Welcome to the web site dedicated to Mr. Munshine's English Regents class
This is a unique class consisting entirely of students born in other countries. Our goals include developing your English abilities for many functions and areas of life, both academic and social, and giving you the intellectual and language skills to improve your performance in all your classes and in your private lives. Preparing you to pass the English Regents examination is just one aim. This class will do much more than that. It will help you develop reasoning and writing skills. It will make you more observant. It will make you better speakers and listeners, as well as more proficient readers. It will assist you in increasing your speaking and reading / writing vocabularies. If you do all the work assigned to you and give your best effort, you will be much stronger students by the end of this year.
As an introduction to this year's class, watch the following video and be prepared to discuss how you feel about the little girl in the video. Her name is Rhoda. She is the protagonist of Bad Seed, the first play we will read in class. Be ready to answer these PREVIEW QUESTIONS: What is Rhoda like? (Pay attention to her facial expressions, her voice and her movements.) Also, notice the way in which other characters react to her. (Watch their expressions and listen to their words.) Would you want her as your younger sister? Why or why not? Which mood do you feel while watching this film clip? Review the meaning of irony. Be ready to explain the presence of irony in this excerpt from the movie version of the play which we will be reading very soon. AFTER YOU WATCH THE FILM, DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE FILE CALLED "bad_seed_preview_questions.docx" LOCATED BELOW IT, AND CLEARLY WRITE YOUR ANSWERS. THEY WILL BE COLLECTED THE DAY AFTER WE HAVE OUR DISCUSSION ON THE FILM CLIP AND YOUR REACTION TO IT.
As an introduction to this year's class, watch the following video and be prepared to discuss how you feel about the little girl in the video. Her name is Rhoda. She is the protagonist of Bad Seed, the first play we will read in class. Be ready to answer these PREVIEW QUESTIONS: What is Rhoda like? (Pay attention to her facial expressions, her voice and her movements.) Also, notice the way in which other characters react to her. (Watch their expressions and listen to their words.) Would you want her as your younger sister? Why or why not? Which mood do you feel while watching this film clip? Review the meaning of irony. Be ready to explain the presence of irony in this excerpt from the movie version of the play which we will be reading very soon. AFTER YOU WATCH THE FILM, DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE FILE CALLED "bad_seed_preview_questions.docx" LOCATED BELOW IT, AND CLEARLY WRITE YOUR ANSWERS. THEY WILL BE COLLECTED THE DAY AFTER WE HAVE OUR DISCUSSION ON THE FILM CLIP AND YOUR REACTION TO IT.
| bad_seed_preview_questions.docx |
| dramatis_personae_bad_seed_icons.docx |
| literaryelements.wps |
| the_two_knights_and_the_shield.docx |
| character_chart_bad_seed.docx |
| appointment_in_samarra.docx |
| true_love_asimov.docx |
MY BLOG: MR. MUNSHINE'S REFLECTIONS
My reflections are made up of thoughts, ideas, memories, theories - whatever enters my mind. My reflection may involve the time I ran a six-minute mile against a British teacher in Africa in 1966 (and won the race) or it may be a poem I have created. It may be my relating a conversation to you or my giving you an opinion about a movie or TV series. It can be about anything. You are always invited to respond and share your own thoughts and reactions to what I have written in my blog. In fact, that's what I want you to do as often as you can. Show me what you think.
You can find and access my blog from this page by scrolling up from here to the line of words just above the line which says, "Welcome to the web site dedicated to Mr. Munshine's English Regents class." Then click on the words "Mr. Munshine's Reflections." Just remember that as you read a blog, the first entry which you see is the most recently written one. The first time you go there, you should scroll down and click on "Previous" near the bottom of the screen to read the earliest written ones first so that you are reading them in the order in which they were written. (A good hint is to check the date each entry was written. Then you will know which were written before the others.) Once you have caught up, then it will be simple: Read only the newest one each time. It will be the first one on that page. Remember that you are invited to respond to any blog entry which you have something to say about. Responses are not mandatory but they are encouraged. (They give you practice thinking and writing in English, and that's vital to your constant improvement.)
You can find and access my blog from this page by scrolling up from here to the line of words just above the line which says, "Welcome to the web site dedicated to Mr. Munshine's English Regents class." Then click on the words "Mr. Munshine's Reflections." Just remember that as you read a blog, the first entry which you see is the most recently written one. The first time you go there, you should scroll down and click on "Previous" near the bottom of the screen to read the earliest written ones first so that you are reading them in the order in which they were written. (A good hint is to check the date each entry was written. Then you will know which were written before the others.) Once you have caught up, then it will be simple: Read only the newest one each time. It will be the first one on that page. Remember that you are invited to respond to any blog entry which you have something to say about. Responses are not mandatory but they are encouraged. (They give you practice thinking and writing in English, and that's vital to your constant improvement.)
