English 9HP

Using the three examples you read and notated on Friday, we discussed elements of persuasive writing. Then we learned ways of addressing and refuting counterarguments in our essays.

Homework:
Fill out the following sections of your essay planner (the 3-part introduction and the claim sections, along with relevant concessions / counterarguments and your refutation of these counterarguments).
Read your independent book (due April 20).

English 10HP

We debriefed regarding Friday's assignment. Then we read, interpreted, and discussed Act II, scene i, focusing on the motif of sleeplessness, dreams-versus-reality, and Macbeth's character (a killer with a conscience).

Homework:
Read your independent books (due April 20).

Today's Agenda

English 10HP: You watched the remainder of Act I and wrote a response on the Polanski film.

English 9HP: You read, highlighted, and notated three examples of persuasive writing. Then you wrote an exploratory essay, defining persuasive writing.

Homework: Read your independent book(s).

English 9HP

You worked in groups to evaluate and revise your thesis statements and claims. Then we read about supporting your claims with evidence.

Homework:
Decide what type of evidence you should use to support each of your claims (due tomorrow).
Read your independent book (due April 20).

English 10HP

We finished reading and discussing Act I of Macbeth. We will view Polanski's movie version of the play tomorrow.

Homework:
Read your independent books (due April 20). If you haven't told me your chosen author, please do so no later than Monday!
Also, if you still haven't uploaded your memoir to www.turnitin.com, I need you do this so that I can give you credit.

English 9HP

You exchanged introductions with a partner and labeled all three parts, noting what was missing. In addition, you helped me create claims for my thesis statements from yesterday. Finally, you created two to three claims for your thesis.

Homework:
Finish creating your claims (due tomorrow).
Read your independent book (due April 20).

English 10HP

We read, interpreted, and discussed Act I, scenes iv and v of Macbeth. We analyzed several characters: Duncan, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth.

Homework:
Bring your last impromptu essay (your persuasive essay with the example from Black Boy) to class with you tomorrow.
Read your independent books (due April 20).

English 9HP

We reviewed the thesis-opinion continuum, and we used this framework to evaluate several thesis statements on two different persuasive topics. Then I introduced a 3-part introduction to use with persuasive essay. You wrote a 3-part introduction for your topic, including a hook, a word that signals change, and an affirming transition followed by a high-interest thesis statement.

Homework:
Finish writing your 3-part introduction (due tomorrow).
Read your independent book (due April 20).

English 10HP

We viewed three versions of Act I, scene iii. We discussed the similarities and differences in each director's interpretation.

Homework:
Read your independent books (due April 20).

English 9HP

I offered another writing invitation: concerns. You created another R.A.F.T. for one of your concerns and wrote for about 15 minutes.

Homework:
Read your independent book (due April 20).

English 10HP

We read, interpreted, and discussed Act I, scene iii of Macbeth (Macbeth's first encounter with the witches). We saw more of the play's theme: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." Among other things, we noted the witches' new prophecies, the paradoxes, and the clothes motif.

Homework:
Read your independent books by your chosen author (due April 20).

English 9HP

I presented my "gripe list" about LA. You created your own gripe lists about Samohi. Using a technique called R.A.F.T., you planned and began writing a piece on one of your gripes.

Homework:
Finish your "gripe" piece.
Read your independent book (due April 20).

English 10HP

We read, interpreted, and discussed Act I, scene ii of Macbeth. We focused on the development of two main characters: Duncan and Macbeth. In addition, we discussed the foreshadowing in this scene and the significance of Macbeth's new title. Indeed, the witches' prophecy has come true!

Homework:
Read your independent reading books (500 pages by a single author due April 20).

English 9HP

I began our Persuasive Writing Unit by introducing Aristotle's Three Mode of Appeals (logos, pathos and ethos). I presented several scenarios, and you determined whether the "persuader" in each case was using logos, pathos, or ethos.

Homework:
Read your independent book (due April 20).

