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.

TKAM Southern Gothic Worksheet

This post is for freshmen only.

In my 'tostu' folder - jcowlin - you will find a document entitled "TCAM Southern Gothic worksheet." Your task is as follows:

1. Open the document.
2. Supply evidence for each claim in each field. (Click on each field to type in it. Use cited quotations to support your responses.)
3. Save your work.
4. Print out a copy to be turned in for credit.

The assignment is due Thursday. This is independent work, so you may not work with partners. This is step one of a process, so the more thoughtful and thorough your responses, the easier and better your next step will be. Work diligently, and if you have any questions ask the instructor.

Types of Courage in Mockingbird

This post is for freshmen only.

Today we are going to examine not only the amount of courage a character has in To Kill a Mockingbird, but the kind of courage.  For the sake of our exercise, let's assume there are six types of courage:

• physical
• spiritual
• intellectual
• moral
• social
• emotional

Here is your task:  Select one character from the novel and answer the following two questions in a single, thoughtful, thorough paragraph:

What kind of courage does this character demonstrate,

and how much does he or she demonstrate?

Your paragraph should include a minimum of two properly cited quotations. It should employ correct grammar, spelling, mechanics, and punctuation. It should contain a topic sentence, a set-up to each piece of evidence, properly cited quotations, and rich analysis. Hard copies of all paragraphs must be turned in; responses should not be posted in the comments below.

HINT: You may want to start your paragraph with a definition of the type of courage you plan on discussing.

To Kill a Mockingbird - Part 1 Online Discussion

This post is for freshmen only.

You will be participating in an online discussion. Your posts should be thoughtful and thorough, and your posts should include specific details - at times using cited quotations. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation count.

You will be graded on quantity as well as quality. All material must be appropriate for class. Be sure to post your name. This entry will be open for a few days, so if you wish to add more beyond this period, you may certainly do so.

You may either start your own thread with a question or comment, or you may comment on someone else's thread. Just be sure to pay attention to which button you are clicking on. I'll start you off with a few questions of my own.

One last thing...You may wish to write your entries in Word and then copy and paste them into the blog field (just in case the blog looses a comment.)

Here we go...