Holiday Hope

Your comment: 

• Read the background and transcript of the following exchange between Virginia O'Hanlon and Francis P. Church: Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus 
• Analyze the rhetorical strategies that Church uses to uniquely reassure Virginia.
• Write an original, creative response of your own back to Virginia. I don't care so much what you say, but how you say it. If you were given Church's monumental task, how would you approach it? You can be funny, serious, lighthearted, etc. Choose the tone and examples that you think are most appropriate. 
• DUE: Monday, December 6th at midnight

Comments to your classmates':  

• Choose two of your classmates' letters. Take on the persona of "Virginia", her father, or another questioning child. What questions has your classmate cleared up? What questions are still lingering?
• DUE: Friday, December 10th at midnight

Corporate Sponsorship

• Read the following (slightly modified, but actual AP) prompt. Post your comment in response by TUESDAY, November 30th at midnight.

For years corporations have sponsored high school sports. Their ads are found on the outfield fence at baseball parks or on the walls of the gymnasium, the football stadium, or even the locker room. Corporate logos are even found on players’ uniforms. But some schools have moved beyond corporate sponsorship of sports to allowing “corporate partners” to place their names and ads on all kinds of school facilities—libraries, music rooms, cafeterias. Some schools accept money to require students to watch Channel One, a news program that includes advertising. And schools often negotiate exclusive contracts with soft drink or clothing companies. Some people argue that corporate partnerships are a necessity for cash-strapped schools. Others argue that schools should provide an environment free from ads and corporate influence. Using appropriate evidence, write a short response in which you evaluate the pros and cons of corporate sponsorship for schools and indicate why you find one position more persuasive than the other.

• Respond to two of your classmates' comments, one in which you agree with and one in which you disagree with by FRIDAY, December 3rd at midnight. Be sure to also provide appropriate rationale for your responses.

Giving Thanks

• Notes: I am very impressed with those of you who posted on last week's blog ("Song Birds"). As a whole, the comments were creative, on topic, and appropriate for a rhetorical analysis. Keep working on the "so what?" piece. Once you have identified the rhetorical devices, always bear in mind, what is the point? What is the effect? How does it contribute to the work as a whole? These skills will be particularly useful for your final. *hint, hint* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
• Your comment: During this week physically away from school, take some to reflect on your life. As we discussed with creating loving, prosperous relationships (The Crucible, Act II), each individual's life maintains a balance of good and bad. Your perpetual task is to keep the positive experiences outweighing that of the negative. In this reflective spirit, I'd like you to think optimistically.
•   Describe ten things in life in which you are grateful; explain why. Be creative. If you are blessed with family and/or friends who support you, then obviously you are grateful for them. Don't take up one of the spots on this list with something you should be saying to these people everyday. 
• My example: I make my own family/friends do this activity with me each year. One year, when it was my turn to say what I was thankful for, I said, "Two-ply toilet paper." Of course, everyone laughed, which was my intention. However, I was also serious. I went on to explain my rationale: the importance of our modern sewage system, running water, and comfortable toilet paper - not tree bark or even our own hands, as it has been throughout history.

Deadline: TUESDAY, November 23rd at midnight                     
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• Commenting on others': Focus your comments on two classmates' comments that particularly strike a chord with you for some reason: is it emotionally appealing? is it creative? is it funny? is it well-written? is it riddled with grammatical errors? is it boring? does it effectively or ineffectively address the prompt? Give each of your peers feedback on how well he or she addressed the topic, as well as why you chose to comment on their particular comment. Be honest - this is for your grade and theirs.

Deadline: FRIDAY, November 26th at midnight


*Reminder: There will be a new blog posted, as always, on Thursday evening (November 25th).

