Wednesday, January 7, 2015

ASSIGNMENT # 6 College Application - parallel structure.

 
Your task is to write the ultimate college application letter. Exaggerate your accomplishments and add humor by contrasting some of your extraordinary feats with examples of very ordinary ones. Your goal is to work on three aspects of writing: 
 
1. You must include at least four examples of parallel structure. HIGHLIGHT or UNDERLINE your four examples of parallel structure.
2. You must include at least two very short sentences - three words or fewer.
3. You must include sentence variety - make sure you do not begin too many sentences with "I".
 
This student example is good but has a few too many sentences beginning with "I".
 
            I am the one who wrote the dictionary. I am the mastermind behind Newton’s laws of motion. I am the real Slim Shady. On Mondays, I perform lifesaving surgeries. On Wednesdays, I write award winning novels. On Fridays, I build houses for children in Africa. And on Saturdays, I do my homework.

My parents did not raise me, I raised my parents. My teachers did not educate me, I educated my teachers. And I do not fear the Reaper, the Reaper fears me. When there is something strange in the neighborhood, I am the one the Ghostbusters call. Beyoncé comes to me for vocal lessons. I showed Miley Cyrus how to twerk. I taught Cali Swag District how to dougie.

Teachers adore me. My peers worship me. If I punched someone in the face, they would thank me. I have won a cook off against Gordon Ramsay. I have won a 400-meter race against Usain Bolt. I have won a game of scrabble against my mom.

I know the alphabet in twenty languages. I can recite the Bible from cover to cover. I have memorized every song by Taylor Swift. I know Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny. Russell Peters laughs at me. Bruce Lee begs me for mercy. I have won eight Olympic gold medals.

I have set foot on all seven continents and swam the seven seas. I have climbed to the top of Mount Everest. Twice. And I have solved a rubric cube in less than ten seconds. But I have not yet gone to college.

Monday, January 5, 2015

ASSIGNMENT # 5 Writing with Detail

 

An effective way to bring the reader into your experience is to use specific detail. Don't rely on our dominant sense - sight. Include detail that describes smells, sounds, tastes, and physical feelings, (not just emotional feelings.)

This is an IMPORTANT exam! You are not at all prepared. What is it like to walk into that room?Bring the reader into that experience in a prargraph of at least 200 words.

A simile and metaphor here and there can be effective - don't over do it.

Focus on your diction.

Include at least one very short sentence for variety.

Make sure your title is interesting.


Friday, November 21, 2014

ASSIGNMENT # 4 Spoken Word Poetry

Your task is to watch and listen to a number of spoken word poets. Pick three that you like and write a short paragraph about each. Consider Shayne Koyczan, Taylor Mali, Beau Sia, Def Poetry. you can also just search spoken word poetry or slam poetry.

 Include the following:

* Poet and title
* Include at least one (quote) direct reference integrated smoothly into your sentence.
* Summarize what the poem is describing.
* Comment on one aspect of the poem that stands out. It could be the poets use of mood, similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration... use your terminology sheet.
* Discuss the theme.
* What is it you like about the poem?

See the example below.



Instructions for a Bad Day

Shane Koyczan in his poem "Instructions for a Bad Day" reveals a theme of optimism and persistence. Bad days are inevitable. Even when a person feels as if they're trapped in the dark, "the sun and the moon are still there and there is always light". The poem speaks of better tomorrows and although "every nightmare has a beginning, every bad day has an end". He speaks of pain and suffering and how those feelings are valid but will not last. Shane has an understanding of humanity that stands out particularly in this poem. He has been through rough times, as has everyone, but the way he describes them is what makes this poem truly outstanding. The mood is happy and optimistic and the cheerful feel of this poem is what I like best. If all people took advice from Shane and his poetry, the world would likely be a much happier place.

