Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable

Write your response as a comment before coming to class. Bring a word processed (and double spaced) copy to class that day.

Write a minimum of 100 words (and no more than 150) per topic. Provide a heading to each one in order to separate your text. One paragraph per topic seems to work best. Using a variety of sentences and punctuation will increase your score.

Remember that your words will be read by next term’s class, so try to provide useful and accurate information for them to better understand our studies this term. I will post a comment here during the vacation but do not expect you to do your work before the first week of January.

Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

Writing a List Poem

Beginning with "Life is the only way", write your own list poem using "A Note" as a model. Your poem must use the same number of words and structure as Szymborska's. 


Post a copy of your poem to the blog before coming to Wednesday's class. 


Be prepared to do a recital of your poem (please practice ahead of time!) and give some short remarks on the process you followed and any difficulties you experienced.

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.


Brad's Comment on What is Going On? and Nineteen Eighty-Four

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

What is Going On? Let's Take a Look at Recent Events

The world faces unprecedented turmoil, and the English curriculum calls for me to help create "informed citizens." Recently, many "occupy" camps in Canada have been dismantled, the authorities calling them a health hazard and citizens "losing patience," happy to see the dirty kids gone, often saying that they should "get a job!" (note that our official unemployment rate is 7.3% and higher for youth).

Earlier, the media was largely sympathetic. Vancouver mayor, Gregor Robertson, first said protesters could "stay as long as they like." Given that the movement is largely a reaction to the concentration of wealth in a few (the 1%; to be a member in B.C. requires earning more than 250 000 dollars annually), it is interesting to note how the message has changed (note the "framing" that George Lakoff warns about) from sympathy to scorn.

Since the movement started in New York City (Occupy Wall Street or OWS as it is commonly called), and the failure of banks in the U.S. and the bail out that followed took place in New York, we'll take a look at recent events in the United States. As Canadians, most of us know that our affairs are intertwined with those of Americans, and that is why I ask you to look there for insight.

The biggest story about OWS this week starts at a protest at the University of California (Davis) campus. Students were protecting a few tents of an occupy on the campus and also protesting baton attacks on students and faculty (including the former poet laureate of the United States) that had occurred the previous day. Go through each link, in turn, to inform yourself of the nature of these events.

Pepper Spraying of Students (8 minutes; watch to the end to see the whole picture)

The Moral Power of an Image (comment from Atlantic Monthly, a respected U.S. magazine, helps you to understand what you have seen)

The Chancellor of University of California (Davis) walking to her car after a news conference and being silently shamed by the students. *Note that she had said, earlier, that she felt threatened by the crowd.

Assistant Professor of English, Nathan Brown's call for the Chancellor's Resignation. Pay attention to the written description of police actions that begin with the second "What Happened Next?"

Lastly, take a moment to view the website, "We are the 99 Percent," where you can see the stories of people hurt by the current economic conditions in the United States.

ASSIGNMENT: Write a reaction to what you have seen and read here at the blog and post it here as a comment. Write in paragraphs and keep your comments to no more than 250 words at most. Bring your writing to class, word processed and double spaced next Wednesday.

 If you want to argue "it can't happen here," please do inform yourself about the largest mass arrests in Canadian history during the summer 2010 G20 meetings in Toronto (over 1118 arrested; 800 released without charges). Police there, as in California, hid their badge numbers from the public.

A Funny Thing Happened: Travel Anecdote

Travel often leads us into funny or humorous situations. Write about a time something funny happened to you while travelling. Keep it very short (no more than 200 words) and use story telling style: have people speaking in dialogue, for example. Brad intends to write a fresh anecdote about his trip to Italy. Make sure your anecdote is submitted before class on Wednesday, November 16 and be sure to bring a copy with you, word processed, to class that day.

Three Things I've Learned

Based on “Guide to Literary Terms” and “Academic Writing: A Guide,” identify and explain three things you have learned during this exercise. Be specific. Give an example in separate paragraphs of no more than 50 words. Include a short quotation in each paragraph (and make sure to get the details right based on your handouts!). Bring a word processed copy to class on Wednesday, November 9.

"Writing Good English": A Reaction

What is your personal reaction to what you learned about writing from your peers and from Willam 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 100 words and no more than 200. Due in time for Wednesday's class. Bring a copy, word processed, please.

Taking a Close Look: Sharing an Image

My favourite couple, these two live on the top of Little Mountain (Queen Elizabeth Park or "QE" as it is known in the neighbourhood). The shot was taken around 7 p.m. in the evening (in September, not October, however). I got close because I've learned to do that through teaching a bit about composition and taking a few photography courses in college. I walk to the top of the mountain (it's only a few minutes from my home) and pass the bronze statues often. They never fail to amuse me, dressed as they are in the style of my own youth. It's kind of like an easily accessible time capsule of my peers' bad fashion choices. An interesting aside is that the other lady (not seen in this photo) was stolen a few years back and the public outcry was immediate and vocal. The thief did the right thing and abandoned the statue in a field out the valley. She's back now, amusing the tourists and locals no matter the time of day or night.

Click on the picture for a full sized view. Remember to email your photo along to me before 6 p.m. next Tuesday night. No need to send along any paragraph or notes; you will be presenting your story in class that day. Have fun!

Comment on Temple Grandin Homework

My comments, including student work with suggested corrections, can be found in Word document form here. Please read it carefully.

