Social Issue Speech

1. Pick a Social Issue




• Drug Abuse


• Bad Parenting


• Political Apathy


• Black on Black Crime


• War


• Youth Education


• Self-Respect/Self-Esteem




2. Discuss the history of the problem




• Tone: sad, somber, serious, grave




3. Pull the reader into its affect on the people.




• Tone: sympathetic, piteous, empathetic




4. Propose a solution to this issue




• Tone: enthusiastic, hopeful, confident




5. Give specific ways that the audience can help.




• Tone: encouraging, persistent, strong




6. Use all persuasive appeals, and each of the following:




• Anaphora, antithesis, parallelism, and epistrophe

EXTRA CREDIT FOR MEMORIZATION


This is due Friday.

Caesar Essay

Pick the Caesar speech you believe is the most persuasive. Compose an essay where you explain why you picked that speech and at least four examples of persuasive techniques used therein. Cover how the techniques aided the argument. Was that the best technique for that point? Quotes with act, scene, and line number are required for each example. As always be THOROUGH! Should be at least seven paragraphs total.

1. Intro
2. Why you picked it
3. Persuasive Tech 1
4. Persuasive Tech 2
5. Persuasive Tech 3
6. Persuasive Tech 4
7. Conclusion

Caesar Final Quiz

Sorry guys, couldn't make it in today. Please be great, "honorable" :-) and respectful in my absence.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE TEST FRIDAY, WHICH MEANS DON'T FORGET TO FINISH YOUR STUDY GUIDES!!!!

Peace,

Charles Edgar Hampton <>< :-)

Julius Caesar Final Content Quiz

1. How does Caesar first enter the play?
(A) In disgrace; he has been captured
(B) In defeat
(C) In a triumphal procession; he has defeated the sons of his deceased rival, Pompey
(D) In disguise
2. What does the Soothsayer say to Caesar?
(A) “Beware the Ides of March”
(B) “Never trust Cassius”
(C) “Pursue the kingship”
(D) “Your toupee is on backward”
3. What does Cassius first ask Brutus?
(A) What happened at the battle
(B) Where his wife is
(C) Why he has been so distant and contemplative lately
(D) Whether he wants to be king instead of Caesar
4. What does Brutus admit to Cassius?
(A) That his wife is dead
(B) That he and Antony have had an argument
(C) That he thinks the Senate is doomed
(D) That he fears the people want Caesar to be king
5. What does Cassius use to persuade Brutus that Caesar is unfit to be king?
(A) Embarrassing stories about Caesar in school
(B) Embarrassing stories about Caesar’s failures
(C) Braggadocious stories about Cassius in school
(D) Braggadocious stories about Cassius’ triumphs
6. What is one of Caesar’s ailments?
(A) deafness in his left ear
(B) blindness in one eye
(C) a highly scarred face
(D) a bad limp
7. What does Antony offer Caesar in the marketplace?
(A) The crown
(B) The key to the city
(C) A newspaper
(D) A new chariot
8. That night, which of the following omens are seen?
(A) Dead men walking
(B) Lions strolling in the marketplace
(C) Lightning
(D) All of the above
9. What finally convinces Brutus to join the conspirators?
(A) Visits from the citizens
(B) Forged letters planted by Cassius
(C) His intuition
(D) Omens
10. Why does Calpurnia urge Caesar to stay home rather than appear at the Senate?
(A) He travels too much; they have hardly seen each other lately
(B) His grandchildren are coming to visit
(C) He does not appear presentable enough
(D) She has had nightmares about his death
11. Why does Caesar ignore Calpurnia’s warnings?
(A) He is deaf in one ear and fails to hear her correctly
(B) Decius convinces him that Calpurnia has interpreted the dream and the omens incorrectly
(C) He wants fresh air
(D) He wants to humor the conspirators
12. What does Artemidorus offer Caesar in the street?
(A) A letter warning him about the conspiracy
(B) A victory wreath
(C) A new shield
(D) The crown
13. What do the conspirators do at the Senate?
(A) Kneel around Caesar
(B) Stab him to death
(C) Proclaim “Tyranny is dead!”
(D) All of the above
14. It finally happened. The deed is done and Caesar is dead. We stabbed him repeatedly, and as he was dying he looked at me and uttered a phrase I, Brutus will never forget. Can you tell me what his dying words were?
(A) Rome will fall without me.
(B) How could you Cassius?
(C) Et tu, Brute?
(D) I've been betrayed.
15. What does Antony do when he arrives at Caesar’s body?
(A) He swears allegiance to Brutus
(B) He weeps over Caesar’s body
(C) He shakes hands with the conspirators
(D) All of the above
16. After the assassination of Caesar, which of the conspirators addresses the plebeians first?
(A) Decius
(B) Cassius
(C) Antony
(D) Brutus
17. What is Brutus’s explanation for killing Caesar?
(A) Caesar was ambitious
(B) Caesar was old
(C) Caesar was evil
(D) Caesar was weak
18. What does Antony tell the crowd?
(A) That Brutus is an honorable man
(B) That Caesar brought riches to Rome and turned down the crown
(C) That Caesar bequeathed all of the citizens a large sum of money
(D) All of the above
19. Which appeal does Antony’s speech NOT contain?
(A) Mental
(B) Physical
(C) Emotional
(D) Spiritual
(E) Ethical
20. What is the crowd’s response?
(A) Apathy; they did not care for Caesar and his ambition
(B) Indifference; Antony’s rhetoric does not move them
(C) Rage; they chase the conspirators from the city
(D) Irritation; they are tired of Antony’s constant complaints
21. Who is Octavius?
(A) Antony’s cousin
(B) Brutus’s son
(C) Caesar’s adopted son and appointed heir
(D) Cassius’s best friend
22. Why do Brutus and Cassius argue?
(A) They are tired of each other’s company
(B) Cassius seduced Brutus’s wife
(C) Brutus asked for money and Cassius withheld it
(D) They disagree on the best tactics for the upcoming battle
23. What news do Brutus and Cassius receive from Rome?
(A) Portia is dead
(B) Many senators are dead
(C) The armies of Antony and Octavius are marching toward Philippi
(D) All of the above
24. What appears at Brutus’s bedside in camp?
(A) A crow
(B) Caesar’s ghost
(C) A bloody dagger
(D) A lion
25. What does Cassius think has happened to his and Brutus’s armies?
(A) He believes that they have been defeated by Antony and Octavius
(B) He thinks that they have won
(C) He believes that they have joined the ranks of Antony and Octavius
(D) He thinks that they have been felled by an epidemic
26. What is Cassius’s response to the situation?
(A) He gives up to Antony and Octavius
(B) He flees
(C) He waits quietly for it all to end
(D) He has his servant stab him
27. What does Brutus do when he sees the battle lost?
(A) He joins Antony’s side
(B) He kills himself
(C) He gives himself up as a prisoner to Antony and Octavius
(D) He flees
28. What does Antony call Brutus?
(A) A scoundrel
(B) A bad soldier
(C) A coward
(D) The noblest Roman
29. Who of the following did not stab Caesar?
(A) Brutus
(B) Trebonius
(C) Cassius
(D) Casca
30. When is the ides of March?
(A) March 15
(B) March 1
(C) March 31
(D) March 14
31. What does Caesar's will promise?
(A) Cassius and Brutus will rule in his place
(B) 75 drachmas to the plebeians
(C) Antony will rule in his place
(D) None of the above
32. Who are the plebeians?
(A) the ruling class of Rome
(B) elected officials in the Roman senate
(C) members of the lower classes
(D) relatives of Caesar
33. What will happen to Brutus’ body?
(A) Antony and Brutus leave it for the birds.
(B) Antony and Brutus throw it into the sea.
(C) Antony and Brutus bury it properly.
(D) Antony and Brutus burn it.
34. Which best shows the riotous effect that Antony’s speech had on the people?
(A) Their rioting
(B) Their killing Cinna the Poet
(C) Their running the conspirators out of town
(D) Their enrolling in the army to fight
35. What is Shakespeare’s purpose for including the argument between Cassius and Brutus?
(A) To show that a group which does evil deeds has shaky alliances.
(B) To show that they are really stressed out.
(C) To show that they aren’t perfect like Caesar.
(D) To show that they are consistency of their character, noble and wicked

Julius Caesar Study Guide

Copy these and repeat the following process for these different terms.
Term, Definition, Example(s).

