AP Language students 2017-18

If you signed up to take AP English Language for this coming year here is the summer reading assignment:

Go to commonlit.org and register using class code 4B84R.

Read the following passages:
1. The Fallacy of success
2. On the dignity of meanness of human nature
3. Men and Women use different scales to weigh moral dilemmas
4. Political Society

Also read either Thanks for Arguing by Jay Heinrichs or
Freakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner.

Watch the TedX talk https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance

Have a great summer!

Everything Everything Field trip

Those of you going on the field trip, after period 1 go straight to the front of the school.  I will take attendance and then we will get on the bus.
I will turn the roster into the attendance office so you will be excused from your Period 2-6 for the remainder of the day.

AP English -- College Essay assignment

In preparation for next year, you will select one of the general college essay prompts from below and write an essay.

Topic 1 option:
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.  If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Topic 2 option:
Discuss an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Topic 3 option:
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Your essay must be in 12 point font, double spaced.
Word limit is 650.

Final drafts due May 26th.
Worth 10 points

10th grade Tablets

English II students, you can begin returning your tablets if you rented one at the beginning of the year.  Make sure to return all parts:
1. Tablet
2. Keyboard
3. Charger

I would appreciate if you could return them no later than June 2nd.

AP Review

Here is a list of the top 10 rhetorical devices you can refer to on your Rhetorical Analysis essay:

1. Tone -- The general attitude a writer is using to get their message across.  Associated with the emotion the writer or speaker is using.  If you use tone in your essay, make sure to explain with your commentary why you think they were using this tone.
Example:  When Abigail Adams is using a concerned tone in her letter to her son it is because she wants him to realize that this moment is a turning point in his life.

2. Diction -- The choice of words (or phrases) used by a speaker or writer.  If you focus on the diction being used, try to select words that emphasize a certain idea.
Example:  JFK's use of the words "unjustifiable" and "irresponsible" to demonstrate that he is disgusted with the steel industry taking advantage of the American people.

3. Repetition -- Used to emphasize a point or idea by a writer or speaker.  If you decide to use this in your essay make sure it is a word that is used throughout the piece.
Example:  Benjamin Banneker referred to Thomas Jefferson throughout his letter as "Sir" to create a sense of respect, even though he was pointing out that Jefferson was being a hypocrite.

4. Theme -- The overall topic or lesson that a speaker or writer is trying to get across.  If you focus on theme you can emphasize the bigger message the writer is making.
Example:  When discussing the trend with plastic pink flamingos, Jennifer Price is uncovering how nature is cheapened by consumerism.

5. Sarcasm (or satire) -- To mock with often satirical or ironic comments with the purpose to amuse or hurt someone or something in society.  Remember if you want to state that something is satirical it should be critical of society or an idea.
Example:  In the piece about MagnaSoles the writer is using satire to demonstrate how advertisers take advantage of consumer’s ignorance.

6. Allusion -- A reference to a historical event, a literary piece, religious connection, etc.  If you decide to use allusion in your essay make sure you make a clear connection in your commentary as to why the writer was making this reference.
Example:  Abigail Adams alluded to Cicero and Mark Anthony to support her argument that her son is following in the footsteps of great men.

7. Analogy -- A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.  If you refer to this in your essay make sure you are clear with your commentary as to why the author is making the comparison.

8. Style -- The overall way a writer writes.  This is a rhetorical device that encompasses many things such as diction, syntax, tone, etc.  You can use this as a main idea and then within the body paragraph break down the writer's use of tone, diction, etc. that demonstrates their specific style.
Example:  Hawthorne's style is very indicative of the Puritan period in which people were very religious and followed the Bible very strictly.

9. Syntax -- The sentence structure a writer uses.  If you decide to use this in your essay try to point out differences such as longer versus shorter sentences and why they are doing that.

10. Appeals (Ethos, Logos, Pathos)  Remember you do not have to refer to the appeals by name, but you can explain them such as the author is appealing to the audience's emotions, using logic or asserting their credibility.

English II upcoming grades

Here is my tentative plan for the next few weeks:

Week of April 24th:
*Continue with novel
*Vocab.com for the week
*Daily journals

Week of May 1st:
*Presentations begin
*Teacher Appreciation assignment
*Commonlit
*Vocab.com

Week of May 8th:
*Presentations continue
*Mother's Day assignment
*Commonlit
*Vocab.com

Week of May 15th:
*Tshirt decorating
*Fieldtrip

Week of May 22nd:
*Selecting pieces for end of the year book
*Community service proof due
Here is the link for the Community Service Form

I will be giving a grade for showing me proof that you have started completing community service hours.  You will need to show me by May 26th that you have completed at least one hour of service.
One of the easy ways to earn this grade is to bring in items for the Peru Flood drive that is going on until April 27th.
You can bring in the following items:
*Canned food
*Rice
*Beans
*Spaghetti
*Water

You can also bring in 50 soda can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House for an hour of community service, which would count for your grade.

