Friday, December 9, 2011

PERIOD 6: F451

HW7: Why does Jonas feel isolated?
HW8: What does it mean to "live in the past"?
HW9: How is the Giver different from others in the community?
HW10: What is the connection between “memories” and the method used to transfer them?
HW11: What do you see as your greatest responsibility?
HW12: Can pain have a positive side to it?
HW13: Has Jonas made a wise decision?
HW14: What was your favorite part?
HW15: Free Write
HW16. What is the "social setting" of F451?
HW17. Describe a useless task
HW18. Free Write
HW19: Why does Montag seek a teacher?
HW20: Describe the animal and nature imagery in F451
HW21: Is Montag surprised by the last call?
HW22: What makes a family?
HW23: Is the end of F451 satisfying?
HW24: In which world would you rather live: F451's or Pleasantville's?


J16: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
J17: Free Write
J18: Do you read as much as you should?
J19: Is true equality possible?
J20: What is the role of a teacher?
J21: Should some info be kept from us?
J22: How are the characters in F451 both alive and dead?
J23: Free Write 
J24: Do you feel inferior to brainy people?
J25: What truths exist in your life?
J26: What was the greatest surprise of your life?
J27: How is knowledge passed to a new generation?
J28: How does the Mechanical Hound reflect their society?
J29: Free Write
J30: How do F451 and Pleasantville compare

MONTAG DIARY PROJECT 
1. INTRODUCTION 
2. MEETING CLARISSE MCCLELLAN (1)
3. MILDRED'S ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
4. MEETING CLARISSE MCCLELLAN (2)
5. MILDRED DENIES EVERYTHING
6. THE HOUND HATES MONTAG
7. CAPT. BEATTY VISITS MONTAG
8. MONTAG VISITS FABER
9. MONTAG'S LAST FIRE
10. THE BOOK PEOPLE & THE END

VOCABULARY AND SENTENCES FOR TEST ON WED.,MAY 9


baffle: fill with confusion             
cinema : movies                                              
despise : regard as inferior
ebullient: enthusiastic                                                  
exaggerate: overstate                                  
exhort : urge                                     
expertise : know-how                                                  
finicky : hard to please; fussy                                     
gall : annoy; vex                                                                               
inane: silly                                                          
indemnify : repay a loss                                                               
occidental: western (part of the world)
peruse : read; study                                                      
scuffle : wrestle, grapple                                                             
spurn : reject                                                    
stipend : fixed pay for scholarship
surveillance : close watch                                            
tepid : lukewarm; unenthusiastic                                                             
wager : gamble, risk                                                       
wane : decrease in power or size

Students are often baffled by math problems.
After school, I enjoy relaxing at the cinema and watching my favorite stars.
Yankees fans despise the Red Sox.
The plans for a new building was greeted with an ebullient cheer.
Don’t exaggerate your test score; others will become jealous.
The teacher exhorted the students to turn work in on time.
Computer techs have the expertise to eliminate viruses.
A finicky child may reject even the most delicious foods.
It galls me how much advantage you take of my good nature.
Don’t interrupt an intellectual conversation with inane comments.
Insurance companies are required to indemnify the clients for fire damage.
The US is located in the occidental region of the world.
By perusing your notes, you’ll be prepared for the test.
Don’t scuffle with your younger brother; you may hurt him.
Marcia spurned Bob’s pledge of love because she didn’t love him.
College students receive stipends to help them meet expenses.
Police surveillance cameras recorded the crime.
A bottle of tepid Coke is not refreshing.
Bob’s wager against the Patriots paid off and made him rich.