• Monologue: A technique writers use to reveal the emotions and thoughts of characters by having them talk with no one responding. This usually involves other people, things, or objects, but they do nothing.
  
  
  
  1. EX: Bernie Mac and his speeches during his television show.
  
  
  
  
• Soliloquy: A technique writers use to reveal a person’s inner turmoil or thoughts in detail. This is essentially talking to one’s self aloud.




1. EX: Going through your day’s schedule in the morning, thinking aloud about how you plan to talk to a young man or young woman that you like.

Here are some helpful websites which should aid you in your research/defining...

1. Rhetorical Devices


2. Rhetorical Devices with Old Greek/Roman texts


3. Advanced Literary Terms Dictionary


4. High School Literary Terms Dictionary


5. Propositions

• conflict—


• internal conflict—


• external conflict—


• character vs. character—


• character vs. society—


• character vs. the non-human (technology, nature, etc.)—


• character vs. self—


• blank verse—


• iambic pentameter—


• foot—


• rhetoric—


• anaphora—


• refrain—


• parallelism—


• antithesis


• allusion—


• propaganda—


• card stacking—


• name calling—


• testimonial—


• bandwagon—


• empty phrases (glittering generalities)—


• plain folks—


• proposition of fact—


• proposition of value—


• proposition of problem—


• proposition of policy—


• logical persuasion—


• analogy persuasion—


• emotional persuasion—


• authority persuasion—


• tragedy—


• tragic figure (tragic hero)—

Caesar Open Book Quiz 1

Open book and answer the following questions including quotes, page, and line numbers as evidence/support. Just write the number and the answer. These are due at the end of class. Starts on page 841.

1. What does Portia use to try to convince Brutus to confide in her and tell her what is happening? Identify the type of appeal that she uses.


2. Who do the Conspirators propose that they should kill as well as Caesar? What do they decide and why?


3. What is Brutus fighting for? In other words, why does he join the conspirators in taking down Caesar?


4. What do the Conspirators use to lure Caesar out of the house after Calpurnia convinces him to stay at home?


5. What point is Caesar making when he discusses the stars? What does this again show about his character?


6. What comments/responses show the flimsy nature of the Conspirators? Rephrased, what comments/responses shows that they are not leaders, but mere followers who just agree with anything?


7. What does Brutus try to use as an excuse for being distant emotionally and being out all night? Does Portia believe/accept this?

Julius Caesar Movies

If you want to view parts of the movie missed in class or if the movie helps you better understand the reading then please find the film below online.

Julius Caesar film

Here also are some additional films which may help you better understand what occurred prior to the play and afterward.

Critical Moments in Rome

Have a great one!

:-)

Caesar Conflict Papers

There are many conflicts in Julius Caesar, some internal and some external. A few characters experience them. Remember the six types of conflict are:

1. character vs. character; Conspirators & Caesar & Tribunes


2. character vs. nature; Conspirators????


3. character vs. society; Caesar/Conspirators & Tribunes/crowd


4. character vs. technology


5. character vs. fate/God/gods; Caesar & Casca


6. character vs. himself/herself; Brutus

Find three conflicts in the play thus far and discuss it in a few paragraphs EACH. Please IDENTIFY the CONFLICT AND PEOPLE AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR WRITING.
Make sure to cover the following topics:

1. Describe the situation or conflict in general


2. The diction or words that the author uses to express the severity of the conflict.


3. The situations that the conflict are compared to and explain how they help the conflict seem more perilous/dangerous.

Act 1 Scene 3 Open-book Quiz

1. Open your book and read 833 to 837,


2. Answer questions below,


3. They are due at the end of class.


4. Write Number and Answer only.

1. What is the thunder and lightning symbolic of?


2. List the other symbolic events in this act?


3. What are the men meeting together for/to do?


4. What is the tool that the men will use from #3?

1. Evil, Battle, struggle, drama, pain, conflict, danger, power, trouble, bad stuff, destruction


2. Storms, Raining fire, earthquakes, storming, lions in the city capitol, dead men walking, hand on fire not burned, tidal waves, night bird appearing during the day (owl)


3. Planning on how to recruit Brutus for their scheme and plotting against Caesar


4. Forged letters or papers from citizens stating they are oppressed and tired of Caesar’s rule, Brutus as a tool, or a dagger

Act 1, Scene 2 Group Speeches

1. Cassius pg 827


2. Cassius pg 828


3. Cassius pg 829


4. Brutus pg 829-830


5. Caesar pg 830


6. Casca pg 831


7. Casca pg 832


8. Cassius pg 833


• Group up according to the speech you completed. MAX OF 4!
  If more than four people did the same speech,
  then another group for that speech must be formed.


• Take out your homework and classwork from yesterday and last night to use as a reference.


• There are four mini-assignments


1. Describe what is happening before the speech


2. Someone acts out the speech in original language


3. Someone acts out the translated speech created by the group


4. Describe what happens after the speech


5. Be ready to present after 30 minutes.

Persuasive Appeals in Act 1 Scene 2

This is the homework assignment for today.
Read Act 1, Scene 2.
As you read, identify speeches and select 2 that you like or understand best.

1. Summarize the speech


2. Identify the Persuasive Appeals




• Spiritual


• Mental


• Physical


• Emotional


• Ethical




3. Audience




• How is the type of appeal appropriate for the audience?




4. Speaker




• Why does the speaker pick that type of appeal?




• Awareness of audience


• Awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses






5. Goal




• What is the speaker trying to accomplish?

Julius Caesar: Act 1, Scene 1 Quiz

Act 1 Scene I
1. What gives Marullus and Flavius the right to question the commoners or workers as they do? Also, what is the significance of those two characters having names, as opposed to being characterized as First and Second Commoner or their job title?
2. Do you think that the word awl (line 23, page 823) is a pun? Is the Second Commoner (Cobbler) testing the intelligence of the people, or is Shakespeare trying to test your intelligence as the audience?
3. Are Marullus and Flavius getting back at him or trying to put him in his place when they ask him, “But wherefore art not in thy shop today? Why dost thou lead these men about the streets?” Hint: who leads people about in the streets?
4. How does Marullus feel about the conquest of Pompey? What is your evidence?
5. Considering Marullus and Flavius’ positions, as supposed by your thoughts, why do you think that they want to remove evidence of celebrations from the statues of Caesar?
6. What is the nature of Caesar’s relationship with the people, and what is your evidence?

Here is a parallel text version. In other words, original (Old English, hard) text on the left and modern (an easier syntax and clearer language) text on the right.

This is another version of Julius Caesar and it is searchable and organized.

Caesar Group Translation

Today we started building autonomy in regards to understanding Julius Caesar on your own. We did this by:

1. Grab your book


2. Get into groups of 3


3. Open up to Julius Caesar, page 822


4. Produce a modern/simpler translation of Act 1, Scene 2


5. Identify easiest and hardest lines to translate


6. Share those two at the end of class


7. Turn in translation with everybody's name from your group on it


8. One paper per group

Here is a parallel text version. In other words, original (Old English, hard) text on the left and modern (an easier syntax and clearer language) text on the right.

This is another version of Julius Caesar and it is searchable and organized.

Caesar Group Skit Scenarios

Students got into random groups of fours and picked one of the following topics as inspiration to create a skit. The scene inspirations are taken from parts of Caesar. Students needing more guidance or clarification were provided with the following specific examples:

• a second-string running back that tells the defense how to make the first-string running back fumble the ball so that he can get more playing time.


• a second-string center telling the opposing team that instead of trying to defend against Shaquille O'Neil, all you have to do is foul him, because he can't shoot free throws.

1. Creation of dissent


• 
  You are a member of a group and disagree with the ideals and practices of your leader. Begin to win over other group members by spreading rumors and/or creating dissent/unhappiness.


2. 
   Arrogant person bragging (flexing)


• 
  You are a talented, intelligent, and capable person, when you talk about yourself you believe, you know, that you are stating facts. However, some of those around your perceive your speech as bragging. Write a speech where you discuss your accomplishments, which can be interpreted as you are arrogant or you are truthful.


3. 
   Planning to exploit someone's weakness


• 
  The leader of a group is doing a good job in many people's opinion, but a few know the actual truth. After studying their leader, this select few plan to use the leader's weakness to expose their truth about who he/she is.


4. 
   Someone talking junk who can't back it up


• 
  The leader of a group is doing a solid job, but begins exaggerrating the possibilities of what he is able to accomplish. These promises of future glory win over the people, however, when the future arrives, reality is dramatically different from the past promises.


