ALEXIS BOOKTALKS for Spring 2020

These are the ones completed before spring break:

ALEXIS BOOKTALKS – spring 2020
The following is a list of books personally recommended by my English 9 and English 11 students.


Babbitt, Natalie – Tuck Everlasting- The Tuck family tries to live as comfortably as they can. When Winnie Foster, a ten year-old girl, runs away from her home, she finds the Tuck family and learns about their secret: drinking from a mysterious creek that makes people immortal. “I enjoyed this book because I’ve never read a book similar to this.” [Arielle Marfaing, grade eleven]
Ball, John- In the Heat of the Night – This novel is an intriguing mystery that shows examples of discrimination against African Americans before the Civil Rights movement. A black detective from California is implicated in a murder in Mississippi; he ends up helping the police department in more ways than one. “Not only is this intriguing to read, but it also shows insight into America’s history.” [Caitlyn Mackinnon, grade eleven]
Cameron, Bruce – A Dog’s Purpose – This is a novel about how the pets we love are never really gone. It shows the journey of one dog’s soul travelling through different lives. The soul falls in love with one certain owner and spends all her lives trying to get that owner back while still living their current life. This book captures that journey beautifully. “You should read this because it gives you an insight that animals have feelings too, and it fuels the creative side of your mind when you think about where a pet you lost might be today.” [Kaylee Heal, grade nine]
Green, John – The Fault in our Stars – This novel is about tow sixteen year olds, Hazel and Augustus. They meet at a cancer support group and fall in love almost immediately. Hazel gives Augustus her favourite book, and they fly to Amsterdam with Augustus’ wish to meet the author. While in Amsterdam, Augustus tells Hazel how his cancer came back and is now worse than ever. “I liked this book because it’s a great love story with a very sad ending. Everyone should read this because it’s entertaining and it will make you cry in the best way possible.” [Maddie Stokovac, grade nine]
Haig, Matt – The Humans- This book is about an alien who goes to Earth to replace university mathematics professor, Andrew Martin, who recently discovered a world changing equation. This equation would allow space travel, teleportation, and many futuristic technologies. The alien’s job is to eliminate anyone who could have known about this finding. Along the way, he finds love, empathy, and makes a choice that will affect him forever. “This book has amazing insights on humans and our way of living. It provides a great amount of detail and philosophy, all told through a unique point of view.” [Thomas Dubouchet, grade nine]
Harari, Yuval Noah – Sapiens- This book is about people and the place where they started, with further exploration of their development of social beings. “This is a series book and is rather complicated, but human development is explained in an amusing way. Everyone interested in comparative cultures should read this book.” [Kamilla Kon, grade eleven]
Nasar, Sylvia - A Beautiful Mind – This is a biography of the life of John Nash, a mathematician from Princeton. The book discusses Nash’s battle with mental illness during the 40’s and 50’s and went on to win the Nobel Prize. “I enjoyed this book because it’s a true story about a very fascinating person.” [Owen Caswell, grade eleven]
Salisbury, Harrison E. – The 900 Days; the Siege of Leningrad – This is a historical and true documentation of the Siege of Leningrad, from the perspectives of soldiers, citizens, and officers. Its information comes from diaries, journals, official documents, eye witness statements, newspapers and papers which were thought to be destroyed. The 900 days dates from before Germany declared war to after winter and their retreat. “It’s history and it truly captures the horrors of war; others should learn of the deeds done to survive in harsh times.” [Shane Mester, grade eleven]
Satrapi, Marjane – Persepolis- This is a memoir in the form of a graphic novel of Satrapi growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The story is a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. “I liked this book because it shows how we carry on with laughter and tears in the face of absurdity.” [Parastoo Chanbari, grade eleven]
Siepmann, Jeremy – Franz Liszt – This is a biography about a great piano composer who took piano to its extreme point. He was famous for having big hands, and he created pieces that are extremely difficult to play. “If you like classical music or piano, I recommend this book.” [Amir Farhadpor, grade eleven]
Silvera, Adam – They Both Die at the End – This novel is about two characters named Rufus and Mateo. They both get a call from something called “Death-Cast.” This is a phonecall people get when they’re going to die within the next twenty-four hours. They both meet using an App named “last friend,” and they spend their last day together. “I really like this book because there is a lot of suspense. You don’t know when they are going to die, or how.” [Nayu Nickolichuk, grade nine]
Walters, Eric – Innocent- A girl named Betty used to live in an orphanage that got destroyed by a fire. She takes a job as a maid in Kingston, Ontario, by wealthy people. Betty starts to make friends with the staff at the house; she soon discovers that her mother had also been a maid there and her dad is in a nearby jail, accused of murdering her mother. When she meets her dad, he claims that he is innocent, and she tries to find out the truth about her mother’s murder and her father’s innocence. “I liked this book because the author has written Betty well enough that you find yourself interested in her story.” [Yasamin Amiri, grade nine]
Zusak, Markus – The Book Thief – A young German girl, Liesel Meminger, is an orphan living in the residence of the Hubermann family. Liesel was heavily affected by the death of her brother, but with the loving car of Hans Hubermann, Liesel’s foster father, she finds joy in reading books and expanding her vocabulary. She becomes known as the “Book Thief” after stealing numerous books during the book burnings in Nazi Germany. “This by far my favourite book because it was a captivating story narrated by Death. Everyone should read it because it is an easy-read and it will leave you satisfied in the end. [Nadryan Signson, grade eleven]

Alexis' Favourite Books (including Drama)

The following is a list of novels and plays (some short stories and autobiographies) which I have enjoyed enormously. I urge you to keep this list for further reference in your life as a reader of literature.