MY OTHER WEB SITE - For many of your English class needs!
Be aware that you can always go to my other web site, www.munshine.us, for information about many areas covered by all your English classes, from literature (Note the cute little protagonist of the play Bad Seed in the picture on the left) to grammar, spelling, writing, SAT's and the Regents.
Simply click on the blue hyperlink above to access this site. Feel free to browse the site's many features, including vocabulary games and a large chart with definitions and examples of many literary terms.
I would even ask that you make suggestions about what you'd like to see on that site (and on this one, for that matter). Just use the submission form on this screen a little below this entry, and I promise that I will take your advice and suggestions very seriously.
Simply click on the blue hyperlink above to access this site. Feel free to browse the site's many features, including vocabulary games and a large chart with definitions and examples of many literary terms.
I would even ask that you make suggestions about what you'd like to see on that site (and on this one, for that matter). Just use the submission form on this screen a little below this entry, and I promise that I will take your advice and suggestions very seriously.
EXTRA CREDIT CONTEST STANDINGS AS OF MAY 21, 2012:
1) 3,300 - Mike
2) 3,280 - Andy
3) 2,615 - Zitong
4) 2,430 - Cindy
5) 2,070 - Tina
6) 2,065 - Vincent
7) 1,705 - Merry
8) 1,520 - Christine
9) 1,130 - Kevin
10) 965 - Leo
Announcing . . . . . . . . . .as of May 21st. . . . . . . . . .
A+ CUMULATIVE TOTALS for our class: Quarter 4
(60 Z = an extra 100%)
[BEGINNING WITH THE 4TH QUARTER, IT WILL TAKE 60 PLUTZES TO EARN AN EXTRA A+.]
(A+ totals include plutzes AND those for other activities.)
Zitong: 2 extra A+ plus 18 Z
Mike: 2 extra A+'s plus 4 Z
Tina: 2 extra A+ plus 1 Z
Christine 0 extra A+'s plus 11 Z
Merry 0 extra A+'s plus 18 Z
Andy 0 extra A+'s
Cindy 0 extra A+'s
Vincent 0 extra A+'s
Kevin 0 extra A+'s
(60 Z = an extra 100%)
[BEGINNING WITH THE 4TH QUARTER, IT WILL TAKE 60 PLUTZES TO EARN AN EXTRA A+.]
(A+ totals include plutzes AND those for other activities.)
Zitong: 2 extra A+ plus 18 Z
Mike: 2 extra A+'s plus 4 Z
Tina: 2 extra A+ plus 1 Z
Christine 0 extra A+'s plus 11 Z
Merry 0 extra A+'s plus 18 Z
Andy 0 extra A+'s
Cindy 0 extra A+'s
Vincent 0 extra A+'s
Kevin 0 extra A+'s
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT # 1
Watch the flash video below. Then write a thoughtful paragraph of approximately 10 sentences in which you discuss the relationship between this video and Asimov's story "True Love." Be sure to use the words conflict and theme in your paragraph. Hand in your paragraph by the date given to you by Mr. Munshine in class. (Be sure to write your full name on top.)
Grampa Schuler?
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT # 2
Read the two poems on the left side. These poems were written by Ruth Suckow. Write one to two paragraphs of 10 - 12 sentences each in which you discuss:
Hand in this work on the date you are told to do so by Mr. Munshine.
- how the second poem is different from the first poem
- how both poems are similar
- how the first poem uses visual imagery and simile to display its theme
- how the second poem uses imagery and irony to point out its theme
Hand in this work on the date you are told to do so by Mr. Munshine.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Due Tuesday, Sept. 13 - Write the titles and authors of two stories which you have read. For each story, write a sentence expressing the theme of that story. (Be prepared to support the theme you selected by referring, in class, to parts of the story related to that theme.) Write your full name on top of the paper.
Due Wednesday, Sept. 14 - This will not be collected: Be prepared to give to the class one example of irony. This example may be taken from your life or history or current events or literature. Be prepared to explain what is ironic about your choice.
For Friday, Sept. 16 - Be prepared to proofread and edit the rough copy of your Critical Lens essay, and then write the final version of that essay, to be graded for English as well as Content (ideas, answer, use of specific examples, etc.).