5. 
   Glimmers of hope in an arrogant person's life


• 
  The leader of a group is often very successful and is fully under the influence of his or her arrogance. Regularly bragging on his or her successes and attributes, many close friends and associates are disgusted with him or her. However, every once and a while this person calms down and realizes the truth and acknowledges he or she couldn’t have gotten there with out the rest of the group.


6. 
   Person blind to their negative effect on others


• 
  The leader of your group definitely has it together, but many times his or her confidence and cavalier swag make most around them irritated, spawning followers and haters at the same time. The leader, however, never notices this until it is unfortunately too late.


7. 
   Arrogant person experiencing downfall or failure


• 
  The leader of your group after years of triumph and dominating, has finally been humbled with failure. What is his or her reaction? Is it denial, is it blame, is it acceptance, is it depression?


8. What next?


• 
  Now that the leader is out of the picture, a powerful power vacuum develops which could tear the group apart. Some are still loyal to the former leader, and some are loyal to your group. Compose a speech where you attempt to unify the entire group and reassure them of future success.

Persuasive Writing Topic #4, NFL

SITUATION: Hundreds of millions of people watch American football every year and one of the highlights or “guilty pleasures” of the game are the big hits. People love to see them and pay to see them. But, do you know how great the cost is to the players who experience these powerful tackles that millions love to see? The concussions caused by these hits result in major brain damage for the players. Nevertheless, this barbaric game simultaneously produces 7.6 billion dollars annually for the National Football League. Despite the massive amount of money the NFL generates from this violent sport, the league only gives a maximum of $88,000 per year to assist players who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s, and/or other mentally degenerative diseases, which all result from and/or are intensified by severe brain trauma.

DIRECTIONS: Compose a persuasive letter to the NFL Commissioner encouraging him to spend more money on protecting players during their career and assisting them afterwards.

We watched the following films in preparation:

Crazy Football Hits
Blow to the Brain, 60 minutes special

Persuasive Writing Topic #3, Prison

Facts for discussion,

1. There are 300 million people in the US


2. 1% of the American population is currently in prison


3. 52% of all people incarcerated return to prison if uneducated


4. On the other hand, only 25% of people who learn a trade, earn a degree or a diploma return to prison


5. Applying the 1% number to 300 million, that means that there are 3 million prisoners in the US


6. Each federal prisoner requires about $25,000 a year to keep them behind bars, State or Community totals about the same, less a few hundred dollars


7. Applying that cost to the population totals approximately 75 BILLION dollars a year spent on prisoners


8. Applying that cost to the population that would not return to jail if educated, we learn that we could save approximately 55 BILLION dollars annually if we educated prisoners

SITUATION:

52% of all people incarcerated in the United States re-enter the prison system after their initial sentence. However, inmates who earn a degree diploma, or learn a trade/vocation are only reconvicted at the rate of 25%. Despite this fact, one of the first programs to recieve a cut in funding at prisons is education.

DIRECTIONS:

Compose a persuasive letter to a local prison warden convincing him/her to not only stop decreasing the education budget of the prison, but to increase the money so that repeat offenders can be stopped before they create (an)other victim(s).

Persuasive Writing Topic #2, Space

SITUATION:

Did you know that the US through NASA spends approximately 31 billion dollars per year on space exploration/research projects. Many Americans believe that spending this massive amount of money is perplexing considering the economy, disaster relief needs, dying social security, failing health care provision systems, etc...

DIRECTIONS:

Compose a persuasive latter where you convince Congress that the United States has more pressing needs that need those finances spent on space exploration/research projects.

Persuasive Writing Topic #1, Kanye West

Many people remain in shock after the latest Kanye West outburst at this year’s MTV Awards Ceremony. This is not his first time, the 2007 MTV Music Awards, 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards, 2005 Hurricane Katrina Telathon, and 2004 American Music Awards have each had their share of his expletive (cuss word) laden (filled) rants. Either he is unhappy that he didn’t win awards or that the person/group that he wanted to win did not. Your assignment is to compose a PERSUASIVE letter addressed to the FCC that demands action or a PERSUASIVE letter addressed to Mr. West himself requesting that he do something about this trend in his behavior.

Letter must be properly formatted, this is a TIMED assignment and only one class period will be given.

The point is to see how you all write under pressure.

This is due at the end of class.

Simba Sundiata Similarities and Differences

Similarities
Sundiata	Simba
Prophesied to be a great king	Prophesied to be a great king
Both parents died, Dad died first, then mom,	Dad died only,
Trouble when young, he couldn't walk or talk and had a big head	Trouble when young, he couldn't roar and wasn't as big and strong as he thought/needed/expected to be
Had his advisor/jali (Balla Faseke) taken away from him	Had his advisor/guide (Zazu) taken away from him
Hated on by his family, wicked step-mother Sassouma and his step-brother (Dankaran)	Hated on by his family, sicked Uncle and the hyenas
Hating relatives tried to kill him	Hating relative tried to kill him
Got kicked out of the village, exiled from Mali	Got kicked out of the villate, exiled from Pride Rock
After being exiled someone went to look for him	After being exiled someone went to look for him
The soothsayer casts the pollen/natural things to determine how to successfully consumate the marriage to the Bufallo Woman	The soothsayer casts rocks to see that Simba was still alive
Sundiata does not kill Sumangaru	Simba does not kill Scar
Differences
Sundiata	Simba
The Elders sent search parties to look for Sundiata	Nala left to look for Simba
Sundiata always had to fight actual enemies	Simba had to fight his past and then an actual enemy
Sundiata used his parents passing as motivation	Simba was blamed for his dad's death and felt extreme guilt
Sundiata's final fight was against a very tough opponent, Sumangaru	Simba's final fight was against a very weak opponent, Scar
Sundiata had his family to love him and support him	Simba had an actual girlfriend, then wife to love and support him, Nala
Sundiata was successful in his retaking of the throne thanks to Balla Faseke, and his sister, Sogolon Komonkan	Simba was successful in his retaking of the throne thanks to friends help, Nala, Timon, Puumba, Rafiki,

Discerning the Culture of Mali?

1. Is free speech valued in Mali?
2. How are women treated in Mali?
3. How important is family in Mali?
4. What is the religious practice in Mali?
5. How do people treat authority figures in Mali?

The following questions should be answered today and can be answered pulling from the knowledge of Sundiata and of course going back through the text.

Moreover, while reading Sundiata, you should have summarized it citing at least 30 facts. The same goes for The Lion King.

Compare & Contrast Essay Organization Help

Compare and Contrast Organization

1. In the beginning, there should be of course an introduction that explains the type of stance or position that you take on the purpose or effect of the differences.


2. Next, there should be a short, two or three sentence per work summary.


3. Afterwards, take the time to structure your paper in the following way:


4. Discuss the similarities and differences one after the other, in other words, write about issues one at a time,


5. Paragraph structure:




• Topic Sentence


• Declare Similarity or Difference, which is the main idea/focus for the paragraph.


• After this, EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FACT LISTED.




• What is the effect, outcome, result, or importance of this similarity or difference?




• Concluding Sentence




6. Lastly, compose the concluding paragraph that will make sure that the reader understands the significance and/or reason that you listed those specific similarities/differences or facts.


7. MOST IMPORTANT POINT, SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES ARE EASY TO SPOT, THE PURPOSE IS TO EXPLAIN THEIR IMPORTANCE!




• I.E. Why are the stories better, more believable, more realistic, more inspiring, more informative, more appealing?


• How is Sundiata or Lion King better than the other as a result of the differences?


• How is Sundiata or Lion King more audience appropriate as a result of the differences?




8. ONE SIMILARITY OR DIFFERENCE PER PARAGRAPH!


• You must discuss at least three in your paper for a “C”, four for a “B”, five and more for an “A”.
  

Lion King, Simba or Sundiata

Please find the Lion King movie here.

Youtube version found here.

Moreover, here is a great script of the movie that does a little bit of explication also.

Compare and Contrast Essay

Our two heroes, Sundjata (The Figurative and Spiritual Lion King) and Simba (The Literal Lion King), have a lot of things in common, yet, simultaneously, they have some stark differences. In a well developed essay, discuss their similarities and uncommon traits. You should discuss at least three major events or details on the alike and dislike sides of this issue. Make sure that you have a total of at least five and that they are fully developed, so that I know, that you know, what you are talking about, which would thusly earn you the "A". Make sure that you maintain verb tense through out the paper. Good luck and write intently and intensely!!!

