Choose 40 points worth of questions to answer.  You are NOT to answer all questions!  The answers for each question should be in complete paragraphs. 
Each question must include one or more examples or quotes from the text as evidence.
You may write out your answers, or email Mr Dennis: dennisj@waterlooschools.org
However you respond, make sure to put the question number in front of the paragraph.  Failure to do so will result in -1 point.

For every five points a question is worth, you must address the following:

·         Thesis

·          Topic Sentence / Supporting Idea (if 10 or 15 points)

·         Evidence (2+ examples if only 5 points)

·         Commentary for each piece of evidence

·         Conventions.

All take-home tests are due Monday, October 1.  Good luck!

1. From what point of view is the story told?  What effect does the narrator's point-of-view have on the theme or tone?  (5 pts)

2. Identify and explain at least two examples of foreshadowing. (5 pts)

3. What kind of conflict occurs?  Explain. (10 pts)

4. What about the story makes it ironic? (5 pts)

5. Analyze one of the characters using the six methods of characterization.  What type of a person is the character and how do you know?  (10 pts)

6.  Explain the theme of the story and how it was conveyed.  (15 pts)

7. Finally, do you feel that you have to suspend your disbelief when reading this story?  Why or why not? (5 pts)

Added Independent Reading Projects tab, modified a few of the redundant options. 

9.24.2012
Good morning!  Today we will continue work in small groups.  Check the Promethean Board to see where your group starts.
I've added Short Story Vocabulary to the links page.  You will use this in one of your groups.
Good luck, have fun!
-JD

Added links to full text of "The Most Dangerous Game" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."  Check the LINKS page.

"MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH" Project
Objective: Research and analyze at least three examples of cultural symbolism in Poe's "Masque of the Red Death."

Due: Complete all Tasks and hand in (Process and Paper Draft 1) by Monday, 9/24/2012

Whole-Class Tasks:
I. Read "Masque of the Red Death" as a class.
II.  Discuss potential symbols (Red Death, Prospero, guests, colors, number 7, clock, castle, masquerade, dream imagery, art imagery, apocalyptical/biblical allusions, Shakespearean allusions)

Independent Tasks (do all in order):

1.  Choose three symbols you are most familiar with or interested in.  NOTE: Do not choose Shakespearean allusions unless you are very familiar with Willie Shakes., and don't choose biblical allusions unless you really know your religious references.
Write your symbols in the top Main Idea sections of the Frame Graphic Organizer. 

2.  Reread the story, noting in your text every description or use of your three symbols.  That means you must physically (or electronically) mark up your paper.  I recommend using three different colors of highlighter.

3. Research what the symbolism of your examples could mean.  Write the three ideas you think are most applicable in the spaces below. Include the annotation number in the circle, and a corresponding bibliography on the back.  For example:  7 deadly sins (1), 7 stages of man (2), 7 days in a week (3), religious significance (4), great song by Prince (5)
1. Catholic teachings on sin and virtue going back to 4th century (me + wiki)
2. Shakespeare, As You Like It
3. Common sense, could also be biblical
4. Lots of stuff - wiki
5. Prince, "7." Love symbol album, 1992.  This one's a joke, folks.

4. Plan your paper.  Combine the best examples from Poe (evidence) with your own ideas and research (commentary).  You must write about at least three ideas.  These can be three different symbols, three interpretations of one symbol, or a combination.  I'm looking for a total of nine solid ideas analyzing Poe's use of symbolism; the format is up to you.

5. Draft your paper.  We will use the same rubric as before.  This time you will be graded on Intro, Topic Sentences & Transitions, Evidence, Commentary, Style/Word Choice/Sentence Structure, and Conventions.

Got it?  You will be given at least 20 minutes in class for the next four days.  We will use drafts of your papers to practice peer review, resision process, and writing conclusions next week.
Ask for help if you need it!  Good luck, and have fun!

-JD

It's here!  The all-singing, all-dancing blog for the Advanced English 9 class at Central Middle School in Waterloo, IA.  I'm Mr. Dennis.  This is my first attempt at a blog/website, so thank you for your patience.  For now, use this when directed in class to link to other resources.  I'll try to keep these up-to-date with the day we talk about them in class. 
So good luck, have fun, and go check out "Masque of the Red Death!"
-JD