English 10HP

You chose "fortunes," and we discussed what you were willing to do to ensure it came true. I told you that Macbeth explores the idea of whether "the end justifies the means." We read and discussed Act I, scene i of the play, focusing on the paradox and thesis of the play: "Fair is foul and foul is fair."

Homework:
Bring your Black Boy books to class tomorrow.
Read 500 pages of a single author (due April 20) for your Literary Research Paper.

English 9HP

You returned your two core books to the textbook office. Then, in the library, Ms. Bart-Bell presented some non-fiction choices for your next independent book. Since our next unit is persuasion, all books have a persuasive element. Your culminating project will involve "selling" your book, using persuasive techniques. Consider: why is your book a must-read?

Independent Reading Deadline: April 20

English 10HP

I introduced your Literary Research Paper:

LITERARY RESEARCH PAPER

Your assignment is to read 500 pages of a single author and write a research paper on that writer. This is distinct from a literary analysis essay, where you analyze literature; rather, your essay will focus on analyzing the writer (i.e., how some aspect of the writer’s life affects his/her writing - a recurring theme in his/her work or his/her style).

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS:
• Amy Tan portrayed the conundrum of her life through themes related to mother-daughter relationships and family history.

• The psychological sickness expressed in Plath’s writing mimics her own struggle to find her identity in society.

This essay is also distinct from a literary analysis essay because it involves research.

YOUR RESEARCH MUST INCLUDE:

1.) 500 pages of the author’s writing (a minimum of two books)
2.) Biographical information on the author
3.) Literary criticism (a minimum of two sources)

Homework:
Decide on your author and let me know this week.

English 9HP

We completed our second round of Romeo and Juliet movie concept presentations. I was impressed!

You have no homework this weekend; it's a well-deserved break.

English 10HP

To relieve any test anxiety, we prepared a bit for the CAHSEE by reading excerpts and answering multiple choice questions from a released practice test.

Homework:
Your polished memoir is due on Monday! Don't forget to bring all previous drafts and conference forms.

English 9HP

The first groups presented today. Fabulous job!

English 10HP

We discussed the importance of titles. I gave you a few ideas for inspiration, and you created a title for your memoir. In addition, after showing the class a few great examples of the 3-part introduction and 4-part body paragraph, I passed back your impromptu persuasive essays.

Homework:
Your revised and polished memoir is due on Monday!

English 9HP

You practiced your presentations and made finishing touches to your movie concept pitch!

Presentation Days: March 12 and 13!

English 10HP

After I modeled a writing conference with Neil, you conferred with two of your peers.

Homework:
Using feedback from your peers, revise and submit your polished memoir on Monday! Please note the process portion of the rubric; you'll need to submit all drafts and conference forms on Monday, too.

English 9HP

In groups, you planned Romeo and Juliet movie concept presentations.

Presentation Days: March 12 and 13

English 10HP

We identified imagery in a children's story called "Owl Moon"; using a sensory word bank, you incorporated words that appeal to the five senses into your memoir. Finally, I showed you several ways to end a story, including the "loop ending."

Homework:
Bring a complete rough draft of your memoir to class tomorrow.

English 9HP

After we updated grade sheets, I informed groups of their presentation days and "movie producers." Then you worked on your Romeo and Juliet projects for the remainder of the period.

Homework:
Work on your project/presentation (presentation days: March 12 and 13).

English 10HP

After updating grade sheets, we shared before and after "showing versus telling" revisions from last week. I explained how sometimes it is actually better to tell, not show (the key is balance); then we identified examples of these "thoughtshots" in a piece of writing. We read excerpts from Natalie Goldberg's book Writing Down the Bones. She stressed the importance of using realistic, original detail in your writing. Finally, you looked for places to add both thoughtshots and fresh detail to your memoir.

Homework:
A complete draft of your memoir is due Wednesday!

English 9HP

I gave you a sample presentation outline. You worked on your Romeo and Juliet group projects.

