Catcher in the Rye Ch 12.-16 (Final Post)

Chapter 12
1.What do Holden and the cab driver talk about?
Chapter 13
1.Previously Holden stated he was a "pacifist". Does his description of how he would deal with the "glove thief" support this, or is he just "yellow"?
Chapter 14
1.Does Holden have any guilt feelings about Allie? Do you feel this is abnormal in any way, or normal?
Chapter 15
1.What is the point that Holden tries to make about people when he elaborates about the suitcases of the nuns and of his former roommate?
Chapter 16
1.Does Holden know his way around the city? What does this tell us about him?
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Explain the following quotes that occur:
*He says, "Just because somebody's dead, you don't just stop liking them, for God's sake---especially if they were a thousand times nicer than the people you knowthat’re alive and all"?
*Antolini's quote, "The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one"?
*He keeps repeating, "Allie, don't let me disappear"?
*Holden states, "The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to letthem do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it's bad if you say anything to them"?
*He says, “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”?

Chapters 8-11 Study Questions Catcher in the Rye

Chapter 8
1.What does Holden mean when he says, "Mothers are all slightly insane"?2.What are some of the lies Holden tells Mrs. Morrow? Do you think he's as sorry for them as he stated?
Chapter 9
1.Holden calls other people phony. In what way is he one?
Chapter 10
1.Who is Phoebe, and what is Holden's opinion of her?2.What evidence is there that shows us that Holden probably doesn't look as old as he says he looks?
Chapter 11
1.What was the past relationship like between Holden and Jane?

Just to give you a "heads up" on the next couple of weeks, etc.

We will be working not only on finishing, but having a deep and thorough understanding of The Crucible before we leave for break. If we do not finish, I think I will end up having you finish at home. Before we leave for break, I will assign 3 tasks to you:a critical lens task, controlling idea, and factual reading. You must complete them by the time we returnso that I can grade them and we can discuss them. You will use both A Raisin in the Sun and The Crucible to complete thelens task. Most importantly, your attendance in this class is critical until we take the exam. I will post the essay links as well as give you a hard copy. The listening task will be left for after break. Also study the vocab. list from the link to the left.

Web Quest---Information on the Salem Witch Trials, McCarthyism, and Puritanism

Visit the following web link:Understanding The Crucible, read some of the articles under each of the 5 headings. This information will be vital to your understanding of the play. Open up a Word Document. Then, after reading various links for each section, write a summary of what you learned for each section. It is a great deal of work so you will have to work quickly and quietly. See me with any questions. You may either print it out or email it to me (share) via your GoogleDocs account.

Most Common Spelling/Grammar Mistakes on Essays...

Their--people (shows possession)/ I haven't seen their new house
There--place/ There are many ways/ over there
They're-- they are/ They're going to the movies tonight

Real-- adjective (describes noun)/ Those are real diamonds.
Really-- adverb (describes verb)/ He was really mad.

Capitalize proper names only! (high school; Mckinley High School)

Subject verb agreement-- Parents want the best for their children so they help them.

I am not encouraging you to skip the reading, but if you need help.....

Help for The Crucible
The link above is one that will connect you to sparknotes.com (an online literary help page for students). Yes, I am aware that these sites exist so there is no point attempting to cut and paste off of them. However, even though these types of sites do not and cannot replace the actual reading of the text, they are helpful if you are struggling and need extra reinforcements. Take a look at some of the links on context, character analysis, and literary terms (symbol, motif, etc.), but do not rely on reading the plot summaries and expect to be able to write the essay effectively. Also, here are some links on McCarthyism and the Hollywood Blacklist that will give you some important information regarding the symbolism and its reference to politics in America.

Catcher in the Rye --Ch. 5-7 Questions

Chapter 5
1.Who is Allie, and why is his baseball mitt so special to Holden?
2.Why did Holden's parents want to have him psychoanalyzed?
Chapter 6
1.What do Holden and Stradlater fight over?
2.Holden says that he is a "pacifist". What is that, and is he?
Chapter 7
1.Why does Holden suddenly decide to visit Ackley's room?
2.Where does Holden then decide to go?
3.What is his final good-bye to Pencey Prep?
4.Why do you think Holden was crying as he left?

