Thursday, January 31, 2013

Week #1 - Update: Clinton Analysis (Samakosky Draft)




Hello Sophomores!

Here is one more resource to help ensure success for your analysis and FIRST GRADE of the new semester.  This is a draft....which means that there is so much more I could do or fix.  Please note how I present the argument and then continue to support it with CD and most importantly MY COMMENTARY.  I would add more commentary for this draft for sure!  

Good luck.  Put in the time and effort.  This is due at the door tomorrow. 

***Also - a quick reminder for your first Figment Friday.  Make sure you have your creative piece (typed) with copies for your group members (at least 5).  Bring some questions with you?  What are hoping to improve?

Take Care,

Samakosky

Prep Advice:  Use the 4 questions given (page 10 in your NB) to guide you.  Use the format we learned to help you organize your thoughts – TS, CD, CM.  Remember that your commentary – what you think – your interpretation – is most meaningful.  Choose worthwhile concrete details to focus on.  Include how Clinton’s choice of language/diction assists in his argument.

TS – In his speech….., Clinton argues that there is a “great crisis of the spirit” that is gripping African American inner city communities in the United States.  Clinton passionately addresses the predominately Af/Am, southern, and religious congregation with a purposeful and methodical call to action; that the will to curb any issues concerning crime, violence, drug use, and employment must first begin from within.  Clinton implores for deep reflection and soul searching regarding matters of family values, morals, and a connection to our roots as the truest solutions to solving such crisis.

CD – In paragraph 20 and 21, Clinton rhetorically asks the congregation to imagine how MLK would react to the current status of the nation.  (Include text) He then enthusiastically repeats all the positive accomplishments – equality, etc, etc… However, Clinton quickly counterclaims with examples of crime and violence, essentially a “misuse” of the freedoms that MLK lived and died for. (Insert an Example here) Clintons logical and heartfelt approach and appeals – give way to his own credibility. 

CM – Answer why his logical/heartfelt approach/appeals and first person perspective is not only creative and purposeful – but also how this ties to the argument – dreams/freedoms of MLK misued.


TS - He cites several emotional anecdotes in paragraphs 23-29.  His inclusion of an endearing plea,  “it is our moral duty to turn it (this crisis) around” – incites an inclusive personal call to action to every person in attendance.  

CD -  Clinton states, “sometimes all the answers have to come from the values and the stirrings and the voices that speak within us”. This is directly related to the initial argument that reflection and inner change must happen for outside growth to occur.(More CM needed)

CM – Clinton uses rich biblical imagery and specific religious diction to connect to his devout audience.  He connects the history of the venue and the legacy of Martin Luther King to call to action for us to “reach inside to the values, the spirit, the soul, and the truth of human nature” so that “we will honor the life and work of MLK, and the church”.


Conclusion – Clinton states that all the hard work and reform that governments do is meaningless if the true work does not come from within the individuals that make up a community. His logical approach and ability to connect with emotional (pathos) and relatable anecdotes allows for a captivated audience – who understands and realizes such crisis can only be solved through willingness, faith, and a recharge of the human soul.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Semester #2 - Week #1

Hello!  Hello!

I hope all is well. Grades are now in - however some changes can still be made until Tuesday.  You will complete an in-class write on Monday that will allow you to reflect on the semester that was and your efforts in the class.  I will read these before closing grades for good.

Below you will see our tentative schedule for the week.  Please be prepared with your materials, as well as a workable notebook.  Many of you will do much better if you are organized and know where your work, notes, and handouts are located.  Keep your Table of Contents up to date.

Independent Reading selection must be done by Mon. 2/11. This includes your related assignment - either the Mind-map or a review of the book connecting to themes/characters/author style/etc. This should be considered homework every night.

***Mind-map link:
 http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/top-10/

Monday
Argument Process Piece - Debates and/or Speeches.  You must clear this with me on Friday.
What are Writing Response Groups (WRG) Figment Fridays?
In class write - First semester reflection and Second semester expectations.