I will be adding a table of the similarities and dissimilarities between the two tomorrow. Pardon me for taking so long.

Sundiata Experience to Preparation Essay

You will compose an essay that discusses the following issues:
What are the significant experiences of Sundiata's youth? How did these affect him? How did they prepare him for his journey to be King or his Kingship?

You should do the following steps:
Prewrite,
Draft,
Revise,
Draft,
Revise,
Draft,
REPEAT AS NEEDED!

To assist you with the Revision Process please perform the following:

1. Identify the main idea in each body paragraph




• ONE MAIN IDEA FOR ONE PARAGRAPH, ANY MORE AND IT IS WRONG!




2. Make sure that every main idea has at least two-three supporting details that reinforce it.


• Always support your statements/accusation/conjectures


3. Ensure that you have thoroughly covered all the significant information from the prompt.


• Double check the main ideas and supporting details and make sure that they answered the questions from the prompt.


4. Do not use doubtful, insecure, or unsure language like, most likely, maybe, probably


• You should have studied and be prepared to write/speak competently on your topic, so sound like it by using words that reinforce your expertise and not undermine it.


5. Make sure that every sentence makes a point and/or serves a purpose, otherwise you are just wasting words, and that is sad. :-(


• Ex. B.P.1-1: Topic Sentence


• B.P.1-2:Commentary/Introduction/Interest Generator/Thought Provoker

Latin and Greek Prefixes 4

Post ~ After
Pre ~ Before
Re ~ Back, Again
Retro ~ Backwards
Sub ~ Beneath
Super ~ Above
Sym ~ With, Together
Syn ~ With, Together
Trans ~ Across
Tele ~ Distant

We played Last Student Standing to practice and familiarize ourselves with these prefixes.

• Make a list of words correctly using the prefixes,
• Define each word ensuring that your definition uses at least one of thedefinition word(s),
• DO NOT USE A DICTIONARY,
• List as many as possible.
• Afterward, pick your top five.

In the last few minutes of class we will all stand. Volunteers will read their five. If someone else has one of their five then that person or they and the reader must sit down. Then it proceeds to the next volunteer reader, and so on and so on, until there is only one person or a few standing. These students win and win extra points on their quiz. Furthermore, you can be asked the definition of your word at any time and should be prepared to give that when asked. If your definition does not contain the definition word(s) then you must sit down.

Sundjata

Today we began working on a very demanding packet.

Sundjata Packet


You should be doing the following:


Tuesday when we return, you will take the third Greek and Latin prefix quiz.

Everyone except 8th period may turn in their packets Wednesday since most had a good report from the substitute teacher. 8th period, your due date is still Tuesday.

How WHS was renamed in your honor!

Alright, you have had practice and exposure to myth creation in groups, but now it is time for you to handle this business on your own.

Today, your assignment is this:

In the future, near or distant, Westlake High School will be renamed in your honor. Somehow, you become an awesome human being and accomplish some unimaginable feats. And, in recognition of this your high school alma mater is renamed in recognition of your incredible accomplishments.

Please make sure that you cover the following information in your myth.

• Origin of the Main Character (YOU)




1. Talk about your birth and family history or history of the time period in which you do your great thing.




• Life of the Main Character




1. Tell what makes you so special and different from someone else.




• What you do that is so incredible that they rename the school.


• Describe the ceremony.




1. Parade, 21 gun salute, concert, national holiday, ribbon cutting ceremony...




• Good/positive closing.

Epics, Myths, and Legends Introduction

Today I introduced the class to epics, myths, and legends. In doing so we discussed what are some of the qualities of these three types of literature, but first, we connotatively or colloquially identified them.

Myths seem to discuss natural phenomena and/or how things came to be a certain way.
Legends seem to discuss heroes or amazing people and/or their adventures.
Epics seem to discuss the adventures of heroes over a certain period of time.

We then discussed a few of their characteristics, they often are/contain/portray/etc.:

1. Fiction


2. Mythical creatures


3. Personification


4. Exotic Locations


5. Hyperbole

Some examples can be found here; some were read in class and some you may, please, read on your own.

http://www.planetozkids.com/oban/legends.htm

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/myths.htm


The assignment for the day was the following, in groups you are to compose a myth where you explain how the lion came to be Westlake High School's mascot. Please make sure that you cover the following in your narrative/story:

• Lion's characteristics




1. Proud


2. Strong


3. Dominance




• Narrative/Story Style




1. This is a story in the narrative style, not an essay, research paper or letter. Your purpose is to entertain and to inspire.


2. Your goals in writing are to be creative, retain your reader's attention and give them a story they would want to repeat.


3. You need to remember to develop your plot and provide good characterization for the creatures in your story




• Creatively link the school and the lion




1. The way the lion gets associated with the school should be clever and make you smile or be happy or feel positive.


2. Do a good job here as this is a very important part of the story.




• Good and Positive Closing




1. Myths are all about positive messages almost like morals at the end of the story. They also repeat the purpose of the story at the end, to remind the reader of the purpose and also to seem as though that is the true reason things are as they are.

GOOD LUCK!

Syllabus

Syllabus found here

Greek & Latin Prefixes II

Please make sure that you do what is required so that you can be better and improve.

In other words make sure that you complete your homework, which is to think of and/or find and explain words that use the ten Greek and Latin prefixes for this week, so that you can be better prepared for the quiz. But most importantly, the greatest point is to be able to grow and improve the intellectual capacity and capabilities of your mind. The brain needs exercise, just like your body does; please do not neglect it.

Peer Review!

Today we peer reviewed one another's paper.

We copied the following down onto a blank sheet of paper.
Swapped rough drafts with a classmate and then filled out the sheet for their paper.

Here is the peer review sheet.

Again, tomorrow, Friday, there is the 10 Greek and Latin prefixes Quiz. As well as readings of your Restaurant Student Lunch Proposal Papers.

Good luck and work smarter and harder.

GREEK AND LATIN PREFIXES!!!!!

How can an intense focus on the topic improve my writing?

Yesterday, we discussed the following topic:

Convince your audience that private companies (Chick-fil-A) should provide student lunches instead of the county.

If you look closely at this topic then the following words should draw your attention.

Convince your audience that private companies (Chick-fil-A) should provide student lunches instead of the county.

1. Convince, informs you that your paper should be persuasive.
2. Audience, logically you should know that the only ones who can change the lunch situation are people like the superintendent.
3. Private companies like Chick-fil-A are noted for exceptional and high quality food.
4. School or county lunches are notoriously regarded as tasteless, poor in quality, and unappetizing.
5. You should cover what you believe to be the purpose of lunch.
6. Convince, relate everything positive back to the company you picked so solidify your persuasive argument.
   

These are essentially your purpose and main points. Your purpose in writing is to persuade. You are to make sure that your reader understands that the only path to lunch time excellence, is the path you create/discuss.

In my opinion there are four main issues that you need to address. They are the following:

1. The Purpose of Lunch


• Give the student a break and let him or her chill for a second.


2. The Current State of Lunch


• Explain the problems or deficits of the county lunch


3. The Ideal State of Lunch


• Explain the joys and perks of the proposed perfect private company (Chick-fil-A) lunch


4. Recap how the private company's lunch is more than good enough, yet the county lunch is severely lacking.


• Explain how the Chick-fil-A lunch fulfills the dream.

Due tomorrow is the rough draft and due Friday is the final draft.

Monkey's Paw, Part II

The word for breakdown today is MALICIOUS.

Malfunction, Malpractice, Malady, Malice, Mal, Malnutrition, Malware.

Today we continued reading The Monkey's Paw and discussed the mood in an attempt to secure interest and establish expectations which aid interest as well as understanding.

Here is the text.
Here is the audio.

If this audio doesn't play automatically, then after clicking the link go to File > Save Page As > and Save the mp3 file to My Music or some where familiar to you and then play it from your PC or transfer it to your phone or mp3 player and listen to it that way.

Students in need of extra or supplementary work were asked to do the following:

Find the examples of foreshadowing in the short story and explain them.
Hypothesize the possible wishes of the Sergeant Major and provide quotes as evidence.

This was weekend homework for 8th period, 2 page minimum length.

Have a great weekend, and, as always, work hard!

Questions that should eventually be answered

How can questions help my reading?

Today we analyzed the word ILLUSTRIOUS to practice identifying root words to help define new and unknown words.