Achebe, Chinuah (Nigeria), Things Fall Apart
Adiche, Chimamanda Ngozi (Nigeria), Americanah
Alighieri, Dante (Italy), Inferno [poetry]
Atwood, Margaret (Canada), Alias Grace
Atwood, Margaret (Canada), The Handmaid's Tale
Austen, Jane (England), Pride and Prejudice
Balzac, Honore de (France), Pere Goriot
Boyden, Joseph (Canada), Through Black Spruce
Boyne, John (Ireland), The Heart’s Invisible Furies
Russell Banks (U.S.A.), The Sweet Hereafter
Barberry, Muriel France), The Elegance of the Hedgehog
Beckett, Samuel (Ireland), Endgame [drama]
Bezmogis, David (Canada), Natasha and other Stories [short stories]
Brodsky, Joseph (Russia), Nativity [poetry]
Bronte, Charlotte (England), Jane Eyre
Browder, Bill (U.S.A.), Red Notice
Bryson, Bill (England/U.S.A.) A Walk in the Woods
Bulgakov, Mikhail (Russia), Master and Margarita
Camus, Albert (Algeria), The Plague
Canetti, Elias (Germany), Auto da FÃ
Chopin, Kate (U.S.A.), The Awakening
Coetze, J. M. [South Africa], Elizabeth Costello
Conrad, Joseph (England), Heart of Darkness
Cooper, J. California (U.S.A.), Homemade Love
Coyote, Ivan E. (Canada), Loose End [Narrative Essays]
Davies, Robertson (Canada), The Deptford Trilogy
Dickens, Charles (England), David Copperfield
de Berniere, Louis (England), Captain Corelli's Mandolin
Dostoyevsky, Fyodor (Russia), Brothers Karamazov
Dostoyevsky, Fyodor (Russia), Crime and Punishment
Douglass, Frederick (U.S.A.), Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave [autobiography]
Doyle, Roddy (Ireland), The Woman Who Walked into Doors
Dreiser, Theodore (U.S.A.), Sister Carrie
Eco, Umberto [Italy], The Name of the Rose
Eliot, George (England), Middlemarch
Ellison, Ralph (U.S.A.), The Invisible Man
Emecheta, Buchi (Nigeria), Second-Class Citizen
Everisto, Bernadine (England), Girl, Woman, Other
Faulkner, William (U.S.A.), Absolom! Absolom!
Ferrante, Elena (Italy), My Brilliant Friend
Fielding, Helen (England), Bridget Jones' Diary
Flaubert, Gustave (France), Madame Bovary
Flagg, Fanny (U.S.A.), Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man
Findley, Timothy (Canada) Not Wanted on the Voyage
Forster, E.M. (England), Howard's End
Foster, Cecil (Canada), No Man in the House
Garcia Marquez, Gabriel (Columbia) One Hundred Years of Solitude
Goethe, J.W. Von. (Germany), The Sorrows of Young Werther
Gogol, Nikolai (Russia), Dead Souls
Golden, Arthur (U.S.A.), Memoirs of a Geisha
Grass, Gunther (Germany), The Tin Drum
Graves, Robert (England), I, Claudius.
Gurnah, Abdulrazak (Tanzania), By the Sea
Haley, Alex (U.S.A.), The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Hamsen, Knut (Norway), Hunger
Hardy, Thomas (Britain), The Return of the Native
Hegi, Ursula (Germany), Stones from the River
Hill, Lawrence (Canada), The Illegal
Hornby, Nick (England), High Fidelity
Hurston, Zora Neale (U.S.A.), Their Eyes Were Watching God
Hughes, Langston (U.S.A.), The Ways of White Folks [Short Fiction]
Ibsen, Henrik (Norway), The Wild Duck
Irving, John (U.S.A.), A Prayer for Owen Meany
Ishiguro, Kazuo (England), The Remains of the Day
Kafka, Franz (Czech.), The Metamorphosis
Kerouac, Jack (U.S.A), On the Road
Kesey, Ken (U.S.A.), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Kincaid, Jamaica (Antigua), Annie John
Kingsolver, Barbara (U.S.A.) The Bean Trees
Kingsolver, Barabara (U.S.A.) The Poisonwood Bible
Knausgaard, Karl Ove (Norway) Boyhood Island
Kundera, Milan (Czech.), The Joke
Lamb, Wally (U.S.A.), I Know this Much is True
Lansing, Alfred (U.S.A.), Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
Lee, Harper (U.S.A.), To Kill a Mockingbird
Lee, Min Jin (U.S.A.), Pachinko
Levin, Ira (U.S.A.), This Perfect Day
Lindsay, Jeff (U.S.A.), The Dexter Series
MacDonald, Anne-Marie (Canada), Fall on your Knees
Mahfouz, Naguib (Egypt), Palace Walk
Martel, Yann (Canada), The Life of Pi
Mann, Thomas (Germany), Death in Venice
McCourt, Frank (U.S.A.), Angela's Ashes
McDougall, Christopher (U.S.A.), Born to Run
Miller, Sue (U.S.A.), While I Was Gone
Mistry, Rohinton (U.S.A.), Such a Long Journey
Moliere (France), The Misanthrope
Mosley, Nicholas (Britain), Hopeful Monsters
Morrison, Toni (U.S.A.), Beloved
Murakami, Haruki (Japan), Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
Munro, Alice (Canada), Open Secrets
Nabakov, Vladmir (Russia), Lolita
Naipaul, V.S. (Britain), A House for Mr. Biswas
Niffenegger, Audrey (U.S.A.), The Time Traveler’s Wife
Ng, Celeste U.S.A.), Little Fires Everywhere
Orwell, George (England), Down and Out in Paris and London
Pasternak, Boris (Russia),Doctor Zhivago
Perotta, Tom (U.S.A.), Little Children
Pinter, Harold (England), The Homecoming [drama]
Proulx, E. Anne (Canada), The Shipping News
Roth, Joseph (Austria), The Radetzky March
Roth, Philip (U.S.A.), The Human Stain
Roy, Gabrielle (Canada), The Tin Flute
Rushdie, Salman (Pakistan), Midnight's Children
Salinger, J.D. (U.S.A.), Catcher in the Rye
See, Lisa (U.S.A.), Snowflower and the Secret Flower
Shields, Carol (Canada), Larry's Party
Solzhenitsyn, Alexander (Russia), A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
Stendahl (France), Scarlet and Black
Stockett, Kathryn (U.S.A.), The Help
Stoppard, Tom (U.S.A.), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead [drama]
Strout, Elizabeth (U.S.A.) Olive Kitteridge [short stories]
Styron, William (U.S.A.), Sophie's Choice
Swift, Jonathan (Ireland), Gulliver's Travels
Tan, Amy (U.S.A.), The Kitchen God's Wife
Tolstoy, Leo (Russia), Anna Karenina
Tremblay, Michel (Canada), Les Belles Soeurs [drama]
Trollope, Anthony [England], Barchester Towers
Walker, Alice (U.S.A.), The Colour Purple
Wells, Rebecca (U.S.A.), The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood
Wharton, Edith (U.S.A.), The House of Mirth
White, Edmund (U.S.A.), A Boy's Own Story
Wilde, Oscar (England), The Picture of Dorian Gray
Williams, Tennessee (U.S.A.) Cat on a Hot Tin Roof [drama]
Wright, Richard (U.S.A.), Native Son
Zafon, Carlos Ruiz (Spain), The Shadow of the Wind
Zola, Emile (France), Germinal
June 2020

Eng. 9 - May 11 - 15

We will be discussing the final chapters of Absolutely True Diary on Tuesday, May 12. We will be discussing THEMES in group presentations on Thursday, May 14th. Next week we start A Midsummer Night's Dream! Don't forget your composition is due Wednesday. All details are posted in MS Teams in our Notebook or in Assignments.

