This is the world, which is fuller and more difficult to learn than I have said. (Margaret Atwood)

 Drama 8:  We are going to perform open and closed mimes today.   Try to think of a question of the day that you can ask when it is your turn.

English 12:  Reading log topic:  What is the theme or the "big idea" behind your book?  Why has the writer been compelled to write this book?  What message is the author trying to convey to his readers?

Rewrite your personal narrative essay, making the corrections I've suggested.  Attach the rough draft to the final copy when you hand it in. 

Choose one of the essays and answer the questions on the handout. 

Grammar lesson:  

How to write dialogue:

Use quotation marks around what is said.  You should start a new paragraph every time a new person speaks.  If your speaker says a statement, the statement should end with a comma, then the closed quotation mark and then your identifying of the speaker.  Here's an example:

"You are so lazy!" Angela told Bruce.

Bruce was shocked.  "I'm lazy?  What about you?  You left the dishes in the sink for three days!  They're all crusty."

"That's your job," Angela sighed.  "Look at the chore chart."

"Oh," Bruce said, shaking his head.  "I'll do the dishes now."

Structure of the paragraph:

The traditional structure of the paragraph consists of a topic sentence, three supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.  Obviously, all your paragraphs will not look exactly like this, but it is a good structure to keep in mind.

There are four important elements to writing a good paragraph:  unity (the paragraph should be focused on one topic), order (there should be a logical progression of details -- it can be in chronological order, or order of importance, or a series of logical arguments), coherence (you need to connect the sentences, using transitional words, which show order - like "1st", "2nd", etc. - or logic - like "furthermore" or "therefore" - be careful to use the correct word -- "however" and "therefore" are NOT interchangeable; you must ensure you use a consistent verb tense, as well), completeness (all the sentences should support the topic sentence and your conclusion should summarize the idea).

When you are completing your personal narrative essay, keep these things in mind!

Drama Club:

Two things!  Let me know if you are interested in performing in the school play, which will be "Spoon River Anthology".  Pass this on to anyone who might be interested.  We won't be having announcements this year at school, so it is hard to get the info out.

If you are interested in performing this summer in Steveston in the historical vignettes that students did in 2019, let Ms. Kosar know! You will be paid for your acting and it is a lot of fun and great experience!

Email Ms. Kosar or comment on this blog post!