Know It, Poet.

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Your task for today? Write two poems. One should be in the form/style of William Carlos Williams' "This Is Just to Say":

This Is Just to Say

I have eaten
the plumbs
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold.


Pay attention to length, organization, message, etc. Here are the samples we created in class yesterday:

This is just to say

I have knocked down

your Christmas tree

next to the fireplace.

I know Boxing Day

means so much to your family

Forgive me

But there was no other way

to burn down your house.

This is just to say

I have stolen your medical degree

From the wall of your office.

I know you worked long hours

At Oakton

To earn it.

Forgive me

I needed it so that I could

Play doctor with your wife.

She is so sweet and so cold.

This is just to say

I have taken your crutches

That you got from the

Emergency room.

You probably needed them

to walk around the school.

Forgive me

I took them because

I needed to swordfight

And now you have to hop.

This is just to say

I have laced your brownies

With laxatives.

By the time you read this,

You will be destroying your toilet

And sweating up a storm.

Forgive me

But laxatives were on sale

At K-Mart.

This is just to say

I just kicked you in the nards

And pushed you down the stairs

You didn’t know it was me

Because I was wearing a Luchador mask

Forgive me,

but you were blocking the stairs.

And also, I’m a mute.

The second poem you are going to write is in the style/form of Tom Andrew's "Six One-Line Film Scripts":

Six One-Line Film Scripts

Film Noir
Everyone on earth is asleep – except Robert Mitchum.

French Flick
The camera is an emptiness that longs to be a camera.

Historic Epic
Thousands of extras…reset their alarm clocks.

Stephane Mallarme Counts the Buttons on the Hangman’s Vest
Mallarmé: Two, three…no…two…no…wait, two, three…one, two…

God, Guilt and Death
This will not work on film.

The Needle
Medium shot of a camel squeezing through the eye of a needle.

Again, as you write you poem be sure to pay attention to length, organization, message, etc. Here are the samples we created in class yesterday:

Six Kinds of Sports

Team sports

You always have someone else to blame for losing.

Individual sports

I only lost because the ball was rigged.

Boring sports

Wait for it … wait for it … wait for it …

Non-sports

Stop the music! I can’t find my unitard.

Dangerous sports

I’m thill hanthome wiffout my teef.

Ball sports

And the kick is no good. Neither is the catch or the throw

Six Roller-Coasters

Spinners

Puke rains down on the bystanders like a refreshing spring mist.

Loopers

I’m afraid of heights.

Danglers

Oops, there goes my wallet. I might as well spit on that kid.

Droppers

I can see my house … ooof. Now it’s gone. So are my testicles.

Back-and-forthers

We’re going up, up … oh, now we’re going down, down … oh, now we’re going up, up … oh, now we’re going down, down … oh, now …

Whiplasher

That was fun. Now take me to the chiropractor. And my attorney’s office.

Six Kinds of Junk Food

Greasy

You just ate my dog.

Spongy

I don’t know how they get this white stuff in there, but it’s delicious.

Salty

I’m thirsty.

Smelly

How many calories in a single whiff?

Crunchy

Don’t eat the MerMan pencil topper that comes in the box.

Sweet

When’s my next dental appointment?

Mockingbird Essay

This post is for freshmen only.

Here is your prompt for your in-class essay:

Is To Kill a Mockingbird an example

of Southern Gothic literature?

We spoke at length on this topic, so I'm not going to repeat myself here. Needless to say, five paragraphs, correct spelling a grammar, thoughtful and thorough, transitions, cited quotations...you know...the works.

Use the "Road to Formal Essay Writing" handout and the "Wonderful World of the Five Paragraph Essay" Prezi - links to both of which can be found under "Pages" on the right hand column of this page.

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Your Task

1. In Word, supply a definition for each of the following terms/phrases. You may not use any outside resources. These definitions must come solely from you. 
2. When you've finished drafting your definitions, check you grammar and triple space your document.
3. After printing your document, (1) circle subjects, (2) underline predicates, (3) cross out fragments, (4) wavy underline squirrels.
4. If you have any grammatical errors - commas, semicolons, incomplete sentences, etc. - fix your mistakes in the document, re-print, and again (1) circle subjects, (2) underline predicates, (3) cross out fragments, (4) wavy underline squirrels.
5. Your final draft is due on Monday. Your final draft must be complete, grammatical, and properly diagrammed.
6. Note - You may not use the term, any part of the term, or any derivitive of the term in your definitions.

