Davis English 9

To fight or not...what would you do?

2010-11-18T12:19:00.001-08:00

Scenario: America has just been invaded again and the President is asking for help from anyone: men, women, and even teens. Despite having to leave your family, friends, and the knowledge that you might not return, would you join in the fight to keep your family/friends safe? If yes, defend your answer. If no, what would you be willing to do to stay out of it?

Anthem Day 1

2010-10-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-18T11:51:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

"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

2010-10-18T11:07:00.001-07:00

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?

2010-10-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

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.

"The Scarlet Ibis" Symbolism

2010-09-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

The narrator says, "There is within me...a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love." Think about your relationships with people you love, especially in your family. Can love and cruelty coexist? Why or why not? In a thoughtful paragraph that starts out with a strong topic sentence, write your response.

Consider the role of foreshadowing throughout the text. How does it influence the story's outcome?

2010-09-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Foreshadowing:
--conversation with Whitney and Rainsford about the island lore
--Rainsford hearing the pistol shot
--Rainsford noticing Zaroff looking at him intently
--the discussion of the "game"

Descriptive Writing Paragraph

2010-09-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

Looking at the 2 paragraphs you wrote about your Summer page in your WN, retype the paragraph here...USING your BEST descriptive (using all 5 senses) writing. Bring to life whatever you are describing: a place, an object, an action. Add a last line to the paragraph that summarizes what this place, this object, this action--this moment means to you.

"The Utterly Perfect Murder" paragraph

2010-09-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Looking at your notes as you determined whether you thought Doug Spaulding was sane or insane, decide which conflict causes his insanity and what was the result. Follow your notes on p. 24 of the Short Story Workbook.

You might want to write your paragraph using the LPS Google APPS link and open a new document. This way, you can use Word and then copy and paste it into the comment here.

Good luck!

Fall 2010 Summer Reading

2010-08-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Over the summer, Arapahoe High School asked you to read at least two novels of your choice.
1) Briefly tell me what you read, including the titles and authors.

2) I want to know what you liked about the books, what you learned and, more importantly, what matters to you about the book's content. Use specifics about characters, setting, conflicts, action details, etc. to make your response meaningful. If you have the book still, use quotes to showcase the writer's craft.
***Make sure to adhere to proper conventions and proofread your response. If, for some reason, you did not read two novels, tell me about two novels you have read and answer the above.

Is it ever OK to keep a secret?

2010-04-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Secrets are said everyday and can have dire consequences. Secrets are also kept that should be. What is your opinion on if it is OK to keep a secret? When is it (if yes)? When is it (if no)? Explain your position ON BOTH.

2nd part of comment: how would have telling the truth HELPED Romeo and Juliet?

Does FATE play a role in our lives?

2010-04-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Do you think accidents happen for a reason and does FATE play a hand in our lives? Explain and offer an example.

Then, read the other students' (and/or your teacher's) comments and discuss at least 1 other student's ideas. Do you agree or disagree? Why? What is interesting about their perspective?

Research LOVE CHANGES....SOMETHING

2010-04-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

1. Research an example of love changing something…ending hatred, a huge sacrifice, an unlikely friendship 2. On the blog, in a paragraph, explain what you discovered and your thoughts about it.

Love changes everything. Agree/disagree and WHY.

2010-04-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

In several sentences, explain your opinion and WHY.

How do you think you'll KNOW you're in love?

2010-03-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Whether you feel you have been in love, or cannot imagine what it would feel like, do your best to explain how you think you'll KNOW you're in love? (IN other words...what would have to be in place in order for you to BELIEVE...KNOW you're in love?)

Can teenagers TRULY be in love?

2010-03-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Defend your answer thoroughly offering examples, specific reasons, etc.
(With thanks to Mr.HenryVanity from Photobucket for the image.)

What is love?

2010-03-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

In your own words, define what you think LOVE is.
(With thanks to Gypsy48 from Photobucket for the image.)

Thoughts on Contrast of Pictures and Music

2010-03-10T09:34:00.000-08:00

As we view the YouTube Montage of Richard Clayderman's "Romeo and Juliet" song, again write your thoughts about the contrast, the difference between the pictures and the music. Predict what this has to do with the play Romeo and Juliet.

Example sentence starters. Think about pace, tone, mood, emotions, colors, setting, time of day, etc.

I am thinking the pictures suggest....

I am thinking the music hints at...

Initial thoughts on Romeo and Juliet ART

2010-03-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Look at the screen and open the Comment button. List your initial observations. Discuss visuals, color, symbolism, possible meanings.

Can hatred change in one's life?

2010-02-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

Think how rooted you are in your beliefs.Think how rooted your parents are, your grandparents...If you believe so passionately about something being right, can a person ever change their beliefs? Can hatred change within your lifetime?

Teenagers...Better than Adults?

2010-02-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

Can teenagers be more MATURE and empathetic of others? OR are teenagers more prone to being "clique-y" and judgmental? Think about Esther's treatment of Leanora.

Witness Act I

2010-02-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

1. As you answer, be sure to include details from the text in the form of quotations or paraphrases. Include the page #.

2. Include a proper school heading, the journal number, Title and author. Write out the question on all journals.

QUESTIONS

Act I (pages 3-31)

In Act I, we are introduced to the characters of Lenora Sutter and Esther Hirsh. What do these two characters have in common? How are their situations similar? Give evidence to support your answer.