First Reaction for the Story, "Ghosts"

Choose one of the topics below and write a response in paragraphs (not an essay). Write a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 200 words. Include at least one direct reference to the story through the use of a short quotation but do not quote more than 20 words total in your answer. Link to "Ghosts" full text at NewYorker.com

1.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.

2. 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?

3. Does this work confront or confirm your personal beliefs? Explain.

NOTE: Please bring a word processed copy of your comments to class on Wednesday, October 5.

Temple Grandin Assignment

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 "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.

Comment on Homework: “Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable”

Marks ranged from NM (or no mark, for those who need to redo) to a high of 8.5. All marks are out of 10 as is my custom. These marks count towards your writing marks, of course, but completing on time in correct form is also noted.

Of primary importance to me is the answer to the question, “Why?” In other words, your reason for choosing a student comment to discuss is as important as your choice of that comment. These reasons (they may be multiple) form the basis for a strong topic sentence. Most of you know that, but some still like to give me a wide introduction-like opening that, for the most part, gives me no new information (and, frankly, these are really boring to read!).

Thus, marks are gained for the effort you have taken to read carefully and comment on what was found at the blog. Weaker answers tended to be filled up with quotations that had no clear answer to say why exactly the student had chosen to include them. This is the classic “padding” or “hot air” approach to homework. Doing that will lower your mark every time.

Structural issues often lowered marks as well. Examples include: no topic sentence (or an unclear, overly general one); no clear concluding sentence; lack of effective transitions among ideas; boring or repetitive sentence structures. For now, I did not make any penalty for improper or sloppy inclusion of quotations. Later on, we will study this skill in more detail.

Some of you lost marks for not following directions (reread my “Expectations” on the course outline please). These marks are the ones that each student can easily preserve. For example, overwriting (by, in some cases, 2X the requirement) lead to a one mark deduction. I also deducted one mark for handwritten submissions. Word count omission cost students half a mark. About 30% of you did not provide full information as requested (name, id number, date), but I did not make a penalty this time. Next time I will.

Finally, some of you are clearly more intelligent and mature than others. I take that into account, expecting less of those who have had less than half the time as others to develop a mature outlook and judgement. That said, if you have lived a long time, I do expect a bit more from you. Your guidance and perspective can help the younger ones to excel. Younger students can bring fresh energy, an understanding of modern technologies and can also help open older students’ eyes to the fact that you face a world of increasing (and increasingly scary) complexity at the beginning of your life.

I’m quite excited to begin serious work with my English classes this term. To all of you: remember that a first assignment carries less weight than others later in the term. You still have plenty of time for improvement and much to learn!

NOTE: Your assignment for "Here I Am" is still here--look at the post below.

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.

Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable

Here is your chance to have a last word to your classmates and to next year's English 12 class. Make this submission your best writing of the year. Use new forms of punctuation, for example, that you have practiced this term such as parentheses. I look forward to hearing from you all.

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!)?

Wag the Dog? Part One

Script (by David Mamet) for the film, Wag the Dog. You may also wish to rent or borrow the film to watch it again. Here is a fantastic resource: full cast list for Wag the Dog, plot summary and, best of all, a glossary of vocabulary and idiom with examples.

Make notes on your reaction to the film. Did it seem ridiculous and exaggerated to you? Why do you think the film was made? Was it purely for entertainment or for some other reason?


Watch the following videos at YouTube. You can turn on closed captions if you need to.


Pentagon Blackout (Part 1)
Pentagon Blackout (Part 2)
Pentagon Blackout (Part 3)
Pentagon Blackout (Part 4)


Congress Testimony of Nayirah (before first Gulf War)


Take notes about your reactions to the information presented. Did you know any of this before now? How has this information changed (or not changed) your thinking?


I will post a further assignment before the second week of the holidays that requires a written response. For now, all I ask is that you view and consider the information presented.

NOTE: There is no need to provide a written response to Part One, but good quality notes are always beneficial to helping you keep track of information.

Report on Advertising During a Favourite Show

Watch a favourite TV show (including the commercials). Count the number of advertisements shown. What products or services are being sold? What messages are you being given by the ads? Do you or would you use any of these advertised products? Why or why not? Did you see any advertisement twice? Write about your experience in paragraph form. (150 to 200 words)

Here is a link to an English class in 2009 responding to this assignment.

Links to Sir Ken Robinson's Lecture and Graphic

Here is the link to his lecture, Changing Education Paradigms

Here is the link for the graphic used in the lecture. (note this is a large file and will take time to upload to your computer; save a copy locally if you wish)

Homework (due Wednesday, March 2)

Address one of the following questions in a paragraph answer of 150 words.

Why are drop out rates so high (in secondary and postsecondary education) in your opinion?

What is more important to our future, the arts or the sciences?

Find out more about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). What is your reaction to this information?

Post your answer here as a comment and please bring a word processed and printed copy to class on Wednesday.

Responding to Kurt Vonnegut's "How to Write with Style"

Write a short, 100-word, paragraph response to one of Kurt Vonnegut's suggestions about style. Include at least one short quote from Vonnegut (not one of his rules; choose from one of the sentences instead) and be sure to incorporate it into your own sentence. Respond to what he says either positively or negatively and explain why you think that.

Here I Am

Put your finished work here as a comment.

If you have trouble joining the blog, here is a document to help you.

Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable

Your words to us and to the class that follows you. Remember what Kurt Vonnegut advised: "Sound like yourself" and "Say what you mean." Oh, and "Keep it simple" too.

I look forward to hearing from you.