Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Character Activity for "Ghost World"

Do all work by Friday please. Write two short paragraphs (50 to 75 words), one on the protagonist and the other on your assigned character.

For the protagonist, Enid, explain one of her traits based on her dress, or a gesture or an action.

For your assigned character choose one of the topics below:

Write an interior monologue (what a character might be thinking) during a scene where the character is silent (speaks no dialogue for a period of time).

Give an example of any repeated actions or gestures made by the character and how these help to communicate a trait of character to the viewers.

Ghost World (scenes at YouTube)

LINK to the script for Ghost World (note that some scenes are slightly different and some are omitted. Search the script using the control + f key.

Friday, December 5, 2008

A Film with Impact

Please put your final copy of your writing here before our class on December 10. For film research, use the Internet Movie Database. Remember to quote any information taken from outside sources! I will post a sample for you by Saturday night.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Poem

Please post your poem here before Wednesday, November 26. Remember to stick to the guidelines - minimum 15 lines and 3 stanzas. Refer to the handout for more specific criteria.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Persuasive Essay Assignment

Copy your essay here as a comment and please finish before class begins next Wednesday. Remember this is a first draft; however, I expect a full, 750 word draft. Be sure to design your essay based on the two examples given to you in class: "You win some; you lose some" and "Addicted to Oil?"

Using Literary Elements to Compare Stories

Put your examples of three different literary elements that occur in both stories (as a comparison) as comments to this post. Each student in the group is responsible for a single example. Finish your work before Wednesday's class.

Remember to make your comparison based on, for example, how effective it is (you may decide that each story uses the element equally effectively but be sure to explain why you think that).

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Wallop Opponent in the U.S Presidential Election Campaign by Chances

In particularly, I saw Obama’s ad used the repetition technique to show the relationship’s images between George Bush and John McCain again and again, and said if we voted for McCain, he would be the same as George Bush, and he repeated the phrase “the same” many times. Collin Powell, ex secretary of the state who had a lot of experiences in White House saying he would be voting for Obama in order to convince people that Obama was the good future president. This is really a testimonial technique. Sarah Palin wanted to us to elect John McCain and her through plain folk way by bringing her whole family on the stage to show people that she was pure and the same as us, and understanded ordinary people’s lives. C-Span Politic (videos from Brad)

The Best Method

It seems that everybody in the world knows who is qualified to be the American next president, except almost 50% of American people. Therefore I understand why there are criticisms say they are not educated enough.

Looking at the campaign ads, the methods of persuasion are still the most common five which we have learnt in Communication 12 class: using of examples: Nadler-Obama Lacks Political Courage, Judgement on Nov 1st,2008, Freedom’s Defence Fund on Oct 31,2008 and family Research Council; referring to an authority: Progressive Future, Warner—Cuts; answering the opposition: Bitter on Nov 3rd,2008; predicting the consequence: Polaroid on Nov 3rd,2008 and Slippery Slope; Telling the Fact: Delighted Nov 2nd,2008.

However, even using the same methods to persuade, we still can find the different styles of their style of campaign. Obama is mainly focus on his politic strategies of how to lead American to a progressive future. His ads mainly target at tax cut, national defence, health care and children education. They are specific and positive. However, John McCain spends 80% of his ads to attract Obama, from his spiritual leader to his family background. It seems if Obama doesn’t make any mistakes in his campaign, John McCain would have nothing to tell. We don’t see his own politic ideas clearly except his choice of his vice president Sarah Palin and his malnourished speech. It twists the purpose of his campaign of leading America or just defeating Obama.

Generally speaking, all politic persuasions are very similar: first they would pull out the deep fear in human’s heart but assuming a lot of fictitious enemies, for example China or Iran or any Muslim country. When people believed in them, they would stand out and act as a hero to save the public, act as a role of saviour. Second, they would use the greedy part in all human’s heart: I can make you rich by cutting your tax (don’t forget that’s my own money) or I can save your cost by give you more benefits.

So, the most useful weapon to win a campaign is the understating of human’s hearts.


352 words

"A More Perfect Union": A Perfect Persuasive Speech

In this speech, “A More Perfect Union” , Obama attempts to clarify the reason of his church’s Pastor’s racial comments. As well, he explains how he’s bound to whites and blacks due to his family background. He starts by talking about the U.S.A. independence, the old slavery in U.S.A. and the equality stated in this nation's constitution. He uses four national flags as symbols. In addition, he tells the story of two of his campaign’s collaborators using the Plain Folks persuasive technique and repeats the words union and together using the Repetion and Group Dynamics techniques. However, his main used technique was The Race Card.

