1. Honors English 10B
  2. Assignments

Honors English 10B Assignments

Instructor
Evan Rabins
Term
Semester 5
Department
English
Location
Room 113
Description
Welcome to Honors English 10B!  The first thing you need to know is that this class is a REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION.  If you're planning on graduating from Poly HS, you will need to pass this class eventually.  Fail it, and you'll take it again.

This term, we will be focusing on two things:

1. Literary Analysis.  We will be reading Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, and To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, two great works of American fiction.  We will have quizzes to test reading comprehension, we will talk about vocabulary, themes, character interaction, and the use of figurative language and other literary devices.  It should also come as no surprise that we will be writing essays on both novels.  NOTE: You're going to have a really hard time passing this class if you don't do the reading.  So get reading.

2. CAHSEE Prep.  The California High School Exit Exam is coming up, the first week of February.  We will be preparing for it by doing exercizes on a daily basis that develop various skills necessary to pass the test.  If the you come to class every day, pay attention, and get involved in the exercises, you should be in good shape to pass the CAHSEE on the first try, which is what we all want.  You have to realize that you bear the responsibility of doing the necessary work to prepare, you're not going to pass by luck or magic.  If you have a good attitude and work hard, we'll get you through this thing together.

I'm hoping for a fun term! 

Assignment Calendar

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Past Assignments

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Assignment

HOMEWORK OVER BREAK:

Finish reading To Kill a Mockingbird, and complete the take-home test I gave you.  If you lose it, I'm giving it to you the day you get back, and it'll be a closed-book test.  The take-home test is due the day we get back, Monday, April 28th.

You should also be thinking about those writing prompts I gave you.  It wouldn't kill you to write a first draft.

Enjoy your break, everyone!  Stay out of trouble.

Mr. Rabins

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Assignment

Tuesday, February 26th -- Today, after SSR, we had a group creative writing exercise using the vocabulary words from Chapter 12 of To Kill a Mockingbird.  If you were absent, you need to write me a story using ten of the words.

REMEMBER, THERE IS A QUIZ TOMORROW!  Chapters 12-14 of To Kill a Mockingbird.

You also want to come because I'm handing out the take-home test.  You are to finish the test over break.  If you don't get it this week, I'll be giving it to you the day you get back, and you'll have to take it in class, that day, closed book.

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Assignment

Monday, February 25th -- Today, after SSR, I gave out a figurative language warm-up, based on sentences from To Kill a Mockingbird. 

Then we reviewed the vocabulary homework for Chapter 12.  Make sure you have this done before Tuesday.

Then we reviewed Chapters 10 and 11 and read Chapter 12 together.

HOMEWORK: Read through Chapter 13.

IMPORTANT: We will be working through Wednesday this week.  There is a quiz on Chapters 12-14 that day, there will also be a take-home test handed out that you are to finish over break.  I'll also be returning the essays that day.  A good day to come to school.

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Assignment

Friday, February 22nd -- Today, after SSR, we turned in our copies of Fahrenheit 451 to the textbook room.  If you weren't here or didn't have it with you, it's school property, and we want it back.  If you don't turn it in, you will eventually be charged for it.  The price is $40.

Then we had our test on part one of To Kill a Mockingbird.  If you were absent, you'll take it when you get back.  It's reading questions and vocabulary from Chapters 8 and 9.  The vocabulary is open-note, so get your definitions done!

Then I passed out more vocabulary, (yay!), for Chapter 12.  The homework is to finish it and read 12 for Monday.

Have a good weekend.  I'll be suffering, grading your essays.

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Assignment

Thursday, February 21st -- Today, we started with SSR.

Then we read chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird together.

Then we broke into groups.  The groups were to read chapter 9 together, then use the remaining time to look up definitions.

Homework: Read Chapters 10 and 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird.  THERE IS A TEST TOMORROW!  The test covers chapters 6 through 11, and vocabulary from chapters 8 and 9.  It's open note for the vocabulary, so make sure you get those definitions done!