On Monday, we will begin our study of the play Bad Seed. Due Tuesday, Sept. 20 - Write one paragraph of 75 - 100 words (7 to 10 sentences) explaining what is meant by "Nurture vs. Nature." Make sure that your final sentence follows this structure: I believe that. of the two, ___(fill in: nature or nurture)_____ is the stronger influence on how a child will behave because _______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
due Friday, Sept. 23 – WRITE ALL ANSWERS USING COMPLETE SENTENCES. WORK WILL BE COLLECTED, AND GRADED FOR BOTH THE COMPLETENESS OF YOUR ANSWERS AND CORRECT ENGLISH. [1] What is a sociopath? [2] Which one of the characters in Bad Seed might be a sociopath? [3] Why do you say so? [4] What is a foreshadowing? [5] Name one foreshadowing from I, i. [6] Define: penurious; savoir faire; deportment; garrulous; taciturn.
due Wednesday, Sept. 28 - WRITE ALL ANSWERS USING COMPLETE SENTENCES. WORK WILL BE COLLECTED, AND GRADED FOR BOTH THE COMPLETENESS OF YOUR ANSWERS AND CORRECT ENGLISH. [1] What is the setting of scene two? [2] Why do you think Tasker's stories of female murderers are introduced in this part of the play? [3] Why was Bessie Denker a more successful criminal than Mrs. Allison? [4] How does the radio news story build suspense in the play? [5] How does Christine feel about her daughter's reactions to Clause Daigle's death? [6] Why does Rhoda stare at Leroy (on p. 25)? What is she thinking? [7] Predict what will happen between Rhoda and Leroy. [8] Define: simpatico; objectively; trite; incest; frank; subconsciously; arsenic; revolver; annals; wharf.
due Monday, Oct. 3 - Write one paragraph in which you explain what you think happened to Claude Daigle - and why. Give complete explanations and details. Refer to TWO clues pointing to Rhoda's guilt. Include Rhoda's motivation for the act and a psychological explanation of the protagonist.
Tuesday, Oct. 11 - In which ways are Leroy and Rhoda similar? In which ways are they different? How is Rhoda compared to Mozart and Pascal? How is Bessie Denker’s nickname ironic? When is a dream not a dream? What made the crescent-shaped mark on Claude’s forehead?
Friday, Oct. 14 - Write two paragraphs. Each one should contain at least five sentences. In the first paragraph, write a characterization of Monica Breedlove. In the second paragraph, write a characterization of Richard Brave. A characterization might include such things as what a person looks or sounds like, the way a person speaks and thinks, how a person moves, what his or her personality is like, how a person acts with others in the story and any other information which shows how this character is different from other characters in a story.
Tuesday, Oct. 25 - Examination on Bad Seed: matching; true-false; multiple choice; 2 - 3 paragraphs. (These exams will be returned Thursday.)
Wednesday, Oct. 26 - BRING short story books. Read “There Will Come Soft Rains” on pp. 26 – 31. Answer the following questions in writing, to be handed in and graded (so write complete sentences):
From this story, identify the setting, protagonist, antagonist, conflict, resolution and theme.
Monday, Oct. 31 - BRING the short story book. Read “The Two Bottles of Relish,” pp. 42 – 55. Write one paragraph of at least 5 sentences giving a characterization of the narrator of the story. In a separate
paragraph, explain what relish is, and how it plays a role in this story. Then, in one sentence each, explain what you believe the theme and the purpose of this story are. DO NOT tell other students the secret!!!!!
Due on Monday, Nov. 7 – Bring the short story book. Read “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” on pp. 120 – 130. Write one paragraph of at least 7 sentences explaining how the ending was a surprise to you. Be sure to point out any foreshadowing in the story and the reasons you believed the story was going in one direction when it ended up going in the opposite direction.
Due on Thursday, November 10 – BRING short story book. Read “The Cask of Amontillado” on pp. 132 - 139. Answer the following questions in writing, to be handed in and graded (so write complete sentences):
Identify and label the setting, protagonist, antagonist, resolution, irony and mood of this story. Also, DRAW a picture or a diagram of one scene from this story.
Due on Monday, November 14 – BRING short story book. Read “The Cask of Amontillado” on pp. 132 - 139.
Answer the following questions in writing, to be handed in and graded (so write complete sentences):
Identify and label the setting, protagonist, antagonist, resolution, irony and mood of this story. DRAW a picture or a diagram of one scene from this story.
Due on Wednesday, November 16 – BRING the short story book. Read “The Tell-Tale Heart,” pp. 140 - 145.
Write one paragraph of at least 5 sentences giving a characterization of the narrator of the story.
In a separate paragraph, explain any examples of irony which you find in the story. Then, in two to four sentences, discuss similarities between this story and “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Due on Monday, Nov. 21 – Bring the short story book. Read “The Necklace?” on pp. 184 – 192. Write one paragraph of at least 5 sentences discussing Mme. Loisel’s biggest fault or character flaw. Then write a paragraph of similar length in which you discuss the use of irony in this story. DRAW a picture or diagram showing one scene from this story.