Example of Group Dynamics in Obama’s speech on race

It’s obvious; “race” is an issue in this US presidential campaign. If Obama win this election, then he turns a new page in American history for that being the first black American president. So, how does he deal with this issue? In this speech,”A More Perfect Union” he made on March 18, he appealed to a union of different races in this country. He used the “Group Dynamics” language trying to build a sense of solidarity.
Searching for this speech, please go to www.video.google.com, then search” Obama speech”, there are lots of speeches.

Election Dirty Tricks

The stakes in today's American election are incredibly high. Read the article to find out more about some of the ways people trying to influence the election result engage in dirty tricks. One example:


"Complaints have surfaced in predominantly African-American neighborhoods of Philadelphia where fliers have circulated, warning voters they could be arrested at the polls if they had unpaid parking tickets or if they had criminal convictions."

Monday, November 3, 2008

Example of Symbols, Testimonial and Straw Man in Presidential General Election Ads

I identify three persuasive techniques from one election ad, Republican Majority Coalition – Dear Mr. Obama, not on purpose, but just recognize them.

The major images of this film are an American flag and a respected veteran from Iraq war with a prosthetic leg. The flag symbols the loyalty to the country. It reminds that every American should have this quality. The demobilized soldier conveyed a message beyond his words. Because he was there, lost his limb, he must know the “real” situation. His personal support to John McCain is a very persuasive argument to people. He also set up Obama’s argument as Iraq war is a mistake and disputed that people’s sacrifice is not a mistake. In this way, this film persuades people by making a connection between the loyalty to the country and the Republican government, and manipulates people’s feeling to against Barack Obama.

Other examples:

Example of Group Dynamics in “A Chance to Change the Game” by Barack Obama

Example of Repetition and Strength in “The War You're Not Reading About” by John McCain
--Conveying a message that American people can trust the Republican government in Iraq issue from many "for the first time".

John McCain: Tax Man Aug, 15, 2008, from Presidential General Election Ads

"Celebrities, Yes" and "I'm [John McCain], and I approve this massage" are Symbols, the second one is used by Obama, too. "Obama's new taxes could break your family budget" is Maybe, and saying three times of "Obama's taxes" is Repetition. "Higher Taxes, Higher Gas prices, Economic Disaster" these words are Fear, and over all, this commercial is Scapegoating. The commercial is only focusing on Obama's higher taxes and doesn't tell any of McCain's tax plans. It is very simple and easy to understand, but personally, I would rather see positive commercials than negative ones.

The "Quiet" Blog

Some people are saying that Wednesday will be a day where saving the front page of your newspaper would be a good idea. It will be an historic day.


One of you questioned the assignment's focus on an American election. I argue that we will be profoundly affected no matter which way the election goes. As a Canadian, I need to remember that American policy affects me and that my country borders the USA. 

If you would rather (rather than look for persuasive techiques), make a comment on the upcoming election. Are you curious, interested? What do you think of the American way of campaigning? Will anything really change in America?

I await your responses as comments to this post. We'll have much to discuss on Tuesday, no doubt.



 

Sunday, November 2, 2008

hello, brad...

the title is called "The Country I Love," on Obama campaign... He uses "strength" by speaking bold, and straightforwardly about himself to be a perfect next president. Also, he speaks firmly about cutting taxes for working families and help the country's needs, including health care, and help the poor neighbourhoods.


NOTE: To add a link, click on the link icon to the right the "T" and to left of the "left justify" icon. I've added a link for Esther. Be sure to give a good title to your post. You can re-edit anytime, unlike for comments. Brad

Friday, October 31, 2008

Videos from the Presidential Campaign (Finding Persuasive Techniques)

You could spend your whole time watching videos at these two sites. It shouldn't be too hard to find examples of the persuasive techniques from your handout. In fact, most of the videos use more than one!

Presidential General Election Ads: Obama vs. McCain
Note that the list of videos has a scroll bar on the right side of the box for viewing even more. If you find a video you'd like to share, make a comment to this post and give the video title so we can view it also.

