HONORS WRITING SEMINAR A Assignments
- Instructor
- Evan Rabins
- Term
- Semester 3
- Department
- English
- Location
- ROOM 113
- Description
-
Welcome to Honors Writing Seminar A! Some highlights of the upcoming term:Learning grammar!Reading Fahrenheit 451 and writing about it!Learning different styles of expository writing!Reading about famous authors Sherman Alexie, Sandra Cisneros, and Malcom X!Writing about your own life, and comparing yourself to these famous people!Are you asking yourself how we can POSSIBLY fit so much fun into one mester? BUT WAIT, THAT'S NOT ALL! We're going to prepare for the CAHSEE, which is coming up sooner than you think. Suffice it to say, you will be much, much smarter by Christmas than you are right now. Oh yeah, we also get to go through Halloween, a presidential election, Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas together. Ho-hum.YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WORK YOU MISS WHEN ABSENT! Get your absence cleared by bringing a note into the tenth grade center, then I will let you make up whatever assignment you missed. You can find out what you missed by clicking the homework link below.
Upcoming Assignments
No upcoming assignments.
Past Assignments
Due:
Assignment
Tuesday, December 16:
Today, which was NOT a shortened day, we finished taking the CAHSEE diagnostic test.
REMINDER: We are doing graded work the rest of the week!
I will return the essays Thursday.
I will post your final grades at some point on Friday.
Today, which was NOT a shortened day, we finished taking the CAHSEE diagnostic test.
REMINDER: We are doing graded work the rest of the week!
I will return the essays Thursday.
I will post your final grades at some point on Friday.
Due:
Assignment
Monday, December 15:
Today, after SSR, we spent most of the period taking a diagnostic test. It's a preparation test for the CAHSEE, by taking it, we're seeing what areas you need to most work on before the real test. As long as you take it and do your best, you'll get an A on the assignment. If you don't try your best, (and it's easy to tell), then you'll get a zero. If you were absent, you can make it up one day only, tomorrow.
I also handed out the Fahrenheit 451 writing prompt. Here it is:
In a well-organized five-paragraph essay, explain, in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, which characters affect Montag's development and how? How does Montag's interaction with these other characters affect his subsequent decisions? Among the characters you can analyze are Clarisse, Mildred, Captain Beatty, the woman who immolates herself, Faber, and Granger. Make sure you do a good job of explaining how these characters affect Montag. Due Friday, January 9th.
Today, after SSR, we spent most of the period taking a diagnostic test. It's a preparation test for the CAHSEE, by taking it, we're seeing what areas you need to most work on before the real test. As long as you take it and do your best, you'll get an A on the assignment. If you don't try your best, (and it's easy to tell), then you'll get a zero. If you were absent, you can make it up one day only, tomorrow.
I also handed out the Fahrenheit 451 writing prompt. Here it is:
In a well-organized five-paragraph essay, explain, in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, which characters affect Montag's development and how? How does Montag's interaction with these other characters affect his subsequent decisions? Among the characters you can analyze are Clarisse, Mildred, Captain Beatty, the woman who immolates herself, Faber, and Granger. Make sure you do a good job of explaining how these characters affect Montag. Due Friday, January 9th.
Due:
Assignment
Friday, December 12th:
Today we went back to the computer lab, finished typing our essays, and then we REVISED them. THE ESSAYS WERE DUE TODAY.
Anyone absent today who is planning to hand in their essay on Monday had better get their absence cleared, or I'm not taking it.
For those who didn't get it in on time, I'm deducting a point for every day it's late.
NOTE: WE ARE DOING GRADED WORK ALL OF NEXT WEEK! If you skip school, your grade is going to go down.
Today we went back to the computer lab, finished typing our essays, and then we REVISED them. THE ESSAYS WERE DUE TODAY.
Anyone absent today who is planning to hand in their essay on Monday had better get their absence cleared, or I'm not taking it.
For those who didn't get it in on time, I'm deducting a point for every day it's late.
NOTE: WE ARE DOING GRADED WORK ALL OF NEXT WEEK! If you skip school, your grade is going to go down.
