcome back to school. Your first homework assignment is to respond to the "friendly letter" that I gave you in class. The instructions are included in the letter. Neatness counts and please include some sort of rough draft (stapled beneath the final version). Since this is just a letter the rough draft need only be notes or a list of ideas just to show me that you gave this some thought before doing the final version. Just tell me a little about yourself as clearly as you can so that I can get an idea of who you are and so I can get a feel for your writing skills. Have fun with it. This is worth 60 points.