Thursday, January 26, 2012

Grading Rubric for "Compare/Contrast Writing Test"

Introduction (10 pts)
Level One / 0 pts: - Does not introduce main similarity/difference to be explained in upcoming
                                paragraphs
                              - Does not end with thesis

Level Two / 1-5 pts: - Introduces main similarity/difference but does it in a vague, broad manner
                                   - Has a thesis that is just a summary and not an analysis

Level Three / 6-10 pts - Introduces main similarity/difference in a clear manner
                                      - Has a thesis that is an analysis

Compare/Contrast Paragraphs (40 pts)
Level One / 0 pts: - Does not point out a main comparison or main difference in each paragraph

Level Two / 1-20 pts: - The main comparison and main difference pointed out are not significant but at
                                      least established.

Level Three / 21-40 pts: - The main comparison and main difference are essential, significant points to
                                         the analysis of the essay

Analysis Paragraph (30 pts)
Level One / 0 pts: - There is no analysis provided

Level Two / 1-20 pts: - The analysis provided is too obvious or too much of a summary.

Level Three / 21-30 pts: - The analysis provides a deep insight into the prompt. Based off of the
                                         comparison/contrast paragraphs

Conclusion Paragraph (10 pts)
Level One / 0 pts: - There is no conclusion provided

Level Two / 1-5 pts: - Conclusion just summarizes the writing above. Does not provide a lasting
                                   statement or explain significance of essay.

Level Three / 6-10 pts - Conclusion provides a lasting statement and explains the significance of paper.
                     
Formal Tone (10 pts)
Level One / 0 pts: - Too many grammatical mistakes/ unreadable. Too conversational.

Level Two / 1-5 pts: - A large amount of grammatical mistakes but still readable. Some uses of informal
                                    phrases and words.

Level Three / 5-10 pts: - Little to no mistakes. Tone is professional.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Suggested Topics

Here are some topics/components you could write your thesis on.

1. Dehumanization of Jews / Symbols
2. The Three Prophets / Symbols
3. Messages of Hope / Symbols
4. Loss of Faith / Theme
5. Perseverance and Survival Under Trial / Theme
6. Loss of Innocence / Theme

Each of these topics/components can be taken in any number of different ways. Of course, the majority of the work is the second part of your homework: coming up with your opinion/analysis of the literary component. Be creative, specific, and thorough! Try not to summarize!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Summarizing, Moralizing, Analyzing

Time to practice! ANALYZE THIS POEM! Leave a comment of 5-7 sentences that ANALYZES the poem. Afterwards, read your classmate's comments and reply to the ones that summarizes/moralizes instead of analyzing.



"On Wiesel’s Night"

I cannot teach this book.  Instead,
I drop copies on their desks,
like bombs on sleeping towns,
and let them read.  So do I, again.
The stench rises from the page
and chokes my throat.
The ghosts of burning babies
haunt my eyes.
And that bouncing baton,
that pointer of Death,
stabs me in the heart
as it sends his mother
to the blackening sky.
Nothing is destroyed
the laws of science say,
only changed.
The millions transformed into
precious smoke ride the wind
to fill our lungs and hearts
with their cries.

No, I cannot teach this book.
I simply want the words
to burn their comfortable souls
and leave them scarred for life.

            by Thomas E. Thorton
           

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Power of Words: Figurative Language

How much power do you think your words hold? After commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. yesterday, we will focus today on an aspect of his life in which he excelled: giving powerful, life-changing speeches.

The greatest speakers throughout history have used a combination of vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, and - for today's lesson - figurative language to move their listeners to action. We've already seen powerful examples of figurative language in our book, and we'll look at some real-examples today.

TODAY'S LESSON

1. Your first task is to refresh in your mind the major types of figurative language. Do that by going to the link below:

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

2. Second, in your books, read Eli Wiesel's Nobel Prize acceptance speech. Note the figurative language he uses in his speech. Leave comments that give an example of figurative language he used and explains them. (I have left an example)

WIESEL'S SPEECH

3. Look for the following types of figurative language.
    1. Metaphor
    2. Simile
    3. Imagery
    4. Symbolism
    5. Personification
    6. Hyperbole
    7. Imagery

Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Death of the Soul

de·hu·man·ize - to deprive of human qualities or attributes; divest of individuality

What is that makes us human? Makes us different than an animal? In other words, what qualities separates us and makes us more unique than any other creature on earth? 