The Terms / Phrases

     selfishness - one sentence

     loneliness - one sentence

     compassion - three sentences

     a moral person - two different definitions, one sentence each

GBS Connects Video

GBS Connects-YouTube sharing from Glenbrook South Television on Vimeo.

Born Losers Essay

This entry is for freshmen only.

Although Luke and George share many similar characteristics, what really makes an investigation of this duo interesting are their differences.  In a thoughtful, thorough essay, answer the following question: 

How are Luke and George different?

You may wish to examine these differences in regards to their attitude towards friends, enemies, life, and fate; the efforts they do and do not make towards achieving their dreams; the true nature of their respective characters; their attitude towards responsibility, popularity, obstacles, compassion, loyalty, etc.

Use the "Road to Formal Essay Writing" handout and the "Wonderful World of the Five Paragraph Essay" Prezi - links to both of which can be found on the right hand side of this screen under "Pages."

Use the TLC, ask your instructor for help, take your time, be methodical, avoid shortcuts, and be thorough.

Work hard.

Southern Gothic Literature

Elements of Southern Gothic Literature on Prezi

Paragraph Revision

This post is for freshmen only.

Last week you wrote three paragraphs. Today we are going to do some revision work. Your task is as follows:

1.  Select one of your first two paragraphs, copy and paste it into a new document, and re-format it - triple spaced, 13 point font, Times New Roman.


2.  Use paragraph breaks to separate the following components of your paragraph. (In other words, the sections of your paragraph will have several extra lines of space between them.)

1. claim/topic sentence
2. set-up/context
3. incorporated, cited quotation
4. explanation/warrant

3.  Print out a hard copy. Use a colored pen or pencil to neatly perform the following tasks:

1. circle all subjects
2. underline all predicates
3. cross out all fragments
4. fix punctuation as necessary

4.  Once you've taken a closer, clearer look at your paragraph, re-write it so all of these components are functioning smoothly, gracefully, and thoroughly.
   

Essay Revision

This post is for juniors only.


For your work today, revise your personal essays by employing the following criteria:

• The personal story in your essay must be 3 to 5 paragraphs long.
• The personal story in your essay must contain at least 5 sensory details - visual, audio, touch, taste, smell.
• The personal story in your essay must contain at least one metaphor.

This post if for FRESHMAN only.

Step 1
Review page one of your study guide, the page entitled 'Anticipation Guide'. Below you will find three of the statements with which you have already agreed or disagreed.

• It does not matter how others view a person as long as that person understands himself.
• The reason for discrimination is people hating other people.
• There is a price to pay for achieving the America Dream. 

Step 2
Select one of the three statements. Write a thoughtful, thorough paragraph in which you present a piece of evidence that suggests the claim is true. Write a thoughtful, thorough paragraph in which you present a piece of evidence that suggests the claim is not true. Finally, write a paragraph in which you present your conclusion: Which piece of evidence is stronger?

Each paragraph must contain a topic sentence. Evidence must come from a book, a story, film, pop culture, history, current events, etc. The evidence must be presented within context (set up). The evidence must also be specific. The explanation - connecting the evidence to the claim/topic sentence - must be thoughtful and thorough.


Step 3
Use The Road to Formal Essay Writing handout to revise your paragraphs.

More Morning Announcements

Friday Announcements 10.5.12 from Glenbrook South Television on Vimeo.

Cool Hand Luke Journal 3

The following post is for FRESHMEN only.

In your journals, thoughtfully and thoroughly respond to the following prompt:

On a scale of 1 – 10, how concerned is Luke about the following?

• Fitting in and belonging 
• The men around him?
• Dreams and goals 
• Doing the right thing 
• God 
• Fate 
• Popularity 
• Being a leader

The Road to Formal Essay Editing

Cool Hand Luke Journal 2

The following post is for FRESHMEN only.