Illustrate is similar to illustrious. Illustrate means to create or draw a good or great picture/icon. And illustration is something that you see and it is seen as positive as in an illustration along with text helps explain better. "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Therefore Illustrious roughly should be close to this, something that everyone sees as positive or a good example or picture of something.

Click here for the actual meaning of illustrious.

We then completed the following assignment.

Read the short story "The Monkey's Paw". As you read, mark or note important facts. Also, apply the 5 W's and an H to assist your note taking and understanding of the work.

For instance,

WHEN can give you many questions or activities to guide your reading:

Make a timeline of the events in the story
Identify when the story is set in history
Identify when certain events happen in character's lives.

WHO can provide assistance just as well,

Who is in a relationship with who?
Who is related to who?

And so on...

Work hard and best of luck.

The Monkey's Paw
"Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it." -- Anonymous
Part I
Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlor of Laburnum villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess; the former, who possessed ideas about the game involving radical chances, putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire.
"Hark at the wind," said Mr. White, who, having seen a fatal mistake after it was too late, was amiably desirous of preventing his son from seeing it.
"I'm listening," said the latter grimly surveying the board as he stretched out his hand. "Check."
"I should hardly think that he's come tonight, " said his father, with his hand poised over the board.
"Mate," replied the son.
"That's the worst of living so far out," balled Mr. White with sudden and unlooked-for violence; "Of all the beastly, slushy, out of the way places to live in, this is the worst. Path's a bog, and the road's a torrent. I don't know what people are thinking about. I suppose because only two houses in the road are let, they think it doesn't matter."
"Never mind, dear," said his wife soothingly; "perhaps you'll win the next one."
Mr. White looked up sharply, just in time to intercept a knowing glance between mother and son. the words died away on his lips, and he hid a guilty grin in his thin grey beard.
"There he is," said Herbert White as the gate banged to loudly and heavy footsteps came toward the door.
The old man rose with hospitable haste and opening the door, was heard condoling with the new arrival. The new arrival also condoled with himself, so that Mrs. White said, "Tut, tut!" and coughed gently as her husband entered the room followed by a tall, burly man, beady of eye and rubicund of visage.
"Sargeant-Major Morris, " he said, introducing him.
The Sargeant-Major took hands and taking the proffered seat by the fire, watched contentedly as his host got out whiskey and tumblers and stood a small copper kettle on the fire.
At the third glass his eyes got brighter, and he began to talk, the little family circle regarding with eager interest this visitor from distant parts, as he squared his broad shoulders in the chair and spoke of wild scenes and doughty deeds; of wars and plagues and strange peoples.
"Twenty-one years of it," said Mr. White, nodding at his wife and son. "When he went away he was a slip of a youth in the warehouse. Now look at him."
"He don't look to have taken much harm." said Mrs. White politely.
"I'd like to go to India myself," said the old man, just to look around a bit, you know."
"Better where you are," said the Sargent-Major, shaking his head. He put down the empty glass and sighning softly, shook it again.
"I should like to see those old temples and fakirs and jugglers," said the old man. "what was that that you started telling me the other day about a monkey's paw or something, Morris?"
"Nothing." said the soldier hastily. "Leastways, nothing worth hearing."
"Monkey's paw?" said Mrs. White curiously.
"Well, it's just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps." said the Sargeant-Major off-handedly.
His three listeners leaned forward eagerly. The visitor absent-mindedly put his empty glass to his lips and then set it down again. His host filled it for him again.
"To look at," said the Sargent-Major, fumbling in his pocket, "it's just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy."
He took something out of his pocket and proffered it. Mrs. White drew back with a grimace, but her son, taking it, examined it curiously.
"And what is there special about it?" inquired Mr. White as he took it from his son, and having examined it, placed it upon the table.
"It had a spell put on it by an old Fakir," said the Sargent-Major, "a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lifes, and that those who interefered with it did so to their sorrow. He put a spell on it so that three separate men could each have three wishes from it."
His manners were so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter had jarred somewhat.
"Well, why don't you have three, sir?" said Herbert White cleverly.
The soldier regarded him the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth. "I have," he said quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.
"And did you really have the three wishes granted?" asked Mrs. White.
"I did," said the sergeant-major, and his glass tapped against his strong teeth.
"And has anybody else wished?" persisted the old lady.
"The first man had his three wishes. Yes, " was the reply, "I don't know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That's how I got the paw."
His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group.
"If you've had your three wishes it's no good to you now then Morris," said the old man at last. "What do you keep it for?"
The soldier shook his head. "Fancy I suppose," he said slowly." I did have some idea of selling it, but I don't think I will. It has caused me enough mischief already. Besides, people won't buy. They think it's a fairy tale, some of them; and those who do think anything of it want to try it first and pay me afterward."
"If you could have another three wishes," said the old man, eyeing him keenly," would you have them?"
"I don't know," said the other. "I don't know."
He took the paw, and dangling it between his forefinger and thumb, suddenly threw it upon the fire. White, with a slight cry, stooped down and snatched it off.
"Better let it burn," said the soldier solemnly.
"If you don't want it Morris," said the other, "give it to me."
"I won't." said his friend doggedly. "I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don't blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire like a sensible man."
The other shook his head and examined his possessions closely. "How do you do it?" he inquired.
"Hold it up in your right hand, and wish aloud," said the sergeant-major, "But I warn you of the consequences."
"Sounds like the 'Arabian Nights'", said Mrs. White, as she rose and began to set the supper. "Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me."
Her husband drew the talisman from his pocket, and all three burst into laughter as the Sergeant-Major, with a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the arm.
"If you must wish," he said gruffly, "Wish for something sensible."
Mr. White dropped it back in his pocket, and placing chairs, motioned his friend to the table. In the business of supper the talisman was partly forgotten, and afterward the three sat listening in an enthralled fashion to a second installment of the soldier's adventures in India.
"If the tale about the monkey's paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us," said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time to catch the last train, "we shan't make much out of it."
"Did you give anything for it, father?" inquired Mrs. White, regarding her husband closely.
"A trifle," said he, coloring slightly, "He didn't want it, but I made him take it. And he pressed me again to throw it away."
"Likely," said Herbert, with pretended horror. "Why, we're going to be rich, and famous, and happy. Wish to be an emperor, father, to begin with; then you can't be henpecked."
He darted around the table, pursued by the maligned Mrs White armed with an antimacassar.
Mr. White took the paw from his pocket and eyed it dubiously. "I don't know what to wish for, and that's a fact," he said slowly. It seems to me I've got all I want."
"If you only cleared the house, you'd be quite happy, wouldn't you!" said Herbert, with his hand on his shoulder. "Well, wish for two hundred pounds, then; that'll just do it."
His father, smiling shamefacedly at his own credulity, held up the talisman, as his son, with a solemn face, somewhat marred by a wink at his mother, sat down and struck a few impressive chords.
"I wish for two hundred pounds," said the old man distinctly.
A fine crash from the piano greeted his words, interrupted by a shuddering cry from the old man. His wife and son ran toward him.
"It moved," he cried, with a glance of disgust at the object as it lay on the floor. "As I wished, it twisted in my hand like a snake."
"Well, I don't see the money," said his son, as he picked it up and placed it on the table, "and I bet I never shall."
"It must have been your fancy, father," said his wife, regarding him anxiously.
He shook his head. "Never mind, though; there's no harm done, but it gave me a shock all the same."
They sat down by the fire again while the two men finished thier pipes. Outside, the wind was higher than ever, an the old man started nervously at the sound of a door banging upstairs. A silence unusual and depressing settled on all three, which lasted until the old couple rose to retire for the rest of the night.
"I expect you'll find the cash tied up in a big bag in the middle of your bed," said Herbert, as he bade them goodnight, " and something horrible squatting on top of your wardrobe watching you as you pocket your ill-gotten gains."
He sat alone in the darkness, gazing at the dying fire, and seeing faces in it. The last was so horrible and so simian that he gazed at it in amazement. It got so vivid that, with a little uneasy laugh, he felt on the table for a glass containing a little water to throw over it. His hand grasped the monkey's paw, and with a little shiver he wiped his hand on his coat and went up to bed.
Part II
In the brightness of the wintry sun next morning as it streamed over the breakfast table he laughed at his fears. There was an air of prosaic wholesomeness about the room which it had lacked on the previous night, and the dirty, shriveled little paw was pitched on the side-board with a carelessness which betokened no great belief in its virtues.
"I suppose all old soldiers are the same," said Mrs White. "The idea of our listening to such nonsense! How could wishes be granted in these days? And if they could, how could two hundred pounds hurt you, father?"
"Might drop on his head from the sky," said the frivolous Herbert.
"Morris said the things happened so naturally," said his father, "that you might if you so wished attribute it to coincidence."
