Writing Exercise #4

Doubt vs. Certainty  (Description; Cause Analysis; Process Analysis)

Describe certainty.  Use details: concrete and sensory.  Remember that a technique of description is describe what something is not.  Also, you can use figurative language to describe.  Use similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole.  What does it feel like to be certain of something?  How do you know when you're certain of something?  What causes certainty?    What are the steps one can take to achieve a sense of certainty?

Writing Exercise #3

Doubt vs. Certainty (Definition; Example; Division and Classification)

Write an extended definition of the meaning of doubt.  Write a list of as many examples as you can think of that involve situations in which someone experiences doubt.  Examine your list and organize it into categories.

For tomorrow's exercise we will write about certainty using three different patterns of organization.

Friday's timed writing will be based on the relationship between doubt and certainty.

Here are the Flashcards for Vocabulary List 16.  The quiz is on Thursday.

Writing Exercise #3

Watch Malcolm Gladwell's TED Talk "Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce"

What connection do you see between Dan Gilbert's talk and Malcolm Gladwell's?  Are they opposite views on a similar subject or the same views just approached differently?

Happy Spring Break.

If you're interested in pursuing the subject of happiness a little further over spring break, you can watch a documentary about happiness called Happy.  It's available on Netflix instant streaming.  Here's a Preview.

You can also read about happiness.  Dan Gilbert's book, Stumbling on Happiness, is available at the Brownsville Public Library.  Some of Malcolm Gladwell's books, though not strictly about happiness, are also available for checkout.  Happy Reading.   :)

Of course, for those of you who actually read this blog, I will provide some extra credit options if you do read any of these selections or watch the documentary.  If you find a different book about happiness (there are a few others at the library or you can find some where books are sold--consider Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project),  feel free to read one of those.

Vocabulary Test Lists 13-15 Today!

If you missed today's test, it is your responsibility to make it up.

Writing Exercise #2

Watch Dan Gilbert's TED Talk, "The Surprising Science of Happiness."

Write a well-developed paragraph in which you either support or deny Gilbert's claim about happiness.  Be sure to include examples to support your position.

Writing Exercise #1 Part 2

Abraham Lincoln said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." In other words, our personal level of satisfaction is entirely within our control. Otherwise, why would the same experience disappoint one person but delight another? Happiness is not an accident but a choice.

Is happiness something over which people have no control, or can people choose to be happy? Plan an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Write one well-developed body paragraph.  Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

Don't forget about tomorrow's test.  Here's the link to the combined vocabulary Flashcards.

Vocabulary Quiz List 15 Today.

Writing Exercise #1 Part 1 Brainstorming

What makes you happy?

Write down as many things as possible.

TAKS ELA today!  Good luck :)