Eng. 11 - May 11-15

To remind you - your BIG CHARACTER DIAGNOSIS presentation is due THURSDAY, May 14.  We will be presenting on SYMBOLS on Friday - both instructions, groups and pages are posted in CLASS NOTEBOOK - Collab is to be used for your notes to present.  We will be aiming to have our last discussion on the novel Tuesday, May 19th, but realistically need one more day to fully discuss themes.  We will only have a very short time for "The Scottish Play," which usually takes 5 weeks IRL, but we'll do our best.

Eng. 12 - May 11-15

On Tuesday we will be reading as much of Act I of Othello as we can. We will be discussing Act One on Friday - so you will be responsible for reading much of Act One on your own. Three scenes = three pages of "scene notes." All of this is posted in Teams - under "Othello Unit Plan," in CLASS NOTEBOOK. Please sign up for "If we Have Time" parts for tomorrow (Tuesday, May 12).

Lit 12 - May 11-15

On Wednesday we will be discussing "Pretty" by Stevie Smith, and finishing "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night." On Friday, we will be discussing our last Modern poem: "Disembarking at Quebec." Please post in the channels 24 hours before class so I can make a discussion sheet, and then discuss briefly with your groups before class.

Eng. 12 - May 5- May 8

Our final character presentations will be Wed. May 6. We will start OTHELLO on Friday May 8 at 10:00!

Eng. 9 - May5 - May 8

We will be discussing Ch. 19-24 on Thursday - make sure to post on Channels and discuss your group questions. Your COMICS were due today. Your compositions on My Struggle are due on May 13. Our final class on Absolutely True Diary will be on Tuesday, May 12 at 11:00 - we will have a presentation on Themes and the final chapters of the novel.

Lit. 12 - May 5- May 8

We will be discussing "Second Coming" on Thursday, and "Do Not Go Gentle" on Monday. Please make sure to post in the channels ahead of time.

Eng. 11 - May 5 - May 8

We will be discussing Ch. 16-24 (as far as we can go) Thursday, May 7. We will be having a final character diagnosis/theme presentation at the end of the unit. Symbol discussion on Mon. May 11. Final Chapter + themes on May 14. We'll be wrapping up the novel Tues. May 19.

Lit 12 - May 27-May 1

Tuesday, April 28 - we will be going over your personal essays and getting into groups for "The Hollow Men." Thursday, April 30 - we will be presenting out group findings of "The Hollow Men."

Next week "The Second Coming" and "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night."

Eng. 12 - April 27-May 1

This week we will be finishing the novel - had our discussion on the final chapters + some themes. Final BNW class is on Thursday, April 30 at 11:00. Groups will present (much like last week). Next week...OTHELLO!

Eng. 11 - April 27- May 1 and beyond...

This week we will be reading Ch. 15 aloud (Tuesday, April 28) and discussing Ch. 15-20 on Friday. Make sure you are taking notes on the different characters - what symptoms are they showing? We will be having a character discussion (in groups) on Tuesday, May 5. Discussing Ch. 21-26 on Thursday, May 7. Symbol discussion on Mon. May 11. Final Chapter + themes on May 14. We'll be wrapping up the novel Tues. May 19.

Eng. 9 - April 27-May 1

We will be discussing characters on Tuesday,m April 28 - so make sure you have some notes - I have your groups under "Class Notebook" under "character" - I will be giving time for you to collaborate. On Thursday, April 30, we will be discussing Ch. 13-18. Make sure you have posted your Q&Q and remember to answer other people's by Wednesday morning. Continue to read on and do your own QQ, with the idea that we will be discussing 19-24 on Thursday, May 7. Comic strips are due Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 when we will share.

Eng. 11 - April 20-24

This week we will be discussing Ch. 7-14 on Thursday at 2:00 (will always be our class time). Make sure you have your own QQ for each chapter (combine Ch.11-14 as they are very short), then post a Q or Q and answer someone else's. Make sure you are taking notes on Symbol, Theme, and Character, as we will be having assignments on those at a later date. Next Tuesday (April 28) we will be reading aloud Ch.15 with people taking roles. I will post a sign up page at a later date. It's important for you to post your QQ's at least a day ahead of our discussion, as I take our class discussion QQ's from you. See you Thursday!

Eng. 9 - April 20-24

Hi all - make sure you're ready for our class on Wednesday at 10:00 by doing your QQ for Ch. 7-12 and posting, then check the "Class Notebook" on Tuesday to see what questions your group is responsible for. I can't create the QQ until you post!

This week I would like you to read Ch.13-18 and do your QQ (I combined Ch.13&14 because they are so short).
We will discuss these on Tuesday, April 28 at 11:00.

Please do your own QQ in your personal notebook, then post one question or a quote in the channel. Answer someone else's question or quote per chapter. In your own notebook, take notes on different characters and themes - we will be collaborating on these at a later date.

Lit 12 - April 20-24

Discuss "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" - Tues. 1:00

Discuss "Dulce et Decorum Est" - Thurs. 10:00

Make sure you post your QQ for "Dulce" by Wed am, so I can make up the discussion questions - text questions too.

Next week it's "The Hollow Men" and "Second Coming"

Eng. 12 - April 20-24

We will be having a discussion today at 11:00 on chapters 11-14. This week, I will expect you to read and post for the final chapters of this novel (15-18). We will also have a class on Thursday this week at 11:00 where groups will collaborate on comparing the BNW, Our world (us), and the Reservation. We'll talk about that today. Instead of a final essay, we will be doing a presentation. We'll talk about that in class today and I will post the assignment in Teams.

Eng. 9 - April 14-17

Hi all - I hope you had a good Easter weekend!  It's time to get going with this novel, everyone!  I'm assigning chapters 5-12 (including 12) for Friday, April 17.  Please do your own QQ in your personal notebook, then post one question or a quote in the channel.  Answer someone else's question or quote per chapter.  In your own notebook, take notes on different characters and themes - we will be collaborating on these at a later date. For now, I am scheduling our first class discussion on Friday at 11:00 am.  We will be discussing chapters 1-6 - looking forward to seeing you!

