SESTINA EXAMPLE:
The Concord Art Association Regrets
Pam White
Your entry was not accepted. We regret
it wasn't (enough for us), a work of love.
We liked many of the colors on the whole
but the mass was just something unrelated
to the rest of our show. We hope your work
will have a bright future in another place.
We remember last year you tried to place
another photograph and it was also with regret
we turned you down. Though for that particular work
we found nothing about it (no one could) to love.
It was obscure and a little upsetting in relation
to the rest of our show which we look on as a whole.
Now you may think us ungenerous. On the whole
you are probably right, but this is our place
and we can do what we want whether you relate
to it or not. However we don't want you to regret
your association with us. We want you to love
us, send us money, but please, no more work.
You see right now we need money to work
on the building we're in. There's a hole
in the roof and one wall needs all the love
and attention it can get. Really the place
needs so much, which all costs. I regret
to remind you we need more space for related
works. We're trying to expand and relate
to lots of different kinds of work
so different people won't regret
their visit with us but will see the whole
beauty and tranquillity of the place
and come with us, a journey of love
where people of all races, colors, and creeds love
to look and bask and of course bring relations,
friends, and lovers. All are welcome to our place
here where all the world's magnificent work
can be shown in its entirety, the whole
place filled - with your exception, we regret.
We know you'll love the whole
work we're doing for this place.
We can't relate enough our regret.
(Copyright © 1983-2008 by Pam White.)
Tuesday, June 9th
Tale of Two Cities! what a great story! WHo knew?
Your t-shirts are wonderful-creative, fun, what more could I ask for?
Prepare for the Sestina....what is a sestina? yuo will soon find out! (of
course, you could look it up...)
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Wednesday, May 27th
Can you believe it? Almost June? CRAZY!
Anyhoo, we are keeping up with our reading of this difficult, wonderful novel-
great work one and all!
As you are working on your second paper, and you have had (and will have) a
total of 6 quizzes, and we are having tons of discussions and hw, I am
debating with myself about the culminating efforts for this work....something
fun, yet educational....can it be done? we shall see!
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Monday, May 18th
Good Morning! We are well on track with T2C at this point-keep up with the
reading and pay attention to dates-make note of the changes we made to quiz
dates. Goos luck with MCAS this week!
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Monday, April 27th
Welcome Back-I hope that you all had a restful vacation.
I hope to have your advertisement projects back to you by the end of the week.
We will starting A Tale of Two Cities shortly, after a final
analysis/discussion of 1984. You have all done vewry well with this
difficult novel.
Wednesday is Sophomore Career Day, effectively cutting our classes in half,
so we will begin with lecture based on background this Thursday.
I will be supplying you with a study guide that contains questions,
activities, journal entries vocabulary, etc. This will be augmented by
discussion and short writing assignments, as well as quizzes for each "book"
(TTC is made up of 3 seperate books). Quizzes will be based on excerpts from
the novel, ensuring the need for ACTIVE READING. This wil be difficult at
times, but once we are through the first book, we will find it easier. on
Thursday, after the 1/2 hour lecture, we will view a version of "Marie
Antoinette" that will carry over in to next week, due to a Friday "Drop"
day. You will receive the novels and study guides on Tuesday, May 5th.
As always, dates are subject to change, based usually on outside factors...to
include the upcoming math MCAS. However, it is YOUR responsibility to keep
up...absence does not absolve you from due dates.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 14TH
THERE HAVE BEEN QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ADVERTISING PROJECTS...
PART ONE: YOU ARE ANALYZING THE AD YOU HAVE CHOSEN.
PART TWO: YOU ARE ALTERING THE AD TO MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE TO MORE THAN THE
ORIGINAL
PART THREE: YOU ARE ANALYZING THIS "NEW" AD.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS, AS SOME MAY NOT PERTAIN TO YOUR AD,
OR SOME MAY BE REPETITIVE. DON'T MAKE LOTS OF WORK FOR YOURSELF.
Monday, April 13
Good Luck on your quizzes! It may say "Test' but no worries. Do your best,
take your time, download and save and email to me when complete.
Wednesday: Final wrap-up of 1984
Thursday/Friday: Film (If I can get 1984 we will see it...if not, we will
view "Marie Antoinette" in preparations for A Tale of Two Cities")
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Thursday, April 9th
There was much joy at the news of a changed quiz date. It is Monday, but
will count for 3rd quarter.