Song Birds

• Your comment:

Review the lyrics to the following songs. Decide on ONE song to focus your analysis. In approximately three well-organized paragraphs, analyze the rhetorical strategies that the artist(s) uses to convey his or her attitude toward his or her subject. Avoid merely summarizing the song lyrics; analyze the rhetorical strategies that are used to convey some sort of argument. You can think of this in two parts: 1. What is the intended effect? 2. To illustrate the artist's attitude (or tone) toward his or her subject? 

Reminders:  

• You need a thesis statement to guide your analysis (refer to your handouts). This should probably include the identified strategies. 
• Cite the title of the song and artist within the first few sentences of your analysis. 
• Incorporating direct lines (citations) from the song boosts your credibility. 
• Feel free to look up accompanying videos and/or the songs being played for further assistance.

a)  "Replay" - Iyaz
b) "Wake Up" - Coheed and Cambria
c) "The Back of Your Hand" - Dwight Yoakam 
d) "Ballad of the Green Beret" - Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler and Robin Moore
e) "Last Kiss" - Pearl Jam 
f) "Mama" - Boyz II Men 
g) "Say it Ain't So" - Weezer
h) "Heartless" - Kanye West 


Deadline: Monday, November 15th at midnight

                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Commenting on others': 

 Focus your two comments on two classmates who did not analyze the same songs as you did. How effective was each analysis? Give each of your peers feedback on how well he or she addressed the prompt. Be honest - this is for your grade and theirs.

Deadline: Friday, November 19th at midnight

Child on Trial

1. Read the following article: Child Sued for Negligence


2. In your comment, complete each of the following steps. Label each step:
       Note: Address either step a1) OR a2).
      Step a1) In a one to two paragraph thoughtful analysis, explain the basic facts of the situation and the potential outcomes that may result. This step should be in third person POV and identify different elements of logos, ethos, and pathos.  

     Step a2) Create a chronological cause and effect chart of all of the different actions completed as described in the article. Conclude with an overall "so what?" statement at the conclusion of your chart.
        *Everyone: 
      Step b) Assume the persona of one of the following personalities: the 4 year old girl, Juliet Breitman; her mother, Dana Breitman; the elderly woman, Claire Menagh; the judge, Justice Wooten; or Juliet's lawyer, James P. Tyrie. Write a creative and informative 500 word journal entry (mostly like in first person POV) describing the bicycing accident as it happened from his or her perspective. You may also choose to write about the pending trial from one of the character's POV. Please use your imagination, but base your journal entry on actual facts from this article.
       Word of caution: You may want to do this in a Word Document or Google Docs first and save it. This may end up being too long for a single comment; therefore, you might need to post one or more comments.
           *Deadline: Monday, November 8th at midnight  


3. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:
      Step a) Comment one person who did the same step as you and another who chose the opposite. Find one thing that this person did really well and another that could be improved upon - be specific.

      Step b) For those same people, constructively give three pieces of feedback on their journal entry. At least one pieces must be kudos.

      Step c) End your comment with a question about this blog and/or their work on this blog for the writer to consider. 

            *Deadline: Friday, November 12th at midnight

Love?

1. Read the following article: Young Love?

2. In your comment, follow each of the following steps. Label each step:
      Step a) Describe the families involved the engagement. Postulate: What might their motivation in arranging the marriage be? Why might they have have chosen these particular ages?
      Step b) Defend or challenge the merits of arranged marriages. Do they still have a place in modern society? Does it depend on the country? On the religion? Cite at least one quote from the article and a minimum of three examples from any other sources (literature, movies, sports, your life, etc.) to support your stance. Provide your rationale.
      Step c) Describe some of the different implications that this engagement now poses for the children. Explain why.
      Again this week, each sentence in your original comment and your comments to your peers must start with a different word.   
     *Deadline: Monday, November 1st at midnight 

3. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:

      Step a) State whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint regarding arranged marriages.

      Step b) Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision. As I have stated previously, they need not be lengthy, but there must be three. This is great practice for your timed essays and of course, the AP exam.

      Step c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider. 

        -->Remember: Each sentence in your comments to your peers must begin with a different word.