Due on Monday, Nov. 28 – Do not bring the short story book. Bring the story handed out to you. Read “August Heat.” Write one ¶ of at least 7 sentences explaining how the ending was a surprise to you. Be sure to point out any foreshadowing in the story and the reasons you believed the story was going in one direction when it ended up going in the opposite direction. Refer to irony.
Due Tuesday, December 6 - Read "Eveline" in your short story book. For your writing assignment, see the questions given to you by Miss Blache. If you lost them, ask me for another copy.
Due Friday, December 9 - Read "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and be prepared to discuss the reveries.
Due December 21 - Your essay on John Steinbeck's The Pearl. Select one of the three topics on your assignment sheet and write a 4 or 5 paragraph essay on that topic. (If you need another assignments sheet, see me.)
Due December 13 - Read "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." Define the 25 words on the first side of Miss Blache's homework sheet. On the other side, create and write a story using and circling 20 of the 25 words from the first side.
Tuesday, January 3 - Finish reading Chapters 1 - 4 of The Catcher in the Rye and be prepared to discuss plot events and characters from those chapters.Friday, Jan. 6 – Read Chapters 5 – 8 (pp. 35 – 58). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 34, and 35.
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - Read Chapters 9 – 12 (pp. 59 – 87). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 37, 38, 42, 43, and 46.
Friday, Jan. 13 – Read Chapters 13 – 17 (pp. 88 – 134). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 48, 51, 54, 57, 59 and 61.
Wednesday, Jan. 18 - Read Chapters 18 – 22 (pp. 135 – 174). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 63, 68, 70, 72, 73 and 74. BONUS – For up to 50 extra credits, answer 65.
Tuesday, Jan. 24 - Read Chapters 23 – 26 (pp. 174 – 214). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 75, 76, 77, 82, 83, and 84.
January 30 - February 3 - Finishing and reviewing The Catcher in the Rye
Monday, Feb. 6 & Tuesday, Feb. 7- Examination on the novel (50 short answers and an essay)
Friday, Feb. 10 - You will write an essay based on "Igby Goes Down" and The Catcher in the Rye.
Feb. 13 - 17 - You will learn about writing a "term paper."
February 29 - Be ready to state which writer your research paper will be about.
On-Going till Othello is completed - As we finish each ACT, write the answers to the questions for that ACT on your homework sheet, and HAND IT IN the next day! HOMEWORK 4 IS DUE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4.
April 30 - All finished critical lens essays on Othello are due. Kevin, your "MyPad" iPad Project is overdue.
May 2 - Bring in to class 12 to 20 index cards containing notes for your research paper, with citation data.
Due Wednesday, Sept. 14 - This will not be collected: Be prepared to give to the class one example of irony. This example may be taken from your life or history or current events or literature. Be prepared to explain what is ironic about your choice.
For Friday, Sept. 16 - Be prepared to proofread and edit the rough copy of your Critical Lens essay, and then write the final version of that essay, to be graded for English as well as Content (ideas, answer, use of specific examples, etc.).
On Monday, we will begin our study of the play Bad Seed. Due Tuesday, Sept. 20 - Write one paragraph of 75 - 100 words (7 to 10 sentences) explaining what is meant by "Nurture vs. Nature." Make sure that your final sentence follows this structure: I believe that. of the two, ___(fill in: nature or nurture)_____ is the stronger influence on how a child will behave because _______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
due Friday, Sept. 23 – WRITE ALL ANSWERS USING COMPLETE SENTENCES. WORK WILL BE COLLECTED, AND GRADED FOR BOTH THE COMPLETENESS OF YOUR ANSWERS AND CORRECT ENGLISH. [1] What is a sociopath? [2] Which one of the characters in Bad Seed might be a sociopath? [3] Why do you say so? [4] What is a foreshadowing? [5] Name one foreshadowing from I, i. [6] Define: penurious; savoir faire; deportment; garrulous; taciturn.
due Wednesday, Sept. 28 - WRITE ALL ANSWERS USING COMPLETE SENTENCES. WORK WILL BE COLLECTED, AND GRADED FOR BOTH THE COMPLETENESS OF YOUR ANSWERS AND CORRECT ENGLISH. [1] What is the setting of scene two? [2] Why do you think Tasker's stories of female murderers are introduced in this part of the play? [3] Why was Bessie Denker a more successful criminal than Mrs. Allison? [4] How does the radio news story build suspense in the play? [5] How does Christine feel about her daughter's reactions to Clause Daigle's death? [6] Why does Rhoda stare at Leroy (on p. 25)? What is she thinking? [7] Predict what will happen between Rhoda and Leroy. [8] Define: simpatico; objectively; trite; incest; frank; subconsciously; arsenic; revolver; annals; wharf.
due Monday, Oct. 3 - Write one paragraph in which you explain what you think happened to Claude Daigle - and why. Give complete explanations and details. Refer to TWO clues pointing to Rhoda's guilt. Include Rhoda's motivation for the act and a psychological explanation of the protagonist.
