Audio Literature-Fall 2020 Assignments

1. Choose the three assignments from this year that you think you did the best job on and paste them into a document. Write a 7-10 sentence summary of why those are what you are most proud of.

2. Explain one thing you learned this year (it can be personal, or academic), one thing you learned in this class, and one hope you have for next semester. This should be 4-7 sentences for each thing, 12-21 total.

*habits of work only*

Lesson Objective: Identify three types of bias and provide evidence of understanding from the text.

Based on the article, list three types of bias and explain (1-2 sentences for each type) what they are.

*habits of work only*

LO: Identify the main idea of the article and provide evidence of that understanding.

Based on the linked article, list 5 ways to identify a credible source. This does not have to be in complete sentences.

*habits of work only*

LO: read and understand the attached article. Identify an important step to good research and explain its importance based on evidence from the article and previous knowledge.

Choose one of the steps to good research and explain in 5 complete sentences why it's important.

*habits of work only*

Lesson objective: Identify the main idea of the talk (filter bubbles) and apply that knowledge to your own life.

Watch the Ted Talk "How to Pop your Filter Bubble."

Answer the following questions in 5 complete sentences (total):
- What is a "filter bubble"?
- What sorts of filter bubbles do you think could be on your social media and search engines?
- How can you work to "pop" that bubble?

*habits of work only*

Lesson objective: students will identify the main idea (theme) of a literary text and support that argument with evedence from the text.

Please complete this essay in NoRedInk! You will find these directions there as well:

Choose a major theme in [choice of text]. Write an essay analyzing how [author] develops this theme

So that readers fully understand your interpretation, be sure to include 2–4 body paragraphs and 2–4 pieces of evidence per body paragraph.

If you get stuck, try using the tips and lessons on the left side of the screen to help you out!

For this essay, you may choose any poem or short story we have read together this year. You may also use your independent book if it is a published novel/graphic novel/comic from Audible, the library, the school library, or a hard copy. Sorry, no web toons or informational texts as they will be too difficult to use for this essay. Any questions, please e-mail me.

Lesson Objective: Understand a complex text, identify the main idea and use evidence to support your claim. Read and understand a variety of genres.

In 5-7 complete sentences, summarize the plot of the story and explain what you think the main idea is using evidence from the radio broadcast.

Lesson Objective: Read and understand a complex text.

Lesson objective: Read an article and understand what the War of the Worlds broadcast was.

Read the linked article and explain what the War of the Worlds was in 3 complete sentences.

Lesson objective: Distinguish between utopia and dystopia. Support your argument with evidence. Correctly infer the implied meaning of a text, as well as the explicit meaning.

Answer the following questions in 3-5 complete sentences:

1. ) Is this story an example of utopian or dystopian fiction? Cite specific characteristics of the
genre within your response.

2.) What does the painter think about the mural he is working on? What does his view of this
piece of "art" tell us about him and how he views his world?

Lesson Objective: Read and understand a complex text.

This a a dystopian story and not about mental health, but, remember, I will always provide an alternate assignment at student/guardian request.

TW: Suicide, murder

Lesson objective: Students will use their understanding of tone and imagery to develop an argument and support it with evidence.

Identify the tone of the story and explain how Bradberry used imagery to create that tone in 7-10 complete sentences. Your answer must include specific quotes from the story for full credit.

Lesson objective: Read and understand a complex text.

Lesson objective: Watch the TedTalk (complex text) and find the main idea.

Watch the TedTalk and write, in 5 complete sentences, why science fiction is important according to Brady Krause.

Lesson Objective: Students will learn about the scifi genre and be able to explain what it is and why it's important.

Read the article and, in 5 complete sentences, explain what science fiction is and why it's important.

