Homework Assignments (as of April 10 [A] and April 11 [B])

DAILY ASSIGNMENTS

1. Study SAT Vocabulary Terms (List 7). Students should review the following:
a. word definitions
b. part(s) of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs)
c. related forms (family words)
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 test/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 POETRY. 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. STANDARD [ER2]

3. Bring Textbook to class...just because we don't use it, doesn't mean you may not need it!!!!

4. Start (or continue) rehearsing your poem for next week's recitation.

5. Refresh knowledge of the Literary Analysis Essay format. READ YOUR MATERIAL...

TONIGHT'S ASSIGNMENTS

1. Prepare for the 'The Idea of Ancestry' 50 point Discussion Seminar. You can do so be accomplishing the following:

a. re-read the poem
b. familiarize yourself with your explications
c. refresh knowledge of poetic devices and styles
d. write comments for the following discussion questions:

Discussion Questions for Etheridge Knight’s “The Idea of Ancestry”

Task: The following questions will be used during the Poetry Discussion Seminar. Please write/prepare a clear, detailed and supported response.

Standard: ER2, ESL 3, EW1-3

1) Where is the speaker of this poem and how does his location shape his story?

2) What is the mood of the poem?

3) What is the meaning of the second stanza?

4) What does the speaker imply in the third stanza when he states, “There is no place in her bible for ‘whereabouts unknown?’

5) What is the overall theme of “The Idea of Ancestry?”

6) What does Knight mean when he talks about having almost kicked his habit? What is his habit?

7) How does the poem end? What does this ending mean for the speaker’s own descendants?

8) How does Knight use rhyme in his poem?

9) How does Knight use repetition in his poem?

10) Can you identify the persona Knight uses in his work? How is this narrative voice and the persona that he uses enhance the poem’s meaning?

11) Knight often uses images of remembrance in his poetry. How does he portray the experience of childhood? Of growing up? What does his poem say about the importance of respect in children?

12) How does Knight use slang and vernacular language in his poetry? The poem addresses the dignity that comes with family ancestry. Can you explain the effect of language in the poem?

13) How does the effect of reading “The Idea of Ancestry” silently differ from that of a spoken reading?

NOTE: There will be more discussion questions on the day of the seminar.

I EXPECT ALL STUDENTS TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PREPARE FOR THIS DISCUSSION SEMINAR.

I WILL NOT EXTEND ANY LATITUDE OR LENIENCY IN THE GRADING/EVALUATION PROCESS.