Labeling Shared Documents

When you turn in a digital assignment via shared Google Doc, regardless of what it is, you need to title your document like this:

LAST NAME HOUR ASSIGNMENT NAME 

So, if I was turning in an online assignment on Ch 7-9 in TEWWG*, my document would be:

Shier 2 TEWWG Ch 7-9 

This makes it easier for you to find it in your Drive and for me to grade it in the right spot.

*TEWWG = Their Eyes Were Watching God

TEWWG Chapters 7, 8, and 9 - Figurative Language Assignment

Chapters 7, 8, and 9 of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" have some fantastic examples of figurative language in them.  Before you read these chapters, and then as you read, complete the assignment below. Your answers can be turned in by email or by a shared Google Doc, but the completed assignment is due by MIDNIGHT on Monday, October 29.  

PART 1 - Before you read:

Look up definitions and examples of these types of figurative language.  Share your definitions and examples with me. Each definition and example is worth up to 10 points (total of 60 points).

• Metaphor
• Simile
• Personification
• Allusion
• Irony
• Alliteration

PART 2 - As you read:

Find examples of four of the six types of figurative language listed above in Chapters 7, 8, and 9.  Share your findings with me as a quote and a page number. Each quote and page number is worth up to 10 points (total of 40 points).  

The completed assignment is worth up to 100 points.  For extra credit points, share examples from the book of all six types.

You are welcome to share this as either two separate emails/Docs or as one email/Doc with both parts of the assignment.  Either way, the entire assignment is due by midnight on Monday, October 29.

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" - information and online assignment

We are starting our first novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," by Zora Neale Hurston on Monday, October 8.  

A couple of reminders before we read:

1 - We will be doing a lot of the reading for this particular novel in class.  Yes, that means you should have very little outside reading to do, but that also means that you are responsible for catching up on missed reading assignments if you happen to miss class for any reason.  You will sign out a book to use, and I have provided a link to an ebook you can read if you forget your book at school.  The assignment calendar will tell you what readings are due when.

2 - This book is written in a mix of dialect and formal English.  This can make reading a challenge.  To assist you on this, I have provided links to the audiobook we will be using in class.  See the set of links on the right side of the page for the recording, as well as a link to the ebook version.

This book is an excellent example of a work by an African American writer and is based in a real location and loosely based on actual events.  Before we read, you need to read these two short background essays and complete the assignment described below:

Reading: History of Eatonville, FL

Reading: Zora Neale Hurston biography

When you have finished the assigned reading, send me answers to these two questions, either via email or in a shared Google Doc:

1) Who were five of the twenty-nine men who signed the incorporation papers for Eatonville?  What is odd about the men who signed?

2) Who discovered Hurston's grave and published an essay about Hurston?  Where was that essay published, and in what year?

Each answer is worth up to 25 points.  Your answers are due to me no later than MIDNIGHT on Friday, October 12.

Personal Narratives 2018

We are starting the year with personal narratives.  If done correctly, you should be able to use or adapt your narrative as the essay for your college applications.

As we work on your narratives, and later as we work on application coaching, use the information in this folder to help you: Essays and Applications 18-19.

There are several useful links on the right side of this page that you may want to consult as you work on your essays and your applications.  I would also recommend taking a look at these articles as you brainstorm and write:
The Best and Worst Topics for a College Application Essay
How to Come Up with Great College Essay Ideas
5 College Application Essay Topics That Always Work
Stuck on the Essay? Try Writing a Letter to an Imaginary Roommate

Good luck!  Remember that your personal narrative is due on Monday, September 24th, and that you are required to show proof of at least one completed college application by Wednesday, October 31st.

Presentation Days Reminders

In-Class Presentations:
You will be presenting in class on your chosen day, which is either May 9, 10, 11, 14, or 17.  If you are not prepared to present on your day, you lose 10% off your grade.  

You can earn extra credit for being dressed up for your in-class presentation, but it is not required.

Presentation Fair Day, May 15 & 16:
You will be presenting in the library for the Presentation Fair days on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 15 and 16.  You will have a station with your presentation board and a Chromebook with your slideshow.  This event is open to anyone who wants to come, so be prepared to speak to high school and middle school students, administrators, School Board members, and parents.  

You must be dressed up for both days; this is part of your grade.

Scholarship list

If you are planning on going to college or trade school next year, you may want to take a look at this article.  There is a lot of scholarship money still available, here and out there in the world (or on the internet), and all you have to do is apply:

33 Scholarships to Apply to by the End of May

Editing advice from Grammarly

This article from the Grammarly blog might be helpful once you start editing your research essay.  I especially suggest #2, #3, and #8 as being very good ideas:

10 Perfect Pieces of Advice on How to Edit Your Writing