Blog Assignment Five

We have discussed the many ways an author uses characterization, or the building of characters, the actors in a story. We've looked at several features that aid in this process (direct and indirect characterization, static vs. dynamic, flat vs. round). And we've read several stories (The Possibility of Evil, The Sniper, Regret) that characterize in very different ways.

I would like two posts.

Post 1: Please summarize your understanding of characters and how an author makes them interesting. What techniques and traits make for compelling characters? Explain why the characters in these three stories are or are not interesting using the language of the discipline.

Post 2: You will be writing your own short story during Winter Break. What will you bring to your characterization that you learned from these authors? How will you create characters we want to read about? What about your protagonist? Who or what will be your antagonist?

Blog Assignment Four

We have slowly, somewhat methodically read Richard Connell's The Most Dangerous Game in class. Along the way, I have asked you many questions; I have asked you to discuss ideas with your partner, and I have directed you to reflect on the way the author has built several literary elements, especially plot and character.

I would like two posts that show reflection. In the first post, please consider why I have been so involved in the reading, why have I interrupted this suspenseful story so many times with my irksome questioning? What do you believe was my primary purpose?

In the second post, I would like you to consider what you learned by reading the story this way; for better or for worse. Please be specific and genuine.

Blog Assignment Three

We have spent the last several weeks reviewing the essay. In many ways we have evolved our definition of this often misunderstood format for high school. Many of you have asked wonderful questions in our 3/2/1 closures and in class, which leads me to believe you have many more.

In this installment of our blog, I would like two posts.

In the first post:
Tell me at least one powerful lesson you have taken away from our writer's workshop, something that you perhaps did not know before or now understand better. Feel free to name as many lessons as apply. I would like to know how this has affected your understandings about the essay and, more importantly, your feelings about writing essays in the future.

In the second post:
Questions, questions, questions (you're up Anna F. - do it). I want to know what is left to curiosity here. What is still bothering you about features of the essay (S/M/M and its friends)? What is still unclear or needs more clarification? Do you just want to make a comment about this squirrely format? Go for it.

Blog Assignmnet Two

For several days, we have viewed the courtroom drama 12 Angry Men. In the film, 11 jurors are convinced that the defendant is guilty; one man is convinced of his innocence. While the evidence appears overwhelmingly against the accused teenager, this one man is able to use the same evidence to steer the others to his way of thinking.

I would like two separate posts.
In the first:
Did this film help you to view the essay/argument in a different way? How? What did you learn in particular that you will bring to the writing process?

In the second post:
I would love to know what you thought of the film. Give me YOUR OPINION (yikes).

Blog Assignment One

You have just embarked on a brand new journey; the high school experience. Believe me, you will survive, if not excel. Talk to me about your experience so far. What has four days of high school revealed to you about this environment. I would like to hear about your feelings, your expectations, your hopes, your apprehensions. Would do you like about it; what could you do without (besides your English teacher) Please be as frank as possible and, as always, remember our forum.

Welcome Period 1 Honor Students.
This is your class blog where we will post our work and comment on the work of others. Have fun with this tool, and remember, always follow the rules of protocol for blogging at school.