Tuesday, Oct. 11 - In which ways are Leroy and Rhoda similar? In which ways are they different? How is Rhoda compared to Mozart and Pascal? How is Bessie Denker’s nickname ironic? When is a dream not a dream? What made the crescent-shaped mark on Claude’s forehead?
Friday, Oct. 14 - Write two paragraphs. Each one should contain at least five sentences. In the first paragraph, write a characterization of Monica Breedlove. In the second paragraph, write a characterization of Richard Brave. A characterization might include such things as what a person looks or sounds like, the way a person speaks and thinks, how a person moves, what his or her personality is like, how a person acts with others in the story and any other information which shows how this character is different from other characters in a story.
Tuesday, Oct. 25 - Examination on Bad Seed: matching; true-false; multiple choice; 2 - 3 paragraphs. (These exams will be returned Thursday.)
Wednesday, Oct. 26 - BRING short story books. Read “There Will Come Soft Rains” on pp. 26 – 31. Answer the following questions in writing, to be handed in and graded (so write complete sentences):
From this story, identify the setting, protagonist, antagonist, conflict, resolution and theme.
Monday, Oct. 31 - BRING the short story book. Read “The Two Bottles of Relish,” pp. 42 – 55. Write one paragraph of at least 5 sentences giving a characterization of the narrator of the story. In a separate
paragraph, explain what relish is, and how it plays a role in this story. Then, in one sentence each, explain what you believe the theme and the purpose of this story are. DO NOT tell other students the secret!!!!!
Due on Monday, Nov. 7 – Bring the short story book. Read “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” on pp. 120 – 130. Write one paragraph of at least 7 sentences explaining how the ending was a surprise to you. Be sure to point out any foreshadowing in the story and the reasons you believed the story was going in one direction when it ended up going in the opposite direction.
Due on Thursday, November 10 – BRING short story book. Read “The Cask of Amontillado” on pp. 132 - 139. Answer the following questions in writing, to be handed in and graded (so write complete sentences):
Identify and label the setting, protagonist, antagonist, resolution, irony and mood of this story. Also, DRAW a picture or a diagram of one scene from this story.
Due on Monday, November 14 – BRING short story book. Read “The Cask of Amontillado” on pp. 132 - 139.
Answer the following questions in writing, to be handed in and graded (so write complete sentences):
Identify and label the setting, protagonist, antagonist, resolution, irony and mood of this story. DRAW a picture or a diagram of one scene from this story.
Due on Wednesday, November 16 – BRING the short story book. Read “The Tell-Tale Heart,” pp. 140 - 145.
Write one paragraph of at least 5 sentences giving a characterization of the narrator of the story.
In a separate paragraph, explain any examples of irony which you find in the story. Then, in two to four sentences, discuss similarities between this story and “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Due on Monday, Nov. 21 – Bring the short story book. Read “The Necklace?” on pp. 184 – 192. Write one paragraph of at least 5 sentences discussing Mme. Loisel’s biggest fault or character flaw. Then write a paragraph of similar length in which you discuss the use of irony in this story. DRAW a picture or diagram showing one scene from this story.
Due on Monday, Nov. 28 – Do not bring the short story book. Bring the story handed out to you. Read “August Heat.” Write one ¶ of at least 7 sentences explaining how the ending was a surprise to you. Be sure to point out any foreshadowing in the story and the reasons you believed the story was going in one direction when it ended up going in the opposite direction. Refer to irony.
Due Tuesday, December 6 - Read "Eveline" in your short story book. For your writing assignment, see the questions given to you by Miss Blache. If you lost them, ask me for another copy.
Due Friday, December 9 - Read "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and be prepared to discuss the reveries.
Due December 21 - Your essay on John Steinbeck's The Pearl. Select one of the three topics on your assignment sheet and write a 4 or 5 paragraph essay on that topic. (If you need another assignments sheet, see me.)
Due December 13 - Read "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." Define the 25 words on the first side of Miss Blache's homework sheet. On the other side, create and write a story using and circling 20 of the 25 words from the first side.
Tuesday, January 3 - Finish reading Chapters 1 - 4 of The Catcher in the Rye and be prepared to discuss plot events and characters from those chapters.Friday, Jan. 6 – Read Chapters 5 – 8 (pp. 35 – 58). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 34, and 35.
