Surveys, Get Your Surveys!
* Open
* Party Goodness
* Surveys: Please take these surveys to help me and my deans judge, encourage, and improve my teaching.
* Class Discussion: Identity
● Do you think that the culture you have grown up in has sent you confusing signals
concerning your identity and direction? Explain.
● Anthony Esolen, as he concludes, says this: “[Children] need millstones to be in mills where they belong.” What is this alluding to from the Bible? Why is that allusion appropriate for his essay subject?
● Matthewes-Green tells us the main argument that people use in support of a gay identity. What is it? She then tells us what argument many conservatives use against a gay identity? What is that? Why does she say that both are “red herrings” (arguments that mislead or distract from a relevant or important issue)? What should we be asking instead?
● After having read these articles and considered a bit, is your understanding of identity better informed? Or do you just feel more confused? Explain.
● What does the Bible imply or directly state concerning identity to those who listen to and love God? To those who do not? Consider characters, teachings, and promises.
* STAR Test (Language Only)
HW:
- Review for the Exam
- Please Log Into Naviance to Take a Survey to Encourage and Improve Student Services.
You May Turn Your Paper Essay in On Friday
Hi,
I had a couple of requests from those who were at the awards night to allow a Friday turn-in. That is fine. So I extended that to all students in period 4-7 to be fair. You may turn in your paper on Friday, regardless of your class period.
All the best,
Mr. S
I had a couple of requests from those who were at the awards night to allow a Friday turn-in. That is fine. So I extended that to all students in period 4-7 to be fair. You may turn in your paper on Friday, regardless of your class period.
All the best,
Mr. S
FYI
STAR Test
- We'll take the test on our party day. Beat Mr. S for extra credit.
- Print Your Essay For Block Day
- Turnitin.com is online and ready to take your electronic copy
- Signup and Bring Food, Drinks, or Basics (see the signup sheets in the post below)
Monday--Wednesday
* Open
- Let's have final class party on block day
- Senior Project Essay Rubric
- Odds and End from Matthewes-Green
- Per. 3 begins after careerism
- Read the three essays by block day for discussion.
HW: Essay Work
Chicks Ahoy!
Here we have two Ameraucanas (they lay the blue or green eggs), one Rhode Island Red, and one Barred Rock. Did you know that mason jars screw into most generic food and water feeders? I just learned that.
Out of My Class
Remember that early out of class opportunity to hear Dale Ahlquist speak? Well, he's just published a new book. Here is a link to a short interview in a Catholic magazine (America). Enjoy!
Here is a link to the book.
I hope you all grow up to read lots of G. K. Chesteron.
Here is a link to the book.
I hope you all grow up to read lots of G. K. Chesteron.
Block Day
* Open
* Rough Draftiness
* Essay #1: Mattewes-Green
HW: Work On your FD, Due Next Block Day (We will introduce essay #2 on Mon. or Tue.)
What's Your View on Racism?
If you have time, please help bolster David Siemsen's sample set for his research survey:
Tuesday-Wed., 5/10-11/16: Post-AP-Ocalypitic Reading
* Open
* Senior Project
*First Post-AP-ocalyptic Quo Vadis Assignment: Frederica Mattewes-Green
HW:
- Due Block Day
- Senior Project Essay
- Reading and Discussion Preparation: Article #1: Frederica Mattewes-Green
Monday, 5/9
* Open
* AP: Don't forget your Out of Class Experience
HW: Senior Project Essay
* AP: Don't forget your Out of Class Experience
- Due Block Day, printed on paper or handwritten (see the right side of the blog under assignments for the instructions)
- Idea: Serve somewhere this week in a way directly related to your senior project.
HW: Senior Project Essay
Block Day: AP
* Open
- Selected Writers for the Poetry Santa Cruz Anthology: Kim, Domenica, and Shelby
- Did you mow down the AP exam...or were you mowed down by Marvell?