Homework:
*Bring a complete draft of your movie concept and all of the work you've completed thus far to class on Monday!
*Presentation Days: March 12 and 13

English 10HP

We defined and discussed characteristics of memoir, using evidence from the four examples you read yesterday. Then you selected one of your pieces to revise for your polished memoir.

Homework:
A complete rough draft of your memoir is due Wednesday, March 11.

English 9HP

You worked on your Romeo and Juliet movie concept group projects.

Presentations Days: March 12 and 13

English 10HP

You read, highlighted, and notated four examples of memoir. You wrote a 2-3 page exploratory essay, attempting to define memoir.

Homework:
Finish your essay.
Read the article on memoir.

English 10HP

Today's lesson regarded showing, not telling. You identified three places in one piece of your writing where you "tell," where you could "show." We discussed dialogue in great detail, and you revised the three parts of your piece to "show."

English 9HP

You continued working on your Romeo and Juliet movie concepts. Then, you divvied up tasks.

Presentations: March 12 and 13

English 9HP

You worked on your Romeo and Juliet projects and submitted a draft of your concept at the end of the period.

Presentation Days: March 12 and 13

English 10HP

I told you a brief story and you asked me questions; I turned your questions into leads. Then you told your own stories in small groups. I presented on leads, and using my examples, you identified types of leads. Finally, using the questions your group members asked you, you created leads of your own.

Homework: Pick one of your leads and finish writing the remainder of your story (due tomorrow).

English 9HP

I introduced the much-anticipated Romeo and Juliet movie concept project (see below). We discussed one student example and you selected groups for the project. After exchanging contact information, you decided on a movie concept.

Romeo & Juliet: A New Movie Version

Your assignment is to think of a new way of presenting Romeo & Juliet to a movie audience. This new interpretation is your group’s “concept.” The concept could involve anything from changing the setting to rewriting the dialogue in current slang. Use your imagination! Prepare a proposal describing your concept. Include the following:

• Concept
Explain the uniqueness of the production. What makes it different from any other production of the play? In what ways is it similar to the play? Your concept should follow the intention of the original story (the characters, tragedy, fate, the light motif, irony, etc.). Tell how you will interpret / adapt each major scene (the opening scene, the party, the balcony scene, the marriage, the fight scene, Romeo’s banishment, the arranged marriage to Paris, the potion plan and its subsequent failure, the suicides, and the families’ reconciliation). Think about how the Baz Luhrmann version interprets each major scene and maintains the integrity of Shakespeare’s work.

• Script for Key Scene
Rewrite a key scene in Romeo & Juliet to fit your concept. Use a standard script format and don’t forget to include the stage direction.

• Casting
Cast all the major parts in the play with actors you know from stage, television, and movies. Give good reasons for each of your choices. Explain how your choices fit the concept, Shakespeare’s characterization of the major players, and the meaning of each character’s name.

• Scenery
Think about how you want the finished scenery or the production to look. Prepare a detailed description and a drawing, painting, diagram, or three-dimensional model of your key scene.

• Costume
Given your concept, show how each major character will be dressed. Draw sketches, make paper dolls, or use some other creative means.

• Soundtrack
Choose music for your movie. Make a list of the pieces and songs and write a brief description. Explain how each song “fits” each particular scene and your overall concept.

• Publicity
Design a movie poster and “logo” for your new movie which speaks to the concept in a nonverbal / symbolic way. Write a brief description of how you will advertise your movie in the media. If you like, you may create a trailer and / or other promotional items (buttons, CDs, etc.). Just be sure to prepare enough for each producer and me.


You will “sell” your concept to a panel of movie producers (i.e., people with money). This panel will be made up of teachers, advisors, and administrators. They will be looking for the uniqueness of your concept, the overall quality of your proposal, and the overall quality of your presentation. Each presentation will be no longer than 15 minutes, so preparation and practice are important.

Presentation Days: March 12 and 13

English 10HP

We shared our life map stories with a partner. Then we discussed ways writers play with time, specifically how they slow time. We read examples of this technique and you selected one moment to "explode."