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Assignment

Wednesday, February 20th -- Today, after SSR, we did another group writing vocabulary project.  If you were absent, you'll have to do it on your own. 

Here are the instructions:

Correctly using at least TEN vocabulary words from chapters 6-8, write a story.  Your story needs to include:

A boy
A girl
A dog
An ice cream cone
Quotes that give the characters their own voice.

For homework, you are to read chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird and do the corresponding vocabulary words.

THERE IS A TEST FRIDAY ON PART ONE OF THE BOOK, UP THROUGH PAGE 112.  THE TEST WILL BE BOTH READING COMPREHENSION AND VOCABULARY.

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Assignment

Tuesday, February 19 -- Today, after SSR, I collected the Fahrenheit 451 essays.  If you were absent, it's due the second you get back.  Then we reviewed chapters 6 and 7 of To Kill a Mockingbird. 

I then passed out a vocabulary list for chapter 8, and assigned chapter 8 for reading homework.

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Assignment

Friday, February 15th -- Today, after SSR, we had our quiz on chapters 1 through 5 of To Kill a Mockingbird.  If you were absent, you'll take it when you get back next week.  There was also another vocabulary assignment, and you are to read through chapter 7 by Tuesday.

I gave the rest of the period to work on your Fahrenheit 451 essays.  The essay is due Tuesday, no exceptions.  I've given you plenty of time.  Extra credit for typing.

There's no school Monday.  Have a good weekend.

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Assignment

Thursday, February 14th -- Happy Valentine's Day.  Bah humbug!

Today we reviewed the best of the tabloid vocabulary assignments.

Then we read chapters 2 and 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird together.  REMEMBER, there is a reading quiz tomorrow up through Chapter 5, page 50.

The rest of the period I gave to work on the Fahrenheit 451 essays, which are DUE TOMORROW.

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Assignment

Tuesday, February 12th -- Today, we had some FUN!

Using our list of vocabulary words, we got into groups of four and created a tabloid story about a celebrity, using AT LEAST ten of the words.  The story can be about any celebrity, and you can use any of the words  from our vocabulary list.  You will be graded on whether you used the words correctly. 

If you were absent, you will have to do it by yourself.  You can use the words from chapter 1 if you don't have the list from chapters 2/3 yet.  If you were absent just today, I will be checking to see if you completed your vocabulary lists the day you get back.

HOMEWORK: Read through chapter five by Thursday, and fill out the vocabulary list I gave out in class.  WE WILL BE HAVING A QUIZ ON FRIDAY TO SEE IF YOU'RE KEEPING UP WITH THE READING, chapters one through five.

ALSO, don't forget that your Fahrenheit 451 essays are due on Friday.

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Assignment

Monday, February 11th -- Today, after SSR, we took a practice PSAT quiz.  It was only thirteen questions, all multiple choice, all vocab.  If you weren't here, see me to get a copy.  I'm just trying to show you that the vocab is tough on this test, and the test is only a year away.  This is why we do vocab exercises in class.

Then we finished reviewing chapter one of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Then we had a writing lab to work on our Fahrenheit 451 essays.

HOMEWORK: Finish the vocabulary lists for chapters two and three of To Kill a Mockingbird.  I will be checking tomorrow.

Also, don't forget that the Fahrenheit 451 essay is due Friday!

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Assignment

Friday, February 8th -- Today, after SSR, we went over the vocabulary homework.  Each student was graded on his/her response.  Then we reviewed chapter one of To Kill a Mockingbird.

FOR HOMEWORK: Read chapters 2 and 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird, plus fill out the two sheets of vocabulary words that go along with them.  I recommend doing the vocabulary first.

Also, don't forget, your Fahrenheit 451 essay is DUE NEXT FRIDAY!

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Assignment

Thursday, February 7th -- Welcome back, break time's over!

Today I issued To Kill a Mockingbird.  The book is yours to keep, (you're welcome).  You can take notes in it.  Put your name on it when I give it to you, and bring it with you every day the rest of the term.  I gave everyone a vocabulary list from chapter one, and I assigned chapter one, the first fifteen pages, for homework.  You are to read it by tomorrow.  If you were absent, get the vocabulary list from me.

