Reminder: Reading Journal (10%)

Here are some of the things you can write about in your journal:

1. Write a general summary of what you read.
2. Speculate on the author's intent. What lesson or concepts is the reading attempting to portray?
3. Point out things you liked or didn't like. Include questions you have in areas that might be confusing.
4. React to the story on a personal level. Put yourself in the mind of the characters, the events or the actions in your reading.

Note:
A. Include 5 entries in the same posting on your blog. One of the postings should be about 'Don't drink the water.'
B. Each entry should be between 75-125 words.

"Don't Drink the Water" by Woody Allen

What: Dress rehearsal of hit play
When: Tuesday, May 22, at 6:45 p.m.
Where: Concordia University, Hall Building (D.B. Clark Auditorium), Metro: Guy/Concordia
How much: $15.00. Please pay by week of May 7.

Synopsis: The Hollander family's European vacation is interrupted when their plane is forced to land in Bulgaria. The Hollanders leave the plane to take pictures which results in accusations of spying. Chased by Bulgarian soldiers, they take refuge in the American Embassy under the protection of the absent ambassador's hapless son. Written by {JeanneArmintrout@juno.com]

Novel presentation oral evaluation criteria

Content 20
1. Thesis statement 2. Relevance 3. Arguments 4. Examples 5. Interest

Coherence 20
1. Clarity 2. Organisation 3. Link words 4. Introduction 5. Conclusion

Presentation 20
1. Posture 2. Eye contact and use of cue cards 3. Pronunciation 4. Volume 5. Pace

Grammar 20

Vocabulary 20
1. Level of language 2. Nuance 3. Accuracy

Play: Don't Drink the Water by Woody Allen

Reminder: we will be attending a dress rehearsal of Woody Allen's play, "Don't Drink the Water," on Tuesday evening, May 22, at Concordia University. Note the change in days!

Check out this Web site for more information about the play:
http://www.geordie.ca/fundraising-production.html

One of the leading actors will be coming to class to talk about the play. Don't miss it!

Holt Writing Resources

The Holt Writing Resources Website provides dynamic activities and practice in reading, writing, media, vocabulary, and listening and speaking skills.

Go to Writing Resources at: http://eolit.hrw.com/hlla/newmainlinks/writ.jsp. There are Interactive Writer's Models, Student Writer's Models and Professional Writer's Models for High School, grades 9 - 12.

- Choose a model and study it.
- Take notes on what you find interesting.
- Report what you learned to your group.
- Then have your group spokesperson share the information with the class.

Evaluating Right On!

Textbook Evaluation Checklist
A. Practical Considerations
Layout/Physical Characteristics
interesting? Attractive?
An appropriate mix of graphics and text?
Clear? Well-organized?
Effective use of headings?
Cultural Component
Canadian content? Accurate reflection of Canadian culture?
free of stereotypes?
Inclusive of all cultures? Sensitive?
B. Language Related Considerations
Skills (language and cognitive)
Does it integrate the skills well? Does it offer a good balance? Does it focus on the one(s) it claims to?
Does it promote higher order cognitive skills? A range of cognitive skills?
Language
authentic language? variety? recycling? grading/sequencing?
Exercises
Is there a balance between free and controlled exercises?
Promote communication?
Meaningful?
Allow for negotiation?

Also see :
http://www.kutztown.edu/library/materials/textbookevaluation.pdf

Correction guide for compositions

Contents / Organization / Development
1.
Thesis statement (main point of paper) weak or missing
2.
Topic sentence (main point of paragraph) weak or missing
3.
Supporting points or examples inadequate
4.
Transitions (linking devices between paragraphs) weak or missing
5.
Coherence (linking between sentences) weak or missing
6.
Coordination / subordination expressions used incorrectly (and, but, although, whenever)

Grammatical errors
7.
Sentence fragment – subject or verb is missing
8.
Run on sentence – two sentences running together without a conjunction
9.
Use of weak expressions: “There is/there are.”
10.
Starting sentence with “and” or “but.”
11.
Verb form incorrect – missing 3rd person “s” or “ed” on past or irregular verb
12.
Verb tense (time of action) incorrect
13.
Inappropriate shifting between present and past tense
14.
Incorrect use of reported speech (He said, “The class is fun.”
15.
Subject / verb agreement is incorrect (singular / plural)
16.
Pronoun (he, she, it …) incorrect
17.
Adjective / adverb incorrect

Language use (syntax, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation)
18.
Redundant word or phrase
19.
Wrong word
20.
Word order incorrect
21.
Incomplete comparison
22.
Apostrophe incorrect
23.
Spelling incorrect
24.
Unidiomatic expression
25.
Comma ( , ) or semicolon ( ; ) incorrect
26.
Capitalization incorrect (English, Canadian, Monday)

Course plan - part 2

Week 8 Mar. 20/21
(03) Mid-term writing examination (literary analysis and 450 word essay) – draft copy
Group (03) R 1.5, “The Veldt,” by R. Bradbury
R 2.1, ‘Old Times...’ by M. Twain
R 2.2, “An Unquiet Awakening,” by M. Richler

Week 9 Mar. 27/28
Unit 2 Essays
Short oral presentations
Analysis of ‘The Veldt’ – Group 03,’Old Times’ – ‘An Unquiet Awakening.’
(02) Mid-term writing examination (literary analysis and 450 word essay) – draft copy
(03) Mid-term writing examination (literary analysis and 450 word essay) – final copy
R. 2.3, “Marilyn Monroe,” by Gloria Steinem
R. 2.4, ‘Pretty like a white boy,’ by D.H. Taylor.

Week 10 Apr. 3/4
Unit 2 Essays
Analysis of ‘Marilyn Monroe’ – ‘Pretty like a white boy’
Lecture; Essay writing process, pp. 160-161 and writing the literary essay, see posting
(02) Mid-term writing examination (literary analysis and 450 word essay) – final copy
Correct mid-term examination
R. 2.5, ‘Bending spoons…,’ by J. Schwarcz

Week 11 Apr. 11
Unit 4 Drama
(03) Analysis of ‘Bending spoons’
Lecture on poetry and poetics, pp. 222-233
Correct mid-term examination
4.2 Listening, “The World of Mary Hunter,” – radio play.

Week 12 Apr. 17/18
Oral presentations 1 - novel (25%)
(02) Analysis of ‘Bending spoons’
Lecture on poetry and poetics, pp. 222-233
(03) Analysis of ‘The World of Mary Hunter.’

Week 13 Apr. 24/25
Unit 4 Drama
Oral presentations 2 - novel (25%)
(02) Analysis of ‘The World of Mary Hunter.’
(03) TBA

Week 14 May 1/2
Oral presentations 3 - novel (25%)
Discussion 2 (10%)

Week 15 May 8/9
Post your Reading journal (5 entries) and Vocabulary journal (50 words)
Final writing exam, draft copy (period 2)

May 15-16
Final writing exam, final copy (whole period) (15%)

G 02 Mar. 20 class on May 23
Class outing: Viewing the play: “Don’t Drink the Water” by Woody Allen / Concordia U.

G03 Feb. 21 class on May 23
Class outing: Viewing the play: “Don’t Drink the Water” by Woody Allen / Concordia U.