Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Carson reading

For Sept. 29, typed, double-spaced, printed out:

Read the additional material from Rachel Carson.

1. Note her metaphors, similes, and choice of adjectives. What words and phrases especially stand out? Why does she use these particular words and phrases? How would you describe her tone?

2. How does Chapter 2 differ from Chapter 1 (which is in your book)? Although I gave you only a portion of Chapter 3, how does it appear to differ in content from the previous chapters?

3. What does Carson mean by "the obligation to endure"?

4. What obligations do you have?

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Formatting

Unless I say otherwise, documents are to be double-spaced and typed in a 12 pt., serif font.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Reading and writing for Monday

The reading:

In your English books, read the essay by Sophronia Liu, "So Tsi-Fai" (pp. 43-46). Notice her techniques for writing about the person she is "profiling."


The writing:


Begin with your draft profile from today's class. If you typed it, print it out. Revise it, keeping in mind (and even rereading) the essay we read in class today. Use concrete images; be observant (even though it may be in retrospect). The new version—along with the draft—is due next Monday. Length: 350-600 words. I do not want anything longer.


See me or e-mail me if you have any questions.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

For September 12: reading and writing



Read twice and annotate Sandra Cisneros’s "Only Daughter," then answer the following questions about it. Please type your answers and double-space the print.

1. What similarities do you see between Cisneros’s father and Alvarez’s father (from the previous reading)?

2. Write one sentence that describes or paraphrases what Cisneros comes to understand about her father, and then quote her insight directly from the essay. Does the insight come as a surprise, or does Cisneros build up to the insight and prepare the reader for it? 

3. Select an image from the essay that stands out to you. Why does this image stand out? What effect does it have on the story Cisneros is telling? 

4. Write a paragraph (several sentences) that describes, like "Only Daughter," what you want out of life and what your parents want for you. Are they the same? Different? How did they come to be that way? How do you feel about those similarities or differences?

Monday, September 8, 2014

Assignment for Wed., Sept. 10

We didn't talk today specifically about the "climax" of a story, the point at which the conflict peaks and possibly is resolved. Still, that's an area I want you to consider in the next essay, and we'll look at the "narrative structure" of all of the essays you read next time.

In your red and white MPH English 9 anthology, read twice and annotate Julia Alvarez's "I Want to Be Miss America." In addition, answer the following questions about Alvarez's essay: 

1. Why does Alvarez want to be Miss America? Be sure to provide evidence from the text to support your answer. 

2. Does this essay have a climax? If so, what is it? 

3. What conflict does the climax emerge from? If not, does this essay need a climax? Why or why not? 

4. Alvarez is very candid and honest about some personal matters. Do her openness and honesty help her essay? Could she still make her point without being so open and honest?

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Reading and writing for next Monday

Thanks for the good discussion today. Next time, we'll talk (much) more about the Langston Hughes piece. Also for next time:

Read and annotate Michael Patrick MacDonald's piece "Returning to Southie" (pp. 47-51). To the best of your ability, type up answers to these questions:

1. What is the event or experience that MacDonald is writing about? Why is he writing about it? What is his insight about that event or experience? (That is, what does he realize?)

2. What is the conflict that drives MacDonald's story?  Where does MacDonald's insight or realization occur in the essay? Is that the best place for the insight? Why or Why not? 

Please write in complete sentences.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

The calendar

The calendar is now visible. In case you had tried earlier and been unable to access it, please know that it wasn't your fault. I hadn't "shared" the document. (There's always one more step, isn't there?)