"Well don't break into the money before I come back," said Herbert as he rose from the table. "I'm afraid it'll turn you into a mean, avaricious man, and we shall have to disown you."
His mother laughed, and following him to the door, watched him down the road; and returning to the breakfast table, was very happy at the expense of her husband's credulity. All of which did not prevent her from scurrying to the door at the postman's knock, nor prevent her from referring somewhat shortly to retired Sergeant-Majors of bibulous habits when she found that the post brought a tailor's bill.
"Herbert will have some more of his funny remarks, I expect, when he comes home," she said as they sat at dinner.
"I dare say," said Mr. White, pouring himself out some beer; "but for all that, the thing moved in my hand; that I'll swear to."
"You thought it did," said the old lady soothingly.
"I say it did," replied the other. "There was no thought about it; I had just - What's the matter?"
His wife made no reply. She was watching the mysterious movements of a man outside, who, peering in an undecided fashion at the house, appeared to be trying to make up his mind to enter. In mental connection with the two hundred pounds, she noticed that the stranger was well dressed, and wore a silk hat of glossy newness. Three times he paused at the gate, and then walked on again. The fourth time he stood with his hand upon it, and then with sudden resolution flung it open and walked up the path. Mrs White at the same moment placed her hands behind her, and hurriedly unfastening the strings of her apron, put that useful article of apparel beneath the cushion of her chair.
She brought the stranger, who seemed ill at ease, into the room. He gazed at her furtively, and listened in a preoccupied fashion as the old lady apologized for the appearance of the room, and her husband's coat, a garment which he usually reserved for the garden. She then waited as patiently as her sex would permit for him to broach his business, but he was at first strangely silent.
"I - was asked to call," he said at last, and stooped and picked a piece of cotton from his trousers. "I come from 'Maw and Meggins.' "
The old lady started. "Is anything the matter?" she asked breathlessly. "Has anything happened to Herbert? What is it? What is it?
Her husband interposed. "There there mother," he said hastily. "Sit down, and don't jump to conclusions. You've not brought bad news, I'm sure sir," and eyed the other wistfully.
"I'm sorry - " began the visitor.
"Is he hurt?" demanded the mother wildly.
The visitor bowed in assent. "Badly hurt," he said quietly, "but he is not in any pain."
"Oh thank God!" said the old woman, clasping her hands. "Thank God for that! Thank - "
She broke off as the sinister meaning of the assurance dawned on her and she saw the awful confirmation of her fears in the others averted face. She caught her breath, and turning to her slower-witted husband, laid her trembling hand on his. There was a long silence.
"He was caught in the machinery," said the visitor at length in a low voice.
"Caught in the machinery," repeated Mr. White, in a dazed fashion, "yes."
He sat staring out the window, and taking his wife's hand between his own, pressed it as he had been wont to do in their old courting days nearly forty years before.
"He was the only one left to us," he said, turning gently to the visitor. "It is hard."
The other coughed, and rising, walked slowly to the window. " The firm wishes me to covey their sincere sympathy with you in your great loss," he said, without looking round. "I beg that you will understand I am only their servant and merely obeying orders."
There was no reply; the old woman’s face was white, her eyes staring, and her breath inaudible; on the husband's face was a look such as his friend the sergeant might have carried into his first action.
"I was to say that Maw and Meggins disclaim all responsibility," continued the other. "They admit no liability at all, but in consideration of your son's services, they wish to present you with a certain sum as compensation."
Mr. White dropped his wife's hand, and rising to his feet, gazed with a look of horror at his visitor. His dry lips shaped the words, "How much?"
"Two hundred pounds," was the answer.
Unconscious of his wife's shriek, the old man smiled faintly, put out his hands like a sightless man, and dropped, a senseless heap, to the floor.
Part III
In the huge new cemetery, some two miles distant, the old people buried their dead, and came back to the house steeped in shadows and silence. It was all over so quickly that at first they could hardly realize it, and remained in a state of expectation as though of something else to happen - something else which was to lighten this load, too heavy for old hearts to bear.
But the days passed, and expectations gave way to resignation - the hopeless resignation of the old, sometimes mis-called apathy. Sometimes they hardly exchanged a word, for now they had nothing to talk about, and their days were long to weariness.
It was a about a week after that the old man, waking suddenly in the night, stretched out his hand and found himself alone. The room was in darkness, and the sound of subdued weeping came from the window. He raised himself in bed and listened.
"Come back," he said tenderly. "You will be cold."
"It is colder for my son," said the old woman, and wept afresh.
The sounds of her sobs died away on his ears. The bed was warm, and his eyes heavy with sleep. He dozed fitfully, and then slept until a sudden wild cry from his wife awoke him with a start.
"THE PAW!" she cried wildly. "THE MONKEY'S PAW!"
He started up in alarm. "Where? Where is it? What’s the matter?"
She came stumbling across the room toward him. "I want it," she said quietly. "You've not destroyed it?"
"It's in the parlor, on the bracket," he replied, marveling. "Why?"
She cried and laughed together, and bending over, kissed his cheek.
"I only just thought of it," she said hysterically. "Why didn't I think of it before? Why didn't you think of it?"
"Think of what?" he questioned.
"The other two wishes," she replied rapidly. "We've only had one."
"Was not that enough?" he demanded fiercely.
"No," she cried triumphantly; "We'll have one more. Go down and get it quickly, and wish our boy alive again."
The man sat in bed and flung the bedclothes from his quaking limbs. "Good God, you are mad!" he cried aghast. "Get it," she panted; "get it quickly, and wish - Oh my boy, my boy!"
Her husband struck a match and lit the candle. "Get back to bed he said unsteadily. "You don't know what you are saying."
"We had the first wish granted," said the old woman, feverishly; "why not the second?"
"A coincidence," stammered the old man.
"Go get it and wish," cried his wife, quivering with excitement.
The old man turned and regarded her, and his voice shook. "He has been dead ten days, and besides he - I would not tell you else, but - I could only recognize him by his clothing. If he was too terrible for you to see then, how now?"
"Bring him back," cried the old woman, and dragged him towards the door. "Do you think I fear the child I have nursed?"
He went down in the darkness, and felt his way to the parlor, and then to the mantelpiece. The talisman was in its place, and a horrible fear that the unspoken wish might bring his mutilated son before him ere he could escape from the room seized up on him, and he caught his breath as he found that he had lost the direction of the door. His brow cold with sweat, he felt his way round the table, and groped along the wall until he found himself in the small passage with the unwholesome thing in his hand.
Even his wife's face seemed changed as he entered the room. It was white and expectant, and to his fears seemed to have an unnatural look upon it. He was afraid of her.
"WISH!" she cried in a strong voice.
"It is foolish and wicked," he faltered.
"WISH!" repeated his wife.
He raised his hand. "I wish my son alive again."
The talisman fell to the floor, and he regarded it fearfully. Then he sank trembling into a chair as the old woman, with burning eyes, walked to the window and raised the blind.
He sat until he was chilled with the cold, glancing occasionally at the figure of the old woman peering through the window. The candle-end, which had burned below the rim of the china candlestick, was throwing pulsating shadows on the ceiling and walls, until with a flicker larger than the rest, it expired. The old man, with an unspeakable sense of relief at the failure of the talisman, crept back back to his bed, and a minute afterward the old woman came silently and apathetically beside him.
Neither spoke, but lay silently listening to the ticking of the clock. A stair creaked, and a squeaky mouse scurried noisily through the wall. The darkness was oppressive, and after lying for some time screwing up his courage, he took the box of matches, and striking one, went downstairs for a candle.
At the foot of the stairs the match went out, and he paused to strike another; and at the same moment a knock came so quiet and stealthy as to be scarcely audible, sounded on the front door.
The matches fell from his hand and spilled in the passage. He stood motionless, his breath suspended until the knock was repeated. Then he turned and fled swiftly back to his room, and closed the door behind him. A third knock sounded through the house.
"WHATS THAT?" cried the old woman, starting up.
"A rat," said the old man in shaking tones - "a rat. It passed me on the stairs."
His wife sat up in bed listening. A loud knock resounded through the house.
"It's Herbert!"
She ran to the door, but her husband was before her, and catching her by the arm, held her tightly.
"What are you going to do?" he whispered hoarsely.
"It's my boy; it's Herbert!" she cried, struggling mechanically. "I forgot it was two miles away. What are you holding me for? Let go. I must open the door."
"For God's sake don't let it in," cried the old man, trembling.
"You're afraid of your own son," she cried struggling. "Let me go. I'm coming, Herbert; I'm coming."
There was another knock, and another. The old woman with a sudden wrench broke free and ran from the room. Her husband followed to the landing, and called after her appealingly as she hurried downstairs. He heard the chain rattle back and the bolt drawn slowly and stiffly from the socket. Then the old woman’s voice, strained and panting.
"The bolt," she cried loudly. "Come down. I can't reach it."
But her husband was on his hands and knees groping wildly on the floor in search of the paw. If only he could find it before the thing outside got in. A perfect fusillade of knocks reverberated through the house, and he heard the scraping of a chair as his wife as his wife put it down in the passage against the door. He heard the creaking of the bolt as it came slowly back, and at the same moment he found the monkey’s paw, and frantically breathed his third and last wish.
The knocking ceased suddenly, although the echoes of it were still in the house. He heard the chair drawn back, and the door opened. A cold wind rushed up the staircase, and a long loud wail of disappointment and misery from his wife gave him the courage to run down to her side, and then to the gate beyond. The streetlamp flickering opposite shone on a quiet and deserted road.