            *Deadline: Friday, November 5th at midnight

4. Remember the guidelines for grammar, spelling, propriety, etc. Note: I really enjoy reading your posts!

The Pilot and the Scanner

1. Read  the following articles:

What Was Reported

In His Words

 2. In your comment, follow each of the following steps. Label each step:
      Step a)  How are the two articles the same? How are they different? WHY? Consider their sources, their authors, and their intended purposes.
      Again this week, each sentence in your original comment and your comments to your peers must start with a different word.
      Step b) In a thoughtful analysis, describe why you think that the pilot's actions were justified, or conversely, out of line. Cite a minimum of three specific examples from the story (with quotations) and one from example from any other source (literature, movies, sports, your life, etc.). Provide your rationale.
           *Deadline: Monday, October 25th at midnight 

3. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:

      Step a) State whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint on the pilot's decisions.

      Step b) Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision. They need not be lengthy, but there must be three. Why? THREE = BALANCE.

      Step c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider. 

        -->Remember: Each sentence in your comments to your peers must begin with a different word.

            *Deadline: Friday, October 29th at midnight

4. Remember the guidelines for grammar, spelling, propriety, etc. Note: I really enjoy reading your posts. You (the collective classes) are doing well.  :-)

*Thank you, Chris Duff-Harper, for pointing me to this blog topic!

"Girl"

1. Read the short story "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid.
*Note: The story is supposed to be read all in one continuous paragraph. Consider the reasoning behind this. Who is the narrator? What is the point of view of the story? What is the conversation that is taking place, and why? What type of language is being spoken?

Wash the white clothes on Monday and put them on the stone heap; wash the color clothes on Tuesday and put them on the clothesline to dry; don't walk barehead in the hot sun; cook pumpkin fritters in very hot sweet oil; soak your little cloths right after you take them off; when buying cotton to make yourself a nice blouse, be sure that it doesn't have gum on it, because that way it won't hold up well after a wash; soak salt fish overnight before you cook it; is it true that you sing benna in Sunday school? always eat your food in such a way that it won't turn someone else's stomach; on Sundays try to walk like a lady and not like the slut you are so bent on becoming; don't sing benna in Sunday school; you mustn't speak to wharflies will follow you; but I don't sing benna on Sundays at all and never in Sunday school; this is how to sew on a button; this is how to make a button-hole for the button you have just sewed on; this is how to hem a dress when you see the hem coming down and so to prevent yourself from looking like the slut I know you are so bent on becoming; this is how you iron your father's khaki shirt so that it doesn't have a crease; this is how you iron your father's khaki pants so that they don't have a crease; this is how you grow okrbafar from the house, because okra tree harbors red ants; when you are growing dasheen, make sure it gets plenty of water or else it makes your throat itch when you are eating it; this is how you sweep a corner; this is how you sweep a whole house; this is how you sweep a yard; this is how you smile to someone you don't like too much; this is how you smile to someone you don't like at all; this is how you smile to someone you like completely; this is how you set a table for tea; this is how you set a table for dinner; this is how you set a table for dinner with an important guest; this is how you set a table for lunch; this is how you set a table for breakfast; this is how to behave in the presence of men who don't know you very well, and this way they won't recognize immediately the slut I have warned you against becoming; be sure to wash every day, even if it is with your own spit; don't squat down to play marbles. you are not a boy, you know; don't pick people's flowers. you might catch something; don't throw stones at blackbirds, because it might not be a blackbird at all; this is how to make a bread pudding; this is how to make doukona; this is how to make pepper pot; this is how to make a good medicine for a cold; this is how to make a good medicine to throw away a child before it even becomes a child; this is how to catch a fish; this is how to throw back a fish you don't like, and that way something bad won't fall on you; this is how to bully a man; this is how a man bullies you; this is how to love a man; and if this doesn't work there are other ways, and if they don't work don't feel too bad about giving up; this is how to spit up in the air if you feel like it, and this is how to move quick so that it doesn't fall on you; this is how to make ends meet; always squeeze bread to make sure it's fresh; but what if the baker won't let me feel the bread?; you mean to say that after all you are really going to be the kind of woman who the baker won't let near the bread?

