If you study the diagram on the right, you probably recognize this as something you have been taught for a while - the classic, five-paragraph essay. While this essay format is entirely formulaic (and something which you will have to grow out of), it is a good model for those who haven't practiced the art of writing in a few weeks (i.e. all summer long). The model depends on a few things: 1. You must have a point that you can defend. This is your thesis statement. 2. You must have evidence that you can use to defend your thesis. 3. You must be able to discuss how your evidence proves your thesis. I told you that your essay needed to be short. If you have more explaining to do, explain until the point is covered, but do your best to be 'to-the-point' brief in your commentary. You do not need much general commentary to introduce your point, and you don't need much of a conclusion. What I want you to focus on is the discussion. Show me you understand the ideas of violence that are presented in the selected short stories. And, if you feel like you don't quite get it, do your best and try. I am not going to grade you with an iron fist on day one...that would be a little rude, don't you think? What I need you all to understand is that this summer assignment is meant for you to remained tuned into what the course will demand - a heck of a lot of reading and writing. We'll have fun, but we have to work toward that with a bit of understanding and analysis of the texts we will tackle as a class. Since I have your attention, I want to also answer a few of your FAQs. FAQ #1: "Will you check our Mythology books for annotations?" Answer: I answered this a few times. It is beneficial but not required for you to annotate Mythology. When we begin studying the Greek myths with more depth, and showing their connection to The Odyssey, the book will be a quick reference full of your notes...if you took the time to do the work. FAQ #2: "When you're checking annotations from the short story, can it be any five paragraphs, or do they have to be consecutive?" Answer: I never thought I'd have to answer this out of respect for common sense, but yes...please keep them as consecutive paragraphs. I want to see a steady stream of thought processes...not a random jumble that I (or maybe you) can't connect very well. FAQ #3: "Can we just use any modern example for the Mythology comparisons?" Answer: No. The idea is for you to be in tune with current events. It doesn't have to be a serious example either. The Greek myths are examples of comedy, tragedy, love, deceit, and basic human faults. You could watch CNN, as well as read celebrity gossip, and probably find all the examples you need. Hint: Yahoo's home page has their top headlines in a very convenient scroll. So would any cable news network's website. When you wake up, after you eat your powdered donuts, take a look at the headlines and make some basic connections. They don't have to be perfect matches; they should jog your memory in some way relevant to the myths you studied. PS: My website is incomplete, but it is live! This site is where I will update you on everything Pre-AP English 1. I'll even make the occasional study video just for you. :-) Syllabus, class supply list, 1st day "do"s and "don't"s to come. Peace, children! namaste, ms. bellon
36 Comments
Freshman
8/14/2012 10:18:03 am
Can we use the same story for multiple connections to the news?
Reply
Ms. Bellon
8/14/2012 11:55:27 pm
As long as you are able to explain the differences in how the myth connects, I think that's ok.
Reply
Confused
8/16/2012 03:40:43 am
When we answer what we think the Greeks were supposed to learn from the myth, there's no right answer; its just our opinion, right?
Reply
Ms. Bellon
8/17/2012 12:30:18 am
Your response is correct if you can give a valid explanation. Remember this: "it doesn't matter what you believe, it only matters what you can prove", especially in the academic world.
Reply
Confused
8/17/2012 02:43:03 am
Oh, ok. Thanks! But like how would I prove it? Do I have to include text?
Ms. Bellon
8/17/2012 03:12:17 pm
I definitely want you to incorporate text evidence. Showing me how the text connects to your ideas is EXACTLY how you prove your point. If you learn nothing this year, I promise you will practice finding text evidence to prove your point over and over again.
Reply
.........
8/10/2016 12:32:55 pm
What if I am not able to find more than 4 things related between Greek mythology and current news.
Reply
.........
8/10/2016 12:33:03 pm
What if I am not able to find more than 4 things related between Greek mythology and current news.
Reply
.........
8/10/2016 12:33:09 pm
What if I am not able to find more than 4 things related between Greek mythology and current news.
Reply
........
8/10/2016 12:34:10 pm
srry about the repeated comments it was b/c of bad wifi
freshman
8/20/2012 03:11:35 am
Since there isn't enough space, can we just stick the evidence on with a sticky note?
Reply
Ms. Bellon
8/20/2012 04:52:42 am
If that helps you to keep all of your questions and notes together, use a sticky note. Perfectly acceptable.
Reply
Anonymous?
8/21/2012 06:36:21 am
What do you mean by connect a myth to an actual event??? Does it mean to connect a myth to your life??
Reply
Freshman
8/22/2012 04:07:49 am
It means to like look at current news, and find something that relates to any of the myths. It can't be something in life generally that related to myths, like Venus Razors, or Nike shoes. But like something that's in the ACTUAL news(local,national,worldwide).
Reply
Anonymous?
8/22/2012 04:25:00 am
Oh ok. Thanks!:)
...
8/22/2012 08:42:27 am
Ms. Bellon,
Reply
Reader
8/23/2012 01:15:41 am
I have finished annotating all the short stories but I don't get when it says "choose a section of text that you will submit with the rest of your assignmen(at least 5 paragraphs long)"?
Reply
...
8/23/2012 03:38:02 am
The assignment means to to have a proof of your annotations by turning in at least 5 paragraphs of the short story with your annotations on the page.
Reply
Reader
8/23/2012 04:43:48 am
Oh so does the 5 paragraphs doesn't have to be in a separate sheet? It can be on the page of the story?
Reader
8/23/2012 04:47:06 am
I meant to say: " so the 5 paragraphs doesnt have to be on a separate sheet of paper? It has to be on the page of the story?"
Reply
8/25/2012 03:20:21 am
A theme statement basically answers this question: "What are we supposed to understand about the world/human nature/life experience as we read this story?". And remember, tie it back to your most important word that you have chosen.
Reply
8/25/2012 03:21:12 am
The idea is that you are supposed to annotate the entire story, and submit one page of annotations as proof.
Reply
Reader
8/25/2012 02:12:52 pm
Thank you so much!!:)
Reply
Sonali
8/25/2012 11:43:25 am
Do we need a title for the essay?
Reply
8/26/2012 12:20:33 am
You should always title an essay... But "Summer Reading Essay" is not a title. Just sayin'...not saying you would do that, but at least one of my students will. Just have your title reflect the content of your essay.
Reply
Sonali
8/26/2012 01:36:56 am
Oh ok. Thanks!
Reply
Sonali
8/26/2012 01:37:21 am
Oh okay. Thanks!
Reply
Jim
8/26/2012 08:47:54 am
for the tell tale heart assignment do we need to have concrete detail for the 2nd circle?
Reply
Mackenzieeee (:
11/8/2012 12:01:33 pm
..whats the prompt?
Reply
Ashton
7/18/2013 09:46:11 am
I'm extremely confused. Are their any assignments to be completed with the 4 short stories? If so can you explain the.
Reply
Anonymous
8/8/2013 01:13:07 pm
Yes they are all in the packet.
Reply
Freshman
7/29/2013 08:31:41 am
Where can I find the class supply list?
Reply
9/19/2013 12:48:00 pm
Great Website For Students. I hope school students will find it useful.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
BLOG RULES
1. Keep it relevant; try not to go off-topic. Archives
August 2015
Categories
All
|