1.    Harming another human is abhorrent to me.
2.    The deans admonished the students about breaking school rules.
3.    The sushi at the fine Japanese restaurant is ambrosial.
4.    After breaking curfew, Bob was confined to his room.
5.    A decade ago I was seven years old.
6.    The bomb detonated killing two soldiers.
7.    A butterfly’s life is ephemeral.
8.    A gullible person believes everything he hears.
9.    In an open market society, buyers and sellers can haggle over the price.
10.  On a hot day, it is pleasurable to immerse in a cold pool.
11.  Due to my insomnia, I fell asleep in English class.
12.  Because of a mental lapse, I forgot my phone number.
13.  After the deans probed the situation, the students were suspended for gross stupidity.
14. At graduation, New York state will render your diploma.
15. After the ceremony, we were served a repast of steak and shrimp.
16. Once you run out of ink, I’ll replenish the supply.
17. Four score and seven years equals eighty-seven.
18. After their fight, the young girl snubbed her ex.
19. The wound required several sutures to close it.
20. I unwittingly brushed against the bully who then proceeded to rearrange my face and my life for me.   

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

CATCHER IN THE RYE/ANTHEM

J1: Is life a game?
HW1: Describe the best educational experience you ever had.
J2: Describe an annoying friend.
HW2: What makes someone popular?
J3: Describe your first crush.Was it really love?
HW3: Have you ever been jealous about anything?
J4: Which family member are you closest to? Why?
HW4: Have you ever lost someone close?
J5: Describe the worst fight you ever witnessed.
HW5: What is the difference between lonely and alone?
J6:Have you ever lied or been the victim of a lie?
HW6: Do you put off tasks or do you do them right away?
J7: Is casual sex acceptable?
HW7: Have you ever faked your age?
J8: Why is it not good to have no friends?
HW8: Do you ever evaluate yourself?
J9: What is most important in a relationship?
HW9: Have you ever made a fool of yourself?
J10: Are daydreams good for you? Is there a downside?
HW10: How are Sunny and Jane different?
J11: What is unresolved guilt?
HW11: Why do some people feel the need to spend a lot of money?
J12: What part does religion play in your life?
HW12: How do the nuns differ from Holden's view of adults?
J13: Have you ever felt "great" and soon after, "awful"?
HW13: Describe an argument you had with a friend.
J14: What makes a bad date so bad?
HW14: When did you first learn about sex?
J15: How do psychologists help people?
HW15: What would you do if you could spend a night out in New York?
J16: Why are there funerals?
HW16: What would you want said at your funeral? OR Free Write
J17: What does "home" mean to you?
HW17: Name one thing you like and why you like it.
J18: What is the meaning of life?
HW18: Which teacher had the MOST positive effect on your life?
J19: If you could meet any past relative, who would it be?
HW19: Who is your closest relative? Why?
J20: Do you see yourself in Holden?
HW20: What does Stekel's quote mean to Holden?
J21: What are some positives about Holden?
HW21: Would you want to be Holden for a day?
J22: Do you know anyone like Holden?
HW22: Is Holden a hero?
J23: Is Holden going to recover?
HW23: How would you help Holden?
J24: Did you enjoy this book?
HW24:What is your favorite book? Why?


ANTHEM
J25: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW25: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J26: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW26: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J27: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW27: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J28: How do you feel about sports?
HW28: Why would sports not exist in the world of Anthem?
J29: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW29: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J30: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW30: Would Equality call our society great?
J31: What is our most important invention?
HW31: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J32: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW32: What is the role of women in society?
J33: Should inventions improve society?
HW33: What does the light symbolize?
J34: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW34: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J35: Why don't you like tests?
HW35: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J36: Free Write
HW36: Free Write
J37: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW37: Is the ending a surprise?
J38: Should we censor speech?
HW38: Free Write
J39: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW39: Which elements of Anthem are like our world?