2. This will take you some time. Be creative, and follow the instructions carefully. In your comment, follow each of the following steps. Label each step:
    Step a) Find and describe one example of logos, ethos, and pathos in the story. What is the purpose, and what is the intended effect?
           Again this week, each sentence in your original comment and your comments to your peers must start with a different word.
           Example: The word "I" may not be used to begin a sentence more than once in a single post. Choose your words carefully. Make each one count.
          Check out this resource: The Owl is Your Friend    
    Step b) Write an original short story of your own modeled in the style of Jamaica Kincaid. I want you to give advice or directives to another person or group of people, but follow as many rules of grammar/spelling as possible. Have fun with this! Minimum: 500 words.
           Word of caution: You may want to do this in a Word Document first and save it. This may end up being too long for a single comment; therefore, you might need to post one or more comments.
           *Deadline: Monday, October 18th at midnight 

3. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:

      Step a) State whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint about the logos, ethos, and pathos, and/or post what you like or dislike about their story and why.

      Step b) Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision. They need not be lengthy, but there must be three. Why? THREE = BALANCE.

      Step c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider. 

        -->Remember: Each sentence in your comments to your peers must begin with a different word.

            *Deadline: Friday, October 22nd at midnight

4. Remember the guidelines for grammar, spelling, propriety, etc.

Wrongful Testing

1. Follow the link to read the following article: Wrongful Testing by the U.S.

2. Similar to the Execution blog, this another weighty issue. Take some time to mull it over. For your post: Consider which of the "four primary ethical violations" is the worst. As always, avoid qualifying. This tends to come across as waffling. Choose one of the four and argue your position.

The four primary ethical violations: 
1) study subjects 'were members of one or more vulnerable populations;' 2) there is no evidence they gave informed consent; 3) they were often deceived about what was being done to them; 4) they were intentionally infected with pathogens that could cause serious illness without their understanding or consent.

3. In your comment, follow each of the following steps:
    a) Decide which of the violations is the most abhorrent to you. Explain your rationale with a minimum of three logical examples. Please clearly delineate (describe, outline, portray) or differentiate between each of your examples. 
    b) Again this week, each sentence in your original comment and your comments to your peers must start with a different word.
        Example: The word "I" may not be used to begin a sentence more than once in a single post. Choose your words carefully. Make each one count.
        b1) Check out this resource: The Owl is Your Friend         
           *Deadline: Monday, October 11th at midnight 

4. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:

      a) State whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint.

      b) Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision. They need not be lengthy, but there must be three. Why? THREE = BALANCE.

      c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider. 

        -->Remember: Each sentence in your comments to your peers must begin with a different word.

            *Deadline: Friday, October 15th at midnight

5. Remember the guidelines for grammar, spelling, propriety, etc.

The Lost Generation

1. Follow the link to watch: The Lost Generation Poem


*STOP. Do not read the rest of the directions before you watch the video. I don't want my directions (or your classmates' comments) to influence your opinion. Go view the video now!*

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2. Consider: Which "side of the fence" are you on? You must choose a position. Is your generation floundering? Or is it brimming with unrealized potential?

3. In your comment, follow each of the following steps:
    a) Choose at least one factor mentioned in the video (family, divorce, happiness, money, work, morality, environment, apathy) and defend or challenge its relevance in support of your stance (your generation is floundering or prospering because ______). Explain your rationale with logical examples.
    b) Here's the catch this week: Each sentence in your original comment and your comments to your peers need to start with a different word.
        Example: The word "The" may not be used to begin a sentence more than once in a single post.
        b1) Check out this resource: The Owl is Your Friend
            --> Do not skip any of these steps.

