Omelas Topics: Semester 2 English 12

 

• Our Imagination as a vehicle for Complicity: As the narrator invites the audience to create an image of Omelas, we become complicit in the moral consequences of its greatest crime: the agreement to allow a child to continue suffering in order for everyone else to be happy. Think about what this allegory represents. Considering an allegorical reading, do you agree with Le Guin's claim?
• Coming of Age and the Loss of Innocence: All children between 8 and 12 learn about the child in the basement. At this discovery, the narrator states that everyone is disgusted and horrified at first. How might the contrast of childhood and adulthood (or at least puberty), be represented through the coming of age in Omelas?

The Lottery: English 11 Essay Topics

 

1. Symbolism of the Black Box:

Discuss how the black box functions as a symbol in Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery. How does its physical description and role in the ritual reflect the themes of decay, resistance to change, and the persistence of outdated traditions?

2. The Role of Community and Conformity:
Analyze the role of conformity (prioritizing fitting in and following rules over other values) in the villagers’ participation in the lottery. How does Jackson portray the tension between individual morality and community expectations?

To thrive in either of these topics, you must answer the question and explain why it's important. In topic one - if you were to find good examples that reflect the topic, perhaps in the conclusion or at the end of your body paragraph you might discuss why it is in our nature to persist in outdated traditions. In topic two - you might speculate why we prioritize the community over ourselves, why we value "fitting in" so much, that we may cross moral boundaries in order to do so.

Welcome to semester 2!

 Here we are - and here's to a good semester!

Final Writing Prompt

Well good ELL learners - it's time for our final writing topic. Here we go!

Article: Social Media Ban in Australia

After reading the article and having our discussion, please do these questions:

Agree or Disagree
“Social media does more harm than good for teenagers.”
Do you agree or disagree? Use ideas from the article.

Choose one side only
Use one idea from the article

Sentence starters:
I agree/disagree because…
The article explains that…
This shows that…

 
Effects on Teenagers
How might the social media ban affect teenagers’ daily lives? Describe one positive effect and one negative effect.

Sentence starters:
One positive effect could be…
One negative effect might be…
This could change teens’ lives by…

Fair or Unfair?
Is it fair to ban all kids under 16 from social media, even if some are responsible users? Explain your thinking.

Sentence starters:
I think this rule is fair/unfair because…
Some teenagers might…
This rule treats teens by…

New Writing topic!

Many young people follow influencers, athletes, musicians, and celebrities online. Some people believe these famous individuals can inspire others to work hard and follow their dreams. Others think they often show unrealistic lifestyles and set bad examples.

Write a paragraph that explains whether influencers and celebrities should be considered role models for young people. 

Venezuela

"Progress for some often means loss for others."

"A country that cannot control its own resources cannot be free."
— Kwame Nkrumah

After reading and discussing the Venezuelan conflict. Read these quotes. Write a reflection that considers what could be the reasons and results for the US take-over of Venezuela.