If you already have existing hours of community service you can bring that to show me as well.

Everything Everything Project

We are almost done with the book and as I mentioned earlier this nine weeks, you will be planning your own trip.

Here is what you need to include for your project:

1. Using the program Sway on your student portal, you will create a presentation about your trip.
2. Your presentation must include:
     A. Name of place you want to visit
     B. Picture or pictures of place
     C. Why do you want to visit that place?  Explain.
     D. Things you need to pack or bring with you.
     E. If you could bring someone with you, who would bring?  Explain.
     F. Mode of transportation to arrive to your destination (example: airplane, bus, train, etc.)
     G. Things you want to do while you are there (example: visit museums, zoo, beach, famous landmarks, etc.)
     H. Souvenirs you would bring back to at least three important people in your life and explain the type of souvenir.

3. When you present you can be creative and play music, show a short video, dress-up, bring in food that represents that place, create a travel brochure, etc.

Presentations will begin the week of May 1st. 
All presentations must be completed by May 12th.  Anyone who has not presented by that date will receive a 0.

AP Class

Reminders:
Complete Commonlit assignment "Shut the door" Speech by Sunday (4/23) as well as weekly Vocab.com.

Those students coming Saturday to the AP Mock Exam at TERRA, you can park on the side of the school where the bus drop-off lane is.  I will wait for you outside so we can go in together.  Please arrive before 8am so we can start on time.

Congratulations Creative Writing Winners!

The following students received recognition for their creative writing pieces at the 2017 Youth Fair:

Dario Valdes -- 1st place
Luke Rivera -- 2nd place
Katherine Espertin -- 2nd place
Carlos Arencibia -- 3rd place
Jasmine Botello -- 3rd place
Sebastian Lopez -- 3rd place
Nicole Miranda -- 3rd place
Alexia Saavedra -- 3rd place
Marion Smith -- 3rd place
Garbriela Garcia -- 3rd place

I am proud of all of you!

English II Spring Break Assignment

We are half way through the novel Everything Everything and have had many discussions about what is happening to Maddy.

Here are your assignments to complete over the break:

1. Commonlit "Rebel with a Cause"
2. Commonlit "Adolescence and the Teenage Crush"
3. Commonlit "Proposed Treatment to fix Genetic Diseases"
4. Create a chart where you document a day in your life. 
     *Each hour write down what you do for a whole day like Madeline does in the book.
       Refer to the example on page 23, 24 or 153,154

Commonlit questions must be answered by April 16th.
Bring your chart of a day in your life typed on April 17th.

AP Class -- Spring Break Reflection Assignment

Emerson and Thoreau are considered philosophers of their time.
They were part of the Transcendentalist movement in the U.S.
They wrote about what they believed was essential to have in life.
For example:  friendship, love, nature, and being in charge of your own life.
You have read excerpts from their writing on Commonlit (Emerson's "Civil Disobedience")
and will complete over the break Thoreau's "Where I Lived and What I Lived For." 

I want you to reflect on your own life and what you can not live without.



Think of your own life and create a list of things that you feel are essential.  This is your own TRUTH.  There are no right or wrong answer
You will write your own essay where you break down your list and explain each idea.

You must have at least 5 ideas on your list, which means you would have at least 5 paragraphs in your essay.

It must be:

*Typed, 12 point font, double spaced

*Headings for your 5 ideas

Your assignment will be due on April 17th.

AP English Political Cartoon Homework

Part 1:

Write one paragraph explaining:

o   Historical context

o   Point of view of cartoonist concerning issue

o   Symbols or non-verbal innuendo (if any used)

Part 2:

: Find a second political cartoon that has a similar theme with the first article. This must be from Current Events (within the last few months). Include this cartoon in your submission.

·      Write one paragraph explaining:

o   Historical context (explain how it connects to “cartoon of the week”)

o   Point of view of cartoonist concerning issue

o   Symbols or non-verbal innuendo (if any used)

Part 3:

The Rhetorical Précis

Overview: In order to concisely describe the argument and context an author presents in a text, academic writers sometimes use a format called the rhetorical précis.  This form is a highly structured four-sentence paragraph that highlights the essential rhetorical elements in any text.  The précis includes the name of the speaker/writer(s), the context or situation in which the text is delivered, the major assertion, the mode of development or support of the main idea, the stated and/or apparent purpose of the text, and the relationship between the writer(s) and the audience.  The following is a breakdown of the information to include in each of the four sentences.