NOTES, VOCABULARY AND STUFF

Themes, Motifs & Symbols

Themes

Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work.
Alienation as a Form of Self-Protection
The Painfulness of Growing Up
The Phoniness of the Adult World

Motifs

Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.
Loneliness
Relationships, Intimacy, and Sexuality
Lying and Deception

Symbols

Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
The “Catcher in the Rye”
Holden’s Red Hunting Hat
The Museum of Natural History
The Ducks in the Central Park Lagoon
VOCABULARY
Catcher: Chapters 1 - 5
.


monotonous scrawny rostrum sadistic ostracize
chiffonier qualms innumerable compulsory sarcastic
liable
grippe conceited exhibitionist ironical
liberate


Match each definition with a word.

1. to set free

2. sounded or spoken in an unvarying tone

3. a viral infection similar to the flu

4. likely

5. uneasiness about the fitness of an action

6. obligatory; required

7. contrary to what was expected or intended

8. expressing cutting, often ironic remarks

intended to wound

9. too numerous to be counted

10. deriving pleasure from cruelty

11. inferior in size

12. one who behaves so as to attract attention

13. a dais or platform for public speaking

14. to exclude from a group

15. holding an unduly high opinion of oneself;

vain
WRITING TOPICS:
A.   Salinger uses various symbols and motifs to reveal to us Holden’s state of mind. Choose any two of these and discuss the meaning of the symbol or motif and how it reveals Holden’s mind.

Motifs

Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.
Loneliness, Relationships, Intimacy, and Sexuality, Lying and Deception

Symbols

Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Holden’s Red Hunting Hat, The Museum of Natural History
B.  As the novel unfolds, it becomes increasingly obvious that Holden is becoming more unstable. Describe Holden’s erratic behavior and how it reveals his increasing instability.  

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

PERIOD 5: MOVIE PROJECT


OPTION ONE
1. Pick a movie, any movie. I respectfully insist that your movie not
go beyond PG-13
2. Pick a scene from the movie that lasts about five minutes
3. Add dialogue and sound effects to make your movie funny
4. Present your film to the class
5. Accept the praise or criticism of your classmates

OPTION TWO
1. Pick a movie, any movie. I respectfully insist that your movie not
go beyond PG-13. The movie you choose should be one that you
consider really good OR really awful.
2. Pick a scene from the movie that lasts about five minutes
3. Introduce the film, the actors, and give background to
understanding the scene
4. Present the scene to the class and explain why this movie is really
good OR really awful
5. Accept the praise or criticism of your classmates

OPTION THREE
1. Create a film of your own. If you already have one, lucky you!
2. Pick a scene from the movie that lasts about five minutes
3. Introduce the film, the actors, and give background to
understanding the scene
4. Present the scene to the class and explain why this movie is really
good OR really awful
5. Accept the praise or criticism of your classmates

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Please produce a written form of your presentation; typed if possible.

PERIOD 5: MIDTERM


MIDTERM ESSAY EXAM

Respond to both assignments. For ‘A’ I will be using the SAT writing rubric to score your papers. For ‘B’ I will use the standard review criteria we studied in class.

  1. “Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.” (This does NOT refer to failing classes).
We are often entertained by movies which present horrible situations in a lighthearted manner. If we do not cut through the images and witty dialogue, we may never see the evil underlying the light music and the smiles.  We were presented with two views of dystopia: District B13 and Pleasantville.

ASSIGNMENT: Is a utopia possible?
1.        Choose ONE side of the issue
2.      Present your case as strongly as possible
3.      Use both District B13 and Pleasantville in your discussions
4.      Four to six paragraph


B. You have been asked to write a movie review of Pleasantville AND District B13.
      In your review you must:
  1. compare and contrast the two
  2. determine which one is better based on the criteria we studied
NOTE:  as always, your opinions don’t have to agree with mine

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

PERIOD 5

OF MICE AND MEN
J1: What is friendship?
HW1: How do you feel about our criminal justice system?

J2: What was your reaction to the death of Lennie?
HW2: Would you recommend Of Mice and Men to your friends?

SHAWSHANK
J3: How does the filmmaker heighten the tension?
HW3: Are you enjoying the film so far?
J4: What is more important: Character or Conflict?
HW4: Describe Andy's world.
J5: Free Writing
HW5: Free Writing
J6: Fact or Opinion: Red is a good guy.
HW6: Fact or Opinion: Prisons are effective.