***Figment Daily Themes - sign up can be found here:
 http://figment.com/dailythemes

Tuesday
Argument Continued - Bill Clinton speech - read/annotate.
Essential Questions - this will help with your analysis
View - Clinton Biography and Speech
Graphic Organizer

***Here is the link to the Clinton speech and the video.
 http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3436

Wednesday
Quickwrite
Continue with Clinton speech
Small group discussion - graphic organizer
Develop Clinton Analysis - TS, CD, CM  (prep for TEST)

Thursday
In class - Clinton Analysis - notes/graphic organizer will be allowed
Please note - this will count as a TEST grade.

Friday
Argument Process piece - commitment and decision due!
Welcome to Figment Fridays!

Office Hours/Tutoring are on Tuesdays.  Get the assistance you need.

It is sick season!  Let's stay healthy! Tissues and hand sanitizer are needed in class.
Extra credit (5 points per item - max of 5 = 25 points)
Start the semester off with some extra points!

Have a good week.  Make smart decisions so that you have a successful semester.  You will continue to be challenged in our class - you must bring your best efforts on a consistent basis to achieve an A or B. You must always be growing as a reader and writer.  Participation in class will also have greater value this semester.  Be sure to consider all of this - as you reflect upon your past efforts.

Be good.

Samakosky

















Monday, January 21, 2013

Week #18 - Midterms

Hello Sophomores,


Tuesday - Midterm Review. Please bring your study guide and any questions or concerns you may have.  Practice with the online quizzes you were given.  See the links below.

We will continue to work with our Argument unit - as the Second semester gets underway on Monday 1/28.  Please make sure that all of your previous hard work is in your notebook and easily accessible once we resume our studies.

Midterm Schedule:

Weds. 1/23 - Periods 1,2
Thurs. 1/24 - Periods 3, 4
Fri. 1/25 - Periods 6,7

Have your independent reading selection with you on the day of your final.  Your book/assignment is due on Monday 2/11.  More information concerning related assignment to follow.

Notebook Check will be on the day of your Midterm.  Make sure your Table of Contents is complete (see the list in class) and that all of your assignments are listed and easy to find.

Our first semester comes to an end this week.  We need to reflect on all we have learned, as well as look forward to all the changes and challenges that our next semester brings.  I urge all of you to strive to be better readers, writers, and thinkers all the time.   Allow yourself to read the world and all of it's participants - so that you may better understand yourself.  Always look to improve and bring your best each day. 

You will be directed back to the blog this week to complete a Google docs asking you to reflect on the semester and your experience in our class.


I believe in you and your best work always.

Samakosky

Practice quizzes

figurative

literature terms

Text structure
http://www.quia.com/quiz/1137258.html?AP_rand=348180391

Denotation connotation
http://www.quia.com/quiz/1196972.html?AP_rand=465236633

Elements of the short story
http://www.quia.com/quiz/212071.html?AP_rand=688682169

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Week #17 - Argument

Hello Sophomores!

This is our last official week of the Semester - next week are your Midterms.  Work hard in all of your classes, speak with your teachers, and do all of your readings and assignments.

You were all very diligent in your efforts last week with your writing.  Learning how to respond well and to evaluate an argument - citing claims, evidence, supports with your own commentary is a tremendous skill.  You will put your talents to the test this week while analyzing the MLK speech - as well as some other related assignments.

The Argument PowerPoint is available here for you.  Please review it and know the F.E.L.T methods.  It will really help you with your evaluations to determine if an argument is valid, balanced, and fair.

Here is our tentative schedule. Just like last week - we will adapt if needed. 

Monday
* Independent Reading Selection - your book must be present and approved by me.  Be genuine and honest with your choice.
* View the MLK speech, while reading it and adding annotations.  What are you noticing - what is the argument and evidence.  What is MLK doing with his use of language - how and why is it effective? 
* Group Activity - Graphic Organizer.