Eng. 11 - April 14-17

Hi everyone!  I noticed I did not assign a due date for the first 6 chapters!  I wanted them to be done for today - but did not say this anywhere.
  Whoops. So I have scheduled our first discussion for the novel for Thursday at 1:00.  Have those chapters completed by then.  Please complete up to and including Chapter 9 for Monday, April 20. 

Eng. 12 - April 14-April 17

Hi all,this week I'll expect Chapters 11-14 to be read.  Do your own 2QQ and answer them in your notebooks.  Post one QQ on the channels and answer one each of someone else's.  I would love if you would reply to people's answers.  Also, I appreciate the people who have posted their book talks and character memes - please post if you haven't already.  I would also like you to collaborate on the characters I've assigned you in the "class notebook."  See you at one!

We'll be finishing the novel next week!

Eng. 12 - April 6- 9

Hi all,

I'm happy to see many of you posting in Teams!

We will be going a little more slowly as we become more accustomed to using this platform. So far I'm asking you to complete 2xQQ in your notebook per chapter, answering your own questions and quotes. THEN post ONE question and quote per chapter in the appropriate channels. Then answer at least ONE question and ONE quote of your class-mates. I encourage you to respond to your responses to have a genuine discussion.

For this week complete chapters 7-10 - both in your own notebooks and in the channels.

Keep separate notes on theme and characters. We will soon be collaborating on these topics. Also, keep thinking about how the BNW, the reservation and our world compare on different topics such as religion, science, sexuality, education, family, government...


CHALLENGE assignment: Create an original meme of one of the characters and post it in the meme channel. Here is one meme generator site: https://imgflip.com/memegenerator (if you have a better one, use that).

Email me or PM me in Teams if you have any concerns.

Stay safe!

Eng. 11 - April 6-9

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well!

It's time to get started. Normally, I would assign 10 chapters a week of this 28 chapter novel, but things being what they are, we will slow it down. Let's try to get six chapters under your belt by Thursday. If you are struggling, please email or PM me through MS chats. I hope you have all accessed MS Teams.

1. Please look at the channel "Before you start the novel" and post some answers to share. Once some people have answered, you can chime in and comment on other people's. I will comment after most of the class has commented.

2. Start asking your own question and quote for each chapter in your own notebook. You can actually use an online notebook (which only you and I can see), or just your normal notebook. Make sure you answer your own questions and quotes.

3. Next, post EITHER a question or a quote in the correct channel. Then answer one of your class-mate's. You may comment on more than one person's; you may also respond to people's answers to your own.

4. Keep separate pages in your notebook for symbols, characters, and themes. We will collaborate on those at a later date.

Lit 12 - April 6 - 17

Hi all!  I hope you are well! We will start writing PERSONAL essays this week and the next. If you look under "class notebook" I have given you some pointers on what some of the differences are between PERSONAL and LITERARY/EXPOSITORY essays.  Over the next week or so, I would like you to write for 45 minutes each on the following topics: 1) Simple gifts are the best.  2) It's important to learn from the past.  3) Dreams Take Us on Journeys. These topics are intentionally dull (from old provincials) - it is important that you make them colourful and unique.  First brainstorm the pedestrian responses and then mine your personal life.  Anyone who took Writing 12 knows more about personal essays if you want to ask Meena, Ghazal, Jacqueline, or Madison.  By Thursday of next week, I would like you to type up one of your responses and have it peer-edited by two class-mates. I'm going to put a poll up which you can like (whether or not you want me to choose your peer editors).  For Friday, April 17 you can hand your essay in under "assignments," and I will give you feedback. Cool news - I'm going to join your Lit 12 discussions from time to time!

Eng. 9 - April 6 - April 9

Hi everyone,

I see most people have accessed MS Teams! Good for you! Normally I would assign 4 chapters of the novel every two days or so, but since things are different, I'm slowing it down for now. This week I would like you to ask a question or quote for each chapter and answer it in your own notebook. Four chapters by Thursday. There is a function on MS Teams to have your own online notebook that only you and I can see, but you can use your regular notebook. Your choice. I would like you to post one question OR quote under the channel discussion. Then answer one question or a quote of a class-mate's. You may add to other people's answers and comment on people's answers to your own. I also said for you to have a separate page for characters and themes. These instructions are under our "general" discussion.

I hope everyone is well.

Special challenge: start a pandemic journal. Your first entry might comment on how you're feeling, how things are different, what you miss, what you've been doing...

How to Access Your Outlook (School) Email

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7q9PQ7099g (desktop)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_RkooWR1nA (mobile)

Hi Everyone,

I will be sending a class-wide email to the email addresses the school has (mostly your parents), this is to tell you that you need to access your student email through Outlook. Most teachers will be using MS Teams in order to continue your courses, so you need to figure out how that works. Thanks to my grade 12's for starting their discussions.

I will continue to post on the blog for overviews, but all classwork will take place on MS Teams. We will start off slowly to get the hang of it. Please email me: talexis@sd44.ca if you are having trouble.

Stay safe!

Eng. 12 - April 1

Hi everyone,

I will be setting up a discussion board on MS Teams soon. For now, continue reading BNW, asking 2 questions and answering them, and writing 2 quotes and discussing their significance per chapter. Take notes on character and theme (make sure you are citing the pages for quotes).

You will receive instructions for the discussion board soon.

English 11 - April 1

I will be setting up a discussion board in MS Teams soon, you will hear more instructions. For now, answer the following questions:


1. Discuss what you know about the plight of First Nations people - in Canada and the States. What are some differences?



2. Make a list of strong women - famous or otherwise from any time frame.



3. How do we view people with mental health issues in 2019 versus 50 or 60 years ago?



4. What do you know about the sixties?


Then start reading One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest - ask one question and answer it and quote something significant and answer it for each chapter. Take notes on Symbol, Character and Theme.

Message for gr.11's and 12's - March 31

We're still not planning anything formal for you just yet, so I hope you're reading and writing on your own. Keeping a pandemic journal? I am! I'll be setting up sites for discussion - should be ready next week. Feel free to email me if you want to touch base.

talexis@sd44.ca

Message for grade nines - March 31

Hey all - tomorrow teachers will be reaching out by phone or email - and I'm contacting YOU - so be ready for a phone call starting at 10:00 am in alphabetical order. Please email me if you want me to phone your actual cell instead of your parents'. talexis@sd44.ca

Hope you are well!