In your journals, thoughtfully and thoroughly respond to the following prompt:

How virtuous is Luke?

If you are unfamiliar with the word "virtuous," look it up. Take into consideration loyalty, honesty, responsibility, respectfulness, compassion, etc.

Home Coming Morning Announcements

Here are your GBS home coming morning announcements. Enjoy.




WEDNESDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS 10.3.12 from Glenbrook South Television on Vimeo.




TUESDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS from Glenbrook South Television on Vimeo.




MONDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS from Glenbrook South Television on Vimeo.

Cool Hand Luke Journal 1

The following post is for FRESHMEN only.

In your journals, thoughtfully and thoroughly respond to the following prompt:

Luke says, “Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand.”
What does he mean by this statement?

Use evidence from the film to illustrate your response. Do you agree with Luke? Can ‘nothing’ be a ‘real cool hand’? Give one solid external example (from film, literature, politics, etc.) to support your response.

Description

This post is for JUNIORS only

Directions  Copy and post the following tasks into a Word document and complete.


1.  A metaphor is when figurative language is used to describe a literal thing, person or event. For example, instead of simply saying "Scott was happy to get his new phone," one might describe Scott like this: "Suddenly Scott was no longer a grown man but a boy ripping open his presents with joyous abandonment on Christmas morning." Create a metaphor (or simile) for each of the following circumstances:

• a student forgets to bring his homework to school and he feels nervous

• a girl's parents are getting divorced and she feels sad

• a man gets fired from his job and feels hopeless

2.  An extended metaphor is a metaphor in which a writer takes a short metaphor and fleshes out multiple aspects and details. For example, one might describe a computer as "man's best friend just like a faithful dog." An extended metaphor might go something like this: "A computer isn't simply a tool or a device. It has replaced the dog as man's best friend. Instead of fetching slippers, a computer fetches directions to a Japanese restaurant, last night's sports scores, and the times a movie is playing. Instead of sitting by your feet and sleeping, a computer sits at your desk and sleeps. And instead of barking incessantly for no apparent reason, a computer helpfully announces "ERROR - ERROR - ERROR."

Select one of the metaphors you've created above. Brainstorm 7 or 8 specific ways the metaphor works. Form it into an extended metaphor 7-8 sentences in length.
















3. Rewrite each of the scenarios listed below adding descriptive, telling details. Try to hit on the five senses - taste, touch, sound, sight, and smell. Each entry should be 3-4 sentences in length.

• a car hits a patch of ice and hits a tree

• a dog is locked out of the house at night

• a man gets fired from his job

• a football player is wants the coach to put him in the game

A Raisin in the Sun - Essay

This post if for FRESHMEN only.

Essay Overview
A Raisin in the Sun is about a family of dreamers. It is an exploration of where those dreams have brought them and where those dreams are likely to lead them. The play also challenges the popular view that dreams are always helpful, that people need to have dreams to be happy. Your task in this essay is to answer the following question:

In what ways can dreams harm dreamers?

Format

1. First, determine three general ways that dreams can be harmful to people.
2. Next, find one example for each way in the text.
3. Finally, find a second example for each way from one of the following exterior sources: current events, other literature, history, or popular culture.

You may wish to consider the following characters and dreams that each has:

• Ruth and Mama dream of becoming homeowners.
• Walter dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.
• Beneatha dreams of becoming a doctor.
• Asagai dreams of bringing independence to Africa.

Use the model found HERE to guide your planning.


Organization
While you do not need to complete a formal outline for this essay, you should use the following organizational structure for your five-paragraph essay:

I. Introduction
   A. hook
   B. link/topic
   C. thesis
   D. bridge

II. Harm 1
   A. example from text
      1. claim
      2. evidence
         a. set-up
         b. cited quotation
      3. explanation
   B. example from exterior source
      1. claim
      2. evidence
      3. explanation


III. Harm 2
   A. example from text
      1. claim
      2. evidence
         a. set-up
         b. cited quotation
      3. explanation
   B. example from exterior source
      1. claim
      2. evidence
      3. explanation


IV. Harm 3
   A. example from text
      1. claim
      2. evidence
         a. set-up
         b. cited quotation
      3. explanation
   B. example from exterior source
      1. claim
      2. evidence
      3. explanation


V. Conclusion
   A. reflection of thesis
   B. real-world application (So what?)

The Wonderful World of the Five-Paragraph Essay

This post is primarily for FRESHMEN, but anyone is welcome to take a gander...

