From now on . . .

Please check my wiki for updates:  msmelville.wikispaces

Vocab Prompt: Monday, November 23

Get out your thought transitions packet and your vocab words.  Write three sentences that start with a thought transition and use a vocab word. 

Journal Prompt: November 20, 2009

A dynamic character is a character that changes in an essential way (personality, beliefs, etc) over the course of a story.  A static character is a character who remains the same.  In the story of your life, are you a dynamic character or a static character?  Why do you say so?  Explain in 5-10 sentences.

Journal Prompt: November 13, 2009

In Night, Moché the Beadle says, "There are a thousand and one gates leading into the orchard of mystical truth.  Every human being has his own gate."  Describe in your own words "the orchard of mystical truth."  What do these words mean to you?  Do you have your own beliefs, practices, or spiritual life?

Journal Prompt: November 12, 2009

Describe the ghetto in Elie Weisel's hometown of Sighet.  How is this ghetto similar to our modern idea of an urban ghetto?  How is it different?

Answer in 5-10 sentences.

Journal Prompt: November 10

Today are the debates for president and vice President of student government.  What do you look for in a good presidential candidate?  What issues are important to you?  What do you consider the role of the vice president?  What will help you to decide who you will vote for?

Journal Prompt: November 9, 2009

Journal Prompt: November 9, 2009

Write a possible thesis for each of the following prompts.  Remember:  THESIS = Stance + 3 reasons.

1) Are Septa workers justified in striking?

2)  Should sex education be manditory in high school?

3) Who is the best musician of 2009?

Journal Prompt: November 6, 2009

"People find it easier to do evil than to do good."  Do you agree or disagree?  Explain your answer in 5 sentences or more.

Septa Strike Work

For those students who are absent due to the Septa strike, please see my wiki (msmelville.wikispaces.com) for assignments.

Journal Prompt: November 5, 2009

What is your style as a learner? How do you learn best?  Do you need quiet or someone to talk it through with?  Do you prefer to read about it or do it yourself?  When do you do your best work?  On projects?  On tests or quizzes?  In class or on homework?   What are your strengths and weaknesses as a learner?
Please answer in 5-10 sentences

Vocab Prompt: November 2, 2009

Choose FIVE of the following vocab words and write sentences that show you understand the meaning of the word:

deterrent               revitalize            sparse
implication           infringe              succint
inequity                                          subjective
infirmity
innovation

Journal Prompt: October 30, 2009

What is the scariest movie you've ever seen or the scariest story you ever read?  What made it so scary?

Journal Prompt: October 29, 2009

NHD is one of the most exciting and most stressful parts of being a student at Constitution High School.  How is it going so far?  Did you choose to work with a group or as an individual?  Why?  What's your topic and why did you choose it?  What parts of NHD are you looking forward to?  What are you nervous about?  What can I, as your teacher, help you with?

Please answer in 5-10 sentences.

Journal Prompt: October 27, 2009

Answer in 5-10 sentences:

What does it mean to have a sarcastic sense of humor?  Do you make sarcastic comments?    What are some sarcastic comments you have heard or used lately?  How did you know they were sarcastic?

Journal Prompt: October 26, 2009

Do you think Montressor is a reliable narrator or an unreliable narrator?  Explain why in 5-10 sentences.

Journal Prompt: October 23, 2009

We will learn in "The Cask of Amontillado" that the narrator, Montressor, has a family crest and motto.  His crest is a picture of a snake biting the foot that is stepping on it, and his motto is "Nemo me impune lacessit" (No one attacks me without punishment).  Create a motto and a crest for your family.

Vocab Prompt: October 22, 2009

Choose three of the ten words and use each one in a complete sentence that shows you know the meaning.

acclaim

elicit    

engross                   

escalate                   

exploit

terminate

obsolete

adjacent

methodical

tangible

Grammar Prompt: October 21, 2009

Write the following sentences correctly by using a semi-colon (;) to separate complete sentences.
1)  For example, he only cared about himself he didn't concern himself with her thoughts and feelings.
2)  I understand why this chapter is called saved it's because in this chapter Malcolm saves his mind.
3)  The movie earned acclaim all the critics loved it.
4)  She longed for tangible evidence of his affection she wanted a ring. 
5)  Poe's stories elicit fear and horror his poems do the same. 

Journal Prompt: October 20, 2009

Today is the National Day on Writing.  To celebrate, read the 6-word memoirs below, and then try one of your own!

Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends.
Lucky in everything else but love.
40K tuition. 30K salary. What gives?
Saw the world and came home.
Found God. Still looking for man.
I can't explain. I'm just sure.
Big hair, big heart, big hurry.
In a Manolo world, I'm Keds.
My period started, I was eight.
Got the ring, lost the girl . . .

Journal Prompt: October 19, 2009

Do you think it's tougher to be a girl or a boy?  Explain your answer in 5-10 sentences.