Anthem Day 1

Equality 7-2521 was taught as a child to recite a pledge which states: "We are nothing. Mankind is all. By the grace of our brothers are we allowed our lives. We exist through, by, and for our brothers who are the state. Amen." What do you think happens to the personality and sense of individuality in a child when he or she is taught that he/she is nothing? Explain in a clear topic sentence that discusses WHAT you think happens and WHY. Then, explain with examples and discussion supporting your ideas. End with a concluding sentence.

Taken from Teacher.Net: http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/1612.html

Individual vs. Group?

Do you believe the individual is more important than the group?

In a complete paragraph, starting with a focused topic sentence, agree or disagree (or somewhere in the middle) with the following statement: The individual is more important than the group.

If you are not sure how to start, restate the prompt and show your position:

You could start with the prompt and add because...at the end.
You could start with the prompt and add is NOT more important than the group because...

"Invictus" reaction

"Invictus" poem by William Ernest Henley --student reaction

Reread Henley's poem below, if needed and then choose a line from it that captures the theme of the piece, makes you think about your life, America, our freedoms, etc. Start you topic sentence with the line and the poet's name, stating what it means to you.

Ex. In William Ernest Henley's poem "Invictus" the line "Out of the night that covers me," captures the...

"Invictus" by William Ernest Henley


Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul.

Guided Imagery Reaction

Without talking, without critiquing your thoughts, write down your reaction: emotions, wonderings, questions...

What if that was true? What if that was your life?

Is it better to conform than to be different?

Think about teenagers, the peer pressure many of you may feel as we all try to fit in. The 2nd statement on our Anticipation Guide is: It is better to conform than to be different. In a thoughtful response, state your opinion.

Make sure you tell the why you feel that you do. As always use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar; you might type it in Word first and then copy/paste it into the comment box.

Convictions--are they worth risking...everything?

The following statement is one that I think many of us will believe in; however, really think about the second part of the statement. What would it be...the cost...the sacrifice...and for what or whom??

The statement is this: When we believe something strongly, we should stand up for our belief no matter what the cost. Do you agree or disagree and why?Think about this statement in regards to history first. Who stood up for what they believed in? Use Google to search for some examples:

Search possibilities: people who stood up for what they believed in, famous people who stood up for what they believed in, people persecuted for what they believed, leaders who stood up for what they believed, people who died for their faith, people who died protecting others...

Today's assignment:
1. Open a word processing document
2. Research several people that stood up for their beliefs keeping track of the website you used for information. Copy and paste the link to your word document along with 1-3 sentences IN YOUR OWN WORDS explaining what the person believed in, why they had to stand up for their beliefs, and what was the outcome of doing so.
3. Write a topic sentence and a paragraph with specifics that answers: Can you stand up for your beliefs to the same extent that the person you researched did?

*** You may have researched someone who stood up for their faith and you might not, but you could imagine doing so for your family, country, team, etc.

Ex. topic sentences:

Despite my strong faith, I cannot imagine defending my beliefs like Cassie Bernall did at Columbine High School because of my own fear of death.

Like Cassie Bernall stating her love for God right before the Columbine shooter shot her dead, I too would defend my faith because of my deep rooted belief in the afterlife.

--->Notice I am stating my belief, stating the person I researched and what their belief was, and WHY I would or wouldn't do the same.