C-Span Politics
Includes the most up-to-date videos from the election. Includes links to longer videos as well. There are examples of Testimonial here if you look!

Monday, October 27, 2008

The Week Ahead; The Week Behind

Last week’s paragraphs were a mixed bag: some better than others. The major problems are not (in most cases) grammar or spelling related. They are, instead, related to communicating clearly your thoughts on a complex piece of work and on your overall comprehension. Some students got bogged down in the “correct” answers (no doubt influenced by my teaching and secondary sources). Others showed more original thinking. To do well, do your own thinking.

Some of you are giving a “signal” before quoting the text and then going on to explain the significance of your quote. If you are, congratulations! I expect a ratio of at least 2 to 1 of original content to quote. Thus, if you quote 20 words, your signal (introduction to) and explanation (after the quote is used) ought to be 40 words or so.

Overquoting makes it harder to pick out your thoughts from those of the writing to which you refer. I also encourage those of you who paraphrase well, especially for factual matters that are not important to quote. Beware the tendency to tell me what a quote says and then hitting me with a quote that says the exact same thing! I’m much more interested in why you’ve chosen it, actually.

 Another area students could improve on is reading the question carefully. When I asked about a character and then specified that you look at “two actions” and what each one shows, some of you responded only to the beginning of the question, thus avoiding the requirements! 

 

This week, we’ll be looking closely at our current story, using a specific way of reading a text: writing annotations. We will also be working in groups to compare our annotated versions.

 I’ll be giving out some resources for writing good comparison/contrast paragraphs as Friday’s class will be more challenging than usual: writing paragraphs that compare and contrast stories we've studied.

After the break on Friday, I will give you a media-based assignment and resources to help you complete it. Your work will be posted to the blog. Since the American election will occur between our Friday and Wednesday classes, the media will be abuzz with information that we can discuss on November 5. It should be interesting!

To see an easy-to-follow example, check in the comments section below. It's on a story you may not have read, but can be read by any reader (as should your work!). 

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Blogging Journal Questions for "A Spoiled Man"

Please answer one of the following questions for the story, "A Spoiled Man." Make your answer a comment to this post. Write between 150 and 200 words; provide your word count at the bottom of your paragraph(s). Please finish your work by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28.


1. Write about something you learned from the reading.


2. Write about something that surprised you, angered you, delighted you, or evoked any strong reaction as you were reading. Write about anything that stays on your mind after reading.


3. Write about the most effective things you notice in the writing.


4. What does the work mean and why do you think that?

Friday, October 17, 2008

Blogging Journal Questions for "A Jury of Her Peers"

Please answer one of the following questions for the story, "A Jury of Her Peers." Make your answer a comment to this post. Write between 150 and 200 words; provide your word count at the bottom of your paragraph(s). Please finish your work by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21.

1. Does this story confront or confirm your personal beliefs? Explain.

2. Write about an idea expressed in the writing (or in your group) which you either disagree or agree with.

3. Explore a social or ethical issue raised in the writing. Judge the behaviour of the characters or the views of the author. Are they right or wrong in your opinion?

4. In what ways does the writing reflect the time it was written?

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Marking the Biographies: A Teacher's Commentary


Marking your biographies was an interesting and humbling experience. The lives of the varied (diverse is the Ministry of Education term) students made me feel that I'd led a rather boring, provincial life here in Canada.

I appreciated all your work getting the facts and details straight and was struck by the empathy (yes Bray's word) shown to others in the writing. Some of you have a clear "voice" in writing already; others are working on it.

One problem was the number of "corrections" I needed to do. If you are one of the few students who wrote virtually error-free prose I thank you! I know that some errors are unavoidable due to your being unable to see them in the writing but do wish to see fewer in future assignments. I'd much rather spend my time framing a useful comment. The way I look at it is the more correcting I'm doing for you, the less time and energy I have to comment on the more interesting stylistic and organizational aspects of your writing.

A number of you did not present your work as requested (in 12 point font and double spaced) and made my life difficult trying to make corrections and fit in my comments. Next time I've decided to not mark anything that is not presented correctly. You've used your one free pass guys!

Please be aware of the meaning of the marking system I am using so that you can better judge your result. I used the rubric to guide me and often used it to provide a comment. Remember also that the letter grade, "A," should mean that a student exceeds expectations in all areas. Since English is a skill-based course rather than one that tests a certain content, it is more difficult to demonstrate excellence. 

