ELL 3 - Natural Disasters

There have been some very serious natural disasters recently. Today we're going to take a closer look.

Hurricane Fiona has done lots of damage along the Atlantic Coast. It has changed the shape of PEI - a province in Eastern Canada.

First, we will read this article.

After the article and the video, write a reaction to the news. Think about the following questions to help you react: How does this news make you feel? Why do you think this kind of disaster is happening more often? 

ELL3

 Read this article!

Summarize the article in 4 sentences. Decide on the most important ideas of the article and include them.

English 10

 Greetings Englishers,

Today we're reading "A Bolt of White Cloth" by Leon Rooke. There's really two stories here - the one focused on a profound symbol, and one focused on the "wife". 

OK, so the white cloth symbolizes love - but this short story takes that symbol much further than that. How the symbol works in the story reveals what the author is trying to show us about love. Consider these questions:

1. Is love about appearances as much as it is about connection? Is one more important than the other?
2. Is the wife in love with the narrator?
3. Do women and men value love differently? If so - how?
4. Does the husband recognize the line between generosity and infidelity?

Work for today!

 Greetings, everyone! I am away again today, but should be returning tomorrow. Please read below for the our work today.

English 10 (B and D)
Hand in your DEJ. Double check that you have cited your quotes. Check with friends if your questions are levelled. Make sure your name is on it!

Grab our short story book - the big one on the ledge by the door; go back to Cask of Amontillado. Answer these questions. No need to copy them down. Use quotes as much as possible to support your response. Keep this in mind:

Never expect a quote to explain itself – you must do the explaining.

1. Consider the symbolism of Fortunato's clothing. Why is he dressed the way he is? How is the sound of bells on his hat significant?
2. Why does Montresor show kindness and consideration to Fortunato?
3. Why does the narrator continuously refer back to Luchesi?
4. Reread the opening paragraph of the short story. Montresor discusses the rationale of his thinking. We get a similar telling in "The Tell-Tale Heart". How are these narrators similar? How are they different? (you may use Inside Stories II to check on TTH - it's on the green bookshelf by the back door.
5. What does Montresor say that foreshadows the death of Fortunato?
6. What is ironic about Fortunato's name?
7. How does Montresor's family coat of arms represent his values?

ELL 1 / 2 English

After silent reading, grammar!

ELL 3 Social Studies

Silent reading first, then read this. Questions:

1. What qualities should a New York bagel have?
2. When did bagel rolling first come to New York?
3. How does a union protect its workers?
4. Why are human bagel rollers better than machine rollers?
5. Many bagel rollers in New York went to teach people in Thailand how to make bagels. Why did this become a problem for New York bagel rollers?
6. Which do bagel rollers prefer these days - freelance work or contract work? Why?
7. How many bagels can a bagel roller make in a day?

Tips for Levelled Questions

As you all write your DEJs this weekend, have a gander below for some tips on forming good questions:

1. How does the narrator kill the old man? (level 1)
• On a specific page it says that he suffocates the old man.
2. How does guilt affect the narrator's behaviour after he hides the body of the old man? (level 2)
• Discuss the symbolism of the beating heart. -Unable to accept his own guilt
3. How does the narrator use false confidence to cover up his guilt for the crime? (level 3)
• Throughout the story the narrator loves bragging about how perfect his senses are. This is level 3 because the answer requires you to reread the entire story.
4. How do feelings of guilt alter our behaviour? (level 4)
• The answer is inspired by the narrator of the story, but you will not find the answer in TTH. It is clearly inspired thematically by the story, and the answer may be out there after doing a lot of research.

ELL3

 Today we're reading an article about pollution in the oceans. After reading this article copy down the following and answer:

WHO

WHAT

WHERE

WHEN

WHY

HOW

Every news article addresses these questions (Sometimes, but not always "How"). These important words can help us to understand the article. We will answer them during class time.

