5 Part Paragraphs: What Makes Them Great?

Great writing is difficult to define, but you know it when you see it. Considering the critiques of the paragraphs in class this week, what makes a great 5 part paragraph? Attempt to answer that question in a paragraph.

In another paragraph, pinpoint the common problems in the paragraphs we read in class. Why are these the problem areas in paragraphs? What have you learned about 5 part paragraphs by critiquing them in class?

Be sure to write two paragraphs - the first paragraph about what makes the paragraphs great and the second about common problems and what you've learned about 5 part paragraphs. Due Friday, December 2.

To Kill a Mockingbird Photo Post

Now that you've finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird, ask yourself, "what is this book really about?" Think beyond the setting, plot and characters and determine what it all means to you. What life lessons does the novel offer? What can you take away from the story and apply to your own life?

Answer these questions and attach a photo to enhance your interpretation of the novel's meaning or message. Your post should include a photo and a paragraph applying it to your ideas about the meaning behind Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. 

Go beyond an obvious, literal interpretation - no pictures of/from the film, please.

Due Friday, November 18.

The Trial

Write two paragraphs about your reaction to the trial in To Kill a Mockingbird. Most people view this as the most exciting part of the book - what were thinking and feeling as you read these 5 chapters?

Here are some ideas to get you started. You do not have to answer these questions, these are just ideas to help you begin writing:

• Did you think Tom Robinson would be convicted?
• What did the trial remind you of or make you think about?
• Did you feel sorry for Mayella Ewell?
• How is Atticus' character developed through his closing argument?
• How is the theme of courage reflected through the trial?
• Could something like this happen today?

This is your chance to give your opinion of this part of the book. Free-write, but be sure to write at least two paragraphs. Due Friday, November 11.

Atticus and Parenting

This week we are analyzing how Harper Lee creates Atticus' character and discussing Atticus' parenting style.  Compare Atticus' parenting style to one or both of your parents. In class we are talking about how the choices Atticus makes as a parent show what kind of person he is. How do the decisions your parent or parents make reveal their inner selves?

Write two paragraphs for this post. The first paragraph should be comparing a specific parenting choice Atticus makes to something your parent or parents did. The second paragraph should be about how your parents' parenting styles determine what type of people they are. You can either write about one parent, both of your parents or your guardian if you live with someone other than your parents.

Due Friday, November 4.

First Impressions of To Kill a Mockingbird

This week we are beginning our first classroom novel: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. What is your impression of the novel after reading the first eight chapters? How is the reading and annotating at home going for you? The first part of the novel concerns many universal childhood experiences such as the first day of school, meeting new people, and imaginative games. How do you personally relate to something from the first eight chapters of the novel?

Write two paragraphs for this post. The first paragraph should be about your first impressions of the novel and the experience of reading and annotating at home. Consider: Are you keeping up in the reading? Are you finding things to annotate according to the syllabus? Is annotating helping you understand the material? The second paragraph should describe how you can relate personally to something specific that happens in the first eight chapters of the book. Use a quote from the novel to show what happens and explain your similar personal experience.

Due Friday, October 28.

Setting of To Kill a Mockingbird

You've been researching specific people and events in the 1930's this week to give you background information on the time period of To Kill a Mockingbird. Based on your research, what do you think it would be like to grow up in this decade? What are some interesting things that you learned that give you insight into what people were like in the 1930's? To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming of age novel from the perspective of a young girl: how do you think the time period the novel is set in will effect the characters?

Address the questions above in two full, well-developed paragraphs.

Your first paragraph should primarily concern interesting things you discovered about the time period and the insight those things give you into people's lives during the 1930's.

The second paragraph should make predictions, based on your research, about how the time setting for the novel will effect the characters, considering that the narrator is a child and that the novel has both children and adult characters. If you've already read the novel you can discuss what you know about the setting and characters through the lens of your increased knowledge of the time period.

Due Friday, October 21. Remember - we don't have school on Friday!

A Great Short Story

This week we're reading short stories and analyzing them for plot, setting, characterization and theme. Odds are you have read short stories before and have learned about the elements of short stories listed above. Consider how what you're learning this week is different from what you've learned about short stories in the past.

Think of a short story (less than 15 or so pages) that you read before and really enjoyed. What makes this story stand out in your memory? Choose one of the elements of short story above and describe how that element enhanced the story and makes it memorable for you.

Write two paragraphs for this post: the first should be about a memorable story from your past experiences (not one of the stories we're reading in class this week) and one of the elements of short stories that makes it memorable. The second paragraph should be about what you've learned about stories this week in contrast with past assignments on short story.

Due Friday, October 7.