Tuesday
* Continue the Graphic Organuzer group activity.  Review all answers.
* Argument Evaluation - in class writing response using the TS, CD, CM method

Wednesday
* Finish Argument Evaluations - you will need a signature from me to verify completion.  Expect this to be part of your first NB check.
* Read  "Hope and Glory" - Nelson Mandela speech.  Annotate for claim, evidence, supports

Thursday - To Be Determined
* Mandela "Hope and Glory" related writing

Friday
* Mandela "Hope and Glory" related writing assignment due
* Study Guide - Terms and Subject matter for Midterm (Weds 1/23 - Per 1,Thurs 1/24 - Per. 3, 4)
*Independent Reading - Bring your book.  You must be done with your selection by 2/11

Have a good week.  Work hard. Most returned work can be found in your folder in the back of the room.  You will have time the day of your Midterm to revisit past work and grades.  Advocate for yourself.  Speak with me well in advance if you have any concerns.

Tutoring/Office Hours will be on MONDAY and THURSDAY this week.

Be good.

Samakosky


Saturday, January 5, 2013

Week #16 - "Guess Who's Back...Back Again"

Hello Sophomores!

Happy 2013!  I hope this finds you well, rested, relaxed, and refocused.  We begin a new year, however we still have THREE weeks remaining in the semester.  We will begin our Argument Unit this week. Midterms are the week of 1/21.  You will receive the schedule (days/times) shortly.  You will receive a study guide to help prepare for your exam in our English class.  You will need to know key terms/ideas/essential questions from our Short Story, Expository, and Drama Units.

Work hard to secure a grade that reflects your truest efforts this semester.  I am evaluating you in the most authentic and organic of ways - how have you improved as a writer, reader, communicator, and critical thinker.  Be honest with your participation, efforts and attempts - adjust what you can in the weeks that remain.

Tutoring and Office Hours will continue to be held on Tuesdays after school.  If you need to meet at another time which is better for you - please communicate this with me and we will take care of your concerns.  Your last minute issues ARE NOT my issues.  Please use all class resources, advocate for yourself,  and use your time well.

Have you checked your work folder in the back of the classroom?  Take some time to visit your older work, writing, and assignments.  If an assignment seems to be missing - please speak with me and we can resolve any issues before the semester ends. 

You WILL want to get a new notebook for the new semester.  I recommend you get yours NOW - this way all your notes for the Argument Unit can be in ONE notebook.  It will help with your organization as you will want to revisit your notes often in this unit.

Extra Credit - Winter Break Reading - Due Monday 1/7.  No late work accepted.

Here is the schedule for the week.  Some changes may occur - please adjust as needed.

Monday - Welcome Back!
Argument Unit Introduction - Vocabulary, Big Ideas, and Essential Questions.
(see vocabulary/terms/methods below - Quiz on Friday - make flashcards, get a head start)

Tuesday - Death Penalty Video (Jeremy Irons) - Notes and Graphic Organizer
Review terms - claim, argument, supports, counterclaim
Here is the link: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVMho2cP1NE

Wednesday - Obama Speech - Read and Annotate
Activity - Navigate text for claim, argument, supports, counterclaim

Thursday - Review Obama speech - view/audio
Discussion/Activity - Fill in graphic organizer

Friday - Vocabulary Quiz - know all words/terms (see below)

*** Please note that some additional assignments may be added during the week.

Your next reading selection is an INDIVIDUAL read.  You must have a selection/title present with you by Monday 1/14.  Please choose a book that you want to read or that you have been meaning to read.  I will grade you merely on your participation and authentic interaction with your reading.  Have your book with you when requested and make sure the quality of your project which you choose to submit is appropriate grade level work.  This will be due the last week of January and will count toward your second semester grade.  A well done book review (one page, typed, 12 pt, times new) would be just fine or visit our previous list of projects assignments.

There will be some alternative reading assignments - such as certain selections from the textbook.  If you are wanting to explore this option - instead of your own novel selection -  please come and speak with me this week. 

Be well. I look forward to seeing you continue to explore yourself as a learner, thinker, reader, and writer in our English class and community.  All the best in 2013.

Samakosky

***********************

Vocabulary 
segregation
discrimination
appalling
oppression
despair
tribulations
prosperity
optimism
empowerment
righteousness
justice
harmony
Argument Terms/Methods
claim
counterclaim
argument
metaphor
allusion
repetition
appeals
structure
inference