Due:
Assignment
Wednesday, December 10th:
There was a sub today, but it was business as usual.
After SSR, we had our comma quiz and corrected it. If you were absent, you'll have to make it up at Homework Haven on Thursday, IF you cleared your absence.
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on your papers.
REMEMBER: We are going to the computer lab TOMORROW to type the essays. Your HOMEWORK is to finish your first draft, tonight.
There was a sub today, but it was business as usual.
After SSR, we had our comma quiz and corrected it. If you were absent, you'll have to make it up at Homework Haven on Thursday, IF you cleared your absence.
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on your papers.
REMEMBER: We are going to the computer lab TOMORROW to type the essays. Your HOMEWORK is to finish your first draft, tonight.
Due:
Assignment
Today, we had our last comma practice. THERE IS A QUIZ TOMORROW! (Notice that I put a comma after the introductory element in that sentence.)
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on your essays. Remember that we're going to the computer lab to type on Thursday, so you need to get this essay done BEFORE THEN. I'm not letting you type your essay at the computer.
NOTE: I will not be here tomorrow, I'm going on a field trip. Behave for the sub or you will be severely punished. We're still having SSR and the comma quiz, and you'll have the rest of the period to work on your essay. (Notice that I put a comma between the two independent clauses separated by a coordinating conjunction in that sentence.) I'll be back on Thursday. Behave.
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on your essays. Remember that we're going to the computer lab to type on Thursday, so you need to get this essay done BEFORE THEN. I'm not letting you type your essay at the computer.
NOTE: I will not be here tomorrow, I'm going on a field trip. Behave for the sub or you will be severely punished. We're still having SSR and the comma quiz, and you'll have the rest of the period to work on your essay. (Notice that I put a comma between the two independent clauses separated by a coordinating conjunction in that sentence.) I'll be back on Thursday. Behave.
Due:
Assignment
Monday, December 8th:
Today, after SSR, we had more comma practice. REMMEMBER: THERE IS A QUIZ THIS WEDNESDAY!
Then I returned the essays from the periodic assessment, and we discussed what went wrong, (ignoring the part of the prompt that said, "Address misunderstandings and biases" was the big problem).
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on your essays, which are DUE FRIDAY. We are going to the computer lab to type them on Thursday and Friday, so you should have it written by Thursday.
Today, after SSR, we had more comma practice. REMMEMBER: THERE IS A QUIZ THIS WEDNESDAY!
Then I returned the essays from the periodic assessment, and we discussed what went wrong, (ignoring the part of the prompt that said, "Address misunderstandings and biases" was the big problem).
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on your essays, which are DUE FRIDAY. We are going to the computer lab to type them on Thursday and Friday, so you should have it written by Thursday.
Due:
Assignment
Friday, December 5th:
Today, after SSR, we had another comma practice. Remember, there will be a quiz on commas next Wednesday.
Then we made tree maps in our notebooks for the term paper. Here is the
WRITING PROMPT:
In a well-organized five-paragraph essay, compare your own literacy narrative with two of the three authors we've read: Sherman Alexie, Sandra Cisneros and Malcolm X. The focus of this paper should be your literacy experience. How has it been similar to the two authors? How is it different? Include sensory details.
I passed out a worksheet with instructions for the essay, and an outline to fill out for your thesis and the three topic sentences from your body paragraphs. You should have that all done by Monday, I'll be checking.
Thursday and Friday of next week, we're going to the computer lab to type the essays. You have to write it between now and then. The essay is due next Friday, December 12th. SO GET TO WORK.
Have a nice weekend.
Today, after SSR, we had another comma practice. Remember, there will be a quiz on commas next Wednesday.
Then we made tree maps in our notebooks for the term paper. Here is the
WRITING PROMPT:
In a well-organized five-paragraph essay, compare your own literacy narrative with two of the three authors we've read: Sherman Alexie, Sandra Cisneros and Malcolm X. The focus of this paper should be your literacy experience. How has it been similar to the two authors? How is it different? Include sensory details.