Message for 11's and 12's

Hi all,

I hope you are well and safe. You have been in my thoughts - I am sad not to see you in the foreseeable future. To my Italian students - I really hope your families are safe and well, I've been thinking of you. As things are in flux, I'm not sure how the rest of the year will go yet, but you will hear more definite plans in the upcoming week.

Message for grade nines - March 29

Hi all, I hope you are well/safe. I am suspending the project for now, as many of you were in partners or groups. If you have already done work on yours, never fear, I will give more instructions at a later date. Things are definitely in flux right now, but you will hear from me soon. Stay safe!

Eng. 9 - March 12

Read "Barney" - #1-6 for Fri. 13

Eng. 12 - During the break

There is no homework over the break. I suggest reading a novel of your choice, (suggestions in ALEXIS BOOKTALKS) we WILL be having a BOOKTALK day when everyone shares their favourite book, or at least one they would recommend to other grade twelves (it has to be written in or available in English).

If you should choose to go ahead with Brave New World, remember, we will be spending 2 more weeks on it and I don't want any spoilers. 2XQQ per chapter, knowledge of the characters Bernard, John the Savage, Lenina, and Linda are important, as are themes.

Eng. 9 - March 11

PROJECT: Wed. April 1
PRESENTATION: Thurs. April 2
SHORT STORY TEST #2: Mon. April 6

VOCAB TEST: soon

For Friday, April 13 - 25 vocab words

Choose a story - class vote

Group day = Tues. March 31

Eng. 11 - March 10

Read and understand "The Blue Bouquet" for Wed. March 11

Eng. 12 - March 10

Ch. 5/6- 2xQQ for Thurs. 12

Eng. 11 - March 9 - Studying for Tests

Content Test

Make sure you can analyze all seven elements: setting and atmosphere, conflict, character, point of view, theme, irony, and symbolism in all seven stories: "Hills Like White Elephants," "A Lady's Beaded Bag," "We Have to Sit Opposite," "A Rose for Emily," "A Serious Talk," "Sunday in the Park," and "The Blue Bouquet."

There will be 10 marks of fill-in-the-blank: author's names, literary element notes

10 marks literary elements + stories - short answers

7 paragraphs - one element for each short story

One will be a quote analysis

Make sure you know all seven elements for "The Blue Bouquet."

55 marks

Sight Reading - you read a story in class and answer questions on the elements of fiction. Know the elements and how to use the literary terms.


Make sure you write at least five points per paragraph for both tests

Content Test: Friday, March 13 Sight Reading Test: Thursday, March 12

Eng. 12 - March 9

Complete 2xQQ for each of Ch. 3 and 4 for Tues. 10

Eng. 9 - March 9

Complete questions for "The Wish" for Tues. 10

Vocab (25): Fri. March 13

Project: Wed. April 1
Presentation: Thurs. April 2
Short Story Test #2: Mon. April 6

Lit 12 - March 9

Have all of IV for Wed.
Group day is Wed.

We will finish Vi and Vii also

*For short scenes, pick 3/6 things (Q,Q,C,D,P,T) - IV v, IV vii - do all 6 aspects

Eng. 11 - March 5

Editing Sentences

Vocab 40

Eng. 9 - March 5

Top 3 sentences for Point of View

Define first person, limited omniscient, omniscient.

Write a paragraph on what "The Sentimentalists" shows about men and women.

Eng. 12 - March 5

QQ for chapters one and two of BNW

Eng. 11 - March 3

Wednesday is GROUP DAY - make sure you've read your presentation story and make the best use of your time!

Eng. 9 - March 3

Top 3 Sentences for Setting and Atmosphere

Read and do #1-5 for "The Sentimentalists"

Eng. 11 - March 2

Read "Sunday in the Park" - Viewpoints

Ask one question - answer it in paragraph form.

Quote a significant excerpt - explain its significance

Using literary language - discuss the major conflicts in paragraph form

Eng. 12 - Feb. 26

Sight Reading Test: You will be reading a story you have never seen

I will ask 3 essay questions relating to an element and how it relates to the story. No notes allowed

Eg. What is the major conflict of the story? Discuss.

Mon. March 2

Content Test: I will be asking one open-ended question focusing on one or two elements. You may bring quotes only - you may refer to any of the seven (including your group story) stories we've studied.

Review your writing improvements, notes on stories, class feedback -

Brainstorm commonalities between stories (themes? symbols?)

This will be essay-format

Tues. March 3

Eng. 9 - Feb. 16

Write a three paragraph composition on one of the following:

a) The generation gap and technology
b) The influence of technology on people today:
-self
-family
-society
-school
-friends


Consult your CLASS NOTES, your individual feedback - EDITING CHECKLIST, WRITING IMPROVEMENTS SHEET

-focus and details are important


Due: Tues. 3

Vocab - 15 - Fri. 28

Eng. 11 - Feb. 25

Write a 5 paragraph, thesis-driven essay on the symbolism of "A
Serious Talk."

l What do these symbols say about Vera and Burt's relationship
l How do these symbols reveal theme

-3 or more symbols
-one symbol
-think of different ways to organize your essay

► Use your Writing Improvements sheet
► Use your Editing sheet
► Essay package
► Quote sheet

DO NOT LOOK AT THE INTERNET: higher marks go to those who support their original thinking

Raymond Carver

Due Friday, Feb. 28

Eng. 9 - If you missed the test

Time to write Wednesday after school.

Eng. 9 - Feb. 24

1. Make a T-chart about the Pros and Cons of Technology.
2. Read the article I gave you and underline anything you think is interesting or that you disagree with.

For Wed. 26: Read "The Veldt" - complete questions #1-5

Make sure you fill out your vocab sheet.

Eng. 11 - Feb. 21

Complete "A Serious Talk" questions for Monday, Feb. 24

Monday is "group day" - will find out about presentations

Presentations: Mon. March 9
Tues. March 10

Sight Reading Test: Th. 12
Content Test: F. 13

Eng. 9 - Feb. 21

Short Story Test #1: Monday

Study literary terms, application of literary theory, short answers, authors' names, make sure you know "top three sentences" of element notes, think of paragraph questions

Eng. 12 - Feb. 21

Vocab winners, and Vocab King Antonio!

