English 9

Students are continuing to read the novel Unwind. For this unit, students will be asked to create a notebook/scrapbook with vocabulary, themes, discussion topic notes, and any other relevant information. You decide how to represent your work. There will be three levels of marks available: Gold, silver, bronze.

While I am reading, keep thorough notes to help you with your final product. Project is due no later than June 8th.

 Gold (35-40 marks)

• three diagrams or images

• 15-20 vocabulary words and definitions

• clear and concise discussion notes

• two reflective written responses from class discussions (journals) 

• 5 facts (organ donors, harvesting organs, free will, teenage runaways, civil war, anything related to the novel either directly or indirectly)

• Title page (novel title with author)

• three or more activities from page 340

Silver (25-35 marks)

• two diagrams or images

• 10-15 vocabulary words and definitions

• clear and concise discussion notes

• one reflective written response from class discussions (journal) 

• 3 facts (organ donors, harvesting organs, free will, teenage runaways, civil war, anything related to the novel either directly or indirectly)

• Title page (novel title with author)

• two or more activities from page 340

 

Bronze (10-30 marks)

one diagram or images

5-10 vocabulary words and definitions

clear and concise discussion notes

one reflective written response from class discussions (journal)

1-2 facts (organ donors, harvesting organs, free will, teenage runaways, civil war, anything related to the novel either directly or indirectly)

title page (novel title with author)

one activity from page 340

 

Unwind discussion topics:

 

1. Do you have a place to escape to. Why do you go there? Who knows about it?

2. Have you ever run away from home? What happened? Was it worth it?

3. How do you handle pressure?

4. What is a soul?

5. What are your thoughts about death? Is there an afterlife? How do we know?

6. Is there someone you trust completely? Would you trust them with your life?

English 9

Today students will have a final day to wrap up some work. Check for missing assignments and use your time wisely.

Items of interest: Journals, current event, article (outline, rough copy, final copy), MND project assessment sheet, letter with Old English terms.

We will also be signing out the novel Unwind written by Neal Shusterman. Before reading, visit

Organdonar.gov and check out the site. Make note of recent statistics and other interesting information.

Write a one paragraph reaction to your findings. Use a topic sentence to start your response. (6 marks)

English 9

Good morning. Today students will explore what it is like to be a journalist. They are given the opportunity to work for Rolling Stone magazine. Students will be asked to do the following:

1. Review recent publications of RS magazine to identify elements of style, details and important information to include in their own writing.
2. Research a band or artist of their choice.
3. Learn how to write an effective lead.
4. Drafting and editing. Write and edit their copy before submitting.

Effective leads (class notes):

• The lead is the beginning of the piece.

• If the lead is not interesting, it is unlikely that the rest of the piece will be interesting. Every lead must hook the reader. A good lead captures the reader's interest, introduces the subject, and carries the reader into the following material.

• Leads can be a few sentences, while others may run several paragraphs.

• Students should write three or four leads before deciding upon their best.

Whatever type of lead you choose for a piece, it must:

 

• Capture the reader's interest

• Introduce your subject

• Move smoothly into the body of your piece

Here are some ways to write leads for non fiction:

• State a problem

• Use an interesting quotation

• Ask the reader a direct question

• Offer an interesting or unusual fact

• Offer an alarming or surprising statistic

• Relate a compelling anecdote, or a joke

 

What...more notes! No, But you need to read this before you begin your assignment.


Just a review before you write. In writing, good organization results in a smooth flow of main ideas and details that carry the reader along. Nonfiction writing is usually organized in a chronological or logical manner. Whatever way you use to organize your information, your ideas must be supported with facts, examples or statistics.

Your turn:

Write a 300-500 word article on an artist of your choice.

1. Choose your artist.

2. Research and gather facts, information, statistics, quotes, etc.

3. Organize your information.

4. Create an outline (5 marks)

5. Write a rough draft (5 marks)

6. Write 4-5 leads.

7. Choose you best lead.

8. Have somebody peer review your work for spelling, grammar, clarity, flow, etc.

9. Revise and write your final draft (12 marks).

10. Hand in all rough work and a final copy.

English 9

Today students will be completing projects and watching scenes performed by their peers. Please be sure to complete missing work before we begin our new unit.

English 9

Today students will complete watching A Midsummer Night's Dream with Calista FlockHart, Michelle Pfeiffer and Kevin Kline.

We will also begin working on a variety of student projects. Please check in with your teacher to discuss your project idea, timeline and necessary materials.