Final Exam Review
Essay: Senior Project Essay
- If you opt out of the final exam (due to AP Test and/or grades), this will be your entire final exam score.
M.C.: For those who must (or wish to) take the full exam
- Understanding Literature (study notes, terms, and consider them in the context of the poetry and stories you read)
- Perrine's Poetry Ch. 1-12
- Perrine's Story Ch. 2-4
- Major Works (study the work and your note cards)
- Pride and Prejudice (and note card)
- The Importance of Being Earnest (and guide)
Good News (for a few): "The second semester final exam (S2 exam) is optional for all AP English Literature students who receive an A or B for all of the following: S1 exam, quarter 3 grade, and midterm 4 grade. Students must print these three grades and bring them to class during the last midterm to be approved for S2 exam exemption."
Dual Credit Students: Your West Hills Grade is an Average Between S1 and S2.
_________________________________
Work on your Senior Project
- Yours only has to be 3-7 pages (they did not have to do an annotated bibliography last year).
- Essay RD, 50 HW points: May 12-13
- Essay FD, 100 Essay points (Final Exam Score): May 19-20
Block: English IV
* Open
* Perrine’s Chapter 11: Musical Devices pp. 899 ff.
* HW: Senior Project
* Perrine’s Chapter 11: Musical Devices pp. 899 ff.
- Notes
* HW: Senior Project
Poets in the Poetry Santa Cruz Anthology, 2016
Vile Tree
You are your Vile Tree.
Walking a little too tall, too straight
yet sedentary.
You water it- habitually, constantly,
quenching thirst.
Nurtured by the most caring of hands,
yours.
Roots digging deeper with every thought
of its beauty, this Vile Tree.
Head held too high. Reaching its limbs
above our heads, missing the Heavens.
Rough edges built up,
more and more layers with each year,
smother the once selfless sprout.
Infinitely, more engrained in you
Your Vile Tree becomes.
-- Kimberly Sabsay
__________________________________
Miscarriage.
I smiled,
for the man I loved
had given me a plant.
It grew for two months in secret,
but something happened,
unplanned.
I had a dream,
a nightmare of sorts,
that the plant got no sun.
And therefore,
the secret two month life
of my plant was done.
I screamed aloud,
because this plant
had really grown on me.
It was a surprise,
yes of course.
But it made me happy.
The screams awoke me,
and I looked down,
but I did not cry at the blood.
God had told me already,
and I am telling you.
The life of my plant was done.
-- Domenica Adamson
__________________________________
had given me a plant.
It grew for two months in secret,
but something happened,
unplanned.
I had a dream,
a nightmare of sorts,
that the plant got no sun.
And therefore,
the secret two month life
of my plant was done.
I screamed aloud,
because this plant
had really grown on me.
It was a surprise,
yes of course.
But it made me happy.
The screams awoke me,
and I looked down,
but I did not cry at the blood.
God had told me already,
and I am telling you.
The life of my plant was done.
-- Domenica Adamson
__________________________________
The Silent War
He left red scars
on my skin.
His words, smeared like blood,
across my soul.
The knives he left in my back,
he continued to twist.
This silent war raged on.
I hid my pain
beneath baggy sweaters
and processed beauty.
Clinging to the life I had left,
I watched as the rest crumbled
under his weight.
His army grew, mine dwindled.
Casualties from these battles
took their place
under six feet of dirt.
Whether by rope or razor,
he beat them down until
only brokenness remained.
Even the strongest soldiers feared him.
I trudged on
in this endless war;
a pointless effort it seemed.
But at last my tour was over.
I still have my battles to fight…
they come few and far in between,
but still he keeps his grip on me.-- Shelby Baronia
Congratulations, ladies!
Wednesday, AP Tests, Work On Your Essay
* Open
* English IV and Non-AP Test Takers: Senior Project
- Work on your Senior Project
- Yours only has to be 3-7 pages (they did not have to do an annotated bibliography last year).