The rest of the period we worked on our essays for Fahrenheit 451.  The essay is to be about the changes Montag goes through, the people who have an affect on him, and what the author, Ray Bradbury, is showing his audience, (his readers).  Today we talked about the Say/Mean/Matter method of handling quotes and commentary in your essay. 

This essay is the biggest grade of the term, so do a good job.  DUE NEXT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH.


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Assignment

Tuesday, February 5th and Wednesday, February 6th --

NO CLASS.  CAHSEE TESTING.

Homework: When you come to class on Thursday, bring Fahrenheit 451 with you.  We're going to start working on our essays, which will probably be due on Friday, February 15th.

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Assignment

Monday, January 4th -- Today, we had SSR, then we reviewed for the CAHSEE.

We covered:

The different essay structures

Independent/subordinate clauses

Tone

Figurative Language

It would be an EXCELLENT idea to review your Measuring Up book tonight.  Then relax, get a good night's sleep, have a good breakfast in the morning, and get to school on time tomorrow.

Don't worry.  If you do your best, you'll do fine.

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Assignment

Friday February 1 -- Today we had more comma practice.  Then we peer-graded the short writing assignment on the poem "Mexicans Begin Jogging."  It was collected at the end of the period.  If you weren't here make sure you turn it in on Monday.

You do have a homework assignment.  Look through your Measuring Up book at all the assignments we've done.  Pick an assignment and study it.  Monday I will ask you to present it to the class.  You should be able to explain why the answers are correct.

BRING YOUR MEASURING UP BOOK WITH YOU ON MONDAY!

Happy Groundhog Day!  Enjoy the Super Bowl!

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Assignment

Thursday January 31 -- Today we finished taking notes on commas.  Then we had some comma practice.  Then I went over the poem "Mexicans Begin Jogging" and gave the class time to work on the assignment.  The assigment is due first thing Friday.

The reason I didn't write any sentences with subordinate clauses in this message is because I spilled some yogurt on the comma key on my keyboard.  The key is now stuck.

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Assignment

Wednesay January 30th -- What we did today depended on what class you're in.

Period 2:  We took notes on commas.  If you were absent get them from me or a classmate.  I also gave a homework assignment on Gary Soto's poem "Mexicans Begin Jogging."  Get it from me if you were absent.  Then we went to an assembly.

Period 3: First we had SSR.  Then we took notes on commas.  Then I went over the answers to Lesson 18 in Measuring Up.  Then I gave out the same homework assignment.

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Assignment

Tuesday, January 29th -- We finished and corrected the essay on "Dish Night," which is on page 221 of Measuring Up, (the writing prompt is on 222).  If you haven't done this essay yet, you need to have it with you the day you return.

For homework, I assigned Lesson 18 in Measuring Up, pages 125-129.  Have it done by tomorrow.

Bring Fahrenheit 451 with you every day this week.

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Assignment

Monday, January 28th -- Today, after SSR, we talked some more about author's tone and how to incorporate an author's motivation or intent into a thesis statement when writing about literature, (which you should).

Then we did practice in Measuring Up, pages 144-147.

The rest of the period, we worked on our essays for the short story "Dish Night."  The story is on page 221 of Meauring Up, the writing prompt is on 222.  Write your essay on separate paper, not in the book.  You should do your tree map to get organized in the book.

YOU MUST HAVE THE ESSAY DONE WHEN YOU COME TO CLASS ON TUESDAY.


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Assignment

Friday, January 25th -- Today, after SSR, I collected the outlines for "Latin Women Pray," and I showed what an example essay would look like for the same prompt.

Then we went over the answers for lesson 30 in the Measuring Up book, and the "Buidling Stamina" exercise that followed.

Then I assigned a writing prompt.  You can find it on page 222 of your Measuring Up book.  You need to read the short story on page 221, then answer the writing prompt on 222, on separate paper.