"Paul's Case" - for Monday, Feb. 24 - QQ + 4 text questions - VOCABULARY!

Eng. 11 - Feb. 20

Read "A Serious Talk"

10 vocab word for a total of 20

Eng. 11 - Feb. 19

Finish your Writing Improvements, Editing Checklist and Sentence Corrections

Lit 12 - Feb. 18

Complete Literary Devices sheet

II i, ii Notes

Eng. 9 - Feb. 18

Complete Editing Sentences - "Someone Changed"

Personal Spelling List

Eng. 12 - Feb. 18

Read "The Rocking-Horse Winner" - QQ + 4 questions from text

This American Life: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/684/burn-it-down

Eng. 9 - Feb. 13

Make sure you have 5 vocab words

"The Witch" #1-5

Eng. 11 - Feb. 12

Read to understand "A Rose for Emily"

Time to complete questions in class tomorrow.

Vocab King of Lit 12

Eng. 12 - Feb. 11

Read "The Lottery" - QQ + 4 text questions - Th. 13

Vocab Festival #1: Feb. 21 (25 words)

Presentations: W.26, Th. 27, F. 28

Sight Reading Test: M.2
Content Test: T.3


Final 2 stories: "The Rocking Horse Winner" and "Paul's Case"

Don't forget to sign up for The Sun Run: Go to SunRun

Pick Existing Team

Search Sutherland

Code: Sutherland (with a capital S)

Pick 50-60 minute finish time

you need a credit card

Eng. 11 - Feb. 10

Write a paragraph on "We Have to Sit Opposite" identifying the conflict and using as many of the following words as you can: indeterminate ending, character vs. character, character vs. environment, character vs. self, external, internal, moral, physical, psychological, and emotional

Eng. 11 - Feb. 6

Read "We Have to Sit Opposite"

Complete questions #1-6

Paragraph - Myths about Canadians

New Dates for Hammy - Feb. 6

T. Feb. 11 - Discuss I
Th. Feb. 13 - Discuss I

T. Feb. 18 - Act II
Th. Feb. 20 -Discuss II

M. Feb. 24 - Act III
W. Feb. 26 - Assign Soliloquies
F. Feb. 28 - Discuss III

T. Mar. 3 - Discuss III
Th. Mar. 5 - Act out/Discuss IV

M. Mar. 9 - Discuss IV
W. Mar. 11- Discuss IV
F. Mar. 13 - Act out V

T. Mar. 31 -Discuss V
Th. Apr. 2 Soliloquy Presentations

M. Apr. 6 - Discuss V- themes
W. Apr. 8 - Scenes

T. Apr. 14 - movie
Th. Apr. 16 - movie

M. Apr. 20 - fishbowl
W. Apr. 22 - In-class essay
F. April. 24 - Quote Test

Eng. 9 - Feb. 6

Read "The Parsley Garden" #1-5 (79) for Monday, Feb. 10

Lit 12 - Feb. 6

I messed up the dates on my Hamlet calendar - we have class T/Th next week.

I i, ii, iii notes are due for Tuesday. We will finish acting I on Tuesday.

Eng. 11 - Feb. 5

Write a five paragraph, thesis driven essay on the theme of "A Lady's Beaded Bag."

J Make sure you use quotes for support
J A good title
J First and last name
J Double space/
J Good grammar and punctuation
J Original thinking
J Make sure you nag your parents/homestays into buying printer ink
J Do not consult the internet = 0, no trust, an email to your parents, counsellor and administrator (also, it's my former students - not the A's)

Due Tues. Feb.11

Eng. 12 - Feb. 5

Read "Just Lather, That's All"

QQ, your choice 4 text questions

Debate: Thurs. 6

Eng. 9 - Feb. 5

Free Write - make sure you have a full account of "A time you did something wrong" - details, why, lead up, result

"Someone Changed" - due Thurs. 6

SUN RUN - APRIL 19

Go to SunRun

Pick Existing Team

Search Sutherland

Code: Sutherland (with a capital S)

Pick 50-60 minute finish time

you need a credit card


See you Thursday after school

Eng. 11 - Feb. 3

Read "A Lady's Beaded Bag" by Tennessee Williams

Complete the questions and the chart - question: "Is the trashpicker sane?"

Eng. 9 - Feb. 3

"Someone Changed"

3 paragraphs describing how your first impression of someone changed over time.
-how you met
-what happened
-conclusion (now what you think)

Details

Use pen (not pencil), or type
Correct grammar
Interesting (draw reader in)
Organization
Double space

Due: Thurs. Feb. 6

Eng. 12 - Feb. 3

For Tues. 4 - In-Class Essay

You will be using your textbook - but no notes.

Eng. 9 - Jan. 31

Top Three Sentences for Character (58)

Questions for "The Father" #1-5 (53)

Eng. 12 - Jan. 31

Read "The Destructors"

Do your own questions and quote

Pick any of four text-book questions.

In-class essay Tuesday, Feb. 3

Eng. 9 - Jan. 30

Read "The Father" (42)

Eng. 11 - Jan. 29

Review your answers to "Hills Like White Elephants" - add to your answers

Stellar acting by Shane, Ethan and Manaelle (photo credits: Pedro)

Eng. 12 - Jan. 29

Answer the question: Is the purpose of "The Japanese Quince" to expose the repression of homosexuality in the early 20th Century, or is it something else?

Review your answers from yesterday and add to them.

Eng. 11 - Jan. 28

Read "Hills Like White Elephants"

Complete #1-7 in paragraph form.

Do not talk to anyone or consult the internet for your analysis.

Eng. 9 - Jan. 28

1.) Top Three Sentences for "The Short Story Experience"

2.) Read "Wish You Were Here" (13)

3.) Fully answer questions #1-5 (23) - full sentences (paragraphs when necessary)

Eng. 12 - Jan. 28

1. Read "The Japanese Quince" by John Galsworthy

2. Do one question and one quote - analyze and answer BEFORE you do text questions.

3. Choose 4 text questions (p. 82) - answer fully (paragraphs!)

Books!

I have a long list of people who need to return books:

Please return all books in the next two days, or you will be charged.

Thanks!

Exams

Eng. 9 - Tuesday 12:50

Eng. 11 - Wednesday 12:50


Go through your POETRY PACKAGE - try to analyze as many poems as you can - apply literary devices and try to find the theme

Go through your personal WRITING IMPROVEMENTS and CLASS FEEDBACK - also any grammar, punctuation or essay handouts

Make sure you know all literary devices - short story elements and poetry

What makes good writing?

be interesting
grammatically correct
strong vocabulary
EXAMPLES!

