Writing Seminar B -- 4th Period Assignments

Monday, June 23rd through Friday, June 27th:

 

Today, after SSR, we wrote a letter, in business letter format, to give advice to incoming tenth graders for how to do well in Mr. Rabins' English class.  The letter must have at least three pieces of advice.  THIS IS BEING GRADED, AND YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

 

Then we had our vocabulary bingo quiz.  If you were absent, you must write me a paragraph using ten of the vocabulary words to replace the grade.

 

 

Monday - Listed above.

 

Tuesday -  There will be a sub.  You'll watch the second half of "MacBeth"

 

Wednesday - Essays returned.  We'll watch the first half of "Scotland PA"

 

Thurday - Finish "Scotland PA," write a paragraph comparing the two films.  THIS IS A GRADED ASSIGNMENT.

 

Friday - Final grades posted.  End of term.

 

No school on Monday, B-trackers!  Good luck in 11th Grade!

Friday, June 20th:

 

Today, we started with SSR.

 

Then we reviewed our paragraphs about why the Lakers lost to the celtics, using eight SAT vocabulary words.  This should be done in your notebook.  It can be fiction, I just want you to use the words correctly.

 

Finally, we started watching Roman Polanski's version of "Macbeth," which we will finish on Wednesday.

 

 

Have a nice weekend.  I'll be suffering in 100-degree heat, grading your essays.  It's a lot like how I would imagine hell, actually.

Thrusday, June 19th:

 

Today, after SSR, I passed out a permission slip for the film versions of MacBeth that we're going to watch, both of which are rated R, (mostly for violence).

 

 

Then we went to the computer lab to finish our essays and turn them in.

 

At the end of class, I gave a writing assignment: In your notebook, using the latest twenty-four SAT vocabulary words, write a paragraph explaining why the Lakers lost in the NBA finals to the celtics. It can be fiction if you want. You should used at least eight vocabulary words. They will be shared tomorrow, complete this for homework.

Wednesday, June 18th:

 

Today, we went to the computer lab to work on our essays.  We will go again tomorrow, then they are due at the end of class.

 

 

Tuesday, June 17th:

 

Today we started with SSR, because it was not a shortened day.  (Don't blame me, I don't make the schedule... besides, what are you bitching about?  You skipped!)

 

Then I gave some more writing tips about things I'm expecting to see in this essay, including COMMAS AFTER INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS!  If you set the time or place of a sentence with an introductory phrase, you MUST separate it with a comma.

 

Examples:

 

After killing King Duncan, MacBeth starts to show signs of guilt.

 

While it is true that MacBeth receives his future from the witches, it is he who decides to act on these portents in order to make them come true.

 

Papers missing these commas will be graded down SEVERELY.

 

I then gave a lesson on how to handle long quotes from the text.  It didn't do you any good to miss that, either.

 

I then gave the rest of the period, about an hour, to work on your essays.  WHICH ARE DUE THURSDAY!

Monday, June 16th:

 

Today, after SSR, I passed out a practice worksheet for the new SAT vocabulary words.  We worked on it in class, and then went over it.  The next Vocabulary bingo will likely be this Friday, so you need to get to know these words.  Just like last time, the bingo game will count as a quiz score.

 

Then I gave the rest of the period to work on your essays. 

 

NOTICE FOR HABITUAL SKIPPERS: I know you think you're slick, but you're not.  I recommend VERY STRONGLY that you start coming to class every day this week.  The essays are DUE ON THURSDAY.  If you haven't started writing your essay yet, you are way, way behind.  If you don't turn in your essay, I am going to fail you.  I'll be here after school to help with your essay every day until it is due.

FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH

 

Today, after SSR, we took our quiz on Acts IV and V of MacBeth.  If you weren't here, you'll take them when you get back.

 

I then showed the class a sample student essay, giving hints to what makes good writing, and what will get you an "A."

 

We spent the rest of the class working on our essays, as I circulated around the room, checking everyone's thesis and topic sentences.

 

THE ESSAY IS DUE NEXT WEDNESDAY.  YOU'RE NOT PASSING THIS CLASS WITHOUT TURNING IT IN.  My very strong suggestion is that you have at least two body paragraphs written before Monday.