Interpretive Youtube version found here.
Youtube black and white "Silent version" here.
Almost verbatim youtube version.

What represents you?

Yesterday, we took the time to decorate the folders in which we will store our graded work for the year. Here is some particularly nice examples of them:


The word of the day was Illustrious.

Illustration.

Great job everyone!

Who Were/Are/Will You (BE)?

We started off this school year discussing the following three questions.

Who were you?
Who are you?
Who will you be?

The purposes of these three questions were to

1. begin the introspective process critical to maturity and adulthood.
   
2. Address the quality of work, thought, and analysis expected.
   
3. Prepare you for writing about literature later on in the year.

We also discussed how much better we should be writing on this next level of high school. This can be achieved by more thoroughly answering the question.

As in there is a Literal answer, a Funcitional/Purposeful answer, and best, an Exhaustive/Thorough answer.

• Literal is basic elementary or subpar thinking. This answer can be given by elementary students or anybody with only surface/superficial analysis. This grade will most likely be an F, if not a 70 under remarkable circumstances.

• Functional/Purposeful answers are more grade level appropriate and show that you have tried to answer the question in a way that demonstrates that you tried to fulfill the purpose of the question and are developing the skills needed to progress your talents and abilities. This grade will most likely be a mid C - Mid B.
  

• Exhaustive/Thorough answers are those that prove unequivocably that you deserve an A. These answers show remarkable insight and display deep analysis of the issues raised in the question. The level of thought indicates this was well-thought out, well planned and well organized. This grade will most likely be a mid B - mid A.
  

In an example of how this depth of analysis should be applied to a question, observe the first question, "Who were you?"

We analyzed the word "you". Human beings are multi-dimensional creatures, meaning we have more than one component which makes us complete. We are composed of five parts/facets, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social. That being said, there are some areas where we grow and develop and some where we do not. For instance, just because a person progresses in age, doesn't mean that they have gotten any smarter, more mature or more intellectual. Therefore these areas of growth can be independent and quite varied, depending on the awareness or consciousness of the individual.

Should you ever have any questions or need to turn in a paper later on, then please email me at reverend.hampton@gmail.com

Also remember, we should strive to take the initiative in life and man or woman up when necessary. Start yourself on the right path and don't wait on someone else to do it for you.

In regards to work, you should have already established a base for your writing and today we began to build upon that by analyzing the additions in further detail. For instance, if you were an angry person then think about why you are that way, what have you been exposed to that would make you that way? How does your behavior affect others and how do they react to you?

The word of the day was INITIATIVE.

Be ready to turn in your work tomorrow at the beginning of class.

Of Mice and Men

Please download an e-copy here.

My Atlanta Water Company Complaint Letter (Rough Draft)

Charles Edgar Hampton 123 Sesame St. Atlanta, GA 12345 March 28, 2009 Department of Watershed Management ATTN: Commissioner Robert Hunter 55 Trinity Ave. Atlanta, GA 30303 Greetings, My wife and I had a house built in Atlanta, GA during the Spring of 2008. Many times during the erecting of the building we visited, asked questions, took pictures, and were vigilant in the inspecting and learning about what a major and wonderful commitment we were making. The construction was finished in mid-May and we closed on the house on May 23, 2008. We were then informed by the builder and subdivision representatives, exactly what we needed to do to transfer all of the utilities to our names, which we did. We were instructed to fax or mail you all the settlement statement, which we did in June of 2008. This was the limit of our responsibility. Yet, for some unknown reason, as stated by Atlanta Watershed, the account was not setup. Since our account was not setup, we did not receive a bill, but that was not immediately alarming, because the mortgage lapses for a month. So, after setting up all the other utilities, we discovered that some are quarterly, like sanitation, therefore, since we had not yet received a water bill and had done what we were instructed and required to do, we continued to wait. You must understand that this was my first time living on my own and was also, as a result, my first house. Nevertheless, in November after the three month mark when a quarterly bill should have been received, I rushed up to the Watershed Management building after work to inquire to the apparent problem with our account. It was at this time that the account was finally setup properly, or so I thought. The meter reader upon inspecting my meter noted that it was broken, but I, the owner of the house/account, was not notified, nor was anyone sent to fix the meter. Through December the meter continued to be broken without my being informed. The water company then allegedly proceeded to send my house a bill, which I have yet to receive. Consider then my surprise, when I do finally receive a bill in the mail with the gargantuan and daunting heftiness of $486.31. I was appalled and upset, but not irate. I took the time to inspect the pipes for leaks, after reading the information on the Atlanta Watershed Management website; however, of course no leak was found. I cut the water off to the house at the main water valve in the home and listened for activity with the meter at the sidewalk, but none was observed or perceived. I did however note that there was dirt in the window of the meter, but I saw wires going into the thick mud also and figured that there was some new more advanced technical way of reading the meter, which replaced the antiquated and now obsolete manual meter. Moreover, much to my dismay and displeasure, this January bill, which was also supplemented by the undelivered, unreceived and therefore unpaid December bill, was purported to be the result of an actual reading. Yet, the account still lists the meter as broken since November and as of this day, March 28, 2009, unfixed. How is it possible that a broken meter, that hasn’t functioned for two weeks, going to suddenly start working correctly two months later? It is impossible. Regardless to this irrefutable fact, the bill went out, no one double checked the facts, and no one cared to assess the inspector, reader, or supervisor’s reports on this account. Recalling that recently the banking system has already nearly foundered and has debilitated this country to the haggard state of recession due to a lack of oversight, and apparently, the water system here in Atlanta, is faced with this same leeching crisis of lack of proper revision or supervision. Though my troubles are in no way over regarding my wretched experiences with this company, I do want to state clearly and emphatically that it is not my intention to cause anyone trouble or to lose their job, for surely there is enough economic trouble for honest and hard working citizens and/or residents of Atlanta. The purpose of this text is to simply request change; overhaul the policies. Returning to the issues, please recall that I now have an alleged accurate/actual bill with a broken meter. The reason I am told that my meter remained in such a state of disrepair, is because it was to be fitted with an AMR (automatic meter reader) device. Yet, why would this need to be done, considering the wires that I previously mentioned are in fact that device? This again, shows a complete negligence on behalf of this company in regards to accuracy, honesty, integrity, and customer service. Irregardless to all of these problems, which were at that point in time, January 2009, unknown to myself, I paid the behemoth bill on time. Assuming the bill was backdated, I accepted the large amount as plausible and probable for nearly eight months of water usage, but unfortunately, I was very incorrect. Next, February was upon my household and it was time for the next bill. When it arrived, much to my dismay and duress, another rather large bill was awaiting my trite budget. Its amount was $240.36 and was, with the grace of God, paid on time. Again, I must remind you that I have never paid utility bills before and was already battling with repetitive $280 dollar natural gas bills, so I devoted my energies to that first, figuring that again, these hearty water bills must the result of them lingering from the lack of an earlier bill. I didn’t know what was going on. I figured, I guess this is why many people that are just starting out get apartments first. But, I was uneasy and unsettled with my utilities. Patiently, I resolved the natural gas problem and March approaches, bearing gifts of papers demanding principals and other payments. Atlanta Watershed Management, $240.36, the same exact amount again defiantly and stubbornly stood in front of me. At this point I called to discuss this with someone and find out exactly what was happening with the liquid H20 of 123 Sesame St. in Atlanta, Georgia. I finally had the veil removed and my eyes were at last open; I was informed that all of my bills were estimated, because I had a broken meter. Trust me when I say that I was highly upset, but did not lash out, because that is not my nature, path, or style. I handled this financial debacle with class and professionalism, I requested to speak with a manager. I was resolute to discover, why a reasonable, logical, and/or reasonable person estimate a bill so astronomically high if it isn’t working? It isn’t like my wife and I have kids or a pool, for any cursory inspection would verify this, but such a rational step was not taken. Instead, someone allowed what I liberally and frankly call greed to push them into making a completely immoral and frivolous claim in regards to the immense amounts owed monthly to the Atlanta Watershed Management company, which is under your leadership. My wife and I find ourselves less $726.67, an intensely significant amount of money to a single income family, let alone at an economic time such as this, all due to preventable errors, which were allowed to remain and be perpetuated by many at your company. My wife is in law school, she studies all day and attends classes in the evenings, while I teach all day, and coach golf in the early evening, to help supplement our already halved income. $726.67 is in no way something I can just overlook and accept, especially when its origins are misfeasance, nonfeasance, disinformation, and misrepresentation. In short, the setup, inspection, and maintenance of my account, which should have taken place in June of 2008 by a credible, professional, well-run company, will now happen, over a year later. Why the substandard service? My simple request is that the following items be entered into the policies that your company abides by: - Someone needs to ensure that broken meters get fixed in a timely manner, - Someone needs to ensure that the information contained in account records is accurate, - Estimations should be practical and reflect the mean usage of the appropriate occupancy, - Over-payment of bills resulting from errors made by the company should be refunded immediately if requested by the customer and automatic if the amount is $300 or greater. - Managers/Supervisors should have some sort of executive powers/control so that in situations like mine, immediate action will be taken, - Customers absolutely must be fully informed of the best intelligence available within 5 business days if a problem is discovered with their meter. If these are already in existence in your organization, then they are not in the least bit being enforced, applied, enacted, etc, and this is not acceptable. Nearing the end of this correspondence, there is a corollary example I want to share with you. I also relayed this to the young lady I spoke with, who I spoke with on the phone, and by the way, all employees encountered were apologetic, professional, knowledgeable, and cordial, particularly, Ms Schavis and Ms. Salethia Graham. As the man of my household, it is unacceptable for me to note a problem, ignore it, allow it to fester and worsen, then punish my wife for it, making her pay for my neglect, and tell her that it will take four months for me to fix the problem. After this, I finally execute the appropriate measures while simultaneously holding onto her money while I can use it to purchase other things I want or need. This would make me a sorry man, yet this company is not a man, therefore, all I can say is that this is sorry customer service. The callous treatment of my time, money, and quality of life is irreprehensible and horrendous. This is unacceptable, but unfortunately, no deregulation has taken place. I cannot take my business elsewhere, as I can with Scana or MX Energy, when I have been wronged by Georgia Natural Gas. So, I utilize my only and hopefully most effective resource, which is the pen (well, word processor) and wield it as adeptly as I can to ask for the changes to the illogical and debasing policies of the Atlanta Watershed Management company. Finally, I request a refund of $500, and that the remaining $226.67 remain on the account as a credit, so that when everything finally clears and the sediment settles to the bottom, that neither party is lacking unduly. Please let me know what you think of my request and respond to me at your earliest convenience. I did not go to the media, because I believe that there are many ways to handle adverse situations and I believe that this is the appropriate first step in seeking resolution to my issues. I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to positive and progressive dialogue. Thank you for your time, Charles Edgar Hampton, M.Ed. Customer