Tuesday, Jan. 10 - Read Chapters 9 – 12 (pp. 59 – 87). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 37, 38, 42, 43, and 46.
Friday, Jan. 13 – Read Chapters 13 – 17 (pp. 88 – 134). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 48, 51, 54, 57, 59 and 61.
Wednesday, Jan. 18 - Read Chapters 18 – 22 (pp. 135 – 174). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 63, 68, 70, 72, 73 and 74. BONUS – For up to 50 extra credits, answer 65.
Tuesday, Jan. 24 - Read Chapters 23 – 26 (pp. 174 – 214). Answer, in writing, Guide Questions 75, 76, 77, 82, 83, and 84.
January 30 - February 3 - Finishing and reviewing The Catcher in the Rye
Monday, Feb. 6 & Tuesday, Feb. 7- Examination on the novel (50 short answers and an essay)
Friday, Feb. 10 - You will write an essay based on "Igby Goes Down" and The Catcher in the Rye.
Feb. 13 - 17 - You will learn about writing a "term paper."
February 29 - Be ready to state which writer your research paper will be about.
On-Going till Othello is completed - As we finish each ACT, write the answers to the questions for that ACT on your homework sheet, and HAND IT IN the next day! HOMEWORK 4 IS DUE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4.
April 30 - All finished critical lens essays on Othello are due. Kevin, your "MyPad" iPad Project is overdue.
May 2 - Bring in to class 12 to 20 index cards containing notes for your research paper, with citation data.
| catcher-in-the-rye-by-j-d-salinger-jeopardy-powerpoint-game.ppt |
WEEKLY RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Research the answers to the following questions, and hand in your answers, written using complete sentences, on the FRIDAY of the week in which the questions first appear. Put your NAME on the paper. Each answer is worth 1 plutz toward extra A+'s in your average, plus 1 bonus plutz if you get all three answers correct. You will receive one extra A+ (100%) in your average every time you have accumulated 30 plutzes! These questions will change weekly. Here is the next set of questions:
[1] Name the spiral-horned beasts of burden used by the Sand People of
Tatooine in the film Star Wars.
[2] What was the name of famous golfer Bobby Jones' favorite putter?
[3] Why is it not a good idea to try to eat ferrum?
For 3 bonus plutzes, name the Broadway show which starred the following people, in chronological order: Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye,
Betty Grable, Bibi Osterwald and Pearl Bailey.
[1] Name the spiral-horned beasts of burden used by the Sand People of
Tatooine in the film Star Wars.
[2] What was the name of famous golfer Bobby Jones' favorite putter?
[3] Why is it not a good idea to try to eat ferrum?
For 3 bonus plutzes, name the Broadway show which starred the following people, in chronological order: Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye,
Betty Grable, Bibi Osterwald and Pearl Bailey.
SAT VOCABULARY
Use your eyes.
iDENTIFY EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SAT-LEVEL VOCABULARY WORDS, FOR ONE PLUTZ EACH and ONE EXTRA IF YOU GET ALL THREE:
a] This noun means "a model of excellence or perfection." - - r - g - -
b] This adjective means "disloyal; unfaithful." - - r - - d - - u -
c} This noun means "rudeness; irritability." - - t - - - n - -
a] This noun means "a model of excellence or perfection." - - r - g - -
b] This adjective means "disloyal; unfaithful." - - r - - d - - u -
c} This noun means "rudeness; irritability." - - t - - - n - -
SOMETHING NOT SO NEW: AMERICAN BIOGRAPHIES
Mr. R. M.
YOU WILL EARN 3 PLUTZES IF YOU CAN CORRECTLY NAME THE AMERICAN BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CLUES:
- THIS GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL WAS BORN IN CONNECTICUT IN 1888.
- HE GRADUATED FROM YALE UNIVERSITY IN 1909 AND EARNED AN M.A. FROM OXFORD IN 1913 AND A PH.D. IN POLITICAL SCIENCE FROM COLUMBIA IN 1914.
- HE HE DEVISED A PLAN FROM NEW YORK STATE PARKS AS AN AIDE FOR GOVERNOR ALFRED E. SMITH STARTING IN 1924, AND HE GREATLY EXPANDED THE PARKS SYSTEM FOR THE STATE.
- IN 1934, NEW YORK CITY MAYOR FIORELLO LA GUARDIA APPOINTED HIM TO BE THE CITY'S PARKS COMMISSIONER.
- UNDER DIFFERENT MAYORS, HE WAS APPOINTED TO THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION (1942), MADE THE CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR IN 1946 AND MADE CHAIRMAN OF THE SLUM CLEARANCE COMMITTEE IN 1948.