 

ALSO: Don't forget, the practice SAT vocabulary worksheet is due Monday!  Poor babies.

 

Have a nice weekend.  Take two hours off from your essay and go see The Hulk.

Thursday, June 12th:

 

Today, we finished MacBeth.  There will be a quiz tomorrow, Friday, on Acts IV and V.

 

Then I passed out the writing prompt for the essay.

 

 

Basically, you have a choice of what you want to write about.  I want you to take a subject, such as guilt, consequences for evil actions, or betrayal, and tell me what the play is saying about that subject.  Then you are addressing a theme of the play.  Your thesis and your three topic setences are due tomorrow, Friday.

 

This paper is due soon.  Don't waste any time, get to work!  You're not passing my class without turning in an essay.

Wednesday, June 11th:

 

1. SSR

 

2. We read Act V Scenes 4 and 5 of MacBeth.  We'll be finishing the play tomorrow.

 

 

3. I gave out a new list of twenty-four SAT vocabulary words.  Your are to look up the definitions and put them in your notebook.  Here are the words:

 

Admonition

Affirmation

Charlatan

Diffident

Ebullient

Emboldened

Garnered

Indignant

Indulgent

Intrigued

Mercenary

Moratorium

Mosaic

Naive

Portent

Prosaic

Provincial

Quibble

Sanguine

Serene

Surly

Trepidation

Volatile

Wry

 

There you go.  Get to work.

Tuesday, June 10:

 

Today we read Act V, (that's a five), Scene 3 of MacBeth, which shows some important changes in the character MacBeth.  Read it.

 

Next, we had our vocabulary bingo.  Fun was had, candy was doled out, a great time was had by all.  If you weren't here, you need to make up the quiz score by writing me a paragraph using ten of the vocabulary words.  (Preferably, correctly.)

Monday, June 9:

 

Today, after SSR, we read Act V, (that's a five), scenes 1 and 2 of MacBeth.  Act V Scene 1 is very important; it shows a great transformation in Lady MacBeth.

 

Then we had more practice with our SAT vocabulary words.

Friday, June 6th:

 

Clearly, some of you didn't take me seriously when I told you that it was going to be business as usual today, despite the teacher walk-out.  I think you will regret not being here today.

 

Today, after SSR, we finished Act IV of MacBeth.  If you were absent, you should do so over the weekend.  Also, start bringing the packet with Acts I and II with you to class EVERY DAY, you're going to need them.

 

Then we reviewed the SAT vocabulary worksheet.  We'll be having our vocabulary bingo on Tuesday.  Despite the fact that it's a game, it will be graded like a quiz.  You have to know these 24 words by Tuesday.

 

Then I put the students in groups, and they created a short story using EIGHT of the vocab words.  If you were absent, you need to write a story using eight of the words, by yourself.

 

Have a nice weekend!

Thursday, June 5th:

 

Today, we filled out AP preference cards for 11th grade.  If you were absent and are interested in taking any AP course for next year, see me for your card so we can get it in to your counselor.

 

Also, I posted everybody's MacBeth illustrations, and we did a gallery walk, picking out our favorites.

 

Then we read the first half of Act IV, Scene 3, (it's long, we'll finish it tomorrow).

 

Finally, I gave out a vocabulary practice sheet, so we could put our twenty-four SAT words to use.

Wednesday, June 4:

 

Today, after SSR, (new books!), we read MacBeth, Act IV, Scene 2.  If you were absent, catch up in your reading.

 

Then we reviewed the ten most commonly misspelled words in English from yesterday, writing sentences on the board.  You should have ten sentences in your notebook, see me for the words if you need them.

 

Finally, I gave out a list of twenty-four SAT words.  Working in pairs, we looked up the definitions to the words and wrote them in our notebooks.  If you were out, see me for the list when you get back.

Tuesday, Juine 3rd:

 

Today was NOT a shortened day, (don't ask me why, I don't make the schedule).

 

After SSR, I collected your illustrations.  If you were out, have it ready when you get back.

 

We then re-read Act IV, Scene 1.  Then we read Act IV, Scene 2, and we filled in our scorecards.

 

Then I gave a list of the ten most commonly misspelled words and gave a quiz on it.  If you weren't here, see me to make it up.