Monday, November 3, 2014

ASSIGNMENT # 3 Writing Dialogue

ASSIGNMENT # 3 Writing Dialogue
In this blog assignment you will practice writing dialogue, conversation. It's important to be aware of a few basic rules. Whenever you have a new speaker, make sure you indent 5 spaces. There are 4 ways to introduce dialogue.

1.  Mr. Van Camp exclaimed, "Writing dialogue is fun!"

2. "Writing dialogue is fun," stated Mr. Van Camp

3. "Writing dialogue," remarked Mr. Van Camp, "is fun."

4. "Writing dialogue is fun."


Note that sometimes, as in example 4, you do not need to indicate who said something because you have shown that it is the other speaker by indenting.


Finish the conversation below. The dialogue should be interactive rather than just a long story on your part. Use each of the above methods at least twice. Take note that I have NOT used the word "said" in my example. I want you to choose words that more precisely convey the manner in which each character is speaking. Make certain that your punctuation is precise.
 

Homework Blues


       As I shuffled into the classroom, I knew that Mr. Van Camp would never believe me. I looked at my scuffed shoes and mumbled, " My homework is not done, Sir. I do have a good excuse though."

       " This is not the first time your homework has not been completed. Perhaps," Mr. Van Camp suggested, "it's time to speak with your parents."

       "Please, you have no idea what will happen to me if you phone my home," I moaned. It looked as if he was going to fall for my story.

      "Well, let's hear your excuse. It better be good."

Friday, October 17, 2014

BLOG ASSIGNMENT #2 "Bluffing"

The short story "Bluffing" describes a grizzly attack in Jasper National Park. One of the main characters, Liam, claims that he ran away from the bear so that it would follow him and therefore he would save the life of his girlfriend, Gabriella.

 Is he telling the truth? This requires a close reading of the story and the ability to support your contention with specific examples.

Write a paragraph that supports your opinion of Liam's statement. Is he a coward or a hero? Your paragraph should include the following:

*Write in third person.
*Use present tense.
*Consider a dynamic introduction - question, quote, statement.
*Mention the title and author in your brief plot summary.
*Make sure you have a clear topic sentence. (Is he truthful or not?)
*Provide three reasons to support your opinion, include a direct reference (quote) for each.
*Finish with some punch - make sure your conclusion is creative.

*Double space.

*Hit the orange "Publish" tab when you are finished.

*Print a copy and submit it at the end of the period.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Let's get writing! BLOG ASSIGNMENT # 1

Let's get writing. Most of you are capable of much more than you showed on your first assignment. This is an easy assignment if you only want a mediocre mark. This is challenging if you want a 5 or a 6. You can do it!


Write a paragraph that describes the character shown below.
 
*Give your article an interesting title
*Include a dynamic introduction that lets the reader know what you will be describing.
*Use a logical order – top to bottom or vice versa.
*Include at least one simile and one metaphor.
*Vary your sentence beginnings and your sentence length.
*You may imagine and include details not shown in the picture such as her surroundings.
*Pay attention to your diction – choose interesting words.
*Make sure you have at least 150 words.
* Proofread carefully for mechanical errors.

 
PRINT A DOUBLE SPACED SIZE 12 FONT HARD COPY AND HAND IN AT THE END OF THE PERIOD.
 

Friday, January 29, 2010

Gr 11 ASSIGNMENT 1 User Profile




ASSIGNMENT # 1       Blogger User Profile

Your objective this period is to set up your blog. After you have linked to my blog and I have linked to yours, write your user profile.

What is your background? What are your interests or accomplishments Which are your favorite films, books, television programs? What are your future plans? What are your values? Who are your heroes?
Your profile must be at least 150 words. Include at least one simile (a comparison using like or as) and at least one metaphor (a direct comparison). Write this in third person as if you are writing about someone else. Consider this an entertaining magazine article, not a job application form!

Be brave, be bold, be brilliant, but don't be bashful or boring.

After you have completed your profile you can add pictures or videos to your blog. Check out some of the past students' examples!
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