Good news! You were recently hired as your favorite news outlet’s book reviewer. It’s your job to choose an awesome book and write a detailed review telling your readers all about it.
Your review should be:
- 2-3 pages long
- Times New Roman font
- Double spaced
- 1" margins
- Be organized into paragraphs
- Have a single spaced heading containing your name, the class name, Ms. West, and the date
- A title that gives the reader a good idea of what your review will be about
Throughout the semester, expect other assignments to refer to your independent book so keep up with it and make sure your on track! We will look at examples of reviews together, but reviews should not only summarize the plot of your book, but talk about the theme (big idea), characters, and make real world connections. Make sure your reader knows if you recommend this book or if you thought it stunk!

Lesson objective: Students will read a book of their choice and be able to recall the characters and important events in the text. They will also argue for the books quality, or lack thereof, and use textual evidence to justify that argument.

How many stars (out of 5) would you give your book? Explain in 7-10 sentences.

Make a list of 5 important characters (see me if your book is informational!) in your independent book and write 1-2 sentences about each character.

Lesson objective: identify imagery in a poem and express it in a photo.

Select one of the three nature poems we read. Name the poem, and then take a photo that captures an important image in the poem. If you go outside, remember to follow mask and social distancing protocols.

Lesson objective: Identify both literal and implied meanings within the text. Discuss the theme of the poem and compare it to another piece of literature.

1. What is the tone of the poem? Is that what you'd expect from a poem about autumn? Why or why not?

2. “The trees are about to show you just how beautiful letting go can be.”--Anonymous. Connect this quote to the poem. What ideas to they have in common? Do you agree with the message?

3. Find one example of personification in the poem

Answer the following questions in complete sentences OR take a picture of yourself at Robert Frost's Grave (you can't double dip so if you did this last week, you can't do it again!)
1. Many people have interpreted Frost’s poem as an inspirational one that encourages people to take the “road less traveled by.” What clues in the poem indicate that an opposite interpretation exists, one that expresses sorrow about the choice?
2. Why do you think Frost titled this poem “The Road Not Taken” instead of “The Road Less Traveled”?

Lesson objective: Analyze both implied and direct language in a poem and infer the author's meaning.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences OR take a picture of yourself at Robert Frost's gravesite in town.
1. How would you describe the tone of the speaker in this poem? Is he simply weary from the work of picking apples?
2. The ideas of labor and sleep operate on both literal and figurative meanings in this poem. On a literal level, Frost refers to a hard day’s labor and slumber at the end of that day. What is he speaking of on a figurative level?
3. What clues does Frost give that would indicate that this poem takes place during the winter?

Lesson objective: Identify the main idea of a text and support it with evidence.

List FIVE important quotes AND write 5 sentences identifying the main idea of "To Build a Fire" by Jack London and supporting that main idea with evidence from the text.

We will be going over the following questions in our discussion tomorrow.

Why does London repeat the temperature over and over? Why does the man go out even though it’s so cold?
Why is it important that the man is “a newcomer in the land, and this was his first winter”?
Why didn’t the man listen to the advice he was given at Sulphur Creek to travel with a companion?
Why is it important that London included an animal in the story? What is the dog able to do that the man is not? Hint: “And the man, as he waved his arms and hands, looked with longing at the creature that was warm and secure in the covering provided by nature.”
What is the main conflict in the story? What major force works against the man? (Hint: it’s not a person)

Complete the persuasive essay in NoRedInk. Instructions are posted in the software and I'm here for extra help when/if you need me!

Create an account using your school gmail and join the classroom using the link I sent you or the class code posted in Google classroom. You have an essay due on this platform on Friday and I'll go over the sections with you throughout the week! Don't worry about filling in your interests for now, just focus on the persuasive essay.

Lesson Objective: Effectively comprehend, identify, and analyze plot and character in a complex text.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What does the narrator see when he first opens the chamber door?

2. Why is the narrator sad?

3. Who is Lenore?

4. Why is the Raven's only answer to the narrator "Nevermore"?

5. Explain why this poem is an example of Gothic literature.

Read the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe and then watch the Simpson's funny interpretation of the poem.

cw: death

Lesson objective: Self-asses understanding of a complex text using an online resource, then close read a passage from the story to analyze a character's thoughts and feelings.