Vocabulary List # 3

1. Defer


2. Quintessential


3. Cantankerous


4. Belligerent


5. Clemency


6. Impetuous


7. Semblance


8. Apprehensive


9. Debacle


10. Emphatic


11. Convoluted


12. Subversive


13. Dissension


14. Foil


15. Aside


16. Apathy

Antigone & PLAY WRITING ASSIGNMENT AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

Please find the link to the entire movie on youtube here.
An online version of Antigone can be found here.

By the way, the four topics that you and your groups need to be focusing on are:

1. Man's law vs. God's law, which is paramount?
2. When is civil disobedience warranted?
3. Can you thwart your tragic flaw?
4. How does gender complicate things?

Also, please remember,

• characters,
• dialogue,
• settings,
• stage directions,
• drama -conflict-,
• elevated language -similes, metaphors, oxymorons, hyperbole-
• irony

these are all up to you, but you must make your play a tragedy. BEST OF LUCK!!!

Make sure that you have a summary for me on Monday and a script on Tuesday.

Oedipus Rex, Father of Antigone

Oedipus Rex Summary and Discussion Questions

Online Text Version

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Writing Practice Classwork

Chris Brown and Rhianna have recently experienced some major personal drama. The reason is currently unknown and at the very least, unverified. However, what we do know is that physical violence or domestic violence occurred between the two.

These are the essential questions here: Are celebrities role models? Are celebrities responsible for the examples that they set for young people, particularly African American teenagers? How should a celebrity react in negative situations such as this one? What can role models do to keep their consciences constantly functioning so that they stay on "the RIGHTeous path"?

You are to have completed two drafts of this paper with revisions and then have your final draft/paper graded by a classmate using this rubric. Homework is found at the bottom of the LINKED page.

Mini-Writing Workshop

The Note Check/Classwork & Homework Check Consisted of the following five things:

1. List of the Major Components of a Great Essay


2. Organized Outline of those Terms/Components


3. Writing a short essay on a particular topic guided by your outline


4. Revisions made to your essay/paper by self-checking using the revision portion of the outline


5. Peer Editing/Critiques/Grading

Also, you should have copied down the following notes in regards to another essay structure called the Jane Schaffer model.
Using this model, please understand that all essays, that is great essays, should contain these items:

• Introductory Paragraphs


• Thesis Statement should be last sentence.


Your thesis statements should do more than just identify the theme or main idea of your paper. You should, in fact, have a thesis statement that takes a stance on your paticular topic. That is to say, rather than just creating a sentence that states, "I will be discussing drunk driving.", you write, "I will be discussing the irresponsibility, incosiderate, and wreckless nature of drunk drivers, who traumatize, harm, and even kill innocent people, all in the name of 'fun'."




• Body Paragraphs


• The Topic Sentence should be the first sentence, this should tie in whatever stance that you take and also repeat any synonyms or key terms. For instance, "Though many people drink alcohol just to 'have a good time', one person's 'good time' can end up causing another family a lifetime or pain and misery.'
• Note the use of Vice-versa and repetition of key message, "What may start as harmless fun could end up being a deadly nightmare."


• The Supporting Details


• Concrete Detail, if you have given your paragraphs solid Topic Sentences, then you are able to then provide the reader with a fact/quote/iota of information/data, that will show him or her that you are an authoritative figure on this topic. Make sure that you ALWAYS provide RELEVANT, ACCURATE, and UP TO DATE information to support the topic of that particular paragraph. THIS IS WHERE YOUR CONSTANT READING AND EXPOSURE TO NON-FICTION OR QUALITY FICTION STORIES/BOOKS/MEDIA WILL BE OF VITAL USE!!!


• Commentary, this is nothing more than your opinion or your comments/personal feelings about the issue. Here you can and should insert your personality into the paper and set the reader at ease, so that he or she really feels your candor and sincerity.


• The Concluding Sentence should sum up the paragraphs topic/point and lead your reader into your next point smoothly, so that your paper flows and they finish reading it, not even realizing what just happened. For instance, "Though many people believe that they can make it home, due to their inability to gauge sobriety and feel they are "good" driver's citing their infrequency of accidents, in actuality, any alcohol consumption impairs drivers so that they fall below average in their skills, but this often goes unnoticed because of the driver's "buzz".
• Concluding Paragraphs


• This last paragraph should remind the reader of they key points, using synonyms and related ideas whenever possible. However, a reader must be careful to underscore and restate without being redundant. For instance, "We must all make sure to do well by not only ensuring our personal safety, but that of others, especially when partaking of behavior altering substances." P.S. If you find this sentence to be somewhat bland, then season it by including or removing certain words and/or phrases.