Tues. June 16, 2015: Test Prep. Excerpts

Today, we went over the second reading prototype for the final exam. You were given the readings and the questions to answer and expected to use active reading skills and process of elimination skills. I have posted the "Draft" answers from the prototype on the board for you to examine. The answers for the reading you got today will be posted tomorrow.

Mon. June 15, 2015: Single Source Essay Prep

Today, students were given time to plan for their single source essay. This is the one that they WILL NOT be able to have a cheat sheet for.

You have been provided with the two questions from the exam that you can create a cheat sheet on. These are for the single-source major essay:

a, How do past events in a character's environment impact the character's future actions?

b. What perspectives have been dominant or privileged in the society of the text you have read? What impact has this had on the characters?

Today, you were given time to create the 75 word cheat sheet for this paper.

The source can be the play we read in class (Girl who Loved her Horses), your independent novel, or Oryx and Crake (class novel).

Thurs. June 11, 2015: Test Prep

Today, we worked on the draft for the final. Specifically, we worked on apostrophes, reinforcement of the main ideas, topics, "15 Common Errors" booklet, process of elimination, and questions 4 and 5 of the draft. I also gave you worksheets that you can do if you choose.

Wed. June 10, 2015: Test Prep

Today, we went over the final. I discussed the cheat sheet that the students will be allowed to submit up until the night before the test (end of school day). The exam is on Tuesday, June 23. I have decided that the cheat sheet can contain 75 words. It must also be in point form. It must also only apply directly to the essay that you have been given the questions for.  If a student submits more than that, the sheet can be withheld. For this reason, it is important to get these in early. If it is in early, you will get it back and have time to fix it.
We then looked at the "Draft" questions that you answered a couple of weeks ago. We talked about sentence fragments, transitions and unity. You already have a paper on transitions words, the booklet on the 15 Common errors and I discussed creating a hamburger paragraph. We will carry on with this tomorrow.

Tues. June 9, 2015: Important change in dates: READ

The power interrupted computer usage today, so I have extended the deadline for all remaining assignments (including the independent novel study) until tomorrow at the end of lunch.  You will not get extra class time as the computers were working during your class yesterday.

Thurs, June 4 to Tues, June 9, 2015 Writing Classes

During this time students will have access to computers in order to complete all assignments. The deadline for all assignments, including the independent novel study, is at the end of the day on Tuesday, June 9. There will be no extensions. Many of you have completed your work early. If this is the case, get the work handed in.