"Giving a Clock": Annotations

Annotate each page with at least two different kinds of annotation.  Present three of your annotations here, one from pages 1-3, one from 4-6 and one from 7-8. Use literary terms in each annotation (setting, characterization, conflict and so on). 

Avoid reading anyone else's annotations before posting your comment. This way, we will have a better variety of responses to help us to understand the story well.

Homework for "In Other Rooms, Other Wonders"

Write an answer that is based on information found on the page you have been assigned. Try, as best you can, to connect what happens on that page to events that occur either before or after in the story. Use at least one literary term (setting, conflict, plot, irony etc.) in your answer. Quote the story at least once, but no more than 20 words, maximum, for all quotes. Identify the page number, please, as a heading before your paragraph. See my model answer for more ideas on what to do.


Write between 150 and 200 words. Bring your word processed work to class on Wednesday.


Online copy of the story for quoting.

Taking a Close Look: Capturing an Image

I call this shot "Riley Park Coming Down." Over the years, I spent many hours in this Vancouver community centre— shepherding my children to preschool classes; watching proudly as they learned to swim in the Percy Norman Pool (still standing to the left of the picture); learning to do Pilates in the multi-purpose room.

It was small and friendly, with a strong community feeling. My wife served on the board for many years and told me many tales of the frustrations of responding to people, every one of whom just knew exactly what was needed to solve the many problems (like the pool leaking into the surrounding soil; once, the whole thing needed to be drained a second time to try to figure that out . . .)

I feel sad to lose a community space. Once the buildings are gone, the community needs to figure out what to do with this space. We are already talking about it, online, over our email lists.

One thing I admire in our city is that ALL the trees are being preserved. Watching the heavy machinery (and feeling the rumble as a huge wrecking ball bashes into the building) I marvel how the workers manage to avoid damaging the vegetation.

To see a larger version of the photo, click on it.

NOTE: When you send your photo to the email account on your worksheet, use this subject: Brad's Photo (fill in your own name). That way, it will be easy to choose yours from the list to view on screen!

Responding to Temple Grandin

What was, for you, the most powerful image you saw in the film, Temple Grandin? Why did you find it powerful? Answer in a short paragraph of about 100 to 125 words.

For the article, "Temple Grandin: The Non-Whisperer," answer the following:

Write about anything that stays on your mind after reading. Quote John Allemang once in your answer. Write about 100 to 125 words.

Bring your work, word processed, to class next Wednesday, please. See you then.

Describing a Person (Based on "A Little While" by Edwidge Danticat)

Using what you have learned about good writing today, write a short character description of a person you know (do not identify them by name; if you need to use a name, make one up). Write about 100 to 150 words. Use some dialogue. Feel free to use a structure used by Danticat as your guide. Bring your copy, word processed, to class on October 3.

NOTE: Download a copy of the Grade 11 class annotations in document form. We did this together and, I'm sorry to say, that would have worked better than the approach I used this morning. Always something new to learn!

Reaction to "Writing Good English" by William Zinsser

What is your personal reaction to what you learned about writing from your peers and from William Zinsser? Did anything surprise or puzzle you? Do you strongly agree or disagree with any suggestion? Explain why. Answer in paragraphs (but not an essay). Write no fewer than 150 words and no more than 200. Due in time for Wednesday's class. Bring a copy, word processed, please.

Here I Am

Post your "Here I Am" here as a comment. No need to double space online. Please have this done before you come to class next Wednesday. NOTE: When joining the blog, please provide your real name!

If you have trouble joining the blog, here is a document to help you. Also, if you need me, I will be checking my email this weekend for any problems you may have.

Something New; Something Memorable

Please post your comment here before next Friday's class. Remember to bring me a paper copy as usual for me to mark and comment. Thanks everyone for a great term (though long) and look for my comment below as well.