Build on this experience and use it to get better. My final judgements on your overall performance are not made until January of next year. You have plenty of time to improve!




Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Rewritten Answers for "Caught in a teacher's web"

Please post your rewritten answers for any of the four questions provided to you in your October 3 in-class writing. Give your word count and stay under the maximum count allowed in the original topic. Post answers by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Plagiary Comments File Linked Here

My comments for everyone's writing in one file: Plagiary Comments

Remember to print your biography and bring to class next Wednesday. Thanks!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Link to Sir Ted Robinson's Talk on Education

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

From this link, you get a streaming video. If you have Quicktime, you can download a higher resolution talk from the same page.

Enjoy!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Writing the Biography: Your Comments Invited

This was my first attempt at teaching the writing of a biography. My intent was to provide students with a clear motivation for doing their best, in interview, in getting the details right, and in completing a final draft that each student is proud to submit.


What did you like? And, more importantly, what would you change and why? Your comments are invited and, especially, your concrete suggestions for things like pacing (how long to allocate to a lesson), order (what to do first, second, third) and any other suggestion you may have.


Please Complete Profiles

Hi Everyone: A few profiles are either missing or incomplete. Please make an effort to finish them this week. Include some interests and answer a random question, too. I've updated my photo if you're interested and changed my question.

Opinions on Plagiary (Using Quotes and Paraphrase)

Using the original article from the New York Times and one other source on this issue, give your opinions about Internet plagiarism.

You might like to address the question of whether students who plagiarize should be punished, whether students who plagiarize are aware of what they are doing or any other important idea. Reference the articles using quotation and paraphrase to respect your sources!

Write about 200 to 300 words in paragraphs. It is not necessary to write in full essay form. Complete your writing by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday so that others may read your opinions before next week's class.


Friday, September 19, 2008

Andrea, Khalil, Grace, Josephine and Lien

Place your biography here as a comment by Sunday midnight please.

Read the other biographies and comment before Wednesday's class. Thanks!

Phoebe, Esther,Francis, Spencer and Teresa

Place your biography here as a comment by Sunday midnight please.

Read the other biographies and comment before Wednesday's class. Thanks!

Masaru, Genel, Sean and Ken

Place your biography here as a comment by Sunday midnight please.

Read the other biographies and comment before Wednesday's class. Thanks!

Beatrice and Ayako and Liza Biographies and Comments

Place your biography here as a comment by Sunday midnight please.

Read the other biographies and comment before Wednesday's class. Thanks!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Welcome to English 12 Students

This is your blog. Students at the PALC have been blogging since January, 2006. The blog is a place where students share thoughts and ideas with each other and with the teacher. It offers an opportunity to write more often and have your writing and ideas read by your classmates and teacher.

Your first assignment will be to post a copy of your second draft of a short biography for comment and suggestions from fellow group members. Each group will have its own post for biographies from other group members.

To get a feeling for blogging, read through some of the posts from previous classes!

Monday, June 2, 2008

English 12: Literacy of High School Graduates

Post your completed personal reaction essay here by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

List Poems

Put your list poems here before class meets on Friday. Write a minimum of 30 lines (two fewer than the teacher and student samples)

Friday, May 16, 2008

Poetry Recital

On Friday, May 23rd, you will be presenting a poem to the class. Please choose your poem from one of the following websites:

Source 1 (each poem has an audio file with the poet reading his or her poem.)

Source 2 (Canadian poets. Choose by name. Each poet has several poems online.)

Source 3 (Poetry Daily so a new poem daily and a massive archive.)

Your homework for the week:

1) Practice reciting your poem (remember our discussion on what makes an effective recital)
2) Practice some more
3) Practice a bit more

Friday, May 9, 2008

Poem

Post your poem here by 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. You will read your poem aloud in next Wednesday's class. Be prepared to speak about your experience writing the poem as well.

Here are a couple of websites that you may find interesting:

Instant Poetry Forms

Magnetic Poetry

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Published Pieces for Bonus 2%

The Writing 12 class has spoken! Here are the pieces they've selected for publication in The Pearson Buzz. Each piece will be introduced by a Writing 12 student on its publication.