Today's class will have 3 "stations" to deal with-
1. Advertisement Project
2. Biopoem
3. Discussion
Please take part in all three. I will strictly observe.
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Wednesday, April 8th
Good Morning! On my website, you will find in the HANDOUTS section, 1984
Short Answer Writing Questions. I am giving them to you now so you can
prepare for tomorrow's quiz. The quiz will take place online in the
library. Most of you will utilize the computers in the middle of the
library, with overflow in the computer lab. I want you to copy and save the
document into a word file before working, and when you are finished, e-mail
your responses to me please. Do NOT email them in the email document, but as
an attachment. I will correct the docs and send back to you, as we are now
in a crunch as far as saving paper.
Those of you requiring accomodations; e.g.observing Passover may take the
quiz on monday.
This has been a difficult quarter for us all. I am proud of your work ethic
and your consistent desire to achieve, and it is an honor to work with all of
you.
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Tuesday, April 7th.
Yes, you all heard correctly, there is a test on thursday on 1984.....
BEFORE THE PANIC AND ANGER SET IT.....the word "test" is a strong word...as I
look at what I have created, it is more like a 30 question quiz....and here
is what is on it:
Multiple Choice questions that are mainly plot based
A few short answers that are plot based.
It is a total of 30 questions.
If you read the book as asked, you are prepared.
I understand that we all have Seders to attend, but the quarter ends
Thursday, and I need to have this grade in.
This was written to help you all. You will all be successful. Trust me!
This quarter has been long and arduous, and you have all made me proud.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
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Friday, April 3rd
MCAS has come and gone...I am sure that you all did a wonderful job. Now we
are ready to tackle 1984. You should all have finished reading it by now, so
it is time for discussion and some deep thinking. I am hoping to procure the
film, but cannot guarantee that will happen. In the meantime, please
consider the following for Monday's class:
1a. What is a hero? How do you define hero? (Please, leave out the concept
of Spiderman, etc. we all know that)
1b. In consideration of a hero and heroic actions, be prepared to discuss
Winston as an heroic figure. What qualities does he possess that could
define him as one?
2. The world in which Winston lives is replete with
contradictions...consider the tenets of the Part philosophies...What role do
these contradictions serve on a grand scale? Consider the importance of
Doublespeak.
3. From her first appearance as "the dark-=haired girl", Julia is a key
figure in 1984. Be prepared to discuss how she is influential in Winston's
life. Do you feel she has had a positive or negative impact on him? (Or
both...)
4. In the final analysis, how accurate was Orwell in his vision of the
future?
***********************************************************************
Thursday, March 19
As you read 1984, you will find that one concept can be difficult, that of
DOUBLESPEAK. There is an article in the HANDOUT section that may help you.
Pleas pring and MSQCV this article for our next class meeting. See you
Monday!
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Wednesday, March 18th
Great work over the past two days. Today you will be given a PowerPoint
Presentation regarding World Socioecnomic systems in final preparation for
1984.
We will read some in class, and for Monday I want you to read all of Part I.
Please answer the questions that can be found in the HANDOUT section of the
website. See you next week!
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Monday, March 16th
Finish your collages for class tomorrow
AND
1 page for either question
How does the government and the private sector infringe upon the rights and
freedoms of citizens?
OR
What are your greatest fears?
BY ALL MEANS, USE FIRST PERSON WHEN ANSWERING THESE!
Today we will take a break from MCAS in order for some class discussion and
creative design based on TWO separate questions concerning fears and freedoms.
More MCAS towards the end of the week.
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Tuesday, March 10th
AF Socratic Seminar will wrap up Tuesday.
Wednesday we begin MCAS Prep. Be ready to take a practice test this week!
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Tuesday, March 3rd
Well, we are further behind thanks to Mother Nature...such is life. I hope
you enjoyed your extra day-a three-day-weekend is always nice!
Character in a bag tomorrow and thursday, socratic seminar and writing
prompts to follow!
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009.
Well! The Pink Floyd Project is nearing completion! I am looking forward to
your presentations later today. We will compile a list of literary terms
that you have all used for a start to a class list.
********************
During the break, I want you all to read George Orwell's Animal Farm.
********THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH COPIES OF THE NOVEL...I HAVE LINKED THE
ENTIRE TEXT ONLINE IN MY "LINKS" SECTION. YO MAY WANT TO PURCHASE YOUR OWN
COPY)**************
It is short. There are handouts to use to aid in your reading, to include
chapter-by-chapter questions, a neat assignment that is reminiscent of your
very first assignment for me...("Me in a bag"...remember?)and some questions
for a socratic seminar.
Here is a breakdown (subject to change):
1. I will NOT be collecting the Chapter questions. They are for your use to
help in the reading and to understnad important concepts.
2. There will be a quiz on the entire novel on the day we return...Monday,
February 23rd. This is a Day 4. Be prepared.
3. The following day, Tuesday, February 24th, you will present
your "Character in a Bag". Presentations will be brief-3-5 minutes.
On Thursday, February 26th, and perhaps Friday, February 27th, we will have
a Socratic Seminar. Preview the Questions on the site. Remember-you must be
involved-Class Participation in these will be vital!
All Assignments are located in the Handout section of my site.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
History Writing Lab today-I will meet with many of you to see how your essays
are progressing.
I want you to look at the handout "15 thoughts..."
This can be a handy tool when making final touches (or ANYTIME, for that
matter).
Monday, February 2, 2009
Happy Groundhog Day!
For class tomorrow, I expect you to bring the following:
1. Your PEER-EDITED rough draft...the one with the comments on it.
2. Your Peer-Edit sheet that your editor filled out for you.
3. Your Self-Edit sheet that you did for yourselves.
For Tuesday's class, we will have a writing workshop, and on Wednesday, I
would like you to come in with final drafts.
Good Luck and Good Writing!
Tuesday (pm) Jan 27th.
Final essays are NOT due tomorrow. All I would expect is a rough draft.
Please don't overwork yourselves!
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
Welcome Back!
By now you should have completed your reading of the novel and all chapter
questions. We will spend the next few days discussing your reactions and try
to answer any questions you may have.
The important part to consider is the "Big Picture". What are we learning
through Sir William Golding's "adventure" story? What can we learn about
ourselves as a society and personally? The big questions are harder to
answer, but they are revealing and thought-provoking. Be prepared to discuss
and any all aspects. I will provide you with some specific questions so you
can prepare for Socratic Seminar!
***Questions are in the HANDOUT SECTION*** titled "Big ideas for discussion
LOTF
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Thursday, December 11th:
Here are a few dates to keep in mind:
Rough draft of manual due: Wednesday, Dec 10
Final Draft Due: Monday, Dec 15th
******LORD OF THE FLIES TEXT IS LINKED TO THIS SITE*******(SEE "LINKS" PAGE)
The following dates may require some flexibility...
We will start Lord of the Flies on Thursday, Dec 11th, with a reading of
Chapter 1 in class
CH 2: 12/16-WRITING ASSN #1: Single-page-assn in handout section
CH 3: 12/17
CH 4: 12/19
*******QUIZ: CH 1-4 12/19*****QUIZ WILL INCLUDE VOCABULARY AS WELL
CH 5-6: Mon 12/22
CHAPTER QUESTIONS ARE DUE THE DAY THAT THE READING IS DUE...Meaning that
Chapters 1 & 2 are due on the 16th.
QUESTIONS FOR THE ENTIRE NOVEL HAVE BEEN POSTED.
Tuesday, December 9th
One last day in the library (tomorrow) and we should be all set with the
rough drafts. You are on your own for the Final drafts though, so come with
questions and I will help you. I have seen some really great ideas over the
past few days!
Don't forget-look below to see the dates mapped out for Lord of the Flies!
Friday, December 5th
Our Survivor Manuals are progressing quite well. You all have some very
interesting ideas, and I can't wait to see how they all turn out!
Tuesday, Nov 25th
Well, The discussions went better than we could have planned. 2 days on 4
questions? Great talks! I must remind you that we all need to be a part of
these Socratic Seminars...you are graded on your participation. Nice work.
Tuesday and Wednesday will be dedicated to a short list of "Propmt
Questions"
and a quote that I am giving you that must be "MSQCV'd" for oour next
meeting
after Thanksgiving.
Have a wonderful Holiday!