Do your best work!

Society's Expectations - Jan. 16

Using character(s) as a vehicle, how does Austen illuminate the theme of society's expectations?

Who has the most pressure?

Charlotte - is older
Bennet sisters - no brothers to inherit the family
Jane is the oldest - she needs to be married first (according to society's rules)
Anne de Bourgh - doesn't seem to have to be "accomplished" because of her status
Darcy - people with the most wealth can choose whomever they want
Lady Catherine: "you're content to ruin him" - Darcy does have expectations
Mr. Bingley - has less pressure - wealthy - put not the wealthiest
Men - less pressure of marriage - can choose whomever they like (to some extent)

How much does Lizzy defy society's expectations?

When Lady Catherine comes over - Lizzy stands up for herself: "I am not to be intimidated" [says near the end] - women are supposed to be agreeable [she also stands up to Lady Catherine the first time she visits Rosings]
- Walking everywhere
- Mrs. Bennet talks too much - Mr. Bennet stays in the library - they don't try to defy society's expectations - Lizzy does try to defy [wants to marry for love -doesn't marry the richest man when he proposes the first time]
- Lizzy is vocal about thinking Darcy's rude - compare to how others speak to him [Charlotte says he has a right to be proud]
- Charlotte marries Collins out of prudence - she fits into the expectations - she conforms to society completely
- When Lydia "elopes" - Lizzy is extremely upset - she conforms in this way - when she's ashamed of her family [Darcy's letter] - she conforms
- Being aware of how loudly Mrs. Bennet speaks - this is how Lizzy conforms
- Lizzy defies Lady Catherine by marrying Darcy - but conforming by marrying someone of status - which is expected - but she marries for love

Who most conforms to society's expectations?

-Charlotte: "Happiness in marriage is only a matter of chance" (21)
- Collins - letter about Lydia - (she's better off dead) - he expects Lizzy to reject his offer of marriage because that's just what's done
- Lady Catherine: "she prefers to have the distinction of rank preserved" Collins says when giving advice about what Lizzy should wear
- Lady Catherine has a lot of power - tries to instill society's rules - likes Lizzy to some extent because they both have strong characters - status but no class
- "Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language"
- Lady Catherine can act however she likes since she has the most status
- [is our society like that with famous people?]

How much does money and society's expectations connect?

- Main expectations - to marry someone wit as much status as one can (men and women)
- In a way - the more status one has the more rules - the servant class could probably marry whomever they want - walk around with no comments
- Highest person in society has more freedom [think of how Atticus could risk his reputation and go against society because he has class, wealth, and education]
- "middle class" (lower gentry) doesn't want to risk going down
- Today - corporations have a lot of power (Koch brothers, Elon Musk)

-society pressure - Darcy has pressure to act a certain way - he has security to fall back on



Pride, gender roles

Eng. 11 - Jan,. 15

Complete all questions for the following poems for Thursday:

: 1 “th wundrfulness uv the mountees our secret police,” 2 “The Man Who Finds That His Son Has Become a Thief,” 3 “The Attitude,” 4 “Say Word,” 5 “My Father Knew” 6 “My Papa’s Waltz”

Eng. 9 - Jan. 14

Read all six of the following poems - take notes:

1. "Negro Mother"
a)Charlotte, b)Carson, c)Tally, d)Diego

2. "The Road Not Taken"
a)Chris, b)Madelyn, c)Cale, d)Lauren

3. "Funeral Blues"
a)Sakshi, b) Triana, c)Diana, d)Scarlett

4. "Killer"
a)Tania, b)Emelia,c) Lucas,d) Dylan

5. "Bored"

a)Skye, b)Sean, c)Khush, d)Noah

6. "Democracy"
a)Allie, b) Elliot, c) Ry


1. Question - answer it
2. Quote - significance
3. Identify literary devices
4. Paragraph on meaning
5. Paragraph on why you like it (or not)

Lit - Jan. 14

Questions, Quotes, Thesis Statements

How does Austen illuminate either __________________________ using character(s) as a vehicle?

Goal of literary essay: "Looking at the text as a work of art, demonstrating clear critical judgment and explaining to the reader of your essay how the enjoyment of the text is assisted by literary devices, linguistic effects and psychological insights; showing how the text relates to the time when it was written and how it relates to our world today.

UMBRELLA QUOTE - whether it is from a secondary source or the novel itself - what might unite your themes?

- How will you have a narrow thesis (one theme and one character?)

- What literary devices will help show your thesis (SATIRE, CHARACTER FOILS)


1. Society's Expectations
2. Pride
3. Gender Roles

Notes, Quotes, Thesis Statements, Questions


1 - Thursday
2,3 - Monday

Eng. 12 - Jan. 8

Topic: It's Important to Learn from the Past

bring all three essays for peer editing Thursday

Essay due: Friday, Jan. 10

Poem: "Digging"

Betrayal, Morality, Fate

Bring a sheet with quotes - include Act, scene, line #
Purpose of an essay: "Looking at the text as a work of art, demonstrating clear critical judgment and explaining to the reader of your essay how the enjoyment of the text is assisted by literary devices, linguistic effects and psychological insights; showing how the text relates to the time when it was written and how it relates to our world today."

Make sure you are discussing what The Scottish Play shows us about human nature and the topic of the essay.