View the following multi-media presentation. Take your time. Read every word. Skip nothing. When you are finished viewing for the first time, go back and complete your Scavenger Hunt worksheet.

Welcome to the World of the Five-Paragraph Essay on Prezi


You can find a larger version HERE. Click on MORE to view in FULL SCREEN.

Advice to Toby

This post if for JUNIORS only.

Last week you wrote advice to your younger, ten-year-old self. Below you'll find some of it - organized by the period in which it was written. Toby, from A Boy's Life, could use some of your advice. Your task is as follows:

Select a piece of advice from your class period that you think would best help Toby. Then, in a thoughtful, thorough, multi-paragraph, short essay, explain why and how that piece of advice would benefit Toby.

Use the following criteria as a revision checklist:

• correct spelling and capitalization
• multiple paragraphs
• specific details
• at least one cited quotation
• no first person (I, me, we, us, my, myself, our, mine, ourselves) or second person (you, your, yours, yourself, yourselves) - except when used in a cited quotation

Please ask a teacher if you have any questions.

PERIOD 3

• Good friends accept you for who you are: you don’t have to act like someone else to impress them.
• Never judge a person by how they look.
• Not everyone is going to judge you as harshly as you assume they will.
• Nobody stays around forever. Don’t let this upset you, because there are so many others to meet down the road.

PERIOD 7

• Some things you might see as a huge problem to get upset about are actually very small. Don’t get upset because later on these things won’t matter to you.
• Telling the truth is better than lying. You might get yourself in trouble, but as long as the truth comes out, you won’t feel as guilty.
• Do not worry too much about mistakes, because making mistakes is part of growing up.
• Life is a pain. You will have a hard time adapting to new situations, but you will learn to deal with it.

A Dream Deferred

This post if for FRESHMEN only.

First read the following poem by Langston Hughes:

A Dream Deferred

by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up 

like a raisin in the sun? 

Or fester like a sore-- 

And then run? 

Does it stink like rotten meat? 

Or crust and sugar over-- 

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags 

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Now go to my 'tostu' folder (look under the C folder, and then open the jcowlin folder) and open the document entitled "A Dream Deferred: Text and Activity." Complete the activity by typing directly into the document. Be sure to save your copy to your personal folder and to print out a copy to receive credit.

This entry is for PERIOD 7 JUNIORS only.

Today we're going to participate in an online discussion. Your task is to comment thoughtfully and often to the discussion. The following is a list of ways to participate:

• post a short paragraph in which you present a point of view
• comment on the posts of your classmates
• ask a question - either regarding a classmate's post or generated simply from your own curiosity
• respond to comments classmates have made regarding your posts

Some of your responses are going to be short, some of them are going to be thorough. All should be thoughtful and appropriate for class. All should be specific. Use specific examples in your discussion - either from the novel we are reading, real life, other literature, films, etc.

Here is the topic of the day:

What natural rights do teens possess?

This question is merely a jumping-off point. Your discussion can go anywhere. Here are some questions you may wish to address throughout your discussion:

• What is a "right"?
• What is the difference between a "right" and a "privilege"?
• When should rights be taken away, if ever?
• How have teens' rights changed over the years?
• How does technology figure into the equation?
• Are all rights shared by all teens, or just a select few?

Here are the instructions for posting a comment:

1. Click on 'comments' below.
2. Post your comment. (Try cutting and pasting from word if you like.)
3. Click on 'Name/URL' and type in your name.
4. Click on 'post comment'. 

This entry is for PERIOD 3 JUNIORS only.