SPEAK
J7: Describe your first day of high school.
HW7: Would you want to have a teacher like Mr. Neck?
J8: Describe your first day of high school.
HW8:Can you keep a secret? Are there clues that Melinda is keeping a secret?
J9: How does your room express who you are?
HW9: Does your family communicate? How does Melinda's family communicate?

LEAP OF FAITH
J10-12: Free Write
HW10-12: Free Write
J13: Does your past excuse your present and future?
HW13: Why do Jane and Jonas NOT have a romantic relationship?

NUMBER 12 LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU
J14: Describe what you would do to make the world a fair place
HW14: : Does the movie effectively make its point?
J15: What are the pros and cons of a computer controlled world?
HW15: Does the movie effectively make its point?

MOVIE REVIEWS:
Use the criteria we learned in class to write a movie review of at least two (2) of the following:
Of Mice and Men
The Shawshank Redemption
Speak
Marionettes, Inc
Rear Window


HOW TO WRITE A MOVIE REVIEW: NOTES BEFORE WRITING



GENERAL INFO:
Name of movie
Prominent actors
Genre
Overview of Plot
Setting

DIRECTION:
Was the movie slow?
Fast-paced?
Gripping?
Were there unnecessary scenes?



EDITING:
Was it choppy?
Smooth?
Seamless?
Confusing?

SET DESIGN:
Realistic?
Right place?


MUSIC:
Fitting?

NOW IT’S TIME TO WRITE A REVIEW:
  1. information
  2. be explanatory
  3. be critical. Present BOTH opinion and info
  4. write a memorable closing to your review
  5. Read it
         

PERIOD 4: JOURNALS AND HOMEWORKS

JOURNALS
J1: Do you think it was a good rule to share feelings everyday?
J2: What are the symbols in our world?
J3:Define: release. What were the two instances in which someone could be released without it being a punishment. How do you feel about this?
J4: What is the purpose of the ceremony of twelve?
J5: Describe your favorite dream.
J6: Topic: Adulthood Is there true adulthood in the Community? Explain.
J7:Topic: Totalitarianism Positives and Negatives
J8: Topic: Caleb How does the Replacement Ceremony reflect the community as a whole.
J9: Debate the pros and cons: Individualism vs Conformity 
J10: Are some of us better than others?

J11: How do Jonas's instructions mirror the world we live in?
J12: What is your worst memory?
J13: If you had to pick a day to live over, which day would you choose?
J14: What causes emotional pain?
J15: Why does Jonas leave the community? 
HOMEWORKS
HW1: Why were there rarely disappointments when receiving an assignment? Would you accept this way of life?
HW2: What is the job of the elders?
HW3: What are the advantages and disadvantages of sameness. 
HW4:Topic:Why is it important to the community that stirrings be eliminated?
HW5:Topic: Sexuality Why must this aspect of life be controlled?
HW6: Topic: They’re Watching How does the Ceremony of Twelve indicate what’s really happening? (Think of Asher)
HW7: Why does Jonas feel isolated?
HW8: What does it mean to "live in the past"?
HW9: How is the Giver different from others in the community?

HW10: What is the connection between “memories” and the method used to transfer them?
HW11: What do you see as your greatest responsibility?
HW12: Can pain have a positive side to it?
HW13: Has Jonas made a wise decision?
HW14: What was your favorite part?
HW15: Free Write


ANTHEM
J16: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW16: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J17: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW17: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J18: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW18: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J19: How do you feel about sports?
HW19: Why would sports not exist in the world of Anthem?
J20: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW20: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J21: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW21: Would Equality call our society great?
J22: What is our most important invention?
HW22: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J23: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW23: What is the role of women in society?
J24: Should inventions improve society?
HW24: What does the light symbolize?
J25: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW25: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J26: Why don't you like tests?
HW26: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J27: Free Write
HW27: Free Write
J28: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW28: Is the ending a surprise?
J29: Should we censor speech?
HW29: Free Write
J30: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW30: Which elements of Anthem are like our world?