- Essay RD, 50 HW points: May 12-13
- Essay FD, 100 Essay points (Final Essay): May 19-20
HW: Work on Your Senior Project
- English IV: 2+ pages by block day
Tuesday, May 3
* Open
* AP: Review for the Exam
* English 4
HW:
* AP: Review for the Exam
- Key Terms
- Sample Prompts and Essays
- It's not enough to identify the term and quote. You must tie that term (English sonnet, eerie tone, etc.) back to a central meaning or theme.
- For passage prompts, you must quote liberally (many short quotations).
- Study Cards
- AP M.C. Passages (from a test you've taken or the one you haven't)
- Review Bedford possessive apostrophes and parts of speech.
* English 4
- Write 1/2 or more page (you will be at 1.5 page or more for tomorrow)
HW:
- AP Study...and REST!
- English 4: Write
Week 38: Monday, 5/2/16
* Open
* AP: This is your last chance to beat your current essay score
* Regular English 4: Senior Project Essay Work
Homework:
AP
English 4
- Dear students: I need to stay home to help my wife who is sick. AP will be writing an in-class essay, and English IV will be working on the senior project essay.
* AP: This is your last chance to beat your current essay score
- You will be responding to Passage 2 (the prose passage) of the green packet. Assume the student notes in your packet are incorrect. If you see any, ignore them.
- Write in pen.
- You have the entire period.
- Place the essay in the top of the silver tray if you think it may beat the essay score currently in Focus. Place the green sheets in the bottom silver tray.
- You may NOT use any notes or electronic devices. You may use the paper dictionary only.
- I will check the weekend homework (M.C. test and paper cards) when I return. I will also return any essays from last week then (I expect to return tomorrow).
* Regular English 4: Senior Project Essay Work
- You need to show me at least one page of your rough draft tomorrow.
Homework:
AP
- Study for the AP Exam (literary terms, prompts AND sample essays, note cards, AP Review Page)
- Get good rest tonight and tomorrow night
- Plan on layers of clothing (room usually starts cold at 8:00 am...then warms up) for your test on Wednesday
- Get your pens, pencils, erasers, water, and snacks ready
English 4
- Rough Draft: AT LEAST one page due tomorrow
Periods 1 and 3 Only
Here are the prompts from the green-sheet I gave you for your poetry essay:
Here are the sample student essays for your prompt (and the two others). Look them over:
Periods 6 and 7 Only
Here are the prompts from the green-sheet I gave you for your poetry essay:
Here are the sample student essays for your prompt (and the two others). Look them over:
Regular English 4 Only
* English 4
- Work on the Senior Project
- Please read or skim: Sample Student Essay Example
- Yours only has to be 3-5 pages (they did not have to do an annotated bibliography last year).
- Essay RD, 50 HW points: May 12-13
- Essay FD, 100 Essay points (Final Essay): May 19-20
Block Day, Week 27
* Opening
* AP Exam
HW: AP:
1999 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
OR 1994: I have the test on paper in class that you may borrow or as a .pdf here
And continue reviewing:
- Pledging Allegiance
* AP Exam
HW: AP:
- 1. Do a Second AP M.C. Exam and Check the Answers (time yourself to 60 min., this time)
- 1987 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
- The key for 1987 is on .pdf pg. 24 (paper pg. 26).
1999 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
- The key for 1999 is on .pdf pg. 41 (paper pg. 35).
OR 1994: I have the test on paper in class that you may borrow or as a .pdf here
- Cards may include
- Pride and Prejudice
- The Tempest
- Heart of Darkness or A Tale of Two Cities
- Beowulf
- Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- Any other work of recognized literary merit from this course or another course or your personal reading.
And continue reviewing:
- Key Terms List (Review this Regularly)
- SAMPLE STUDENT ESSAYS
- Your study cards
Wednesday, 4/27
* Open
* AP: Wonderful, Glorious Poetry Essay
HW:
* AP: Wonderful, Glorious Poetry Essay
- If you think this could beat your current ICE essay grade, please turn it in the the silver tray.