           *Deadline: Monday, October 4th at midnight 

4. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:

      a) State whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint

      b) Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision.

      c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider. 

             --> Do not skip any of these steps. [Many of you are ignoring c). Each step is equally important!]

            *Deadline: Friday, October 8th at midnight

5. As far as grammar, spelling, propriety, etc., your comments as a whole are improving. Keep it up!

Execution and Gender

1. Follow the link to read: First Woman Executed in the United States in Five Years

2. You may want to consider following the link to check out: Save Teresa Lewis

*STOP. Do not read the rest of the directions before you read the articles. I don't want my directions to color your opinion. Go read the article(s) now!*

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3. This is a complicated issue for a myriad of reasons. The article seems to indicate that the primary reason that opponents of Lewis' execution object is her gender. Also cited are speculation about her mental capacity and possible manipulation by one of her conspirators. Again, controversial issues such as the death penalty are intense. Take some time to mull these ideas over before responding to the prompt. Figure out where you stand.

4. In your comment, follow each of the following steps:
    a) Choose one factor mentioned in the article (gender, mental ability, accomplice manipulation) and defend or challenge its relevance in relation to the death penalty. Should this factor have played a part in Lewis' trial and ultimate execution? Explain your rationale with logical examples. Note: You are not arguing for or against the death penalty.
    b) What is the approximate ratio of men to women who receive the death penalty?
        What does this number say about the justice system?
        What does this say about the number of men who commit serious crimes versus women? Why is this happening? Analyze the situation. Postulate as to the possible reasons.
            --> Do not skip any of these steps.

           *Deadline: Monday, September 27th at midnight 

5. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:

      a) State whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint

      b) Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision.

      c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider. 

             --> Do not skip any of these steps.

            *Deadline: Friday, October 1st at midnight

6. As far as grammar, spelling, propriety, etc., your comments as a whole are improving. Keep it up! Your blog posts are being used as a means to enhance your grade. Continually posting reflective comments and doing so on-time can bump up your grade a few percentage points. It can also do the opposite should you not take this assignment seriously.

Fiction Friday: Online

1. Choose your best, completed Fiction Friday story. Revise it. Give it a creative title and post your masterpiece as a comment to this blog. Be sure to include that week's topic.
           *Deadline: Monday, September 20th at midnight 

2. Respond to at least two of your classmates' stories by completing the following steps:

      a) Cite two specific things (such as plot, creativity, characterization, tone, diction) that the author did well

      b) Cite two areas for improvement and how they could be revised (again, consider such areas as grammar/spelling, plot, creativity, characterization, tone, diction)

      c) End your comment with a question for the writer to consider 

            *Deadline: Friday, September 24th at midnight
            *Note: Follow each of these steps. Simply writing: I agree! or Great job! :) doesn't cut it.

3. As I have repeatedly stated: Anything that you wouldn't want your mother/mother-like figure and the principal to hear or read, DON'T post it here. I don't want to read it either.

This is part of your grade. You need to impress me with your logic, comprehension, and especially, effort, in each topic. Many of you have been getting very lazy with your grammar and spelling (check for misspellings, proper punctuation and capitalization, and so forth). no txt tlk pls  Just because we are working online does not mean you should add in LOL, haha, j/k, :-D, or the like in your posts.

Reminder: If your post contains a significant number of grammatical and/or spelling errors or is just not appropriate for the blog, I will delete it.

Dreamers

"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible." - T.E. Lawrence

1. Respond to this quotation by defending it or challenging it. Provide any three concrete examples of your choice to support your decision.
           *Deadline: Monday, September 13th at midnight 

2. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments by completing the following steps:

      a) Stating whether you agree or disagree with the writer's standpoint

      b) Citing one reason for your opinion

      c) Ending your comment with a question for the writer to consider 

            *Deadline: Friday, September 17th at midnight

3. As I have repeatedly stated: Anything that you wouldn't want your mother/mother-like figure and the principal to hear or read, DON'T post it here. I don't want to read it either.