The Possibility of Evil

 Here's our work for Shirley Jackson's "The Possibility of Evil"

1. What is Miss Strangeworth trying to accomplish by sending out her letters? Does she succeed? Discuss.
2. How would you describe the story's atmosphere at the beginning? How does this atmosphere help to emphasize the ending?
3. Considering the title, who is possibly evil? How do we see this "evil" in the story?
4. Some interpret this story is a comment on crime and criminal behaviour. What might this story teach us about criminals and crime?

Fill in the Elements of Fiction handout.

This weekend!

 For those of you away - we will not be doing The Possibility of Evil until Tuesday, September 20th. Enjoy your weekend!

ELL3 and English 10

 English 10

For today and tomorrow, we're putting together a brief presentation - 2-3 minutes long about ourselves. Last week, we created mandalas that had us explore words that both defy and define us. For this presentation use a visual and present to the class about why you selected these words and perhaps include some further specifics about yourself. We have more details in class, and we will have access to computers to help us develop our chosen visual aid.

ELL3 Social Studies

"The Queen is dead. God save the King!" This is what everyone in the UK is saying nowadays. Today we will read an article about the queen who died last week.

1. Where did she die?
2. When did the Queen visit China?
3. What was her last act serving as the queen of England?
   
4. Was she popular? How do you know?
5. What was the Queen's favourite pet?
6. Based on the graphic of important things during the Queen's life, what do you think were the two most important events, and why were they important?

Shakespeare

 With only two days left, we're taking a light look at Shakespeare. Wednesday we will learn about the Elements of Drama and Shakespeare's writing. On Thursday we will present. Our final project:

1. In groups of 3, students will select a sonnet from the pile of sonnets.
2. They must analyze and annotate the sonnet as demonstrated in the class on Wednesday.
3. Groups must read the poem, and explain its intent and meaning to the class. Show us the annotated poem using the document camera. How did the poem show its meaning? 
4. Each presentation should only take 3-5 minutes.

Essay soon!

Today we're finishing up Animal Farm and reading Harrison Bergeron. There are some common topics here. Today we read the short story - do the questions!

Questions to do: 1-4.

Animal Farm Chapter 7/8 Writing

Happy Tuesday!

• What signs show us that the pigs are becoming corrupt? Specifically, what changes and behaviours in Napoleon show his corruption?
• One of the big problems of the animals on Animal Farm is that they are ignorant. This is true for the working animals and the pigs. How has ignorance made Animal Farm a political satire?

Animal Farm Chapter 3-5

 

If you are interested in some extra tips for designing your ad - check this out!

Animal Farm Chapter 1-2

1.  List the animals that enter the barn for Old Major's speech.
2. If we were to connect each type of animal to a different kind of person in society, what kind of personalities do you think Orwell is describing? Describe the kinds of people represented by the following animals from Chapter 1:
1. Boxer
2. Pigs
3. Mollie
4. The Cat
5. The Rats
3. At one point in Chapter 2, Moses describes Sugarcandy Mountain as a place where animals may go when they die. Since this book is an allegory - what is the true story Orwell may be referring to with the character "Moses" and his stories of Sugarcandy Mountain?
4. What do the animals do to Mr. Jones' farming equipment and tools immediately after the rebellion? How might this change the way animals take care of the farm after Mr. Jones is gone?
5. At the end of chapter 2, the milk is gone. Does this break any of the rules of Old Major's speech?
6. Why are the animals so eager to do a big, successful harvest at the end of chapter 2?

One you complete these questions - please complete this one -

• The animals have overthrown their oppressor - Mr. Jones. He has been kicked out and now the animals are in charge. Do you feel the animals made the right decision? Are their intentions pure, and honest? Is there an opportunity here for some animals to take advantage of others?

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

"Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it."

- Lloyd Alexander

Today we're reading the short story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and watching the film as well. There are a lot of differences - and a few similarities. Once we read the short story, please do these questions!