THE ESSAY IS DUE NEXT TUESDAY, AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS.  This is true whether you're here Monday or not.  We'll be working on it in class Monday, but you want to get started this weekend, believe me.

Have a nice weekend.  Stay dry.

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Assignment

Thursday, January 24th -- Today we reviewed the answers for the grammar lessons 28 and 29 in Measuring Up.

Then we discussed a great poem called "Latin Women Pray," by Judith Ortiz Cofer.  We read it.  Then we read it again, (you should always read poetry twice to make sense of it).  Then we discussed it and broke it down.  Then the students had an in-class assignment, to create a writing outline to address the theme of the poem, the author's tone, and the author's motivation for writing it.  Basically, I want you to create an outline, as if you were writing an essay, complete with your thesis, three topic sentences, evidence from the poem, and commentary.  If you were absent, be sure to get it from me, it's being graded.

Finally, for homework, I want you to do Lesson 30 in Measuring Up, as well as the "Building Stamina" section that follows, pages 208-214.


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Assignment

Wednesday, January 23rd -- Today, after SSR, we reviewed part three of Fahrenheit 451.  We also finished our Montag flow charts.  We added an extra flow map page to our notebooks, and made additions to it as we went along in the book.

Then we reviewed the Measuring Up grammar lesson from yesterday, lesson 28.

Today, for homework, you should complete lesson 29, pages 204-207.

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Assignment

Tuesday, January 22nd -- Today we started with a quiz on part three of Fahrenheit 451.  The quiz also included examples of figurative language from the novel, you have to identify which literary device is at work, (just like the practices we've been doing in class).  If you were absent, you'll take the quiz the day you get back.

Then we peer-graded the biographical narratives we wrote last week.  If you don't have a completed essay with you the next time I see you, plan on being given some mandatory after-school tutoring.

Finally, we started lesson 28 in Measuring Up, which is about grammar rules.  You should read pp. 200-01, and do pp. 202-03 for homework.  We'll be grading them first thing on Wednesday.

IMPORTANT: Bring Fahrenheit 451 with you on Wednesday, you will need it.

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Assignment

Friday, January 18th -- Today, after SSR, we had more figurative language practice.

NOTICE: THE DAY WE GET BACK, TUESDAY 1/22, THERE WILL BE A QUIZ ON PART THREE OF FAHRENHEIT 451 AND FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE.  STUDY!

The rest of the period, we worked on our biographical narratives.  You MUST have it done by the time you return next Tuesday.

Have a great weekend.  Happy MLK Day!  Read "I Have a Dream," it's the greatest speech ever written in English.  Full of literary devices, by the way.

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Assignment

Thursday, January 17th -- Today, we finished our Montag flow map for part two of Fahrenheit 451.  In your notebook, you should have plenty of evidence that you can use from the first two parts of this book, (in the form of a flow chart), on how Montag was in the beginning of the story, and how he changes.  You can include things other people say to him, realizations he comes to himself, or people he suddenly finds distasteful.

Then, we began work on a biographical narrative.  The prompt is:

Patience is a quality that is widely admired.  Write a biographical narrative about somebody from history or everyday life who displayed patience, (you can make somebody up if you want).  Your narrative should be in chronological order, (time order), and include sensory details, (imagery).  The events of the person's day should display their patience.

Get organized before you write.  First, think of somebody with patience, (your mother).  Then, make a tree map to decide how you're going to organize the essay.  Since it needs to be in chronological order, I'd do a paragraph each on morning, afternoon and night.

Due at the end of class Friday.  We'll have more time to work on it in class tomorrow, but you probably want to get started today.

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Assignment

Wednesday, January 16th -- Today, after SSR, we corrected the figurative language warm-up I gave out for homework yesterday.  The next quiz will be a combination of review on part three of Fahrenheit 451, and identifying examples of figurative language from the book, (just like the warm-ups).  The quiz will be next Tuesday.

Then we got into groups and created a flow map for Montag's development into a thinker, (which is what you'll be writing about eventually, so completing this exercise will help you when it comes time to write).  In your notebook, you are to create a flow-map that shows important events in Montag's life that help him evolve into a thinker, WITH PAGE NUMBERS.  You should have at least eight events before you're done, four each from parts one and two.


