Something New about the Brain

Find a fact about the brain that has been discovered in the past five years. Use terms taken from the reading to search. For example, search the term “neuroplasticity” at Google News. You can also search for individual author’s names mentioned in the article to find out more. 


If you wish to try making a clickable link in your comment, here's an easy guide.

Painting Pictures with Words: A Favourite Essay

Choose a favourite essay from the three and briefly explain what it is you like about the writing. Write about 100 words and include at least one direct quoted reference to the essay in your response (keep quote to 10 to 15 words or so)

Painting Pictures with Words: Writing Without Adjectives

Using our handout, "Adjectives to Describe a Character," choose one adjective to illustrate a person's character in a short piece of writing. Do not use that adjective in your writing or comment. In fact, you may not use ANY adjectives; instead, use dialogue, description of setting, description of actions.

Length: 50 to 75 words

Bring a copy to class next Wednesday. Happy Easter!

A Favourite Line, Idea, Image

Without naming the poet, choose a favourite line, idea or image from the list poems presented today. Write no more than 50 words (not including the excerpt chosen).

List Poems

Post your poem here as a comment before class next Wednesday.

Note that the original, "Possibilities," is 39 lines (but only 31 begin with "I prefer"). Your poem should be a minimum of 32 lines (remember that lines and sentences are not the same thing in a poem). 

It is possible for you to "bend" the lines a bit to suit your own poem/poetry. Thus, a line like the one with Dickens/Dostoevsky could become: "I prefer Lady Gaga to Michael Buble" or if you'd like to use alliteration you might say, "I prefer Metallica to Madonna." In this way, you still express a preference that characterizes the speaker (most often that will be you)

Also, please remember that some of the lines are parts of a sentence (two lines equal one sentence). This helps to break up the pattern a bit. Be aware of this and do the same, although you may choose to do it in slightly different spots.

Here is a copy of our samples  if you'd like to write your list poem with a sample poem on the split screen view in Word.

A Favourite Stanza of Poetry

Choose a favourite stanza and share it here. Explain why you like it and point out any poetic devices like simile or metaphor or rhyme. Bring a copy to class on Friday.

If you have no personal favourites, try to find one at the links below. Remember to choose something that reflects good practice (as in our top ten list from today).

Weekly Poems at Slate.com

Canadian Poetry Online (list of poets by name with links to poems)

Poetry Daily (a new poem every day)

My Experience with Poetry

Write a 50-word paragraph that refers to your personal experiences with poetry. The experiences do not have to be at school, although they may be if you wish. Be specific please.

We will discuss your comments at the beginning of Wednesday's class. 


*Note: Please print a copy to bring to class that day.

Wag the Dog? Part Two

``Why does a dog wag its tail?'' Brean asks at one point. ``Because the dog is smarter than the tail. If the tail was smarter, it would wag the dog.'' In the Breanian universe, the tail is smarter, and we, dear readers, are invited to be the dogs."—Roger Ebert in his review of Wag the Dog.

Assignment One: complete at blog before class on April 6

Read Roger Ebert's review first. (also, be sure to do Part One, below)

Write about a favourite scene in the movie. Post your response here as a comment. (Maximum 250 words; minimum 150 words) Make a critical comment, modeling your answer on Ebert's writing. Be specific in your description and be clear on whether you think the scene was (or was not) effective. What were the filmmakers trying to say in the scene?

Please bring a printed copy of Assignment One to class.

Assignment Two: (to be printed and brought to class on Wednesday, April 6) DO NOT POST

Write about your experience with the media unit. What were your favourite activities? What was the most memorable video/film/program for you? What other activities would you have liked to try (use your imagination!)?