Controlling Idea Test and Corrections

The controlling idea test that we took on Mon. and Tues. was from the June 2004 exam and can be found by clicking on this link.
*In class we will go over the anchor papers, but take note of the following pages in the pdf file:
Level 6 essays- pgs.4-9
5 essays- pgs.10-21
4 essays- pg.22-30
3 essays- pg.31-36
Multiple choice answers are on pg. 1

Absence--Thurs. 11/14

Hello All! I am sorry I missed class today but both of my little ones are sick and I have had a mysterious pink eye for the last 2 days which I am not sure is contagious or not (better safe/sorry, eh?)Anyways, we will have a test on controlling idea on Mon/Tues of next week (Wed. if absent Mon). Please finish the controlling idea task we started on Mon. ("Holly" and the poem by Sandberg--there are extra copies in the front of the room). Also, grab a copy of Catcher in the Rye and read up to Ch. 5. I expect blog posts from everyone by next week on the novel so far. If you get time, do a little research on JD Salinger, the author, and post your findings to the blog--he is quite the interesting fellow. Have a good weekend, see you Monday.

Catcher in the Rye Questions--Posts Due by class 11/13 ACE

Chapters 1-4
1.What do you think of Holden so far? What kind of person is he? How do you feel about him as a narrator-our only eyes into what is happening in his universe?
Think about:
*His tone/vocabulary (for example when he says that his brother D.B. is out in Hollywood "being a prostitute"/"I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot"? )
*Why he is being kicked out of Pencey Prep. What does he say/what can you infer?

2.How do you see Pencey Prep? What kind of place is it? What about the students and teachers there?

Literary Element/Technique Project--50 pts.

Needs to have:
*The word written visibly, bold, colorful (visual from a distance)
*The definition (so it can be read clearly)
*Pictures, words, that explain or describe the element or technique

Due by next Friday:11/14

Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech ---Assignment

Obama's acceptance speech November 4, 2008
Annotate this speech as we read and listen. Try and find examples of: metaphor, allusion, anecdote, etc. Employ deep thought and consideration before thoroughly explaining your ideas in paragraph format.

1. What is your emotional response to the speech? What do you feel, what do you think after listening and reading?

2. When you are 106 years old, what progress do you hope to have seen in your lifetime? In what ways do you hope our country/world will change? In yourself? Think about the groundbreaking moments that lie ahead for each of us, which ones will make you most proud to be an American?

3. What strategies does President-elect Barack Obama employ to create not only a tone of hope, but a mood of inspiration in his audience? Why is he a great orator (speaker)?

*Post your answers as comments on the blog by Tuesday 11/11. I also encourage you to respond to the comments of your classmates.

Controlling Idea Essay #2 "Dual Consciousness"

Read both passages "Puerto Rico USA" by Rosario Ferre and "The Myth of the Latin Woman" by Judith Ortiz Cofer. Write a controlling idea essay on the idea of "dual consciousness."

definition of dual consciousness: deals with the feeling that one must live in two different worlds at once; he/she must simultaneously embrace two different cultural identities--never feeling as if he/she fits in to either one completely.

Here is the introduction we wrote in class. You can use it for your essay if you like. (The thesis statement is in italics): America has often been seen as the world's "melting pot," where those of different cultures and origins can come together and live as one. However, for those who experience dual consciousness, it is impossible to escape their culture or fully become part of a new one. In both passages, "The Myth of the Latin Woman," and "Puerto Rico, USA," the authors write about the conflict that occurs when those of Latina heritage, attempt to enter and live in mainstream America.

Controlling Idea Essay--Voting

Controlling Idea worksheet

Above is the link to the worksheet we filled out in class to prepare to write the controlling idea essay on Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" and "Untie His Hands" by Frederick Douglass.

Remember the procedure/purpose of the controlling idea essay is:
*To read both passages and develop a thesis on the given topic
*Give relevant textual examples and citations with sources (NOT PLOT SUMMARY)
*Explain how each piece relates to the thesis
*Discuss literary elements or techniques and how they help they add to meaning

Setting up a Google Account

1.First, go to the Google Homepage (google.com)
2.Next, sign up for an account, fill in your email address (if you do not have one see me). Write down your username and password (make the password memorable).
3.Next, it will ask you to verify the account, which you cannot do from school. This will involves going into your email acct. and opening up the message from google. You will have to do it when you get home tonight (if you have no internet access by fri. see me)
4.Then, go to GoogleDocs and begin typing your essay. It will save it for now.
6.Open up the blog in a separate window (caccamisemhs.blogspot.com)
5. For homework, please make sure you verify your acct., and bring your novel

How to Draft an Essay in 5 Steps

Major Essay Pitfalls to Avoid--Please Take Note!!

1. Do not rewrite the question!
2. Do not use "I" or "In my opinion"
3. Do not take both sides of an argument
4. CLEARLY STATE YOUR THESIS and support it with appropriate examples
5. Explain the examples (why are they significant)
6. Parapharase and use quotation marks if using exact words. (cite correctly)
7. Use transitions (see worksheet---however, since, etc.)
8. Do not give plot summaries of articles/stories
9. READ DIRECTIONS!!!! Use them as a self-editing checklist for yourself

Homework so far...

