Welcome

Today is the day we make our choices for tomorrow. English IV will be your last language arts class prior to graduation. This is the time to gain as many skills in writing, reading, and analyzing as you possibly can. Here on this blog spot, you are free to express yourself about the things we are studying. You are reminded about being appropriate to the school environment. I welcome your mature comments.

Expressing our views

Expressing our views

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Tears on the Sand

At the end of the novel, Ralph weeps for the first time. Golding writes, "Ralph...wept for the loss of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the loss of the true wise friend called Piggy." So much has happened to Ralph on this island. Which event do you feel had the greatest effect on Ralph? How did it change him? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Sunday, April 24, 2011.)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Gift for the Darkness

In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph asks Piggy, "What causes things to break up like they do?" What are two principle reasons the society on the island has started to break up? How does this reflect real society? What do you think is the main cause of problems in our society? How could this be corrected? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Monday, April 18, 2011.)

Monday, April 11, 2011

Who will build the better hut?





Well, some huts stood and some huts fell while others never made it off the drawing board! The winners were Team Jack and Team Piggy. These huts withstood the "wind" tests. Good job, guys!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

There will be lots of rules...


In chapter 5, Ralph must add to his earlier two-fold mission: get rescued and have fun. At the night assembly, he makes several additional rules. Which of the rules do you think is most important for the boys on the island? Why? In our society, we have many rules, as well. Which rule do you think is most important for our current society? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Tuesday, April12, 2011.)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

LoRd Of tHe fLiEs

Which character are you tracking in the novel? What have two things you have learned about this character? Is he helping or hurting the chances of survival and rescue for the boys as a whole? Explain. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Friday, April 8, 2011.)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

And the Parade Begins...

Which of Chaucer's pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales do you find most interesting? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Friday, March 18, 2011.)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Talking about the Future

Tell us briefly about your interview. What did you learn about your career field that you didn't know before this interview? What was the most valuable or interesting thing you learned during the interview? Has the interview changed your mind about pursuing this career? Why or why not? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Sunday, February 27, 2011.)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Are you heading in the right direction?

This week you have had the opportunity to truly focus upon a career choice of yours. Based upon what you have learned through the research, are you heading in the right direction? What makes this career best for you or why are you now rethinking this career move? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Saturday, February 12, 2011.)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Long Adventure

The epic BEOWULF covers 50 years in life of the hero Beowulf. During these years, Beowulf encounters 3 major battles. Which battle--Grendel, mother monster, or dragon--did you enjoy most and why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Saturday, January 29, 2011)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Beowulf: Epic Hero

We have discussed the characteristics of the epic hero and we finished the first battle in BEOWULF. What traits of the epic hero have you seen thus far in the story? In what ways have these traits been exaggerated? What do these traits reveal the Anglo-Saxon values and ethics? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Thursday, January 20, 2011.)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Anglo-Saxons

We have covered a great deal about the Anglo-Saxons and the historical period in which they ruled and changed England and developed our language. They were an interesting society. What are two things you found to be interesting about the Anglo-Saxons? Explain why. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Friday, January 14, 2011).

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

WeLcOme!

Welcome to your last high school English course! I am very happy to have each of you in my class. We have only 86 days together this semester, but in these days, I hope that you will enjoy the literature and writing experiences as well as improve some language skills before you head to college, the world of work, or the military. Comment below on what you are looking forward to learning this semester or something you would like for us to talk about or write about. (Deadline to post for extra credit is midnight, January 8, 2010)