Friday, September 30, 2005

Homework Assignments (as of Sept. 30, 2005)

DAILY ASSIGNMENTS

1. Study SAT Vocabulary Terms (Lists 1 and 2: ALIENATE-OBSEQUY); Students should review the following: a. word definitions b. related forms (family words) c. parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) d. synonyms and antonyms e. notes on how to distinguish the varied parts of speech In addition, students should prepare to work on additional in-class vocabulary assignments by reviewing words nightly. For quiz dates see calendar in class or upcoming dates post. To prepare for the in-class study and tests/quizzes, students are encouraged to create 3x5 study cards. STANDARD [EV1]

2. Students should conduct a nightly/daily review of the literary elements for prose literature. For a complete list of terms, students may look on the back of the 1st Quarter Pacing Guide (Notebook Item# 3). Students will be expected to adequate mastery and knowledge of ALL terms. They should employ the same study method that is suggested for the SAT terms. SUPRISE QUIZ IS FORTHCOMING!!! STANDARD [ER2]

3. Students should begin studying for their 1st 9weeks exam. This test will be a comprehensive test that will cover the following: 1.) SAT Vocabulary (Lists 1 and 2), definitions, synonyms/antonyms, related forms, and context clues; 2.) Literary Elements; 3.) Inferencing and Main Idea Identification; 4.) Proofreading. PLEASE STUDY...this test could be difficult if you do not prepare for it. STANDARDS [ER2], [EV1]

ASSIGNMENTS DUE NEXT MEETING

4. Define the SAT 2.4 vocabulary terms. Identify the related forms, parts of speech, synonyms and antonyms for the words in the group. STANDARD [EV1]

5. Complete the Paedeia Discussion Questions for "The Scarlet Ibis" (p. 257 in textbook). This assignment must be typed. INCLUDE THE HONOR CODE ON YOUR WORK. Students should use the following guide sheet:

Literary Paedeia Discussion: The Scarlet Ibis
Pre-AP English I

Task: Using only their knowledge of literary elements, and the story The Scarlet Ibis students will assemble in a circle and discuss the following discussion questions. During the discussion, students are expected to respond aloud to all each question and write individual responses on a sheet of paper. DO NOT WRITE RESPONSES ON THIS SHEET OF PAPER. (NOTE: a considerable point deduction will take place if this occurs.) Also, each response (objective or subjective) must be supported with textual information. Page numbers are required. Any response presented without a page number will be disregarded. During the discussion, the instructor will moderate, observe, and chime in occasionally.

Objective: Students should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of literary elements, and their ability to produce objective (factual or provable) responses and subjective (opinionated) responses. They will also be evaluated on their ability to make inferences and identify the main idea of specific passages, as well as their ability to participate in a group discussion.

Standards: ESL 1, 2, 3/ER 2

Materials: Discussion questions, textbook copy of The Scarlet Ibis, notebook paper, and literary discussion aids (i.e. handouts, notes, annotations, etc.), and pen/pencil.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Point of view is always an important element in prose fiction. What role does point of view play in this story? Could a different point of view have affected the way in which the reader understood the plot? Discuss specific possible alternatives.

2. The narration device known as flashback is often used in literature. What overall significance can be given to the use of the extended flashback as a means of narration for The Scarlet Ibis? Explain in a SUBJECTIVE response.

3. Through intelligent SUBJECTIVE reasoning, make specific inferences regarding the principle (i.e. protagonist and antagonist…the narrator/Brother, Doodle, Aunt Nicey, etc.) characters in the story. Discuss their motivations, intentions, and possible faults. Be specific…support with text based information. After addressing this question, subjectively and objectively discuss what these characters have in common. Do these characters have anything in common?

4. Conflict is an essential element in this story. First begin with a discussion of its importance to the story, and then provide evidence of the significance of conflict in the story. Relate the conflicts to the characters in the story. Remember: include page reference.

5. Symbolism is an important literary element for many reasons. In this story it is pervasive. How many symbols can you find in the story? What are they and what do they symbolize/represent? How does symbolism affect the plot of the story? Provide both OBJECTIVE and SUBJECTIVE comments.

6. What is the relationship between the ibis and what happens to Doodle? Please provide a detailed and specific commentary.

8 Discuss Hurst’s use of imagery. Address specific passages that indicate the use of imagery. Answer the following questions: What is the significance of the imagery? What impact does the imagery have on the reader? Could the story have been effective without the use of imagery? NOTE: YOU MUST INCLUDE SPECIFIC PASSAGES…BE READY TO RESPOND WHEN CALLED TO ANSWER.

9. Main idea is defined as the author’s reason or purpose for writing the literary work. What is Hurst’s reason or purpose for writing The Scarlet Ibis? You MUST be able to answer this question. This question will produce both objective and subjective responses, so more importantly; you must be able to SUPPORT it with textually based information. You must be able to pull specific passages from the story (with page numbers) to offer as evidence. This is a highly important question…mastery is essential to OUR DISCUSSION.

10. Theme is often defined as the moral lesson that is presented within the plot of the story. It can often have an inspirational or educational value that transcends the page. What is the overall theme of this story? What lesson, if any, might Hurst be attempting to teach?

No comments: