work for week of 5/17

We are continuing to read our independent reading books. You should have read 150 pages by this Friday. This book is due next Friday, May 28.

Memoir journals are due on block day, 5/19 and 5/20.(See below for journal prompts, in case you were absent.)

The rough draft of your memoir is due next block day, 5/26 and 5/27.

memoir journals

Journal #1:
Draw a floor plan of your home when you were 9-12 years old. If you lived in more than one place, choose one place. Within each room, jot down notes of a memory from each room. (You can exclude the bathroom, unless there was a significant moment there for you.)

Then, pick one memory from one room. It can be either a positive or negative memory. Describe what happened with small details. Try to include details you can see, hear, taste or touch. Also, include the feelings you had about this moment while it was happening. After you write what happened, include a sentence or two about how you feel about the event now. You may start this sentence with a phrase like "Looking back..." or "Even though I didn't know it at the time, I now understand..."

Journal #2
Choose an object which has some memory or significance for you. Describe the object, using small details, so we can see, hear and feel it clearly. Then, describe a moment which shows why this object is so important to you.

Journal #3
Pick a place that has some significance to you or where you remember something happening. Describe that place so that we can see it, what it looks like, what sounds you hear, or even what smells you associate with it. Then, describe a memory that shows why that place is so special to you.

Journal #4
Write a six word memoir which captures an important moment in your life. You can download the six word document on the blog for some of the examples I read in class.

Checklist for persuasive letter

Here are some things to consider as you polish your work:

Do you have five paragraphs?

Is there an introduction which clearly states what you are asking to change?

Do you have facts, data and quotes in at least two paragraphs?

Do you have details to support each of your supporting arguments?

Is each paragraph well developed? (At least 5 sentences per paragraph)?

Do you have proper format for a business letter, including header and closing?

Are your facts cited? Is your work cited page at the bottom of the letter?

Did you proofread for spelling and punctuation?

persuasive letters due this week!

You should continue to read your independent books this week. Remember the expectation is 75 pages per week.

In addition, the persuasive letters are due. Please see specifics below:

Rough draft for periods 2 and 5: Tuesday, April 13
Rough draft for period 1: Block day, April 14

Final draft with Works cited (all periods): Friday, April 16

See samples, outlines and instructions under "Helpful Documents". If you have specific questions, please see me.

Persuasive letter and independent reading journals

Please save this document as your last name and plp. Ex: malpassplp
Also, please write all your journals in one document.
Last, save this in your journal folder in your English folder on your desktop.

Journal #1:

What topic have you chosen for your persuasive letter project. If you were to write a thesis for your topic, what might it be? Example: I believe implementing a pay to play model for high school sports would exclude deserving athletes.
Why did you choose this topic?
To whom do you plan to write your letter? Why?

What do you already know about this topic? This can be a brainstormed list which includes any facts or data that may be helpful in persuading someone.

Last, do you have any anecdotes or personal experience which may help you persuade someone? Please write this experience below.

work for week of 3/15

We are beginning an independent book unit this week. You should select a book which both challenges you and one you can enjoy. This book should be completed by Monday, April 5th.

Expectations: You should read at least 15 pages each night. In order to meet the standard on this unit, you must complete a 200 page book of either fiction or nonfiction.

In addition, we are studying SAT vocabulary this month. Please download the SAT words and begin studying them. We'll have a quiz on the first twenty words next Tuesday, March 23rd.

I'll post more on our persuasive letter project midweek.

Before you pass in your essay...

Here is a list of things to do before passing in your essay:
1. Delete all the scaffolds in the essay so it is just your work. Each paragraph should look like a paragraph.

2. Make sure you have 5 paragraphs, 3 fully developed body paras with quotes, and an intro and conclusion.

3. MLA format and header is in place.

4. Copy rubric and attach it to the end of your essay.

5. Save your essay as lastnamelofessay.

6. Put in workspaces under your period or print out and pass into inbox.