Ok, the Perfect Album sides are done...time to officially finish up with
JC...On Thursday, we will meet in the Conference Room for discussion of the
4
questions that are posted below...
Friday, we will be in the Library Conference Room as well, having a
COMPLETELY different discussion based on a handout that you will receive and
ponder about and write about for about 20 minutes...this will lead us to a
special Mission for next Tuesday and Wednesday...BUSY!!!!
Welcome to Second Quarter!
Questions for Final JC Discussion:
1. Who is the hero of the story? Why?
2. Could the conspirators chosen a different man to lead? If so, whom
might
they have chosen?
3. Antony calls Brutus "the noblest Roman of them all." What does he mean
by this? What qualities or behavior make a person noble? Can this be
applied to Brutus, Cassius, and Caesar?
4. Although Caesar dies in Act III, his name still bears the title of the
play. With which of the following statements do you agree and why?
a. The title is appropriate, as Juius Caesar is the main character in
the play
b. The title is weak. A better title would be___________ (state
reason)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Act 3 Test today! Good Luck to you all!
Now that I have "seen" your rough drafts, you have a peer/self edit job
ahead
of you before turning in your final draft to me on Thursday. (Final Draft
is
a SECOND QUARTER grade)
Schedule for Julius Caesar is as follows:
(It is recommeded that you read sections before we read them in class, in
order for you to be familiar with the information and language)
Monday, October 27: Quick discussion about presentations-what have you
learned?
Begin Act I in class
HW: MSQVC Marullus' speech (See "MSQCV" in Handout Section)
Tuesday, Oct 28:
Finish Act I in class,
HW: Questions 1-2 on p67
Wednesday, Oct 29:
Read Act II in class.
HW: 1-page writing assignment:
Discuss the role of women as seen thus far in the play. Who is
important and why?
NO CLASS THURSDAY, OCT 30
Friday, October 31: (Happy Hallowe'en!)
QUIZ: ACTS I-II (There will be Vocab on this as well!!!)
HW: Questions 1-3 on page 121
Monday, November 3:
Read Act III in class
Tuesday, November 4th:********TRANSLATION WILL BE DONE IN CLASS-NOT FOR HW!
****
Translate funeral speeches
Theme Essay will be assigned:
1-2 pages MAXIMUM
Use Linear Outline format
Rough Draft Due Monday, November 10th for peer-edit/self-edit
Final Draft due Thursday, Nov 13 at the start of class.
THEMES TO CHOOSE FROM:
1. Heroes vs. Villains
2. Omens
3. Idealism
4. Identities, both Public and Private
5. Ambition and Conflict
6. Power of Speech
IF YOU HAVE ANOTHER IDEA, RUN IT BY ME AND WE WILL DISCUSS IT.
Wednesday: No Class
Thursday, November 6 and Friday, November 7th: View Film
Monday, November 10th:
Quiz on JC Act 3, vocab, similar format as first Quiz.
Thursday, October 23.
Turn in Final Drafts of TFA papers with Personal AND peer edit forms.
Begin Julius Caesar with the following:
1. Powerpoint-basic background
2. "When is When" in Shakespeare's telling
3. "Who is Who"?
4. Vocabulary. (See list in HANDOUT scetion of this site)
For Monday, October 27th:
Be ready for our short presentations:
"What makes JC relevant now?"
Have all vacabulary completed...expect a quiz.
Tuesday, October 21st.
Well, change is inevitable in our class, is it not?
Good editing work today-we will finish with some "personal" editing of our
own work.
Monday we will come back to Julius Caesar.
For Thursday, October 16th:
UGH! What a tough couple of days!
I put a new link in that gives the JC Summary. A lacking voice may force us
into the computer lab again today, in order to continue on with the
Quest...Friday will be the book-talk, before we forget what the book was
about!
For Wednesday, October 15th:
TFA Book Talk! (finally...)
Final Drafts of essays are due. This first MAJOR paper will be important
for
us all to see where the writing skills are...I have seen some good work so
far-keep it up!
It appears that our next read will in all probability be Julius Caesar...the
aren't enough copies of Tale of Two Cities to go around in the department
right now.
Thursday, October 2nd.
Working away on your essays...we are in the lab today...remember: Your
second drafts are due Tuesday and you should have the book completed.