Writing Improvements, class notes

Betrayal and Loyalty

-being too ambitious can make people betray others
- The Thane's loyalty for wife changes throughout the play [does hers?]
- First - "my dearest partner of greatness" - as the play goes on he does not share his plans - to kill Banquo, to kill Macduff's family - when she dies "she should have died hereafter" [although he then has a very poignant speech]
- Thane betrays Duncan [think of the 10 reasons he has not to kill him], wife, Banquo, country, [I vii = soliloquy about this]
- III vi - Thanes discuss that the country can't sleep and have nothing to eat
- First action - Macdonwald betrays Duncan, is hanged - Thane takes his place
- Duncan says (of Macdonwald) "he was a gentleman of whom I had an absolute trust" (I iv 12-15)
- "If you shall cleave to my consent" II i - The Thane promises Banquo that he will take care of him - then convinces murderers to murder him
- Once Thane kills Duncan - his soul is corrupt - there's no coming back - kills the person next to God (according to The Great Chain of Being)
- "I'm his host, his kinsman" - betrays his own values
- Overarching theme = ambition
- [is Macduff a traitor?]
- Lady Macduff is convinced Macduff is a traitor because she has no knowledge about why he's in England
- [is the Lady loyal to her husband?]
- Scottish army in V "move only in command, nothing in love"
- [how important is loyalty in our lives? To our friends? Family? Country? - Macduff chooses being loyal to his country over his family. The Thane acts out of self-interest]
- [The general of the king's army - priority of loyalty - should be - God, king, country before family even]
- ["The Prince of Cumberland! That's a step/ on which I must fall down, or else o'er-leap" (I iv 47-48)]
- Thane says he is a man III iv (banquet scene)
- Duncan is a good king
- Thane killing Macduff's family - Lady goes insane - realizes growing darkness - look at sleep walking scene V i - Lady doesn't know about the plan to murder Banquo or Macduff's family
- Lady convinces her husband to go against his morals [but does always support him - tries to comfort him at the end of III iv - starts off thinking of herself - ends up insane] - says she will murder Duncan then says "if he hadn't resembled my father as he slept, I'd have done it" (II ii) - is perfectly able to set up the guards)
- Banquo - supports the Thane and then is murdered

Moralty and Betrayal

- Would the Thane have still killed Duncan if his wife did not persuade him [see I iv when Malcolm becomes the Prince of Cumberland] "let not light see my deep and dark desires"
- Are the English resistance actually the "good guys" or are they power-hungry?
- The Thane is viewed as a "tyrant" and Scotland is called a "suffering country" - should a king make sure the country can "sleep" and have "meat for [their] tables" (III vi)
- Duncan is viewed as a good king and Malcolm has good intentions
- Killing people indiscriminately - killing a whole family - Macduff's whole family - Banquo (tries to kill Fleance) - the Thane kills because witches tell him he will be king
- Is it okay to kill people who threaten someone's power?
- Is it okay to kill people during a war?
- [What legitimizes killing (example - people are killed for the state - Canada doesn't have capital punishment - some countries do - America just killed leaders of Iran's military]
- Thane I vii - says he should "against his murderer shut the door" (15)
- III iv 167-171 - not thinking about his actions - becoming more insane
- [the Thane kills and then keeps killing - he thinks less and less about his actions - is it easier to commit bad deeds after doing it once?]
- Gandhi's quote "an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind" - are Macduff doing the same thing as the Thane? [when Malcolm rewards the Thanes with earldoms - showing a fair rule at the end V viii]
- Honour, pride, loyalty - Thane betrays everything about himself - his morality is shattered - he has no moral compass
- [back to lottery tickets - he didn't do anything to become Thane - why does he need to "stir" in I iii "If chance would have me king, chance will crown me king without my stir" (143) - what's the big hurry? ]
- Why is the Lady calm after killing Duncan? - she doesn't kill him herself - "a little water clears us of this deed" (II ii)
- [Shakespeare uses the Old Man in II iv and Lord in III vi to comment on the state of Scotland - this is a shortcut to give audience an idea of how the country is reacting to events]
- Fate vs. freewill - do the witches control the future or predict the future? [Fleance does not become king in the end]
- Does Lady kill herself out of guilt [we're not even sure she kills herself - Malcolm says "it is thought by self and violent hands" (V viii 70)

Fate and Supernatural

- We never see Fleance crowned - what does this tell us? - either witches don't know what was going to happen - using the Thane's nature - there is no time frame - we don't know if Fleance will become king
- [free will - what is it?]
- "Birnham Wood" does "come to Dunsinane" IV i
- Does fate exist?
- ["the weird sisters" = "wyrd" = "fate"]
- Banquo will "get" kings - could be many generations later - we don't know
- If the Thane never met the witches - would the prophecy still come true?
- [we have our own agency - is the Thane ultimately responsible for his own actions?]
- Would the Thane have become king without killing? - if his fate is to become king, then wouldn't he just become king? "without his stir"?
- Becoming the Thane of Cawdor is a "spur" to his "ambition"
- Witches = supernatural, also dagger, also Banquo's ghost - the Lady calls upon the "spirits" in I v
- Witches play on the Thane's ambition
- Ghost and daggers = Thane's morality (could be a manifestation of his guilt)
- Does the Thane have a "fruitless crown"? - he starts to lament that he will not have a line of kings - compares himself to Banquo (III i) - almost immediately after killing Duncan, the Thane feels threatened by the thought of Banquo's descendants becoming king
- Do the witches have control over the Thane, or is it ambition [why do we give into temptation - can we truly blame others - aside from torture or death threats]
- Witches a catalyst for the Thane to kill Duncan
- If the Thane had stronger morals - he made a conscious choice to kill the person next to God (and to betray everything he says in I vii
- Symbols for fate? "seeds of time" - Banquo says this I iii
- Banquo doesn't try to force fate to come true
- The Thane tries to make the second set of prophecies not come true: "Beware Macduff," "no one of woman born shall harm thee" "Macbeth will never vanquished be until Birnham Wood come up to Dusinane"
- He believes the "equivocation of a fiend" (V viii) - realizes he's been tricked
- The witches disappear when the Thane says "Stay, you imperfect speakers" (I iii)

Eng. 12 - Jan. 7

Topic #2: Dreams Take Us on Journeys

Poem: "Channel Firing"

Studying for the Scottish Play Test

10 marks on character
15 marks on plot
5 marks recognizing literary devices
25 marks recognizing quotes - who said the quote, what were the circumstances, greater relevance in play
15 marks paragraphs

Suggestions: study by yourself - dramatic terms, questions, then pick out important quotes and test yourself - then test a friend *** great idea - pick out the most important 10 quotes - then ask your friend to as well - then test each other

Lit 12 - New Dates

Th. Jan. 16 - final discussion + fishbowl #1

Mon. Jan. 20 - fishbowl #2 & 3 - essay at 1: 40
Mon. Jan. 27 - Project
Fri. Jan. 31 - Vocab Fest #2

Studying for Exams (9, 11 & 12)

Go through your POETRY PACKAGE - try to analyze as many poems as you can - apply literary devices and try to find the theme

Go through your personal WRITING IMPROVEMENTS and CLASS FEEDBACK - also any grammar, punctuation or essay handouts

Make sure you know all literary devices - short story elements and poetry

What makes good writing?

be interesting
grammatically correct
strong vocabulary
EXAMPLES!

Do your best work!

Eng. 12 - Jan. 6

Complete "Because" Topic: "Simple Gifts are the Best"