This is part of your grade. You need to impress me with your logic, comprehension, and especially, effort, in each topic. Many of you have been getting very lazy with your grammar and spelling (check for misspellings, proper punctuation and capitalization, and so forth). no txt tlk pls  Just because we are working online does not mean you should add in LOL, haha, j/k, or the like in your posts.

Despite my warnings, I am still seeing these lapses. Therefore, if your post contains a significant number of grammatical and/or spelling errors or is just not appropriate for the blog, I will delete it.

Get enriched! Be a scholar!

Literally Speaking

1. Read these two short articles:

What People Say Vs. What They Really Mean

IN OTHER WORDS. A satirical look at what people in politics, business, Hollywood and advertising say versus what they really mean.

2. Post your own two examples of what people say versus what they actually mean. Be creative!
        *Sample:
             - What is said: "Excuse me."
             - What is meant: "Get out of the way."
         *You may not repeat any example that a fellow classmate has already used.
         *Deadline: Tuesday, September 7th at midnight 

3. Respond to at least two of your classmates' comments. Look specifically at humor (satire, puns, irony) and tone (diction choices and attitude towards the subject).
        *Deadline: Friday, September 10th at midnight

4. As I said on the last blog: Anything that you wouldn't want your mother and the principal to hear or read, DON'T post it here. I don't want to read it either.

This is part of your grade. You need to put significant effort into each post in order to impress me with your logic and your knowledge of each topic. Many of you have been getting lazy with your grammar and spelling (check for misspellings, proper punctuation and capitalization, and so forth). no txt tlk pls

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is an art form. It is painting a picture with words so that the reader "sees" exactly what you are describing.

 

Your tasks:

 

1. Read these articles:

 

Quick Guide for Diction and Tone

New Words added to the Dictionary

 

2. Choose any school-appropriate topic, event, person, or object in which you can base a short, descriptive paragraph (or two) upon. 

 

3. Using carefully chosen diction to highlight the topic and whatever tone you deem appropriate to go along with it, describe this subject in approximately 200 words or less. Do not name the subject or use any words that would obviously give it away.

 

4. Post this comment by Monday, August 30th at midnight. 

 

5. By Friday, September 3rd at midnight, you need to comment on at least three of your classmates' comments. I expect that most of these comments will be guesses as to the subject of their descriptions. As such, your theories should contain well-thought out logic and reasoning. Please try to equally distribute these comments among your classmates. 

• You may choose to reveal your subject anytime after this date.

6. Keep all comments academically-sound, respectful, and following the practices of standard academic English.

"The Dam Letters"

Read the attached document in its entirety. It contains a REAL correspondence between a state official and a frustrated homeowner.

 

After you have carefully read their letters, post a well-written, original analysis on each writer's 1) style and 2) tone. This should be done by midnight on Monday, August 23rd. Then, by midnight on Thursday, August 26th, you need to comment on or respond back to at least two of your classmates' comments.

 

Reminders:

    1) Style: An evaluation of the sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices. Some authors’ styles are so distinct that they are easily recognizable. We can analyze and describe an author’s personal style and make judgments on how appropriate it is to the author’s purpose. Styles can be called flowery, explicit, succinct, rambling, bombastic, commonplace, incisive, laconic, etc.

    2) Tone: Describes the author’s attitude toward his or her material, the audience, or both. Tone is sometimes easier to determine in spoken language than in written language (you can HEAR a person's tone of voice). Considering how a work would sound if it were read aloud can help in identifying an author’s tone. Some words describing tone are playful, serious, businesslike, sarcastic, humorous, formal, ornate, sardonic, somber, etc.

      Also... Please remember to keep all comments posted class-appropriate, well-written, and respectful to all. 

 

The Dam Letters