NEW: Andrew's piece Pyramid of Society has been published.
Catalina: Halloween Every Day
Lola: A Big Thorn in the Butt
Victoria: Friendly Canada

NOTE: Pieces will be edited and corrected by Brad before publication. Expect to see your pieces near the end of May.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The "Stubborn" Husband

Post your brief "showing" example here. Rules: no more than 75 words. One exchange of dialogue. The other character is the man's wife. Not allowed to use the word "stubborn."

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Cultural Differences: Final Copy

Post here by 6:00 on Tuesday, April 29.

Writing 12 Students: Top Ten Tips

Rants: Final Copy

Post here by 6:00 on Tuesday, April 29.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Cultural Differences

Put your articles on a cultural difference here for the Writing 12 class to read (and for our class, too, of course). Have all work posted by Tuesday at 6:00.

NEW: Please pay attention to your word count! Maximum is 350 or so (but shorter is better).

Read examples from The Pearson Buzz.

A Rant

Put your rants here for the Writing 12 class to read (and for our class, too, of course). Have all work posted by Tuesday at 6:00.

NEW: Please pay attention to your word count! Maximum is 350 or so (but shorter is better).

Read examples at The Pearson Buzz.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Recommend or Not? "Ghost World"

In a paragraph of 150 to 200 words, explain why you would (or would not) recommend the film to a friend. Be specific about your reasons. Please complete your homework by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Be prepared to do in-class writing (test mark) for the film on Wednesday. The topic choices will vary and include writing an essay (if you choose).

NOTE: One of the comments contains plagiary (direct copying) from http://www.deep-focus.com/flicker/ghostwor.html. Please remove it and redo your entry.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Character Activities for "Ghost World"

Do all work by Tuesday at 6:00 please. Write two short paragraphs, one on the protagonists and the other on your assigned character.

For the protagonist, Enid, explain one of her traits based on a single scene (2-3 minutes of screen time). Give an example of an action or gesture that helps to communicate the trait. (150 word maximum)

For your assigned character choose one of the topics below (150 word maximum):

Comment on the way the character is introduced to us in the movie and how that introduction helps us get to know that character’s personality.

Write an interior monologue (what a character might be thinking) during a scene where the character is silent (speaks no dialogue for a period of time).

Give an example of any repeated actions or gestures made by the character and how these help to communicate a trait of character to the viewers.

LINK to the script for Ghost World

Friday, March 7, 2008

Blogging Journal for "The Doll's House"

Please put your Blogging Journal reponse here as a comment to this post by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Link to the story.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Blogging Journal for "The Heyday of the Blood"

Please put your Blogging Journal reponse here as a comment to this post. I provide a copy of the story in Word format for your use during our study. "The Heyday of the Blood" I've provided a sample response, using quotations. Follow my model in your answers this time to practice this important skill.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Final Drafts: Descriptive Essay Assignment

Post your final drafts here. Note that it is not a requirement, but I encourage you to share your writing with your classmates.

Here is a link to my fifth draft of "Hiking with John." I changed the title back as "A Chance Encounter" felt cliched.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Brad's Third Draft: "A Chance Encounter"

Here's a link to the file where my changes and comments are available to view. Save a copy to your own computer if you wish. File is in Word 2003 for XP. Make sure you select "reviewing pane" to see the comments.

"A Chance Encounter": Third draft of the essay (working title: "Hiking with John")

Friday, February 8, 2008

"Cat in the Rain" Blogging Journal

Please put your writing on one of the 15 topics from your Blogging Journal sheet. Remember that, once you use a topic, you may not write on it again! Homework is due by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Thanks Everyone!

NOTE: Please put your introduction paragraph as a "comment" to the post below!

I appreciated all your hard work and devotion to getting your account set up today. Not fun, but a necessary and important step.

I'm looking forward to all your paragraphs of introduction!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Introducing Ourselves

Post your paragraph for the assignment, "Introducing Ourselves at the Blog," as a comment. Remember that, if you make a mistake, you can delete your comment and try again. If you are having any trouble, write to Brad at his school email (on your "Course Outline").

Friday, January 11, 2008

Blogging Advice for the 2008 Spring Class

The students of the current class have left a welcome and comment to the new class beginning in February, 2008. Please read their comments by clicking on the comment link below this message.

Questions for Brad: Test Preparation

Post any questions or concerns here for the upcoming final tests. I will answer them promptly!