Today we're going to participate in an online discussion. Your task is to comment thoughtfully and often to the discussion. The following is a list of ways to participate:

• post a short paragraph in which you present a point of view
• comment on the posts of your classmates
• ask a question - either regarding a classmate's post or generated simply from your own curiosity
• respond to comments classmates have made regarding your posts

Some of your responses are going to be short, some of them are going to be thorough. All should be thoughtful and appropriate for class. All should be specific. Use specific examples in your discussion - either from the novel we are reading, real life, other literature, films, etc.

Here is the topic of the day:

What natural rights do teens possess?

This question is merely a jumping-off point. Your discussion can go anywhere. Here are some questions you may wish to address throughout your discussion:

• What is a "right"?
• What is the difference between a "right" and a "privilege"?
• When should rights be taken away, if ever?
• How have teens' rights changed over the years?
• How does technology figure into the equation?
• Are all rights shared by all teens, or just a select few?

Here are the instructions for posting a comment:

1. Click on 'comments' below.
2. Post your comment. (Try cutting and pasting from word if you like.)
3. Click on 'Name/URL' and type in your name.
4. Click on 'post comment'. 

Ready to Rumble - Period 8

This post is for PERIOD 8 FRESHMEN only.

There's an old saying, that "knowing is half the battle." The joke, of course, is, "What's the rest of the battle?" Fighting? Pain? Losing? Cats with laser beams?

Using this notion as a jumping-off point, address one of the following ideas in a thoughtful, thorough paragraph.

What 'battles' are being fought in Ellison's "Battle Royale"?

Who is likely to succeed in battle, and who is likely to fail?

Which battle is most worthy of being fought?

Which is least worthy?

We're not just speaking literally, here. We're speaking figuratively. Be sure to consider all the characters and conflicts: the narrator, his grandfather, the other contestants, the women, the men holding the event, the audience members. Consider the narrator's speech, his dream at the end, his hopes and worries. Consider that some conflicts are external, others internal. Consider that by the end of the story, some battles have been resolved while others have just begun.

Post your response in the comments section. Be sure to include your name so you can get credit. Remember, these are simply ideas - prompts to get you started. All I'm looking for, really, is some thoughtful, interesting discussion. Therefore, feel free to post additional comments in which you respond to your peers' comments. You might also consider checking back in to see if anyone has responded to your comments, so you can reply.

You can receive extra credit for each additional response.

Again, I'm looking for a discussion here, not simply a list of unconnected thoughts. So, make connections and claims, draw conclusions, provide evidence and explanations. I'll be checking in periodically.

In case you're interested, all of these paintings are by a guy named George Bellows, one of the 'Ashcan' artists.

Ready to Rumble - Period 4

This post is for PERIOD 4 FRESHMEN only.

There's an old saying, that "knowing is half the battle." The joke, of course, is, "What's the rest of the battle?" Fighting? Pain? Losing? Cats with laser beams?

Using this notion as a jumping-off point, address one of the following ideas in a thoughtful, thorough paragraph.

What 'battles' are being fought in Ellison's "Battle Royale"?

Who is likely to succeed in battle, and who is likely to fail?

Which battle is most worthy of being fought?

Which is least worthy?

We're not just speaking literally, here. We're speaking figuratively. Be sure to consider all the characters and conflicts: the narrator, his grandfather, the other contestants, the women, the men holding the event, the audience members. Consider the narrator's speech, his dream at the end, his hopes and worries. Consider that some conflicts are external, others internal. Consider that by the end of the story, some battles have been resolved while others have just begun.

Post your response in the comments section. Be sure to include your name so you can get credit. Remember, these are simply ideas - prompts to get you started. All I'm looking for, really, is some thoughtful, interesting discussion. Therefore, feel free to post additional comments in which you respond to your peers' comments. You might also consider checking back in to see if anyone has responded to your comments, so you can reply.

You can receive extra credit for each additional response.

Again, I'm looking for a discussion here, not simply a list of unconnected thoughts. So, make connections and claims, draw conclusions, provide evidence and explanations. I'll be checking in periodically.

In case you're interested, all of these paintings are by a guy named George Bellows, one of the 'Ashcan' artists.

Ready to Rumble - Period 1

This post is for PERIOD 1 FRESHMEN only.