SENTENCE 1 – include the following: ·     the name of author, ·     a phrase describing the author (optional), ·     the type and title of work, the date of work (inserted in parentheses), ·     a rhetorically accurate verb (such as “assert,” “argue,” “suggest,” “imply,” “claim,” etc.) that describes what the author is doing in the text, ·     a THAT clause in which you state the major assertion (thesis statement/claim) of the author’s text.

EXAMPLE: Toni Morrison, a well-known scholar in the humanities, in her essay, “Disturbing Nurses and the Kindness of Sharks,” implies THAT racism in the United States has affected the craft and process of American novelists.

SENTENCE 2 : An explanation of how the author develops and/or supports the thesis (for instance, comparing and contrasting, defining, narrating, illustrating, defining, using humor or sarcasm, relating personal experience, depending on facts /statistics /opinion, etc.). Consider the author’s organization, use of evidence, and/or strategies used to construct his/her argument. Your explanation is usually presented in the same chronological order that the items of support are presented in the work.

EXAMPLE: Morrison supports her implication by describing how Ernest Hemingway writes about black characters and by illustrating his strategies for plot development seen within his novels and short stories.

SENTENCE 3: A statement of the author’s apparent purpose, followed by an IN ORDER TO phrase in which you explain what the author wants the audience to do or feel as a result of reading the work.

EXAMPLE: Her purpose is to make her readers aware of the cruel reality of racism underlying some of the greatest works of American literature IN ORDER TO help them examine the far-reaching effects racism has not only on those discriminated against but also on those who discriminate.

           

SENTENCE 4: A description of the intended audience and the relationship the author establishes with the audience.

EXAMPLE: She establishes a formal and highly analytical tone with her audience of racially-mixed, theoretically-sophisticated readers and critical interpreters of American literature.

English II Classes -- Email exchange

Everyone has received an email address of another student.
Here is what you must complete:

1. Introduce yourself.  It is up to you how much or how little you tell the other student about yourself.  Keep in mind, there will be other questions you will be answering about yourself as we go along.
Example:  HI!  My name is Catherine Manfra and I am in Period 2.  Friends call me Cathy. 

2. Tell them what is your favorite part or what you like so far about the novel.
Example:  I really like how the author includes pictures, little spoiler alerts and charts to bring the character to life.  I also like the main character, Madeline, because she sounds like an interesting character.  I can't wait to see what happens to her.

3. Answer the following questions:
    *What's your favorite color?
    *What's your favorite book?
    *What's your favorite word?
    *What's your favorite vice (bad habit)?
    *Who is your favorite person?

4. More questions:
    *Favorite movie?
    *Favorite food?
    *Favorite body part?
    *Favorite class?

5. Be curious and get more information about one of the answers that you received for one of the questions from part 3 or 4.

Remember to have fun, but also be respectful of each other.
You are getting a grade for this assignment so don't leave your person hanging.

Assignment due Monday, April 3rd.

AP Satire Project

Think about aspects of society you consider a major problem.  What about society makes you angry?  What is an aspect of society you would like to see change?

First, choose a problem.  Remember that regardless of the topic chosen, you should keep content appropriate for a public high school class.  Also, consider your purpose and audience. Here are some ideas for topics: War, education, social class divisions, taxes, economy, money, internet, global warming, gas prices, healthcare, popular culture etc…

Part I: Investigation of the Problem

For this portion of the project, you will research the topic you have chosen. 

• Who is involved?
• Where is this problem prevalent?
• What are basic statistics/data on this problem?
• Is there anything in place to solve it? Is it effective?
  

Part II: Creative Satirical Response to the Problem

Social problems are often the source of satire.  Now it is your turn to create a satirical response to a problem in society.  There are many forms of satire; therefore, your response may take many forms.  Pay attention to the guidelines for each option as they vary slightly according to the form your satire will take.  When responding, ensure that you follow the guidelines listed for your chosen option, but be creative and thorough.  Recall the definition of satire (a work that uses wit and humor to ridicule vice, follies, stupidities, and abuses) as you create your masterpiece.  As always, see me if you have ANY questions about your project and/or the appropriateness of your response.

Possible Formats for Part II

1. Artistic Interpretation:

Many political cartoons are satiric in their representation of society.  Even more televisions shows respond satirically to societal issues. Think about these political cartoons and shows: (The Simpson’s, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report) when creating your own satire.  Keep in mind that many television shows have content inappropriate for school; your project must include only school-appropriate content.  Final product requirements are as follows:

• Cartoons must be at least a full sheet of computer paper, your own original art, and show evidence of thought and planning. You may not cut and paste images already created. They must be created BY YOU!
• Skits must be at least 5 minutes in length, appropriate for school, and either ready to be performed in class without cue cards or easily viewed on a computer.  All scripts must include dialogue and descriptions of stage directions or other visual and aural elements.  
  