 

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Quick Example

INFORMAL

I think that Elie Wiesel's book is super good and interesting so far. I like how real everything is. It's like you are there and everything. The way the Germans are so mean is crazy. I just can't believe anyone can be mean like that.

FORMAL

Elie Wiesel's book contains fascinating insight into the life of a persecuted Jew. The realism in his account is haunting and - at times - truly troubling to read. Simply imagining the torture experienced by such a young teenager can be overwhelming. The cruelty of some of the Germans in the book makes one question the existence of any good in the universe.

Informal vs Formal Writing

We're not focusing on WHAT you say at the moment; rather, we're concentrating today on HOW you say it. Despite the strength or weakness of your opinion, you can still relate it in a INTELLIGENT, FORMAL manner. Do not be so lazy or casual in your tone. If you don't continually practice your formal writing every opportunity we have in class, then how can you ever improve?

Read the information on the link below and leave a comment (with your name) that compares and contrast the difference between FORMAL and INFORMAL writing. (Hint: TRY TO USE A FORMAL TONE)

INFORMAL VS FORMAL

Consider these questions in your comment:

1. What makes a piece of writing formal or informal?
2. What are some obvious "no-no's" of informal writing that we can avoid?
3. How can we turn informal writing into formal writing?

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tommy, Savanna, Arthur

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Zandy, Ben J, Brendan, Connor

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Justin, Ariana, Emily, Courtney

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Deneshia, Gabrielle, Crystal

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Tyler, Shyam, Kenneth

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Stephanie, Ryan, Heidi

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Natalie, Zach, Hunter

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Nikki, Quatey

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

David, Kyle, Ben D.

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Jessica, Ruby, Rachel

Activator/Closing Activity: 20 pts

Keynote Presentation: 20 pts

Lesson Handout: 20 pts

Overall Organization/Presentation: 40 pts

Friday, January 6, 2012

Grading Rubric for "Jewish Resistance Lesson"

Here is how your group will be graded on your lesson.

Activator/Closing Activity (20 pts):
1. Your Activator will be graded on how well it focuses the class' attention on your section. Does it prepare them for what you are about to teach? Or is it off topic?

2. Your Closing Activity will be graded on how it finalizes your lesson in the class' mind. Does it make them remember what you taught? Leave a lasting impression?

Keynote Presentation (20 pts):
1. Your Keynote Presentation will be graded on how well it emphasizes/supports your information. Does it utilize pictures/main info efficiently? Or are there too many words/non-important information in it?

Lesson Handout (20 pts):
1. Your Lesson Handout will be graded on how well it summarizes the main points of your lesson. Does it contain important information? Is it visually appealing? Or is it a sheet of paper with long, unedited paragraphs?

Overall Organization/Presentation (40 pts):
1. The bulk of your grade will be on your overall Organization and Presentation. Are you well prepared in your lesson or are you fumbling over your words the entire time? Are you being serious about your lesson or goofing off? Be professional!

Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust

Is it better to endure pain and suffering with the hope of survival or die fighting a losing battle? Your group will be assigned one of the following sections to read:



1. Resistance in the Ghettos

2. Resistance in the Nazi Camps

3. Selected Partisan Activities in Europe

4. Spiritual Resistance in the Ghettos and Camps

5. Resistance in Nazi Germany



After reading the "Introduction" and "Obstacles to Resistance," focus on your particular section in the pamphlet. In your group, plan a lesson for the class for the chapter you read. This will include creating a class activity, lesson handout, power point, and closing activity. This will be our first major grade for the semester. Below is the link to the only source you will need to use:

Pamphlet on Jewish Resistance

Some questions (but not all) to consider in your lesson are:

Who were they?
What was their motivation/purpose/cause?
What did they do?
What price did they pay?
Did they make a difference?

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Jewish Holy Text

After reading and exploring some of the most important Jewish holy texts, think about and answer the following question:

Keeping in mind the cultural and religious traditions that a Jew must abide by his entire life, what do you now think it means to be a Jew?

Answer in 7-10 sentences.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

What does it mean to be an American?



Leave a comment (with your name) of 5-7 sentences that

explains what it means to be an American. Don't think of

ethnicity/color - focus on nationality, someone born and

raised in America despite the complexion of skin. Don't just

focus on the American Dream; rather, explain the values, 

beliefs, ideas, and traditions that are truly American.