There's an old saying, that "knowing is half the battle." The joke, of course, is, "What's the rest of the battle?" Fighting? Pain? Losing? Cats with laser beams?

Using this notion as a jumping-off point, address one of the following ideas in a thoughtful, thorough paragraph.

What 'battles' are being fought in Ellison's "Battle Royale"?

Who is likely to succeed in battle, and who is likely to fail?

Which battle is most worthy of being fought?

Which is least worthy?

We're not just speaking literally, here. We're speaking figuratively. Be sure to consider all the characters and conflicts: the narrator, his grandfather, the other contestants, the women, the men holding the event, the audience members. Consider the narrator's speech, his dream at the end, his hopes and worries. Consider that some conflicts are external, others internal. Consider that by the end of the story, some battles have been resolved while others have just begun.

Post your response in the comments section. Be sure to include your name so you can get credit. Remember, these are simply ideas - prompts to get you started. All I'm looking for, really, is some thoughtful, interesting discussion. Therefore, feel free to post additional comments in which you respond to your peers' comments. You might also consider checking back in to see if anyone has responded to your comments, so you can reply.

You can receive extra credit for each additional response.

Again, I'm looking for a discussion here, not simply a list of unconnected thoughts. So, make connections and claims, draw conclusions, provide evidence and explanations. I'll be checking in periodically.

In case you're interested, all of these paintings are by a guy named George Bellows, one of the 'Ashcan' artists.

Write a Little Letter

The following post is for juniors only.

Wolff expresses frustration at the limits of his self-identity as a boy. In other words, he as a man can in no way help himself as a boy; history cannot be rewritten. He writes:

“But the man can give no help to the boy,
not in this matter nor in those that follow" (Wolff 27).

Imagine what it would be like if you COULD go back and help your childhood self. What do you wish you knew then that you know now? What would you say to yourself as a child if you had the chance?

Write a letter to your 10-year-old self. You can offer advice, warnings, reassurances – whatever you think would have been helpful to you as a 10-year-old.

Your letter should be written in first person. It should be detailed and thorough. It needs to be multiple paragraphs and well organized. Employ correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. If have any questions, don't hesitate to ask a teacher.

Who Are You?

This post is for JUNIORS only

Welcome to Junior English. Today is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to your instructors. In a thoughtful, thorough, multi-paragraph essay, answer the following question:

Who are you?

You must write for the entire period. Remember, this is your first opportunity to demonstrate who you are as a person and who you are as a student - so do your best!  Use specific details, correct grammar, and correct spelling. Your essay must be multiple paragraphs. You may wish to use some of the following questions to shape or guide your response:

• What have you done?
• Where have you been?
• What are you goals?
• What mistakes have you made?
• What do you like?
• What do you not like?
• How do you spend your time?
• What drives you?
• What makes you different?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask one of the instructors. Good luck, and have fun.

Final Exam Review - Raisin

This post is for Freshmen only. The following assignment is due by Thursday, May 31.

In the comments section, record TWO entries that contain the following components:

1. one significant quotation from A Raisin in the Sun.
2. the speaker of the quotation
3. to whom the quotation is being spoken
4. a brief context of what is happening in the scene
5. the page number
6. your name (to receive credit)

There are a few stipulations. First, no repeats. Second, first come, first served. Third, the more significant and important your quotation, the more helpful this study guide will become.

Final Exam Review - Mice

This post is for Freshmen only. The following assignment is due by Thursday, May 31.

In the comments section, record TWO entries that contain the following components:

1. one significant quotation from Of Mice and Men
2. the speaker of the quotation
3. to whom the quotation is being spoken
4. a brief context of what is happening in the scene
5. the page number
6. your name (to receive credit)

There are a few stipulations. First, no repeats. Second, first come, first served. Third, the more significant and important your quotation, the more helpful this study guide will become. Fourth, do it TWICE.

