Notes #1 for Macbeth: You will need these!!!

tragedy--presents the downfall of a dignified character who is involved in historically or socially significant events. This fall is usually caused by a flaw in his character.

tragic hero--the main character, dignified who has a downfall based mainly on a poor character trait. He/she evokes both pity and fear in readers because the audience realizes the struggles faced by him are necessary parts of human life.

tragic flaw--whatever is wrong with his character that causes his destruction--usually leads to an error in judgment.

Questions for the "Witches, Superstition, and Ghosts"--Use the RACE strategy to answer questions 1-5 (25 points)

Please answer the questions using complete sentences and textual evidence whenever possible.
1. Why were people in this time period more likely to believe in magic to explain things than they are today?
2. Where did superstitions and beliefs stem from?
3. Give at least 2 examples of superstitions that were believed at this time.
4.What is "purgatory" and what purpose did it serve?
5. How did Shakespeare use the supernatural beliefs and superstitions of the time period in some of his plays?

Most Common Quiz Mistakes.....this was the easiest one....

1. Major errors in spelling and grammar (for 12th grade):

• Two qualities or characteristics the author want John Hopkins to see....
• Two qualities the author has are she is confident.

2. Incomplete/Inaccurate Answer (did not answer all parts of the question):

• Most people that did this skipped the section about why a college would want a person like this.
• Others analyzed literary elements and techniques in the writing. Nice, but not what it asked.

3. Incorrect/Incomplete RACE strategy:

• Most people that made this error skipped the explanation--they did not explain how their textual evidence supported their claim (their adjectives).
• In the future, I would recommend using your highlighters to make sure you are completing it correctly; this will only get much harder.

4. Talking during the quiz/Lack of effort or preparation:

• Some people had no notes or any idea what RACE was, nor did they take the time to look.
• Some of you read it once, proclaimed it was "too hard" and gave up. Wow, already.
• Others, for some reason or another, refused to listen to the request to be courteous---this immature behavior will not be tolerated in this room. You can't do your best work, and either can those around you. More importantly, it tells me as your teacher that you are really not concerned with my respectful request, and you do not care about your work or the rest of us. At this stage of my life, I would start being conscious of the image I project to others. End of lecture.

Here is a student sample that was done well: (color-coded for your benefit):

     Two characteristics that the author wants Johns Hopkins University to see about her is that she is determined and proud of her struggles because they have made her who she is today. The author states that it took her, "Nine years of voice therapy, nine years of learning how to project and nurture my one working vocal cord" because of being born prematurely. This would show a college that she is not willing to give up no matter what. This would help her in college because they would want someone who was determined to succeed despite the odds against them. 
      Even though she had issues, she is proud of who she has become because of them. In paragraph 7 she states, "Where we come from and how we got here makes us who we are in this moment. That’s the purpose of our story; that’s what I want others to know." This shows the readers that Jacqui is not ashamed of her problems, but instead has used them to become a stronger person. Johns Hopkins would want someone like this because everyone will most likely have a problem in life. This would tell them that when she does have a problem, it won't stop her from being successful in her classes and graduating from college. She wouldn't be ashamed to ask for help and work through it.

Ok, let's get started....

Accuplacer Part I---Writing Sample--- 50 point essay grade for completion

WritePlacer Sample Topic: Type your essay in Microsoft Word, save in your user space and place it in my Drop Box clearly labeled.Directions: Prepare a multiple-paragraph writing sample of about
300–600 words on the topic below. You should use the
time available to plan, write, review and edit what you
have written. Read the assignment carefully before you
begin to write.

Some schools require each student to participate in an
organized school sport chosen by the student. People at
these schools argue that athletics is an important part
of the educational experience and that there should be a
rule requiring participation. Others argue that students
should be free to decide whether or not they wish to
participate in organized school sports. Write an essay
for a classroom instructor in which you take a position
on whether participation in organized school athletics
should be required. Be sure to defend your position
with logical arguments and appropriate examples. Your
essay must be 300–600 words in length.

from:
http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/accuplacer-sample-questions-for-students.pdf

New Beginnings, Practice, etc. for Class of 2015 Seniors

10 things we will do today (next 2 days) in class among other things:
1. Look at the class blog page as well as exploring various sections/links on it. Bookmarking the blog.
2. Read over the course syllabus.
3. Look at/practice using the class drop-box.
4. Look at/practice using the online quiz link.
5. Open a Google Docs/Drive acct. if you don't have one.
6. Review basic Microsoft Word procedures and functions (copy/paste/saving to userspace, etc.).
7. Briefly discuss how to use the blog to type rather than hand-write assignments done in class.
8. Learn how to leave a comment on the blog.
9. Learn how to send me an email.
10. Learn where to look in the room for homework, what to do, pg #, put binders, find textbooks, etc.
11. Make yourself a diploma. Seriously.

Last day of school Class of 2014...

The last day of school is always bittersweet for me. I'm so very happy that all of you will be moving on to bigger and better things in the world--hopefully, you will remember your times in this class fondly, because I can honestly say I really enjoyed teaching each and every one of you this year (yes even you too Varin) and looked forward to seeing you each morning. I wish you all nothing but the best of everything in life and hope you accomplish all you really want to do. Nothing will ever be perfect for any of us, but if you work hard and keep at it, you will do great things. Please keep in touch--come and visit or shoot me an email--I love to hear what you are all up to! The class of 2014 will always hold a special place in my memory and heart---now get out of here already you know I don't like being serious for too long!!! See you on the big day!!

Work for the Week of June 9-June 16

For this week: All of our assignments will be completed on the computer. I don't know how long this will take us, but I would assume 5 classes/days. If we finish early, we will figure something else out. But for now, focus on doing these last assignments WELL...not just finishing them. There are also 3 extra credit assignments available for those who need/want them.

Castle Learning Assignments

***If you cannot get into Castle Learning, or you need me to reset your password, see me ASAP so I can help you.


You are almost there. The end is finally in sight. Let's just try to enjoy our last few days together rather than count the seconds until we can leave:)