1. Take the Tell-Tale Heart online quiz and post your score (this will not be your grade for completion of the assignment so please just be honest) to refresh your memory of the story.

2. Answer the following prompt in at least 3 complete sentences:

No doubt I now grew very pale—but I talked more fluently and with a heightened voice. Yet the sound increased—and what could I do? It was a low, dull, quick sound—much such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton. I gasped for breath—and yet the officers heard it not. I talked more quickly—more vehemently; but the noise steadily increased. I arose and argued about trifles, in a high key and with violent gesticulations, but the noise steadily increased. Why would they not be gone? I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides, as if excited to fury by the observation of the men—but the noise steadily increased. Oh God! what could I do? I foamed—I raved—I swore! I swung the chair upon which I had been sitting and grated it upon the boards, but the noise arose over all and continually increased. It
grew louder—louder—louder!

What is happening to the narrator? What does he think he hears? What’s your explanation for the sound he hears?

Lesson objectives: read and comprehend a complex text, The Tell-Tale Heart.

Choose either the PDF or the spooky cartoon version of the Tell-Tale heart. Remember, if it's too scary, just e-mail me and I will find you an alternate assignment.

cw: violence, death, insanity

Lesson Objective: Using 21st century skills, navigate this informational website and identify important facts about Edgar Allen Poe.

Click through the resources at the Poe Museum and list FIVE things you learned about Poe's life and writings.

Lesson Objective: Gain a broad understanding of who Poe was and what he wrote.

Poe is the central figure of the American Gothic movement. Watch this Ted ed video about his life and writings and name three of Poe's most famous works.

Lesson Objective: Connect the idea of the Gothic to a basic understanding of human psychology to gain a better understanding of why this genre is popular.

The Gothic has become so popular because people love being scared! I mean, I don't, but most people do. Let's take a look at that. Read the attached article from Psychology Today and write a 7-10 sentence summary of why you think people like being scared. Feel free to talk about your like/dislike of horror movies as well!

Lesson objective: Understand the 7 characteristics of Gothic Literature (ie. know it when you see it!).

The boiled down version of Gothic literature can be summed up in these 7 elements from Study.com:

1. Gloomy, decaying setting (haunted houses or castles with secret passages, trapdoors, and other mysterious architecture)
2. Supernatural beings or monsters (ghosts, vampires, zombies, giants)
3. Curses or prophecies.
4. Damsels in distress.
5. Heroes.
6. Romance.
7. Intense emotions.

Can you name one piece of literature (any media, TV, movies, short stories, songs, etc) that has these 7 characteristics? Explain in 7-10 complete sentences.

Lesson Objective: Connect modern horror to Gothic works such as Poe's.

Watch the video and name three monsters that can be found both in modern literature, and in literature from the 1900s.

Fun fact, I have a specialty in Victorian Vampire literature! Ask me anything about those old, spooky guys.

cw: spooky monsters, if it bugs you, just listen along to the video.

Today, we're just going to make sure you're set up for success! Log into Infinite Campus and make a list of all the assignments marked missing in this class. Submit the numbered list to this assignment for an easy 10 points! If you submitted something I didn't see, now's the time to tell me. If you have everything done, note that and enjoy your 10 points. Remember, I'm happy to meet with anyone after class or on Wednesday.

Complete the open book Quiz on Amy Tan's "Magpies"

Take Wednesday and Thursday to read the attached story from The Joy Luck Club.

cw: mentioning of sexual assault and suicide

Watch the video and explain in 7-10 sentences what this book is about and why it's important.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What was the unique trauma Amy Tan experienced at the age of 14?