I passed out a worksheet with instructions for the essay, and an outline to fill out for your thesis and the three topic sentences from your body paragraphs. You should have that all done by Monday, I'll be checking.
Thursday and Friday of next week, we're going to the computer lab to type the essays. You have to write it between now and then. The essay is due next Friday, December 12th. SO GET TO WORK.
Have a nice weekend.
Due:
Assignment
Thursday, November 4th:
Today we started by correcting and handing in the second conjunction worksheet. If you were absent, you need to turn it in the moment you get back.
Next, I returned the Alexie/Malcolm X essays, and we went over the proper way to do commentary using SAY/MEAN/MATTER. When you write an essay, you MUST have AT LEAST two quotes per body paragraph, and two pieces of commentary per quote!
Next I passed out a worksheet for comma practice. We did it and went over it. THERE WILL BE A COMMA QUIZ NEXT WEDNESDAY.
Finally, we worked on double-bubble maps for the final essay project, THE ESSAY IS DUE NEXT FRIDAY, AND IT IS THE BIGGEST GRADE IN THE CLASS. You will be comparing your own literacy narrative to two of the three authors we've read, (your choice which two).
HOMEWORK: In your notebook, complete two double-bubble maps, comparing yourself to two of the three authors we've read. Due first thing tomorrow.
Today we started by correcting and handing in the second conjunction worksheet. If you were absent, you need to turn it in the moment you get back.
Next, I returned the Alexie/Malcolm X essays, and we went over the proper way to do commentary using SAY/MEAN/MATTER. When you write an essay, you MUST have AT LEAST two quotes per body paragraph, and two pieces of commentary per quote!
Next I passed out a worksheet for comma practice. We did it and went over it. THERE WILL BE A COMMA QUIZ NEXT WEDNESDAY.
Finally, we worked on double-bubble maps for the final essay project, THE ESSAY IS DUE NEXT FRIDAY, AND IT IS THE BIGGEST GRADE IN THE CLASS. You will be comparing your own literacy narrative to two of the three authors we've read, (your choice which two).
HOMEWORK: In your notebook, complete two double-bubble maps, comparing yourself to two of the three authors we've read. Due first thing tomorrow.
Due:
Assignment
Tuesday, December 2:
Today we took notes on the proper placement of commas. This is absolutely something you need to incorporate into your writing. We will be practicing comma usage in class, and eventually we will have a quiz, probably next week sometime.
Then we went over the conjunction workshets I gave out last Wednesday, (yesterday to those of you who were absent last week). We corrected them, then I gave out a similar worksheet for homework. The first one was practice, this one counts.
Today we took notes on the proper placement of commas. This is absolutely something you need to incorporate into your writing. We will be practicing comma usage in class, and eventually we will have a quiz, probably next week sometime.
Then we went over the conjunction workshets I gave out last Wednesday, (yesterday to those of you who were absent last week). We corrected them, then I gave out a similar worksheet for homework. The first one was practice, this one counts.
Due:
Assignment
Monday, December 1st:
Today we took a periodic assessment all period. It's a two-day assessment, we'll finish it Wednesday. If you were absent, you'll have to make up both days when you get back.
Today we took a periodic assessment all period. It's a two-day assessment, we'll finish it Wednesday. If you were absent, you'll have to make up both days when you get back.
Due:
Assignment
Wednesday, November 26th:
Today we peer-graded each other's essays. If you weren't here, the essay is due the minute you get back or it's late and will be marked down, a point for every day late.
We then discussed part two of Fahrenheit 451. You should finish the book and the vocabulary packet by the end of next week.
Finally, I gave a worksheet on using conjunctions to create complex sentences with independent/subordinate clauses. If you didn't finish it in class, it is homework.
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Understand that when you come back, you only have a few weeks to alter the grades in your classes.
Today we peer-graded each other's essays. If you weren't here, the essay is due the minute you get back or it's late and will be marked down, a point for every day late.
We then discussed part two of Fahrenheit 451. You should finish the book and the vocabulary packet by the end of next week.
Finally, I gave a worksheet on using conjunctions to create complex sentences with independent/subordinate clauses. If you didn't finish it in class, it is homework.