How do you map your heart? How do you visualize the core of who you are?

2009-10-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we used an exercise I got from a writer and teacher Penny Kittle. She uses the heart maps to generate ideas for writing. I am using it with Anthem as kids are formulating their own beliefs, values, and understanding of self. The culminating writing is NPR's "This I Believe", so this is a great visual and foundation piece as the students begin to think about their paradigms. After the students drew their heart maps, they will look at it, think about it, and then write a free-verse poem about their heart map.

Today, students, post your 1st draft of your free-verse poems. (You may want to open a word processing page first to type...to catch spelling mistakes).

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

2009-10-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Is it better to conform than to be different?

2009-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

....or do they? 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.

Guided Imagery Reaction

2009-10-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2009-10-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

What Does America Mean to Me?

2009-10-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Getting out our What America Means to Me collage, open a word document and write down words, phrases, images, and emotions you were trying to convey.

Then, write a topic sentence that answers: What does America mean to me?

Continue on your EEE's writing your paragraph that explains in detail, using your images and words, what America means to you.
         1. Use a topic sentence,
         2. a thoughtful, spell-checked, properly punctuated, specific example-listed discussion,
         3. and a concluding sentence.
***Do this in Word first and then copy and paste it onto this blog.

After reading "The Scarlet Ibis" respond:

2009-09-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

(Taken from The Language of Literature, McDougal Littell, 1997.)

The narrator says, "There is within me...a knot of cruelty borne by the stream of love." Think about your relationships with people you love, especially in your family. Think about your response on the Google doc to the question: can love and cruelty coexist?

In a thoughtful paragraph, starting with a topic sentence, discussing specific details, and ending with a concluding sentence, write your response.

Here is my response:

In "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst, the author shows readers that love and cruelty can, and in fact, do coexist; this is relationship however that is inevitably going to fail. The narrator is embarrassed of his brother he nicknamed Doodle, wishing he had never been born; "It was bad enough having an invalid brother, but having one who possibly was not all there was unbearable, so I began to make plans to kill him by smothering him with a pillow" ("Short Story Packet" 47). The narrator actually never acts on these plans and instead concocts plans to help him learn to walk, to swim, and to run. He becomes so proud of Doodle's accomplishments, that he even plans a surprise for his family showing them he learned to walk. The narrator struggles with the love he feels for his brother and his hatred at his brother being so different. In the end, though, it was the narrator's hatred and selfish behavior that led to Doodle's death; this is the destruction that was bound to happen. Cruelty should never be a part of love.

*** Make sure you are using at least 1 quote that has a lead-in prior to the quote.
*** Make sure to use in-text citations (see mine above)
*** Make sure to use proper capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Why is learning to write EFFECTIVELY important?

2009-09-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Parents, one of our focuses this semester is writing persuasively. We start with an effective paragraph with strong topic sentences and move to a multi-paragraph persuasive essay, literary analysis essay, narrative writing, poetry, summaries, and online writing.
We would love your input on how writing is important in your line of work. We greatly appreciate your thoughts and explanations knowing the time this takes to put together ideas for us. Please know that we appreciate your time and look forward to reading your thoughts about the importance of writing in today's world.

***You may type your answer in Word to catch spelling errors and then copy and paste it into the comment box, or type directly into the box. Once you have commented, your student will use his/her login to post the comment.

***Please put your answer in this format:

Michele's dad, Jim Hurley--lawyer:
Michele's grandma, Sherry Hurley--stay-at-home mom:

***Please complete this by next Tuesday, September 22nd. Thanks so much! ~ Mrs. Davis

Practice your topic sentence for "The Most Dangerous Game" here:

2009-09-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

What attribute was the main thing that made Rainsford successful in General Zaroff's manhunt and how did it help him "win"?

In a 1 sentence, include the author, the title of the short story and an answer to BOTH the attribute and how it helped Rainsford win.

**** In your answer, write GROUP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 and then your answer.

Example:

Group 1: In "The Little Red Riding Hood" politically correct story by Garner, Little Red Riding Hood uses confidence to verbally challenge the wolf and wood-chopper person and to create a resolution living happily with her grandmother and wolf.

Reflection about Arapahoe High School

2009-08-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, you are finally a high schooler! I want you to reflect upon your classes, school expectations, school excellence, teachers, old friends, new friends, the dance, activities, and/or athletics. What has been unexpected, what is the same, what was refreshing, etc.? Talk candidly, but as always use proper grammar, punctuation, and word choices. Be thoughtful and courteous. Thanks!

English 9 Summer Reading

2009-08-21T11:48:00.001-07:00

Over the summer, Arapahoe High School asked you to read at least two novels of your choice.

1) Briefly tell me what you read, including the titles and authors.
2) I want to know what you liked about the books, what you learned and, more importantly, what matters to you about the book's content. Use specifics about characters, setting, conflicts, action details, etc. to make your response meaningful. If you have the book still, use quotes to showcase the writer's craft.

*Make sure to adhere to proper conventions and proofread your response. If, for some reason, you did not read two novels, tell me about two novels you have read and answer the above.