- You will have one more chance after this to beat that score next week.
- Poetry Forms
HW:
- Due Block Day: Study Guide: The Importance of Being Earnest (.pdf version)
Week 37: Tuesday
* Open
The Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Pledge to the Christian Flag
"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag, and to the Savior, for whose kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe."
HW:
The Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Pledge to the Christian Flag
"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag, and to the Savior, for whose kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe."
- You may do this assignment on paper or on this .pdf. I created the .pdf for ease and to make the blog entry more orderly.
HW:
- Due Block Day: Study Guide: The Importance of Being Earnest (.pdf version)
- AP Only Due Tomorrow: Journal: Rhyme, Scansion, and Poetic Practice
Monday, 4/25
* Open
* Read and Work on Your Wilde Study Guide (due Block day)
HW: Wilde and Test Review
- The Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Pledge to the Christian Flag
"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag, and to the Savior, for whose kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe."
* Read and Work on Your Wilde Study Guide (due Block day)
HW: Wilde and Test Review
Week 36 Block: "Is this [Mr. Schwager] a [male] of repellent aspect, remotely connect with education?"
* Open
* Movie
* AP English: Musicality Part 1, Rhyme
Honors English II Review:
* Regular English: Senior Research Project
1999 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
- Remember, your list of terms is on the right side of the blog: Key Terms List: review this now and often.
* Movie
- Show me your three responses, please.
* AP English: Musicality Part 1, Rhyme
- I will teach you the elements you need from this. If you would like more practice with these ideas, go to the chapter: Perrine's Poetry Ch. 11: Musicality (Part I)
Honors English II Review:
- The Sonnet (you must know this form)
- Riddles
- Meter
- The Villanelle (you should know this form)
- A French verse form consisting of five three-line stanzas and a final quatrain, with the first and third lines of the first stanza repeating alternately in the following stanzas. These two refrain lines form the final couplet in the quatrain.
- The Triolet
- The Limerick
- The Clerihew
- Spoken Word
- More Forms
* Regular English: Senior Research Project
- Rough Draft of the Essay Due May 12
- 3-5 Pages
- MLA
- Clear thesis, clearly defended
- Well organized (use the standard five-paragraph model or a close variation)
- Works cited (but not the annotated bibliography)
- AP Finish at least one whole AP practice test.
- The key for 1987 is on .pdf pg. 24 (paper pg. 26).
1999 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
- The key for 1999 is on .pdf pg. 41 (paper pg. 35).
Keep Studying Passages of the M.C. Test Whenever Possible
1987 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
- The key for 1987 is on .pdf pg. 24 (paper pg. 26).
1999 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
- The key for 1999 is on .pdf pg. 41 (paper pg. 35).
Wednesday 4/20: "Isn't Language a Curious Thing?"
* Open
* Movie
HW: Journal:
Choose at least two (standard English, one) of the essential questions from the study guide to answer in complete sentences for tomorrow. Note that I added a few questions since Monday.
* Movie
- The Importance of Being Earnest
HW: Journal:
Choose at least two (standard English, one) of the essential questions from the study guide to answer in complete sentences for tomorrow. Note that I added a few questions since Monday.
Tuesday, 4/19/16: Metaphors Drawn from Bees
* Open
* AP TEST REMINDER: Theater, during Flex
Wednesday, April 20, 8:05 AM – Last name starts with A-I
Thursday, April 21, 8:05 AM – Last name starts with J-Q
Friday, April 22, 8:05 AM – Last name starts with R-Z
Please bring a hard surface to write on...and a pencil.
* Movie
* AP TEST REMINDER: Theater, during Flex
Wednesday, April 20, 8:05 AM – Last name starts with A-I
Thursday, April 21, 8:05 AM – Last name starts with J-Q
Friday, April 22, 8:05 AM – Last name starts with R-Z
Please bring a hard surface to write on...and a pencil.