1. 20 vocabulary sentences
2. hw quest #1 RITS (Which character is the most interesting...
3. hw quest #2 (Prometheus)
4.Hw quest #3 (Walter Sr.)
5.***memoir****(without it you will be failing)

Tonight's homework: Make 20 vocabulary flashcards for Friday

Quiz #1 RITS--Thoughtful, complete answers only please.

1. Describe the apartment of the Younger Family?
2. Explain why Walter is so frustrated with his family and life in general?
3. Describe Mama: her views, values, thoughts and actions, how others feel about her.
4. Describe the relationship between Walter and Ruth. Why do you think they are unhappy with each other?
5. What is the family waiting for? Why is it coming? What does each member of the family want to do with it?

Vocabulary--Raisin in the Sun

1.anguish-v.-showing great suffering
2.decisive-adj.-determined
3.deplore-v.-to disapprove of strongly
4.despise-v. to look down on; hate
5.entrepreneur-n.-a person who runs a business
6.epitaph-n.-an inscription on a tomb
7.facetiousness-n.-humor; a joking manner
8.idealist-n.-a dreamer
9.imploring-v.-begging
10.ludicrous-adj.-laughable;ridiculous
11.mirage-n.-something that seems to be there, but is not
12.plaintively-adv.-sadly
13.plunder-v.-to rob by force, usually in war
14.precariously-adv.-unsafely
15.rebuff-v.-to stop someone from doing something; refuse
16.reflectively-adv.-with much thought
17.reverie-n.-a daydream
18.resignation-n.-to patiently accept something
19.scrutinize-v.-to look over carefully
20.tentatively-adv.-with hesitation

hw: Write 20 "good" vocabulary sentences that show what the word means (pay attention to the part of speech--noun,verb, etc.)

Self-editing checklist for memoirs--copy on a separate sheet of paper and turn in with final memoir

Is this a FINAL draft? (typed or printed neatly, min. 3-4 pgs.)____
Have you checked for spelling and grammar errors?_____
Have you used IMAGERY?____
Have you used at least 4-5 sentences of correctly done dialogue?____
Have you asked yourself, "Would someone else care about this piece?_____
Did you portray the people and events vividly?_____
Have you made cler the IMPACT of the event, person on you?_____
Have you made clear the before and after of the event, person?______
Have you made clear the significance of the event, person, to you?_______

1. My biggest challenge writing this memoir was:
2. I think my memoir is memorable to the reader because:
3. I think I did a very good job:

Due: WED 9/24(BDF), TUES 9/23(ACE)
*rough copy(ies)
*final copy
*peer-editing sheet
*self-editing sheet

Memoir Edits

By Wed.(ACE), Thurs(BDF) you should have a 3-4 pg. memoir ready
in class for peer editing. Your memoir should contain:

· At least 3-4 quotations done correctly (indent when
you change speakers)
· Detailed character descriptions
ex: not---she was funny
But—My friend had the ability to make me laugh so hard I thought I would be sick
· How you felt at the time and how you feel now
· Imagery—What did you see? What were the smells? Taste, touch, sounds?
· Make the reader CARE—not just a story, but one with a message

"How to Tell a True War Story"-O'Brien Group Analysis Questions

As a group find the following: I only need to collect one sheet with all names on it
• Tone (author’s attitude towards the topic)
• Diction (use notes from today to analyze)--note how voice changed from informal to formal--what is the author's purpose for doing this?
• Imagery (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell)

1. Why do you think it was important for Tim O’Brien to use “vulgar” language?
2. What imagery was the most memorable, graphic?
3. What is O’Brien’s thesis (his main pt/ What has he concluded a true war story is?)
4. Complete a dual-entry journal with at least 5 statements. Make one of them an explanation of the allusion "the rockets red glare" (O'Brien 180).
5. What is the section on the killing of the baby water buffalo meant to portray about the men?
6. On pg. 181 par 3 begins, “In war you lose your sense of the definite, hence your sense of truth itself…and therefore…nothing much is ever very true” (O’Brien 181). Why do you think the stories by the men end up being false or exaggerated or remembered differently or forgotten altogether? Why do they play games that would seem silly and out of place for war time?
7. What is the author's reason for repeating the same story about the death of Curt Lemon? Does it change each time it is mentioned? Why? (pgs.175,181, 182)

Vietnam Photos "http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/vietnam-photos/

Memoir Assignment

Our first homework assignment is to write a 1-2 memoir about something that has changed in your life over the years. This is something we will edit; it is only a rough copy for now. See the notes on memoir for help. We also read a couple different memoir samples: the excerpt from the Glass Castle and "Why We Need a Draft" and "The Streets Change but Memories Endure"

Our class blog address

http://caccamisemhs.blogspot.com/