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Understand that when you come back, you only have a few weeks to alter the grades in your classes.
Due:
Assignment
Tuesday, November 25th:
Today, after SSR, I explained how to write a body paragraph on the board, showing how to handle quotes. You should have multiple quotes in each of your body paragraphs, with two pieces of your commentary per each quote! The commentary is the important part of an essay!
Then we worked on our Alexie/Malcolm X essays for the rest of the period.
THE ESSAYS ARE DUE TOMORROW, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Today, after SSR, I explained how to write a body paragraph on the board, showing how to handle quotes. You should have multiple quotes in each of your body paragraphs, with two pieces of your commentary per each quote! The commentary is the important part of an essay!
Then we worked on our Alexie/Malcolm X essays for the rest of the period.
THE ESSAYS ARE DUE TOMORROW, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Due:
Assignment
Monday, November 24th:
Today we didn't have SSR because of the earthquake drill.
Once back in the room, we corrected the next batch of vocabulary from Fahrenheit 451.
Then we corrected the worksheet on the bad essay.
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on the essay comparing Malcolm X to Sherman Alexie. ESSAYS ARE DUE TOMORROW, FIRST THING!
Today we didn't have SSR because of the earthquake drill.
Once back in the room, we corrected the next batch of vocabulary from Fahrenheit 451.
Then we corrected the worksheet on the bad essay.
Then I gave the rest of the period to work on the essay comparing Malcolm X to Sherman Alexie. ESSAYS ARE DUE TOMORROW, FIRST THING!
Due:
Assignment
Friday, November 21st:
Today, we started by reviewing our tree maps, (the ones to organize our essay comparing and contrasting Sherman Alexie with Malcolm X).
Then, using that tree map, I went over how to organize an introduction paragraph. (The trick is to get the body of your essay organized BEFORE you do the introduction!)
Then I handed out an example of bad student writing, attached to a worksheet asking you to identify all the needed corrections. This is your homework, it is due Monday. If you weren't here, get it from me on Monday.
Have a great weekend. Michigan State vs. Penn State for the Big Ten title, Saturday at 12:30 on ABC. We're heavy underdogs, but I reckon we'll show up and give them a beating anyway.
Today, we started by reviewing our tree maps, (the ones to organize our essay comparing and contrasting Sherman Alexie with Malcolm X).
Then, using that tree map, I went over how to organize an introduction paragraph. (The trick is to get the body of your essay organized BEFORE you do the introduction!)
Then I handed out an example of bad student writing, attached to a worksheet asking you to identify all the needed corrections. This is your homework, it is due Monday. If you weren't here, get it from me on Monday.
Have a great weekend. Michigan State vs. Penn State for the Big Ten title, Saturday at 12:30 on ABC. We're heavy underdogs, but I reckon we'll show up and give them a beating anyway.
Due:
Assignment
Thursday, November 21st:
Today, we started with SSR, since we won't be doing it tomorrow, (Friday is a shortened day).
Ms. Combs came by to give the SLC surveys. If you weren't here, you'll have to make your choice of SLC the day you get back. Hopefully you still get your first choice.
Then we reviewed the six styles of exposition in the Malcolm X excerpt, (p.113). In your textbook, next to each paragraph, you should label which of the six styles Malcolm X is using to tell his story.
We then did a double-bubble map in our notebooks, comparing Malcolm X's essay to Sherman Alexie's, ("Superman and Me" is on page 122).
Homework: In your notebook, turn your double-bubble map into a tree map, as if you were going to write an essay comparing and contrasting Malcom X and Sherman Alexie. (Because you will.) Due when you walk in tomorrow.
REMEMBER: Tonight is Parents' Night, from 5:30 to 7:00 in the Gold Gym. You can pick up your midterm grades behind the cafetorium, in the covered area.
Today, we started with SSR, since we won't be doing it tomorrow, (Friday is a shortened day).
Ms. Combs came by to give the SLC surveys. If you weren't here, you'll have to make your choice of SLC the day you get back. Hopefully you still get your first choice.