Tuesday you will bring in your rough drafts along with your initial drafts-
the one that was already peer-edited. You will trade with a classmate and
for homework, peer-edit, making sure to look at initial edits. Have them
ready for Wednesday!
ALSO: For Tuesday you need to come in prepared for a "Book Talk". We will
discuss TFA in an overall manner, looking at the overall issues, themes,
etc. You must prepare by coming in with questions/comments/what have you,
MAKING SURE TO NOTE PAGES so we can follow along with you when you bring
them up. This is a class participation grade, and you will turn it in as
well.
Next Wednesday, (Oct 8) we will be in the English Dept. Writing Lab,
returning drafts and brief discussions with partners, then working on final
drafts, due Wednesday, October 15th. If for any reason you will be out
either day, you must make arrangements to get drafts back to partners, and
final drafts in to me!
Monday, Sept 29th.
Today we will peer edit your essays and look at a strong outline to
strengthen your efforts! Review Part 2 please. As we do not meet Tues/Wed
for the holidays, there is no homework. Thursday we will discuss papers,
review what we have read, etc. HW for next tuesday (October 7th) will be to
have the book completed, and for you to have an updated rough draft. Bring
your original as well...the one that was peer-edited!
Thursday, Sept 25.
I am sorry that I am not with you all today. Please do your best on the
writing assignment I have given. It will be VERY hard, but I have faith in
you all. Remember, you are Honors students for a reason.
Always give me your very best work...something you can be proud of and smile
when you hand it in to me.
Wednesday, Sept 24: You should be finished with Part 2 for our next class
meeting.
Today in class we did some reading and I have a few questions for you to
focus on as you FINISH part 2, each based on a specific chapter, denoted by
the number preceding the question:
14: "He had been cast out of his clan like a fish on to a dry, sandy beach,
panting. Clearly his personal god or chi was not pade for great things."
-importance of this quote?
-what is the attitude shown here by the "narrator"?
15: What lesson does Ochendu try to teach his family, using the tale of the
Mother Kite?
16: "All the gods you have are not gods at all. They are gods of deceit
who
tell you to kill your fellow and destroy innocent children."
-importance of this quote?
-what does this suggest abut the white man?
17. What is the significance of the location of the church that is to be
built? Why does the clan grant the request in the first place?
18. What role do 'outcasts' play in the church community?
19. What is the message of the speech delivered by the old member of the
clan at the feast?
You don't need to write these out to give to me, but be prepared to answer
in
class. It will count as a quiz grade, in whatever manifestation of delivery.
Tuesday, September 23rd:
Class Discussion: Part 1 of TFA
Writing Assignment:
At the beginning of the novel we are told that Okonkwo's "fame rested on
solid personal achievements" yet by the end of Part One he has been banished
from his community. What do you see as his strengths and weaknesses and how
do you explain his change in fortune?
Consider the clan...their societal ways...their long-held belief
systems...how can these affect Okonkwo? (or can they?)
1 pg DS/12pt font/due Wednesday September 24th.
Tomorrow in class we will read aloud and break at the end of chapters to
discuss questions.
ALSO: Go to LINKS on my home page...read the interview/article on Achebe.
Friday, Sept. 19th:
Discussion of Ch 1-7
Create Family Tree
Extract Essay:In Class-finish for HW
Find the passage that begins on pg 57: "the next day....and ends at p 61
with "He was afraid of being thought weak."
How does the writer create tension and convey sympathy for Ikemefuna in this
passage from the novel? Comment on the following:
-Preparations for the journey
-The way the beginning of the journey is described
-The way that Ikemefuna's feelings are presented to the reader
-The way that his death is described in the final paragraph
Use quotations to support your points. (one page, typed, D/S, 12pt. font)
Finish Part 1 for our next class. (pg 125)
Read Chapters 1-2 of "Things Fall Apart".
In Class-Writing Lab Work for Thursday
Chapter 1-2 questions for Things Fall Apart
1. Describe, as you imagine (and are told, minimally) the setting.
2. Describe briefly, Achebe�s style. Be sure to discuss his use of
imagery through utilization of metaphor/simile, and their effectiveness when
taken in conjunction with setting.
3. Discuss Okunkwo�his character, achievements, the effect of his
father, his great fear, etc.
Due Friday: Read up to (and including) Chapter 7. (pg 62)