1.19


 * A little birdie told me that in my absence you guys have been "wild," not doing the assignments I leave. Rest assured, there is always a payday when you slack and don't do the work! That payday will come when you receive "0's" for incomplete work. Ouch! **


 * I apologize for missing class so often. I'm hoping today is the last workshop I have to attend for a while. **


 * PLEASE WORK QUIETLY TODAY, and COMPLETE THE TASKS below. **

=TASK 1: VOCABULARY= Pick up a copy of the vocabulary hand-out from atop the book brown book cabinet at front of room.
 * On the hand-out, define all the words, writing...
 * the part of speech, definition, and a few synonyms for each word.
 * Take the quick quiz on the backside.
 * TURN IN THIS SHEET FOR A GRADE.

=TASK 2: OPEN BOOK QUIZ= Last class you read (or was supposed to have!) the short story, "The Lottery." You completed the graphic organizer, preparing questions, text details, and BIG IDEAS to discuss in a graded discussion. We will have that discussion next class. So, if you did not complete the graphic organizer, DO SO NOW! I will be grading it.

To test your understanding of the story, take the quiz.
 * Pick up the hand-out on the brown book cabinet--the one with the guided reading questions.
 * Answer the questions on the hand-out.
 * You may refer to your copy of the story as you complete this.
 * You may NOT work with others. This must be completed INDIVIDUALLY.

=TASK 3: WRITING= "The Lottery" involves a tradition in a community. Most people would agree that this particular tradition is harmful.

Think about traditions you experience--in your family, your school, your church, your community, your world. Are these traditions harmful or helpful?

In an essay of at least one typed page, choose ONE tradition you experience. Explain the tradition, using specific details to support your explanation. Then, explain whether you believe the tradition to be a helpful or harmful one, giving specific reasons/details/explanations to support your ideas.

Do some PRE-WRITING: take a few minutes to brainstorm and organize your ideas.


 * Be sure to adhere to the following requirements for your essay:**
 * Type your essay: One-inch margins, Arial font size 12, double-spaced.
 * Write a minimum ONE FULL PAGE.
 * Include an introduction with an attention-getter and thesis sentence.
 * Use SPECIFIC DETAILS to support your ideas.
 * Include THOUGHTFUL COMMENTARY to explain fully your ideas.
 * End with a CONCLUSION that wraps up your essay.
 * Organize your ideas in a way that makes sense, and use TRANSITION WORDS/PHRASES to glue together your ideas.
 * Use correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, mechanics.
 * Choose your WORDS carefully: use STRONG VERBS, eliminate TRASH WORDS (thing, stuff, a lot), use forms of "be" (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) sparingly.
 * Use a variety of SENTENCES. Try beginning or ending some of your sentences with participial or absolute phrases.
 * Proofread before sending it to me!

Email your completed essay to 2010cafe19@gmail.com