Extra Credit Book Report

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Once you have finished your required two-part book reports, you may read a second (or third) book for extra credit. When you finish that book, you may write an extra credit book report and receive extra credit. The amount of credit will depend on (1) the length and dificulty of the book and (2) the length and quality of the book report. Include a minimum of three correctly cited quotations throughout the report. Use the following format:

1. Provide the following information: your name, the book title (underlined) the author, and the total number of pages
2. Provide a detailed summary of the events of the book. Include characters, settings, and plot details. (Remember, the point of this paragraph is to prove you read the book, so the more the better.)
3. Provide a thoughtful review of the book. Would you recommend the book to a friend? Why or why not? (The point of this paragraph is to prove you thought about the book, so the more thoughtful the better.)

Please note that you must get the book cleared with the teacher prior to reading it in order to receive credit. Also, YOU MUST HAVE A COPY OF THE BOOK ON HAND WHEN YOU TURN IN YOUR EXTRA CREDIT BOOK REPORT. If you do not have a copy of it on hand at that time, you may not receive credit. The due date for all extra credit book report is Monday, June 4.

Independent Book Report - 2nd Half

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Once you have read the second half of your book, complete the following book report.


First, in the upper right hand corner, enter the following information:

1. student name
2. book title (underlined)
3. author
4. total number of pages
5. the pages numbers that the second book report will be covering

Here's an example of the header:

          John Perkins
          Carter Beats the Devil
          Glen David Gold
          339 total pages
          pages 1-172



Second, answer the following four questions in four thoughful, thorough paragraphs. Each paragraph should be a minimum of 150 words. Use at least three cited quotations throughout the report. (Introductions and conclusions are not necessary. The report should take the form of a four paragraph essay.)

1. Summarize in detail the events of the second half of the book.
2. Describe how each of the major characters has changed/grown throughout the course of the book. For each, explain whether or not achieved their goal - is each character satisfied at the end with regards to what motivated him or her?
3. Relate a significant incident from the second half of the book that truly interested you or impressed you, and explain why you liked it.
4. Evaluate the book, indicating in specific terms what you liked and/or disliked about it.  Do not use words like “good” or “bad” – which are vague and useless.  Give concrete reasons for your evaluation.

Note: Your job here is simple: Prove that you have read half the book. Remember that 150 words per paragraph is the minimum. You will be graded here for quality as well as quantity. Students who do not demonstrate a thorough understanding of the first half of the book are subject to a follow up verbal quiz.

If you have any questions, please ask your instructor.


This book report is due Tuesday, May 29.

Mockingbird In-Class Essay Prompt

This post is for freshmen only.

Here is your prompt for your in-class essay:

Is To Kill a Mockingbird an example

of Southern Gothic literature?

We spoke at length on this topic, so I'm not going to repeat myself here. Needless to say, five paragraphs, correct spelling a grammar, thoughtful and thorough, transitions, cited quotations...you know...the works.

Independent Book Report - 1st Half

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Once you have read the first half of your book, complete the following book report.


First, in the upper right hand corner, enter the following information:

1. student name
2. book title (underlined)
3. author
4. total number of pages
5. the pages numbers that the first book report will be covering

Here's an example of the header:

          John Perkins
          Carter Beats the Devil
          Glen David Gold
          339 total pages
          pages 1-172



Second, answer the following four questions in four thoughful, thorough paragraphs. Each paragraph should be a minimum of 150 words. Use at least three cited quotations throughout the report. (Introductions and conclusions are not necessary. The report should take the form of a four paragraph essay.)

1. Give an overview of the book so far: list the major characters, describe the setting (time and place), and describe the central conflict.
2. Describe each major character and explain what motivates him or her.  Ask yourself what these characters are like as people.  Also, ask yourself that causes them to behave as they do.
3. Relate a significant incident from the first half of the book that truly interested you or impressed you, and explain why you liked it.
4. Predict what will likely happen in the rest of the novel. Are you looking forward to finishing it? Why or why not? (If you have already finished the novel, think back to when you were only half way through reading it, and write about what you thought at that time.)

Note: Your job here is simple: Prove that you have read half the book. Remember that 150 words per paragraph is the minimum. You will be graded here for quality as well as quantity. Students who do not demonstrate a thorough understanding of the first half of the book are subject to a follow up verbal quiz.

If you have any questions, please ask your instructor.