2. What did Amy Tan encounter while walking on the beach with her friend?

3. What, according to Amy Tan, is the good side to uncertainty?

cw: brief mentioning of suicide

The author of the next piece of literature we're going to read is called Amy Tan. She's a famous American Chinese author that's known for expressing both the great and the challenging things about being Chinese American. Read this biography of Amy Tan from her website and list three important details about her life.

Review the Ted Talk from yesterday.

Pretend Canwen is going to start (in person) at MAUHS tomorrow and you've been assigned to be her tour guide. What would you tell her about our school? What are some things she should worry about as a student, but also as a Chinese American student? In what ways would you stand up for her? What clubs would you recommend based on her interests?

7-10 sentences

Watch the Ted talk and list three important quotes (something the speaker said word for word) from throughout the talk, not just the beginning.

Listen to the audio tour of the Museum of Chinese In America while you click through the exhibits. Name FIVE important things you learned throughout the tour (not just at the beginning or end).

Read the attached PBS article and list three important events in Chinese American history. Why do you think that Chinese people were treated so badly in America? What can you do to support Chinese American people? Think about the conversation we had about supporting Black folks.

So, now that you've chosen your book and you know what a review looks like, plan out your semester. Planning long-term projects is a really important skill for other classes, college, and career readiness!

I went ahead and planned your first month for you, but please create your own schedule. You can copy and paste my table in your own dog, or just make a list of dates you plan to complete pieces of your project by.

REMEMBER, YOU NEED TO PLAN ON FINISHING YOUR BOOKS BEFORE YOU WRITE YOUR REVIEW!

Using your list of details, write a 3/4 to 1 page (12 point times new roman font, 1" margins, 2x spacing) response, explaining the main ideas in the film and your thoughts on what you saw. What did you like? What did you like? What stood out to you? What did you learn?

Make a numbered list of the 10-15 most important ideas, images, quotes, etc. in the film. These don't need to be in complete sentences.

The documentary "I Am Not Your Negro" is a special film because it's made up entirely of essays by James Baldwin but the director used various pieces of film and images to help bring Baldwin's words to life (it's awesome). Look over the PBS resources on the film and make three predictions on what you think the film will be like. Then, answer the question posed on the website in 5-10 complete sentences:

Do you agree with James Baldwin that "not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed if it is not faced"? What in this film gives you hope we can find the answers to the questions on race that Baldwin posed?

*If your parent has requested an alternate assignment, please contact me ASAP*

It's open notebook for obvious reasons, but take your time and really do your best!

Multiple choice questions are 2 pts, short answers are 8pts. you may earn partial credit for short answers so do your best!

Choose one of the three book reviews below and then write a 7-10 sentence long summary of what you learned. Remember, you're going to be creating your own review, so pay attention to what information draws you in and really lets you know what the book is about:

Divergent:

https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/jul/15/review-veronica-roth-divergent

The Hunger Games:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/nov/22/review-the-hunger-games-suzanne-collins

The Maze Runner:

https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/aug/25/review-the-maze-runner-by-james-dashner

Take the next two days to read the short story "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin. It's long, so make sure to read a little each day.

cw: reference to drug use, reference to alcohol, racism, death

Watch the attached PBS interview with James Baldwin and answer the following questions in complete sentences:

1. What, in Baldwin's Opinion, leads to "a moral bankruptcy" (15:14)?

2. Why did Baldwin say about his Black teacher in elementary school (3:40)? How can you connect his views on being "a little bit colored and a little bit white" to "Theme for English B"?

3. What does Baldwin worry that 16 and 17 year old Black kids feel about their place in the US (9:01)? Do you think that's changed?

James Baldwin is an amazing writer that worked after the Harlem Renaissance, but was heavily influenced by it. Watch this short video on James Baldwin and list FIVE important facts about his life in your own words. This doesn't need to be in paragraph form, but they do need to be from throughout the video, not just at the beginning.

*I know the youtube link isn't working for everyone for the Ted ed video on James Baldwin. I've included the Ted Talks link. Let me know if you're still having issues.