2. Musical Interpretation:

Musicians often use satire in their songs.  For example, The Blue’s Traveler’s song “Hook” and Bruce Springsteen’s song “Born in the U.S.A.”  Weird Al Yankovic often uses satire in the form of parody in his songs.  You, too, may create satire with songs.  If you are creating a song, keep in mind that your song:

• must be 2 minutes long
• may be recorded or presented live, but it MUST be ready to present to the class on the due date
• must have typed lyrics

3. Written Interpretation:

The majority of the satire we have looked at in class has been written.  In “A Modest Proposal,” Swift takes on British society and culture.  Other examples are: The Jon Stewart Presents America mock textbook which satirizes the way in which American’s view and study history.  Dr. Seuss’s Butter Battle Book satirizes the Cold War.  You can use these as examples when creating your own written satire.

• A news article such as those presented by The Onion online publication
• A “modest proposal” outlining a solution to your problem
• A children’s book

**All written responses must be 2-3 pages typed.

If you have an idea for satire that has not been listed, see me. 

Projects are due Friday, March 31.

AP Class -- Fountainhead Final Drafts

When submitting your final drafts make sure you have all of the following:

1. Heading is in top right corner

• Include Name, My Name, AP Language and Composition, Due date
• Example:            

                                                          John Doe

                                                          Mrs. Manfra

                                                          AP Language and Composition

                                                          March 27, 2017

2. Use 12 point font, double spaced

3. Make sure to include page numbers for your quotes from the novel.

• Example:  "His face was like a law of nature." (15)

4. You should have one inch margins on all sides.

5. Include the Word Count on the last page.

Remember to answer all parts of the essay prompt that you have selected.

Remember there is an 800 word minimum requirement for this assignment.  If you do not meet the word requirement the highest grade you will receive is a C.

Print your essays or share through OneDrive only!

Review of Week March 13-17

AP students had subject selection this week.  If you did not submit forms this week then you need to see either Ms. Cuenca or Mr. Perozo next week.
You also were responsible for submitting your introduction and body paragraphs based on one of the essay topics for the Fountainhead.
Next week we will continue working on the essays.

English II students finished their Women's History Month door projects. 
You completed a reflection assignment and we read a poem on Commonlit on Friday.
Monday is when you will receive your subject selection forms so be in school.
Also make sure you are working on getting your own copy or download of the Everything Everything novel by Nicola Yoon.  You must have it by March 27th for a grade.

I will be finalizing grades before March 23rd.
March 24th is a Teacher Work Day!

All Classes Extra Credit

Here is a Woman's History Month Essay Contest:

Think about a woman from history or from current times who you admire due to her commitment to her chosen profession and/or business success. Write to convince your reader why this woman’s story and positive influence serves as an exemplary person to recognize and honor during Women’s History Month.

You need to type up your essay, must be double spaced. The maximum is 500 words and you must include three references to the person.

Due by March 17th.

English II Honors -- 4th nine weeks

For the last nine weeks we will be reading the book
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon.
You must obtain your own copy or download it to your device in order to complete assignments for class.
You will receive a grade for showing me that you have a copy of the book by
March 27th.

Women's History Month Project (English II Honors)

In honor of Women's History Month, you will be decorating a door in the school.
You will need to include the following items:

1. The words "Honoring Trailblazing Women," which is this year's theme.

2. The name or names of the women you are displaying on the door.  (Use size 80+ font.)

3. Picture of them.  Should be large like a 5x7 picture.  You can have a portrait or an action picture.

4. Important dates such as their birthday, day they died (if they are not alive), year they made a famous discovery or won an award

5. Explain why they are a trailblazer for women.

6. Images associated with them. 
For example: Beyoncé a microphone because she is a singer.  J.K. Rowling a cover of Harry Potter.
Serena Williams a tennis racket.

7. 10 important facts about them. Facts should be no more than 20 words each.

8. Names of people who worked on the door. Top right corner of the door.

All doors MUST be complete by March 15th!
This will be the last major grade for the nine weeks so make it count!
Worth 16 points (doubled)

AP Class

In preparation for next week, I am assigning on Commonlit the piece "Excerpt from Self-Reliance" by Emerson.
You have until Monday, March 6th to complete the questions.

**Find your copies of The Fountainhead novel because we will be using them again next week.