Monday, June 2nd --

 

Today we had a sub, Mr. Rabins had to go in for re-education.

 

After SSR, we had our quiz on Act III of MacBeth.  If you were absent, you will take it the day you get back.

 

Then you were to read Act IV, (that's a four), Scene 1 of MacBeth and write a summary in your notebook.

 

Don't forget, your illustrations are due tomorrow!

Friday, May 30th:

 

Today, after SSR, we shared important lines from MacBeth that show character traits about either MacBeth or Lady MacBeth.  You should have eight lines total in your notebook, with the Act.Scene.Line numbers, the quote, who's speaking, and what the line shows.

 

Then we re-wrote our confession paragraphs and turned them in.

 

Then we each were assigned a scene from MacBeth to illustrate.  If you were absent, you can pick a scene.  You should give the Act.Scene.Line number, who is speaking, and why it is important.  Your drawing should show that you made an effort, even if your artistic ability is lacking.  Color would be nice.

 

REMEMBER: THERE IS A QUIZ MONDAY ON ACT III.  ALSO, WE HAVE A SUB.  BEHAVE, OR YOU MAY WIND UP LIKE BANQUO.

 

I'll see you Tuesday.  Have a good weekend.

Thursday, May 29th:

 

Today we discussed dramatic structure.  If you missed the notes, get them from a classmate and make sure they are in your notebook.

 

Then we read MacBeth, Act III, Scenes 5 and 6, finishing Act III.  If you were absent, make sure you catch up in your reading.  There will be a quiz on Act III on Monday.

 

Finally, we did a double-bubble map in our notebooks, discussing traits of MacBeth and Lady MacBeth.  I then asked everyone to find eight examples from the play, (from anywhere in the first three acts), to back up the character traits. 

 

For example:

 

1. MacBeth is distrustful: 1st Murderer - But who did bid thee join with us?

                                      3rd Murderer - MacBeth.  (III.3.1-2)

 

PARENTS' NIGHT IS TONIGHT, TELL YOUR FOLKS TO COME!  EXTRA CREDIT FOR PERIOD FOUR!

Wednesday, May 28th:

 

Today, after SSR, we had a writing assignment, to be done in yourr readers-writers' notebook:

 

Write a paragraph about something you did that you now feel guilty about.  What did you do?  Why did you do it?  Why did you feel badly?  (Not just because you got caught.)  Was what you did worth the price you had to pay?  This will be graded.

 

Then we read Act III, Scenes 3 and 4.  Scene 3 is short, Scene 4 is not.  If you were absent, you have some catching-up to do.

 

Your homework is to read ahead, Scenes 5 and 6, (both fairly short).  In other words, finish Act III.

 

DON'T FORGET: Tomorrow is Parent's night!  I'd love to see your folks.

 

ALSO: WE WILL BE HAVING A QUIZ ON ACT III NEXT MONDAY.

Tuesday, May 27th:

 

Welcome back from Memorial Day weekend!

 

Today, we had our Act II quiz.  If you were absent, you'll take it when you return.

 

Then I passed out the rest of MacBeth, and we read Act III, Scenes 1 and 2.  If we didn't finish Scene 2 in class, you need to finish reading it at home for homework.  If you weren't here, the play is available online.  Find it and read III.1 and III.2.

Monday, May 19th:

 

Today we finished the CST prep packet... yay!  The English test is tomorrow, please get a good night's sleep and do your very best.

 

Then we had a guest presentation from Ms. Jay, who will be your counselor, starting in July and for the rest of high school.  We all filled out wish lists for our schedule for the first mester of 11th grade.  If you were absent, see me to get a form, or see Ms. Jay, (she's currently in the 9th grade center).  If you don't see her, she'll pick your elective randomly, and you don't want that.

 

Finally, we did a fun exercise with Shakespearean insults.  If you were absent, get the worksheet from me.  If you were here but didn't get it done, it's homework.

 

Finally, workbooks were due today.  If you didn't turn it in, get it in tomorrow, they're being graded.

Friday, May 16th:

 

Today, after SSR, we did CST prep questions 75-86.

 

Then we finished reading Act II of MacBeth.

