A Blade of Grass HW

Sorry for tardiness, kids!

Here's a link to the poem: "A Blade of Grass"

Here's the question to be answered in your journal: What does the metaphor, "a blade of grass is a poem" suggest?

Tuesday HW

In your journal, please answer the following two questions. This should amount to AT LEAST a page's worth of writing:

1. Describe the theme (the point) of the poem and how the ending helps the author convey this message.

2. The poem's main event is just a meaningless baseball game, yet the language makes it feel much larger than that. Choose 3 poetic devices and describe how they increase the dramatic feeling of the poem.

Poetic devices: end rhyme, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, repetition, imagery, poetic shift, alliteration, consonance, and assonance.

"Casey at the Bat"

In journal: Please discuss the message of the poem and how the ending helps convey that message.

denotative meaning versus connotative

denotative= dictionary definition--what a word or phrase means literally.

connotative-the feelings, attitudes or ideas we associate with words--beyond the literal meaning--an example of figurative language.

Casey at the Bat HW

HW: Look at the following poetic devices. Some should be familiar, while others may not.

Imagery
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Repetition
Alliteration
Consonance
Assonance
Simile
End Rhyme
Internal Rhyme
Mood Shift
Stanza

Try to identify as many of these terms as possible.

7-4 HW

The Plot Matters

 You’re on an NPR sponsored radio show where scholars take opposing sides on a work of fiction. Today’s episode features the Ted Kooser poem, “Abandoned Farmhouse” and raises the question: Must we figure out, or partly figure out the mystery in the poem to appreciate and understand it?

Main Task: Construct a general timeline of events in any way you chose. After each event, however, you must provide relevant evidence from the poem to support your argument.

*Hint: Avoid getting TOO specific. This is not a challenge to come up with the most creative, outlandish timeline of events. It is impossible to detail the specifics of the mystery, so don’t try to (sorry for my sass, but I think it’s warranted J)

"Abandoned Farmhouse" Day 2

What does it mean to write something that is universal?

It means that your message can be understood by anyone at any time.

What subject matter would be universal in all cultures at any time?

Abandoned Farmhouse- Poetry, Day 1.

Important Term: Personification (on handout)


Good literature can be interpreted in many different ways, as long as the interpreter takes careful note of the text while thinking of meaning.

Today, I challenge you with a poem that is rather mysterious, both literally and figurative.






Journal 1 : What does Ted Kooser's poem say to you? Ultimately, what's the point of this poem?



In your journal, jot down some inferences you can make about Ted Kooser. What subjects do you think he likes to write about? What settings? What style? Anything!

We'll compare this to a short bio of Ted Kooser.



Read about the farm crisis of 1980. Do you see a possible connection between this era and Ted Kooser? A connection to "Abandoned Farmhouse?"

P.S. Kooser has never confirmed that it was about the farm crisis...





Journal 2: Suppose Kooser wrote his poem based on the farm crisis? Do you think an interpretation of this poem hinges on the reader knowing  this? Or can we still get meaning from it without that knowledge?

RESEARCH ESSAYS DUE FRIDAY

Your revised essays are due tomorrow. Take note that all the work you put into each assignment should be represented in some way here.

Slam Poetry

Slam Poetry by definition, is poetry that is composed for competition.

Please sign up outside of my room if you want to audition your poem. You may either sign up as a solo poet or with a group.

Auditions for solo poets will be as early as Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Writing Conclusions (Assignment #5)

HW: Your final revised papers are due on Wednesday. Please double-space, use an MLA heading, and write in Times New Roman 12pt font. (Word Requirement 750-900)

Here's a good video to go along with the Tip Sheet handed out in class.

I like that the video and tip sheet provide a good explanation of the effect your conclusions should have with several concrete ways (there's more than one right way!) to go about achieving this effect.



Take 3 minutes to decide what technique will work best for you and why.

Introductions--a great video

Here's a great video that discusses introductions in an essay. This video recalls several of the tips I passed out yesterday. The illustrations, narration, and easy-to-follow pattern of this video really helps reinforce how to write an imaginative, attention-grabbing intro (and also how not to!!)

Please take out the sheet I passed out yesterday.

Can you spot the similarities?

OPTIONAL HW: If you want me to give feedback on your intros, come see me in FLEX. I'll let you know if you're on the right track.

Integrating sources Tips/Advice

After reviewing your first attempts at integrating sources into your persuasive essay, I noticed several patterns. Follow the tips below to help you perform to the best of your ability on this assignment.


1. You  need to introduce your sources instead of just "plopping" in quotes or paraphrased info randomly. Use the "Signal Phrases"  to help you form the bridge between your ideas and someone else's.


2. You need to touch base with the sources after including them. Don't just assume the reader will make the connection. Explain the subtext or implications that the source provides. This is, by far, the most widespread issue. On a related note, DO NOT END A PARAGRAPH WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S IDEAS. Always tie the sources back to your main idea.


3. Cite your sources after including them. Please use the author's last name. If there is no author, please use the title of the article, radio show, blog, or video.


HW: Assignment #3 is due Wednesday.  This should stretch your initial paper to around 750-900 words.