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Assignment

Tuesday, January 15th -- Today, we reviewed the answers on page 90-91 of Measuring Up.

Then we reviewed part one of Fahrenheit 451.

For homework, I gave another figurative language warm-up.  We'll go over the answers first thing on Wednesday.

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Assignment

Monday, January 14th -- Today, after SSR, we peer-graded our persuasive essays.  The essay is worth 25 points, the biggest grade in the class so far.  If you haven't gotten it done, get it in.  It'll be marked down for being late, but that's a LOT better than a zero.

Next, we had some more figurative language practice.  The next quiz is going to be a combination of review of part three of Fahrenheit 451 AND figurative language questions, just like the ones on the warm-ups.  (The quiz will be next Tuesday, January 22nd, so finish the book by then.)

Finally, we did pages 89 through 91 in the Measuring Up book.  Only 15 class days until the CAHSEE!

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Assignment

Friday, January 11th -- Today, after SSR, we had a quiz on part two of Fahrenheit 451, "The Sieve and the Sand," and corrected it.  If you were absent, you will take it first thing on Monday.

The rest of the period was devoted to working on your persuasive essays.  The writing prompt is on page 230 of your Measuring Up book.  You should write a five-paragraph essay, on separate paper, answering the prompt, as well as your reader's counter-claims and biases, (that means include a counter-argument).

Your essay needs to be organized, with a hook at the beginning of your introduction paragraph and a thesis at the end, body paragraphs that start with topic sentences and provide plenty of evidence to support your argument, and your conclusion should restate your thesis, relate your main points to your thesis, and finish with a call to action.

Due first thing Monday.

Also, you need to finish Fahrenheit 451 by Tuesday, January 22nd, (that's when the next quiz will be).

See you Monday.  Have a great weekend.

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Assignment

Thursay, January 10th -- Today we reviewed the answers for Lesson 12 of Measuring Up.

Then we talked about how to organize a persuasive essay.  There is a writing prompt on page 230 of the Measuring Up book, that's the one we used.  You are to write a five-paragraph essay, on separate piece of paper, answering the prompt.

The essay is due at the end of the period on Friday, January 11th.

NOTE: QUIZ TOMORROW ON FAHRENHEIT 451, UP TO PAGE 110.

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Assignment

Wednesday, January 9th --  Today we took notes on all the various examples of figurative language.  It is VERY IMPORTANT that you get these notes in your reader's-writer's notebook, so if you were absent, see me, and I'll give you a handout explaining them.

After taking notes, I gave a handout with examples of figurative language from Fahrenheit 451, (the book is full of them, if you haven't noticed).  I give you a quote, you have to tell me which literary device is being used.  You will be quizzed on this eventually.  It's also on the CAHSEE, (hint, hint).

Speaking of the CAHSEE, we did lesson 12.  If you didn't finish in class, you have to do it for homework.  It's due first thing tomorrow, (Thursday).


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Assignment

Tuesday, January 8th -- Today we went over the answers from lesson 8 in Measuring Up, then we did the following lessons:

Lesson 10 -- pages 72-75

Lesson 11 -- pages 80-82

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Assignment

Monday, January 7th -- We peer-corrected the business letters.  Then we did lesson 8 in the Measuring Up book.

Friday, January 4th -- We discussed how to write a business letter, (there is an example of one on page 233 of your Measuring Up book).  The assignment was to write a business letter to somebody at Poly HS, noting a problem that needs to be corrected.  It could be a teacher, a janitor, the principal, the lunch lady, the nurse, anybody, as long as it is in proper business letter format and has the proper tone and language for a business letter.

Thursday, January 3rd -- We had an exercise to draw the mechanical hound from pp. 24-26 of Fahrenheit 451, using details.  We also did exercise 7 in the Measuring Up CAHSEE practice book.

Wedensday, January 2nd -- We had a quiz to test if you had read part one of Fahrenheit 451, then we reviewed the first part of the novel.