Speech Assignment: In approximately two weeks, you will deliver a speech in front of the class-I promise that the content of your speech will be "fun" and enjoyable for all. The topic will be revealed some time next week. Perhaps, you can make an inference based on the readings referenced below. I will provide you with the "hard" copies that we will "annotate" and discuss, focusing on rhetorical appeals.

Socrates Apology

Nixon's Checker's Speech

So-o-o-o-o-o-o-Sorry: The Art of Apology

NOTE: The titles are the links to the documents.

ATTENTION AP STUDENTS FOR THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR

SAT Vocabulary Tests

Beginning with our second week of school, you will take a Vocabulary Test. For our first test (List 1), you will study all THIRTY of the words on this list-but you will be tested on only TEN of the words. (TEST FORMAT: MATCHING) However, for your second Vocabulary Test you will study all of the words for List 2-but will only be tested on SEVEN of the words from that list AND THREE of the words from List 1. Let me clarify-for our third Vocabulary Test-you will study ALL of the words for List 3-but will only be tested on SEVEN of the words from that list and THREE of the words from List 2. We will follow this procedure throughout the year until you are tested on each of the lists which appear when you click on the link above:"SAT Vocabulary Tests."

I recommend that you make-up Flash-Cards for each list and store them in a shoebox for your review. Furthermore, you probably should print these lists and place them in your required three-ring binder for this class.

PLEASE NOTE: THE SAT VOCABULARY TESTS WILL HAVE A "WEIGHT" of 12% FOR EACH MARKING PERIOD WHEN I COMPUTE YOUR GRADE.

One Look Dictionary for assistance with the pronunciation of the words-you will "hear" how a specific word is pronounced. (Click on "one look.")

Inherit the Wind: Pay close attention to the use of language

When the Emperor was Divine: Assignment Details

I have been receiving inquiries regarding the writing of a reader response/reaction. This is a concern since so many of you have been required to write a response of this nature in your previous English classes. I included a rubric to serve as a "guide" in formulating your responses. Furthermore, I included the statement, "unless you have ice-water running through your veins." Reflect upon specific incidents/narrative statements (do not forget to cite page numbers) and simply react. For every concrete detail, you should have at least two or more sentences of commentary. Imagine the internment of the Japanese did occur in America. Share what made you angry-upset-sad. Place yourself in the shore of the character...If this text was being discussed in class and you were asked to recall a "powerful" image that was created in your mind while you were reading-what would you select? This assignment should be approximately five pages in length. Simply, "talk" on paper! (Double-space)

Ground Zero by Suzanne Berne (essay can also be located in our in-class text : PATTERNS for College Writing-class-set stored in closet-rear of classroom) Homework: TBA (Note: You will first have to review both power-points included below-naturally, we will discuss "close reading" and the rhetorical mode of "description" in class.

Modes of Discourse: DESCRIPTION

National Novel Writing Month: November
For those of you who enjoy writing... (click on the title of this post) Please inform me if you enter a contest.