- HE ADDED DOZENS OF PARKS TO THE CITY AND THE STATE OF NEW YORK OVER SEVERAL DECADES.
- HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTING OF U. N. BUILDINGS, SHEA STADIUM (WHERE THE N. Y. METS PLAYED FROR MANY YEARS), AND LINCOLN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
- HE DIED ON LONG ISLAND IN 1981.
EARN an EXTRA ASTERISK (*) periodically!
Directions - Respond to the following prompt by writing a relevant paragraph of at least 10 sentences and you will earn a supplemental grade which will count 1/4 time in your average for the quarter you are in at that time. These special grades will add up and will increase your average for each quarter. Four completed asterisk paragraphs will be equal to one extra 100%. All it will take on your part will be some time, some effort and a desire to think and write better. My acceptance of each asterisk counted will be based on effort alone. Grammar mistakes will be corrected but will not reduce grades. The following grammar mistakes will be corrected in your journal: run-on and incomplete sentences; missing articles (a, an, the); tense errors. WRITE ALL PARAGRAPHS IN THE JOURNAL WHICH WILL BE SUPPLIED TO YOU IN CLASS. YOU MAY ILLUSTRATE PARAGRAPHS OR THE JOURNAL ITSELF, IF YOU WISH. BE SURE TO WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE FRONT OF THE JOURNAL. JOURNALS WILL BE COLLECTED NEAR THE END OF EACH QUARTER.
THE PROMPT: Composer Ludwig von Beethoven was called "hopeless" by his music teacher. Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling was told that she would never sell her writing. Elvis Presley failed the audition for a TV talent show, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck creator Walt Disney, fired from a newspaper, was told he had "no good ideas." Michael Jordan could not make his high school basketball team when he first tried. Author William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies was rejected by publishers more than 20 times before it was finally accepted. When have you ever proved your critics wrong?
THE PROMPT: Composer Ludwig von Beethoven was called "hopeless" by his music teacher. Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling was told that she would never sell her writing. Elvis Presley failed the audition for a TV talent show, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck creator Walt Disney, fired from a newspaper, was told he had "no good ideas." Michael Jordan could not make his high school basketball team when he first tried. Author William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies was rejected by publishers more than 20 times before it was finally accepted. When have you ever proved your critics wrong?
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TRUE ------ OR ------- FALSE?
You earn one Z for each correct answer and one more if you get them all right. Simply write the numbers under the title "True or False?" and next to each number, print the correct answer: Is the statement TRUE or FALSE?
1} The branch-like arms of a snowflake are called dendrites.
2} A picture of Thomas Jefferson is on the two-dollar bill.
3} The term hot dog came from a cartoonist who accused Coney Island vendors of using dog meat in their
frankfurters.
1} The branch-like arms of a snowflake are called dendrites.
2} A picture of Thomas Jefferson is on the two-dollar bill.
3} The term hot dog came from a cartoonist who accused Coney Island vendors of using dog meat in their
frankfurters.
IDIOMS AND SAYINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Mr. M's cousin (center) in a movie called "On the Town"
If you want so use American English better, you will have to learn and use idioms. In this area of this website frequently, there will be five different idioms presented and explained. Start using them. You can also earn 1 or 2 plutzes by using 1 or 2 of them in sentences. If you did these last week, do NOT use the same two idioms which you already used. They will receive no credit. Here are the most recent ones:
- To be "on the fence" is to be undecided.
- "When people are "on the same page" they all agree.
- When something occurs "out of the blue" it is unexpected.
- To go "out on a limb" is to take a risky chance.
- "Out on the town" refers to enjoying yourself.
IDENTIFY THE ICON FOR THREE EXTRA PLUTZES
This is a Mormon temple.
FOR THREE PLUTZES, NAME THE NATION IN WHICH THE MORMON TEMPLE PICTURED ON THE RIGHT IS LOCATED. IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO LEARN HOW YOU WENT ABOUT RESEARCHING SUCH AN IMAGE. IN FUTURE WEEKS, I WILL OFFER YOU ADDITIONAL PLUTZ OPPORTUNITIES FOR IDENTIFYING OTHER WELL-KNOWN GRAPHICS. SIMPLY LOOK AT THIS SITE EACH WEEK AND THEN BE ONE OF THE FIRST FIVE PEOPLE TO SUBMIT TO ME THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE LOCATION ILLUSTRATED, OR ANSWER SOME QUESTION RELATED TO THE ICON PRESENT THAT PARTICULAR WEEK. THOSE PLUTZES WILL ADD UP, AND THEY WILL INCREASE YOUR AVERAGE IN MY CLASS.