1. What kind of relationship does Walter Mitty have with his wife?
2. What do you think Walter Mitty wants in life? Does he get this in his fantasies?
3. How do Walter Mitty's fantasies make him feel? Why do you think people need these emotions?
4. Is Walter Mitty avoiding something in reality with his fantasies?
5. Is Walter Mitty insane or sane? Explain!
6. Walter often lives in his fantasies - is this unhealthy? Healthy? 

Cask of Amontillado

Also - one more important task-

There are three types of irony. Show two of these three types in the short story.

3 Types of Irony.

• Verbal - What we say and what we mean are NOT THE SAME.
• "Nice dress."
• "Cool shoes, buddy."
• "Great job..."
• Situational
• The situation is the opposite of what is expected.
• Students teach the teacher. The teacher has to write the quizzes/tests.
• A millionaire youtuber dresses up as a homeless person to see how homeless people are treated, and documents the experience. It reveals that people will judge you by appearances without understanding the reality of your finances.
• Dramatic (Shakespeare)
• The audience knows something that the characters do not. Creates tension or humour.

English 10 Adapted: Tell-Tale Heart

Do the questions!

1.  Why does the narrator lead the policemen to the old man's room? Why does he say that the police "knew" that the body was hidden there? Do you agree with his perception?
2. What is the narrator's motivation for murder? Is it a good reason? Why or why not?
3. What are some of the conflicts in the story? What effect does telling the story from the narrator's point of view have on the development of conflict?
4. What are the two main symbols of the story? What does each one represent? What is one other symbol the author might have chosen?
5. The narrator often contradicts the things he says with the things he does. What are some examples of these contradictions?
6. Can we trust everything that the narrator says? Why or why not? Explain!

Welcome to English Adapted 10!

 This is Mr. Rogers' blog. Please bookmark it so you can visit this page for texts and class work!

Here's a tip - click the TEXTS link at the top of the page to view many of the short stories and books we'll be reading in class.

Coraline

 Greetings everyone!

Here are the writing items for Coraline:

1. What is the purpose of the Black Cat?
2. What are the conflicts in this story?
3. What does this story teach us about boredom?
4. What does this story teach us about being alone?

Pick ONE question and answer with several paragraphs. Use examples from the movie to explain your answer.

How is Coraline's struggle similar to many other girls?

Many people feel that Coraline is horror. Why do we watch horror movies?

English 10: Editorial

"It's always good news when you're closer to the truth." - Fabiola Gianotti 

This week, we'll be writing an editorial. Before you begin, you'll need to determine the topic of your editorial, and establish some background information - this means research. The easiest editorials will be on topics that are contentious. That is, topics that a controversial or easily have two strongly argued sides will have much more presence, visibility, and content. 

We'll be writing on Wednesday, May 11. For Monday and Tuesday, follow these steps:

1. Decide on a topic. Be careful where you get your information. News websites that are privately sponsored may have political bias behind the choices on their website. What news they publish, what they have to say about it are affected by BIAS. As much as we talk about avoiding bias, it is almost always influences what and how we write. Always get your information from a variety of sources to ensure that you get accurate information. A few examples of fairly reliable news sources: CBC, CNBC (Business), New York Times. There are many more.
2. Research your topic area. Use a variety of sources - not just from one media corporation. Beware - the further from central politics you get on your sources, the more likely it will be that bias will affect the accuracy of the material. Check to see if you can verify your facts with other sources. As you search, keep an eye out for LOADED TERMS as this is an easy way to spot bias. Loaded terms rely on their connotation to influence the audience to think and feel the way the author wants you to think and feel.
3. Find several sources to help you establish your position. The first part of your editorial will be establishing context. Having a solid base on which you will make your opinion is key.

We will have computers to type our editorials. This must be done in class. Do not begin writing outside of class time. I'll check your computers at the beginning and during the activity to ensure academic honesty. For the writing, you may have:

1. A Google doc with citations and sources to establish context. A single point-form note to remind you of this article is OK. Use as many as you think is necessary to establish the context of your editorial.
2. An image or two works wonders on your messaging! Feel free to use the internet to find one, but be sure to cite it, as you should also cite the sources you use.
3. Phones must be away on Wednesday.