Rhetorical Precis for the Ascher essay due today when you walk in to class.  Anything turned in after your class period will have points deducted.

Timed Writing Today.

Write a well-developed short problem-solution essay that evaluates the problem of homelessness.  You must follow this format:

1. Problem:  (Thesis Statement)

  State the problem and your opinion.

  (Homelessness in the United States)

2. Causes/Reasons for homelessness: (3 reasons)
 (be sure to corroborate your reasons with evidence)

3. Solution to homelessness:  (3 solutions)

  (be sure to substantiate your solutions with evidence.)

4. Clincher/Closing Sentence: (Result of Solution)

  (The sentence must remind the readers of the subject  and include a final comment about the benefit(s) of the solution.)

You must cite sources within your paragraph.

Source:  Research Report on Homelessness Graph p. 6 Figures 1.1 and 1.2
Source: Story about Pittsburgh doctor
Source:  NPR story "Laws that Target Homeless..."
Source: "Homeless: Expose the Myths"
Source "On Compassion"

Vocabulary Test Lists 21 & 22 on Tuesday.  Here are the flashcards.

Don't forget that today's the last day to earn the 20 points for your Shmoop.  You still need to take the Diagnostic by February 14th, but your grade will start at 80 if you don't join the class by today.

Those of you have already joined and have been confirmed for the class, schedule the one hour you need to take your test.  Don't wait until the last minute, please.

Vocabulary Quiz List 22 Today.

Today we read "On Compassion" by Barbara Ascher.  You need to write a rhetorical precis for the essay due when you walk in to class tomorrow.

Don't forget to sign up for Shmoop and to join the class by tomorrow.  Also, be sure to schedule time to take the AP English Language Diagnostic by February 14th.

Yesterday I distributed Steps 4-6 and the Outline Template for your research paper.  The documents are linked on yesterday's post.  Start prewriting your argument.  Get to work!

Today I distributed the instruction sheet for Steps 4-6 of your research paper and an outline template.

You should begin shaping your argument.  The Idea Mapper App for Google Chrome is a really cool tool for those of you who prefer to use the computer for this step.  You may hand write this step as well.  Get to work!

We will have the peer review sessions next week.

Vocabulary Quiz List 22 tomorrow.  Here are the flashcards.

Don't forget about Shmoop!  Sign up by Friday for 20 points of your grade.

Vocabulary Quiz 21 Today.  If you missed it, is your responsibility to take it when you come back to class.

We read, "How She Became Homeless" by Linda Weltner.  Friday's Timed Writing will be a synthesis question which will be require that you write an argument that includes textual evidence from each of the selections we have reviewed this week.  Be ready.

Today we read "Homeless: Expose the Myths" by Joseph Perkins.  We also watched this video about a doctor who helps the homeless.

If you were absent, it is your responsibility to read the essay and view the video.

Vocabulary Quiz List 21 tomorrow.  Here are the flashcards.

Today I distributed your Shmoop assignment.  If you were absent today, it is your responsibility to pick up the sign up and instruction sheet when you come to class on Monday.

Dates to keep in mind:

Friday, January 31st:  sign up to Shmoop and join your class period.  20%

Between sign up and Friday, February 14th complete the AP English Language Diagnostic.  (1 hour)  40%

Your diagnostic score: 40%

Here's the Shmoop link if you're ready to sign up.

Practice ACADEMIC INTEGRITY.  Take the exam seriously; don't cheat.

Timed Writing Today:

After viewing the "Bacon Dogs" video, respond to the following:

Your law firm has been contacted by Elizabeth Palacios regarding her recent problems with the L.A. County Health Department.  After careful evaluation of the information presented, write a well-developed response to Ms. Palacios regarding her situation.

Research Paper Steps 1-3 due next week.

Your Proposal should typed in MLA format and should include the following:

Topic:  Why did you pick this topic?

Background:  What did you already know about the topic?  What did you learn during your research?

Thesis:  Major Premise, Minor Premise, Inevitable Conclusion, and thesis (choose one of the 3 thesis models on the back of your topics list)

Audience:  Besides a general audience, who else might be interested in or might benefit from your research?  

Vocabulary Test Lists 19 & 20 Today.

Work on your research paper steps 1-3!

Today we reviewed CLAIMS for your research topic so that you can begin shaping your thesis statement. You will need to write a CLAIM of POLICY.

In class, we reviewed this worksheet.

Vocabulary Test 19 & 20 tomorrow.  Here are the combined flashcards.

Vocabulary Quiz 20 today.

Act III questions today.  If you were absent, you will need to respond to the following questions:

1. Identify and discuss Danforth’s conflicts (external and internal) in this act.  Include textual evidence.

   

2.  What do the cows symbolize?  Include textual evidence to support your answer.

Homework:  
You should be narrowing your topic and searching for sources for your research paper.
Steps 1-3 are due Monday.  Get to work!

Diagnostic Test Completion on Exercise Central due this week

Today we finished reading Act IV.  If you were absent, it is your responsibility to read it.  You can access your textbook online through the link above.  Be read to respond to analysis questions for Act III tomorrow.

Vocabulary Quiz List 20 tomorrow.  Here are the flashcards.

Today we will finish Act III.  Be sure you can identify and discuss the effect of the different kinds of irony throughout the act.  Also, pay attention to the evolution of Hale.  How is he contrasted with Danforth?

Reminders:

Don't forget about your Diagnostic Test.  Here's the link to Exercise Central.

Don't forget about Tuesday's quiz.  Here are the flashcards.

Don't forget about Steps 1-3 of your research paper.  Here are links to the handouts I have distributed.

Research Paper Steps 1-3

Choosing a Topic / Topics to Avoid

Topics for Researched Argument

Topics Worksheet

Evaluating Websites Checklist

Questions for Annotating Checklist

We will finish reading Act III this week.  Pay attention to the logical fallacies made by different characters.  Also, be sure you can follow Danforth's reasoning about why he believes Abigail and the girls are telling the truth.  How does Proctor attempt to change Danforth's mind?  Be prepared to characterize Danforth.  Why is he unswayed, even after Proctor brings forth such damning testimony?

Benchmark schedule this week.  I may or may not see you Tuesday-Thursday.  Friday we will be finished with Act III.  If you are absent on the day/s we did meet, then it is your responsibility to read the text on your own.

AP Practice Questions Today

Vocabulary Quiz List 19 Thursday.  Here are the flashcards.