ALL ANSWERS MUST BE WRITTEN ON PAPER AND MUST BE SPELLED PERFECTLY CORRECTLY. YOUR FULL NAME MUST ACCOMPANY EACH ANSWER. ONLY IF THE ANSWERS MEET THESE CONDITIONS (AND ARE THE CORRECT RESPONSES) WILL THEY BE AWARDED THE PLUTZES.
ALL ANSWERS MUST BE WRITTEN ON PAPER AND MUST BE SPELLED PERFECTLY CORRECTLY. YOUR FULL NAME MUST ACCOMPANY EACH ANSWER. ONLY IF THE ANSWERS MEET THESE CONDITIONS (AND ARE THE CORRECT RESPONSES) WILL THEY BE AWARDED THE PLUTZES.
Plutz Questions about U. S. Presidents
It was brief but memorable.
The correct answer to each of the following questions is worth 2 plutzes. All answers must be submitted by the last day of classes this week. Watch this space. Questions will be changed periodically, and additional credits will be offered.
YOU MUST WRITE BOTH THE PRESIDENT'S FIRST AND LAST NAMES (SINCE WE HAVE HAD FIVE OCCASIONS IN WHICH TWO PRESIDENTS HAD THE SAME LAST NAME). FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN ANSWER NOT BEING ACCEPTED AS CORRECT!
The Chicago Times (newspaper) wrote the following once, as a review of a Presidential speech: "The cheek of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the silly, flat and dish-watery utterances of the man who has been pointed out to intelligent foreigners as the President of the United States.
[1] Name the President who is being referred to.
[2] Name the speech which is being so negatively characterized.
[3] Explain the irony of the review.
YOU MUST WRITE BOTH THE PRESIDENT'S FIRST AND LAST NAMES (SINCE WE HAVE HAD FIVE OCCASIONS IN WHICH TWO PRESIDENTS HAD THE SAME LAST NAME). FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN ANSWER NOT BEING ACCEPTED AS CORRECT!
The Chicago Times (newspaper) wrote the following once, as a review of a Presidential speech: "The cheek of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the silly, flat and dish-watery utterances of the man who has been pointed out to intelligent foreigners as the President of the United States.
[1] Name the President who is being referred to.
[2] Name the speech which is being so negatively characterized.
[3] Explain the irony of the review.
Word Scramble for credits
The organs involved
The first four people who unscramble the single word from the letters below earn 3 plutzes each. The word will change every week UNLESS no one has figured it out. There are no tricks but you must spell the word correctly to earn the plutzes.
This word means "a surgical creation of a connection between the gall bladder abd a hepatic duct and between the intestine and the gall bladder.
S T O C H C H O L P C Y O N A T A G O L E E N T T I O H E I C O S E R M S E I
This word means "a surgical creation of a connection between the gall bladder abd a hepatic duct and between the intestine and the gall bladder.
S T O C H C H O L P C Y O N A T A G O L E E N T T I O H E I C O S E R M S E I
ENJOY LISTENING TO A STORY - - -
Some of you read a short story called "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin as your summer reading assignment. However, if you did read this story, you read the simpler ESL version. Now you are invited to try listening to the original version. It is an interesting story, and it is excellent practice for the Listening section of the English Regents.
As you listen, use your imagination to picture the setting and the looks of the characters. That way, you become an active listener and are almost part of what is happening in the story.
Finally, be able to identify not only the characterizations of the two main characters, but also the irony of the conclusion of the story as well as the author's theme.
To listen to the story, click on the triangle in the audio player below. Have fun! Let me know whether I should include additional stories on this site for you to listen to. I have many which are ready for your ears.
As you listen, use your imagination to picture the setting and the looks of the characters. That way, you become an active listener and are almost part of what is happening in the story.
Finally, be able to identify not only the characterizations of the two main characters, but also the irony of the conclusion of the story as well as the author's theme.
To listen to the story, click on the triangle in the audio player below. Have fun! Let me know whether I should include additional stories on this site for you to listen to. I have many which are ready for your ears.
A little humor, if there's anything funny about the controlling idea paragraph on the Regents - - - - -
IF YOU NEED TO GO TO THE GREAT NECK SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL SITE:
To get to the GNSHS web site from this site, simply click HERE. After you have been taken to the site, you may then go to any department in the school, the Library site, the Announcements, teachers' web sites, et al.
You can also read about the various clubs which the school hosts as well as the athletic teams. You can access guidance department information and find out what's happening at the school.
Academic calendars are also readily available, as are the bell schedules, Parent Portal, Student Handbook and a collection of interesting photographs.
You can also read about the various clubs which the school hosts as well as the athletic teams. You can access guidance department information and find out what's happening at the school.
Academic calendars are also readily available, as are the bell schedules, Parent Portal, Student Handbook and a collection of interesting photographs.