 
ONE PARAGRAPH ANSWERS: CHOOSE ONE 100 words

1. What is the theme of the story.  Provide evidence from the novel to support your answer.

2. What is the main conflict of the story?  Consider any combinations in your answer providing proof.

3. Compare and contrast any prominent character from this novel to another character from another work of literature.  Provide specific details to enhance your answer.


SHORT ANSWER: 100 words **REQUIRED**
What would your life be like without the knowledge of specific historical events and how the lives of the general public would be affected without this historical knowledge.  Is knowledge of the world’s history important?  In relation to the novel, provide an explanation in essay form.  (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)

anthem project : choose either A or B
A:
You are applying for the job to direct the movie version of Anthem. Write a letter to the producer in which you must convince  him to hire you. You letter must indicate
a. which actors you would cast as Prometheus and Gaea, and why. Think about the physical characteristics and personality traits;
b. a detailed description of the setting;
c. an explanation of the theme of this novel and why it is particularly relevant to modern viewers

B: Create 10 storyboards for the movie version of Anthem.The storyboards may be stick figures. Each storyboard must be labeled with the following:
    1. describe the action in the scene
    2. explain the importance of the scene to the overall movie

































Monday, September 26, 2011

HOLDEN AND THE PSYCHIATRIST: A Dialogue

A. Now that Holden has ended his narrative, it is time for us to play psychiatrist. Imagine you are a psychiatrist treating Holden. Have a dialogue with him during which you must discuss the following 11 topics:
1. loneliness
2. depression
3. the painfulness of growing up
4. symbols and their meanings
5. the hotel room incident
6. Jane Gallagher
7. Allie
8. Phoebe
9. sexuality
10. saying goodbye
11. the phoniness of adults
 
B. You must include the following:
     a. at least 25 questions from the psychiatrist
     b. at least 25 answers from Holden
     c. you must sound like Holden
     d. you must include all 11 topics
     e. WRITE AN EVALUATION/RECOMMENDATION FOR HOLDEN'S TREATMENT


DUE DATE: Novenber 15, 2011

SAMPLE STARTER
P: So Holden, you're here to deal with some issues. Can you elaborate?
H: Yeah. I mean, people are phonies, especially adults. I mean, they're so phony.
P: What do you mean by phony, Holden?

Monday, June 20, 2011

Thursday, June 2, 2011

FINAL EXAM: JUNE 6 &7 PERIODS 2 AND 3

1. 25 multiple choice questions on Perks of Being a Wallflower
2. 25 vocabulary words SAT 7 (see posts below)
3. Final letter to Charlie (200 words)
a. make reference to Aunt Helen
b. relate the "Aunt Helen" story to Charlie's problem with intimacy
c. refer to Charlie's hospitalization
d. offer advice
e. offer good wishes

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

SAT VOCAB 7

Insurrectionists: rebels

Intemperance: lack of moderation

Irreverence: lack of respect

Jeopardize: put at risk

Lackadaisical: lazy; lax

Lucid: clear

Magnanimity: generosity (of spirit)

Multifarious: having many aspects

Nefarious: infamous

Onerous: burdensome

Opportunism: grabbing opportunities; seeking unprincipled advantage

Ornate: highly decorated

Precursor: forerunner

Proponents: supporters

Resolute: firm of purpose

Sanctity: holiness

Seditious: causing division or rebellion

Slipshod: careless; untidy

Solicitousness: expressing care/concern

Sophistry: devious logic

Substantiate: give supporting evidence

Subversive: intending to overthrow

Sustain: support

Tenacious: holding firmly to idea or purpose

Volatile: 1. evaporates easily, 2. easily angered; emotional