Tuesday-Wednesday, October 30-31

Today we took the most ridiculously easy quiz ever as a reading check. Most of you are on track--some of you need to get caught up QUICKLY! Then, we took another quizzy-poo on writing statements are argument using specific details. Finally, you worked with a partner on two-column notes on "How to Tell a True War Story." We will be discussing this chapter in a seminar on Friday. Tomorrow is a reading day!

Monday, October 29

Today we reviewed a high and low scoring response to Op-ed #3 and talked about the importance of CLOSE reading and ANNOTATION. You got practice annotating an argumentative essay comparing student protests in the Vietnam era to those in 2002 as the U.S. prepared to invade Iraq. Be sure you've read through "The Dentist" for tomorrow.

Thurs.-Fri. October 25-26

Thursday was a reading day. Students also printed out Op-ed #4 which is due next Thursday, November 1. Be sure to switch roles again. Friday, we had an annotation quizzy-poo from "On the Rainy River" and then discussed evidence of O'Brien's shifting of the meaning of the terms "bravery" and "cowardice."

Wednesday, October 24

Today, you worked with a partner on Entry Slip #3 which covered the redefinition of "love" in the first two chapters of O'Brien. The next three chapters are due Friday.

Tuesday, October 23

Today we began with Entry Slip #1--a 15 minute rhetorical analysis practice on the first chapter of O'Brien. You got back your in-class rhetorical analysis of Woolf and we added that to our writing portfolios. Homework tonight is to complete the annotation on Entry Slip #2 and read the next two chapters.

Monday, October 22

Yipes! First quarter is over and I am rather overwhelmed, as evidenced by how lax I have been keeping this blog updated. Not to mention, you are all patiently waiting for your essay grades. Hang in a bit longer....I promise I have not forgotten you! Today we checked out The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. The reading schedule is posted on the Important Links list. Be sure to keep up with your reading, because as we discussed in class we will be having several quizzy-poos intended to strengthen your rhetorical analysis skills and they will be a big pain to make-up if you miss class for excused absences and aren't prepared when you return. I love this book; hopefully you will too!

Tuesday-Wednesday, October 16-17

Tuesday you took your first timed mini-multiple choice on the Cofer reading then got to talk with a partner about your answers. Keep in mind the strategies we are starting to develop. Because many of you are taking the PSAT on Wednesday, those who are in class will have a chance to continue reading choice books. Remember these Brief Responses are due Friday along with Op-ed #3.

Monday, October 15

We reviewed the answers to the multiple choice on the Rachel Carson reading from Friday and read a new piece by Cofer, annotating toward the multiple choice you will see tomorrow. Remember your final Reader Response on your choice novel is due Friday. Look back at the handout on how to do these, as it's been a while since you've done one. Also, Op-ed #3 is due Friday as well. You are back to your original A/B partner role. See me if you're unsure which role you should be doing.

Tuesday-Wednesday, October 9-10

Tuesday, students filled in a detail chart with a partner based on the annotations you did on the 2004B released prompt. As homework you wrote ten practice sentences of analysis. On Wednesday we reviewed three released responses to the Lord Chesterfield passage and made tip sheets for your first timed rhetorical analysis on Thursday. Remember that your next set of 4-6 quotations from your choice reading is due tomorrow as well.

Monday, October 8

Today, we are looking at a rhetorical analysis essay from a released exam. Students will annotate the text toward the prompt and look at three student responses. Homework will be to annotate a second prompt. Thursday, you will be writing your first timed rhetorical analysis. Come in for Tutorial sessions this week to get extra help!

Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 2-4

Tuesday you worked with the sub on the op-eds. Remember, if you are absent on these days you need to turn in a copy of the op-ed itself and the four questions you answered the following day you are back. Wednesday we completed Writer's Workshop on your Ellison pieces. It seems like many of you feel confident about theses, which is great! Thursday, these pieces are due in final draft form. Please bring your choice book and you can have time to read before Thursday, October 11 when part three is due.

Monday, October 1

Today, after you turn in the quote analysis for the second half of your choice book, we are in the computer lab working on the Ellison Pastiche Essay, which is due Thursday. The instructions for how to complete this are on the Helpful Links to your left. Remember, you need a full draft of the this typed up and "done" when you walk into class on Wednesday. We will use the Writers Workshop that day to perfect these essays, which will be a major assessment grade. REMEMBER, op-ed #2 questions are due tomorrow!