Then we reviewed the six styles of exposition in the Malcolm X excerpt, (p.113). In your textbook, next to each paragraph, you should label which of the six styles Malcolm X is using to tell his story.
We then did a double-bubble map in our notebooks, comparing Malcolm X's essay to Sherman Alexie's, ("Superman and Me" is on page 122).
Homework: In your notebook, turn your double-bubble map into a tree map, as if you were going to write an essay comparing and contrasting Malcom X and Sherman Alexie. (Because you will.) Due when you walk in tomorrow.
REMEMBER: Tonight is Parents' Night, from 5:30 to 7:00 in the Gold Gym. You can pick up your midterm grades behind the cafetorium, in the covered area.
Due:
Assignment
Wednesday, November 19th:
Today we attended the SLC fair assembly. You'll be asked to make your choice TOMORROW in my class, so if you were absent, make sure you read the handouts from last Friday about the SLCs.
Today we attended the SLC fair assembly. You'll be asked to make your choice TOMORROW in my class, so if you were absent, make sure you read the handouts from last Friday about the SLCs.
Due:
Assignment
Tuesday, November 18:
We started off today by reviewing our Alexie/Cisneros double-bubble maps.
Then we read an excerpt from "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," which is on page 111 of your textbook.
Then in your notebooks, you were to summarize the excerpt and give at least one significant moment IN A FULL PARAGRAPH.
DON'T FORGET: tomorrow is the SLC Fair assembly, where you find out about the different electives available in the different SLCs. On Thursday, you will be making your choice of SLC for the rest of your time at Poly High School.
We started off today by reviewing our Alexie/Cisneros double-bubble maps.
Then we read an excerpt from "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," which is on page 111 of your textbook.
Then in your notebooks, you were to summarize the excerpt and give at least one significant moment IN A FULL PARAGRAPH.
DON'T FORGET: tomorrow is the SLC Fair assembly, where you find out about the different electives available in the different SLCs. On Thursday, you will be making your choice of SLC for the rest of your time at Poly High School.
Due:
Assignment
Monday, November 17:
Today, after SSR, we took notes on conjunctions. (Well, I gave them, the students took them.) If you were absent, there is a beautiful and informative yellow poster on conjunctions hanging in the front of the room that you should check out.
Then I returned the essays from last week, and we spoke about what the CAHSEE people are looking for when they say, "Include sensory details," (which they ALWAYS say). For instance, don't write "My dog is the cutest thing ever," write "My hairless dog is cute because he is always shivering and his beady, bulging eyes make you want to kiss him on the lips. If he had lips."
Then we did a double-bubble map, comparing and contrasting Alexie's "Superman and Me" with Cisneros's "Straw Into Gold". This should be in your notebook.
HOMEWORK: Get the progress report I gave you signed by a parent/guardian.
BONUS ASSIGNMENT: Find one example each of a coordiating conjunction AND a subordiating conjunction in a magazine advertisement and bring it in to class. You should label which is which. Due Tuesday, November 18 ONLY.
Today, after SSR, we took notes on conjunctions. (Well, I gave them, the students took them.) If you were absent, there is a beautiful and informative yellow poster on conjunctions hanging in the front of the room that you should check out.
Then I returned the essays from last week, and we spoke about what the CAHSEE people are looking for when they say, "Include sensory details," (which they ALWAYS say). For instance, don't write "My dog is the cutest thing ever," write "My hairless dog is cute because he is always shivering and his beady, bulging eyes make you want to kiss him on the lips. If he had lips."
Then we did a double-bubble map, comparing and contrasting Alexie's "Superman and Me" with Cisneros's "Straw Into Gold". This should be in your notebook.
HOMEWORK: Get the progress report I gave you signed by a parent/guardian.
BONUS ASSIGNMENT: Find one example each of a coordiating conjunction AND a subordiating conjunction in a magazine advertisement and bring it in to class. You should label which is which. Due Tuesday, November 18 ONLY.
Due:
Assignment
Friday, November 14:
Today, after SSR, we graded the take-home quizzes, and I collected them.
Then we had our quiz on the six expository styles. We corrected it in class.