* Movie
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- Vocabulary (you need to know these words for any reading quiz at matching or m.c. level of response)
Chapel Announcement Reminder
On May 2, MVCS will have a baptism and life dedication chapel.
On May 9, MVCS will have its annual senior chapel day with seniors sharing Christ.
For more information on either day, please talk with Mr. Davis, Mr. Talley, or your Bible teacher.
On May 9, MVCS will have its annual senior chapel day with seniors sharing Christ.
For more information on either day, please talk with Mr. Davis, Mr. Talley, or your Bible teacher.
Monday, 4/18/16: Developing in Many Directions
* Open: Review
* A Few AP Notes
E4: Begin Learning Your Terms and Vocabulary from the Study Guide (Act I)
AP: Take and score at least one new passage tonight:
* A Few AP Notes
- Essay: Imagined Audience
- M.C.:To guess or not to guess?
- The Importance of Being Earnest
E4: Begin Learning Your Terms and Vocabulary from the Study Guide (Act I)
AP: Take and score at least one new passage tonight:
Friday Bible Study
Dear friends,
A favorite teaching series is just beginning anew!
Thru the Bible is now embarking on its 10th time through the Bible (a five-year study).
You will travel though Old and New Testament books alternately. You will learn about needs in various parts of the world to pray over (the broadcast/podcast reaches thousands, if not millions, with people studying in over 100 languages across the globe). You will grow in grace and knowledge of God.
What We'll Do:
Mr. S
A favorite teaching series is just beginning anew!
Thru the Bible is now embarking on its 10th time through the Bible (a five-year study).
You will travel though Old and New Testament books alternately. You will learn about needs in various parts of the world to pray over (the broadcast/podcast reaches thousands, if not millions, with people studying in over 100 languages across the globe). You will grow in grace and knowledge of God.
What We'll Do:
- Subscribe and Listen Via Device or Podcast Daily (if you miss a day, that's ok...or catch up with two in a day, etc.).
- Meditate on What You Hear and Read
- Come on Friday to Pray and Discuss the Week's Ideas
- Read a chapter or two of the Bible ahead of Pastor McGee. For now, that would be Genesis 1-2...then following on as we go.
- Download His Notes and Outlines to See the Larger Picture
Mr. S
Week 35, Block Party
* Party Begins
* Essay Part I
- Your class will choose one prompt that must apply to either A Tale of Two Cities or Heart of Darkness.
- These are years you may not choose:
- 2005 FORM B
2006
2014
* Essay Part II
- AP: Full Essay Exam (3-4 pages)
- English 4: 1 Page
- Once your class has chosen a prompt, copy the prompt onto your page and write the essay (40 min.).
* Movie
HW:AP: From Your AP Test Preparation page:
- Review M.C. Practice and Begin Testing Yourself (the answers are included in the .pdf exams):
- College Board's Released Exams (for extra practice)
Free Indirect Discourse
Proposal:
"Her astonishment, as she reflected on what had passed, was increased by every review of it. That she should receive an offer of marriage from Mr. Darcy! that he should have been in love with her for so many months! so much in love as to wish to marry her in spite of all the objections which had made him prevent his friend’s marrying her sister, and which must appear at least with equal force in his own case, was almost incredible!" (Pride and Prejudice).
For more examples from the text, see this blogpost.
Some scholars call this dual voice: Scholarly Article: "'Dual Voice' of Free Indirect Discourse"
"Her astonishment, as she reflected on what had passed, was increased by every review of it. That she should receive an offer of marriage from Mr. Darcy! that he should have been in love with her for so many months! so much in love as to wish to marry her in spite of all the objections which had made him prevent his friend’s marrying her sister, and which must appear at least with equal force in his own case, was almost incredible!" (Pride and Prejudice).
- Notice that the third-person narrator dips into Elizabeth's perspective without quoting.
For more examples from the text, see this blogpost.
Some scholars call this dual voice: Scholarly Article: "'Dual Voice' of Free Indirect Discourse"
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