 

If you were absent or at the picnic, you have to finish reading Act II, AND make sure you have two significant lines for each of the following scenes in your notebook, (it will be graded).

 

Act One: Scenes 3, 4, 5, and 7

 

Act Two: Scenes 1, 2 and 3.

 

So two lines per scene means you should have 14 lines in all, with explanations of why the lines are important.

 

Have a good weekend!

Thursday, May 15th:

 

Today we did some more CST prep, questions 65-74.

 

Then we finished Act II Scene 2, and we read Act II Scene 3, (it's a long one).  If you weren't here, make sure you catch up in your reading.  You also want to research online what dramatic irony means, we talked about it in class.  We've already seen examples of it in MacBeth.

 

Finally, we started work individually identifying two significant lines from each of the first three scenes in Act II.  Just like we did in groups, pick two lines from each scene, write them in your notebook, and explain why they are important.

Wednesday, May 14th:

 

Today, after SSR, we did CST prep questions 57 through 64.  Students were given the CST schedule in their homerooms, you'll be testing Tuesday through Friday of next week.

 

Then we took our quiz on Act One of MacBeth.  If you missed it, you'll make it up when you get back.

 

Then we took parts and read Act Two, Scene 1, and started Scene 2.

 

Your homework is to finish reading Scene 2 and make sense of it.

Tuesday, May 13th:

Today, after doing CST prep questions 52-56, we did a group assignment to review the important moments of Act One of MacBeth.

If you were absent, you need to find two significant quotes for each of the following scenes, and explain their significance. I will be grading this.

Act One Scene 3

Act One Scene 4

Act One Scene 5

Act One Scene 7

So you should have eight lines in all, and explain in your words why each line is note-worthy.

 

Remember, there is a quiz on Act One tomorrow, or if you're absent, the day you get back.

Monday, May 12th:

 

Today, after SSR, we did some more CST prep, questions 44 through 51.

 

Then we finished Act One of MacBeth, reading scenes 6 and 7. 

VERY IMPORTANT: If you were not here, for any reason, you are still responsible for the reading.

 

THERE WILL BE A QUIZ WEDNESDAY ON ACT ONE!

 

Shakespeare crosswords are due tomorrow.

 

We finished today by watching a video entitled "Why Shakespeare?"  (Why not?)

Thursday, May 8th:

Today, we had some more CST prep, (questions #36-39).

Then we read Act One, Scene Three, a very pivotal scene in the play, where MacBeth and Banquo meet the Witches and receive prophecies, (they get their fortunes told). If you weren't here, make sure you read it and do your best to understand it. If you have questions, ask me when you get back. But make sure you read it.

The Witches present a paradox... they tell MacBeth his fate. Does that mean he has no free will the rest of the play? Does he make decisions that affect events, or is it out of his control?

Then, we talked about superstition. In your reader's-writer's notebook, write a paragraph about a superstition you have. How did you get it? Does it help change anything? If you claim to have no superstitions, you can write about somebody else who is. Your notebooks will be graded, so don't blow it off.

Wednesday, May 7th

 

Today, during SSR, I checked everyone's thesis and topic sentences for the To Kill a Mockinbird essays.  If you weren't here, make sure I see it, it is being graded.

 

Then we did some prep for the CST, questions 28-35.

 

Then we did an anticipation guide for MacBeth.  It's eleven questions that you need to answer in your notebook.  You don't have to write the question, but do write the answer in complete sentences and explain yourself.  It's basically asking your opinion on different questions that have to do with the themes of the play.  There are no wrong answers, as long as you do them.  If you weren't here, get the questions from me next time you come in.

 

By the end of today, you should at least read through Act One Scene Two of MacBeth.  Reading Scene Three wouldn't kill you, either.

Tuesday, May 6th:

 

Today, we began MacBeth.

 

We spoke about background information about Shakespeare and Scottish Culture.

 

In your Reader's/Writer's Notebook, you need to list five things you know about Shakespeare, and five things that worry you about reading the play MacBeth, (we discussed why you don't need to be worried -- you'll get all the help you need, it's not that long, and it is definitely NOT boring).

 

Then we started reading the play.  We read Act I Scenes 1 and 2. 

 

I also handed out a scorecard to keep track of the characters, make sure you get one when you come back.