Reactions To The Conclusion of The Great Gatsby Video December 17, 2008

Think about the story now that we have completed the movie.

1.  What was your response to the conclusion of the movie?  Why?

2.  Which character did you like most in the video?  Why?

3.  Which character did you like least in the video?  Why?

4.  What do you think of Gatby’s dream?  Was he foolish to pursue his dream or not?  Why?

Please write a brief paragraph (this means you will have four paragraphs) of 4-6 sentences each.  Think carefully and deeply.

Congratulations! You Aced the EOCT! May 23, 2008

 

April 22: Responding to Chapters 8-12 of Maggie, A Girl of the Streets April 23, 2008

Consider these questions:

• What are you reactions to Chapter 8-12?
• What events, attitudes, or plot developments stood out to you our reading from last night and t
• What was most surprising to you in tonight’s reading?  Why?
• Look back at each chapter.  What do you think was the most important thing that happened in EACH chapter?  Why?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting expression or quote? (give the quote and page number) Why?
• Who is the most vivid character to you so far?  Why?  Describe that character and explain why he/she is so memorable to you at this point in the novella.
• How did tonight’s reading make you feel?  Why?
• What do you predict will happen next?

Please organize your responses to these questions in at least two paragraphs of 5-10 sentences.  Think deeply and thoughtfully!

Welcome, Mr. Carnes! January 7, 2008

I would like to give a warm welcome to our new Polaris North administrator Mr.  Richard Carnes!  I have been honored to know Mr. Carnes as a teacher and an individual most of my life, and we are very lucky to have him here with us! 

Best wishes for a great quarter!  🙂

Mrs. Hamilton

Challenges for the United States November 8, 2007

Think about what you know about the history of the United States.  In your opinion, what historic time period or event was most challenging to the United States as a nation in its history?  Identify the time period or event, and explain why you believe this time period/event was the greatest test or challenge our country has faced.

Explain your ideas in a paragraph of 8-10 sentences.

THURSDAY, October 18, 2007: What does it mean to be American? October 16, 2007

As part of our study of American literature this quarter, we will revisit these essential questions as they relate to people and society in each time period in American literature:

• Who is American?
• What does it mean to be America?
• What does America mean or represent?  Is it the same for everyone?  Why or why not?

In a thoughtful paragraph of 10-12 sentences, fully explain your responses to these three questions. 

Responding to The Crucible September 24, 2007

Please consider these questions:

• What did you think of the video version of The Crucible?    Which character did you like most and why?  Which character did you like least and why?  For which character did you have the most sympathy?  Why?
• In your opinion, what was the most dramatic or important part of the story?  Why?
• Look up the definition of the term crucible; in your opinion, what WAS the “crucible” of this play?  Explain.
• Do you think something of this nature in which mass hysteria or fear could overcome logic and reason could happen in the United States today?  Why or why not?  Exaplin.
• What would you have done if you had been in John Proctor’s shoes?  Why?  Do you agree with his decision at the end of the story?  Why or why not?
• Why is this historical event worth knowing about?  Why do you think Arthur Miller chose this event as a parallel to McCarthyism?  What can we learn from these tragic events in history that can help us in the present?

Explain your answers to these questions in multiple paragraphs of 4-7 sentences each.