Now that you have a good rough list, smooth it out and divide your ideas into stanzas (like paragraphs but in poems!) just like Hughes. Begin your poem with the same lines as Hughes' and then make them ring true for your own poem:

Go home and write
a page tonight.
And let that page come out of you—
Then, it will be true.

Choose a book to read for the semester. We'll be doing activities on this book throughout the semester, so make sure it's a good one! You will need to base your book review off your choice. Write a 5-7 sentence explanation of why you chose this book.

Options for choosing your book:

1. Hard copy, you can own it or get it from the public library. Submit a photo of the book you chose and note you're reading it hard copy.

2. Audible Stories has a bunch of free audible YA books to choose from! Submit the title of your choice and note that it's from Audible. https://stories.audible.com/discovery

3. Public library download. You can join the public library for free and each local library has an e-book and audio book section! Cool, right? Just note which library you're using based on your town and what book you chose from their selection.

Bennington: https://www.benningtonfreelibrary.org/ebook-downloads/
Pownal: https://gmlc.overdrive.com/
North Bennington: https://mccullough.bywatersolutions.com/

Write a 5-7 sentence explanation of why you chose this book.

Ok, so you can re-use SOME material from your facts about myself list poem, but I want this poem to be AT LEAST 70% original content. Think about the structure of the poem. Start by writing about how you get home, then write about what you want for Christmas or your birthday, now, make a connection to a big idea, like how Hughes wrote about the connection between him and his white professor. Don't worry about polishing it yet, hand in 20 ROUGH DRAFT lines in a numbered list.

Based on your understanding of Theme for English B and the Harlem Renaissance, what makes this poem a Harlem Renaissance poem? What big ideas in the poem connect to that movement? Select one important quote from the poem to support your argument. 7-10 sentences.

Now that you understand a little bit about the movement and its purpose, let's start with a poem that Langston Hughes wrote when he was barely older than you! carefully read "Theme For English B" and summarize the main idea of the poem in your own words in 3-5 sentences.

I hope you all enjoyed Tucker Bryant's spoken word poem! I wanted to start with that because it's a great way to show how listening to literature can be powerful. Spoken word poetry is a very popular genre today, and it comes from an important literary and cultural movement called "The Harlem Renaissance." Read the attached article about The Harlem Renaissance and IN YOUR OWN WORDS summarize why this movement was important in 3-5 sentences.

Ok, now you have your list of facts about yourself AND you know what similes and metaphors are. Your challenge is to create a list poem about yourself (same format as last time) that contains 3 original similes AND 3 original metaphors. Your poem must be 15 total sentences and should be a mix of facts and figurative language. I can't wait to read these!

We're going to go over this MANY more times so don't worry, but hopefully this is review for many of you. We're going to learn many literary terms this year. One of the most important types of literary terms is figurative language. figurative language is just something in a piece of literature that means more than what it literally says (stick with me).
First up is smilies and metaphors! Watch the short youtube video explaining these two types of figurative language then identity 3-5 examples of either in the poem, so 2 similes + 3 metaphors, 4 metahors + 1 simile, etc. (you can do it!).

Write down 10-15 facts about yourself. Use the poem for inspiration! Start simple (your age, height, favorite food) and then get more complicated (what scares you? what makes you happy? what's your biggest goal?). Be creative and have fun! Each afct should be one complete sentence and your finished list should look like a list:

My name is Chloe West.
I'm 5'9" tall.
I was born in the summer time.
I'm a English teacher and I love my students!

Hello! Please complete the initial survey attached so I can get to know you.

Listen to the poem and then list three "facts" Bryant lists about himself. Make sure you quote the fact word from word to show me you listened to the poem. It's very short but complex so you have have to listen more than once! This type of poem is called a "list poem" and it's one of the easiest forms to write, but, as you can see, it can still be really sophisticated!

cw: abstract reference to self-harm