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
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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
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