Thursday, February 25, 2010

Homework for 1A

1A only-

Homework (for those who didn't finish the work in class today) based on "The Old Grandfather and His Little Grandson" and "The Wise Old Woman" (Literature book- pp. 462-472)


Answer the following four questions either on the back of the "Reading Analysis" chart we worked on in class OR on a separate sheet of paper (which should then be stapled to the chart):

  1. Why does the son decide to disobey the decree even though he might be punished?
  2. How does the author portray the characters of the young lord and the young farmer?
  3. Compare and contrast the authors' techniques in telling the stories.
  4. What universal theme do the stories share?
Due Monday, March 1st (1A only)

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Night Before FCAT

'Twas the night before FCAT
And all through the house,
Not a student was stirring
Not even Evan Rouse!


Each 8th grader knew
The importance of sleep
In helping them focus
To write thoughts so deep.


And as they slept on,
Everything they had learned
About writing an essay
Began to churn.


Their persuasive formats
And expository too
Were tucked in their brains-
They knew what to do!


Engaging beginnings
Were a piece of cake!
And a 3-point thesis
Was easy to make.


The body paragraphs
Were built like a fort-
First the topic sentence,
Then SUPPORT & SUPPORT!


A closing paragraph
Is quite an easy feat;
Just restate your points,
and make it complete.


And as the essay ended,
so did the strange dreams.
The alarm clock was ringing,
Through the window, sunbeams.


But before leaving home,
A good, balanced meal
Provided the energy
To finish the deal.


And so, my dear students,
As you get ready to write,
remember what you've learned,
And you'll soar to great heights!


-Miss McCoy

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Persuasive Essay Framework

Here is the Persuasive Essay Framework. It's nearly identical to the Expository Essay Framework, except for the incorporation of VOICE, PASSION, and OPINION!
February 9th is right around the corner!
Persuasive Essay Framework

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Expository Essay Framework

Students-
Here is an online copy of the Expository Essay Framework we have been working on in class. Learn it! Apply it! This guide will navigate you all the way to a 4,5, or 6!
Remember- we've only got one more week until FCAT Writes! (Tuesday, Feb. 9th)


Expository Essay Framework