There was a presentation today by SLC leaders. You're coming up to the midway point of tenth grade, and now you get to choose electives. You have to choose an SLC to be in, (FAME, SPORT, or HABIT). We gave out a survey form, and next week we'll be having an SLC fair, where you get presentations from various teachers in the SLCs.
We finished the class by talking about Fahrenheit 451. You should read up to page 110 by next Friday. Also...
HOMEWORK: Complete the DRAWING THE HOUND worksheet. Due Monday.
Due:
Assignment
Thursday, November 13:
Today, we began by reviewing the signficant moments from Sandra Cisneros's "Straw Into Gold," creating a T-chart in our notebooks.
Then we re-read "Straw Into Gold," labeling each paragraph with the appropriate expository style, just like we did with "Superman and Me."
I gave out another expository warm-up worksheet, which we did and went over the answers for.
HOMEWORK: I gave a take-home quiz, due TOMORROW. There will still be a quiz tomorrow, which will be just like the worksheets we've been doing. (Yes, there are two quizzes.)
If you were absent, make sure you get your absence cleared and make up all this work. MIDTERM GRADES ARE DUE ON MONDAY, and Parents' Night is a week from tonight.
Due:
Assignment
Wednesday, November 12:
Today, after SSR, we reviewed the first part of the vocabulary packet from Fahrenheit 451, and we went over the second expository warm-up worksheet. If you were absent, both are due the day you get back.
Then we peer-graded each other's personal literacy narratives. Also due the day you get back, if you were out.
Then we read "Straw Into Gold," the personal literacy narrative of famous Latina author Sandra Cisneros. It's on page 95 of your textbook, (you may be able to find it online if you look). You need to do a one-paragraph summary of the narrative in your notebook, picking out at least one significant moment.
Your homework: Just like we did for Sherman Alexie, go through Cisneros's narrative and identify examples of each expository style, next to each paragraph, in the textbook.
Due:
Assignment
Monday, November 10:
Today, after SSR, I returned the Of Mice and Men paragraphs, and we went over common mistakes.
Then we reviewed most of part one of Fahrenheit 451. Don't forget, part one of your vocabulary packets are due on Wednesday. (The first two pages.)
Finally, I gave another worksheet that was practice identifying expository styles for homework. Also due Wednesday. If you were absent, you'll have to get your absence cleared, then see me to get the worksheet, to make it up.
Your personal literacy narratives will be collected on Wednesay.
Have a good day off. Be nice to any Vets you know.
Due:
Assignment
Friday, November 7:
Yesterday, we answered the following writing prompt in our notebooks:
Essay prompt: Reading can be a powerful force in a person's life. Think of the role literacy has played in your own life, then write a biographical narrative that reveals its importance. Include sensory details.
You need to have this in your notebook, it will be graded.
Today, after SSR, we had another writing assignment, in our notebooks:
Using the expository styles description and sequence, describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This will also be graded.
Then we talked about how the CAHSEE is scored. The essay on the CAHSEE is scored from 1 to 4. If you only write one paragraph, the highest score you can get on the essay is a 1. That means you have to get 90% right on the multiple choice to pass, which is hard to do. If you write more than one paragraph, and you're organized, you get a 2, that means you can pass with only 80% of the multiple choice. The better you do on the essay, the more you can get wrong on the m.c. and still pass. That's why the essay is so important.
YOUR HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEKEND: Rewrite your answer to the essay prompt, on separate paper, (I'm collecting it Monday). Your final product should have an introduction paragraph, and at least one other body paragraph, (the more, the better). Remember, spelling and punctuation counts! Due Monday, first thing.
ALSO: You should read up to page 68 of Fahrenheit 451 by Monday. The vocabulary I gave you yesterday is due next Wednesday, (we're off on Tuesday for Veteran's Day).
Due:
Assignment
Today in class, I gave out a worksheet where you have to describe, paragraph by paragraph, which styles of expository writing are being used by the author in an article. Don't forget to give your rationale, (the reason why you chose the style you did).
DUE FIRST THING TOMORROW -- THIS IS GRADED HOMEWORK!