English 12 Homework over the Winter Break:

This work is due on the day we get back to school. This is practice for the Provincial Exams.

1. Synthesis Essay: "The Horses" and   "Vegetable Gardens on Mars." 

You are to read the texts carefully and then write a Synthesis Essay on the following prompt: Would the speaker in "The Horses" by Edwin Muir,  support the technological developments in Denise Deveau's article, "Vegetable Gardens on Mars?"

This essay is an analysis of the two texts, and is NOT in the First Person point of view. The Synthesis Essay must have an Introduction of three to five sentences, three body paragraphs of around 5-8 sentences each, which develops the synthesis,  and a 4-5/6 sentence Conclusion, that concludes the Essay in an logical and appropriate way.

English 12 Homework due Tuesday to Thursday:

1. Oryx and Crake Presentations: These are group presentations of 15 to 20 minutes in length. You are to identify the major Themes of the story, and then apply them to our REAL world.

Atwood has written the end of mankind - a very gloomy one.  

Your job is to grapple with this dark ending - by showing how we are already entering into her imagined world. You will need to reference the novel, frequently, and the world we live in.  

You will need to search online for excellent scientific sites that will help you understand the era we have entered, and the possible outcomes.  

Your presentation will include your understanding of the novel, but, more importantly, what you have learned about the era we are entering in this century. 

Show what you have learned, but also what you see in your future, having looked at excellent scientific sites, and considering the world as it is,... and beyond into our possible future.

Your conclusion should be bring it all together, looking at our times, and into the future.  

English 11 Homework for to January 8th:

1. The Jade Peony:  Complete questions for Chapter to Chapter 14.

2. Literature Circles: You will be working in your Lit Circles from Monday to Thursday, this  week. 

3. The Break: You will read and complete Chapter Questions 11 - 15.

You will be working with your Table Groups on line to finish all of these assignments, and to hand them in on the Monday we come back.

We will discuss the novel when we get back.

English 12 Homework: Oryx and Crake: for Tuesday the 12th and onward.......

A Block:   Let's fill up the box for the Canned Food Drive!  Bring cans and other appropriate items for those in need.  Merry Christmas!

Oryx and Crake:  You are to have read the novel by the end of the day Thursday.

Themes and questions in Oryx and Crake:

1. This is a story of how language and the humanities make us human. Discuss and show.

2. Be prepared to discuss in class, Jimmy's thoughts, Page 316 - that "there was no longer any comfort in the words. There was nothing in them. It no longer delighted Jimmy to possess these small collections of letters that other people had forgotten about." Discuss, explain, and give examples.

3. How has the unchecked pursuit of scientific progress in this story dehumanized humankind? Give several examples. Add a few more examples from our world.

4. The decline of the language arts, and the displacement of literature by consumer and entertainment cultures creates superficial, flat people who are unable to evoke deeper human feelings or ideas. Discuss and show with real life examples.

**Read carefully, think about what is happening, take notes, come with discussion questions, and your ideas, and be prepared to share with the class. 

What are the moral questions in Oryx and Crake?  

**Show how these questions are already in play in our times.

You will work with your group to present your  understanding of the text and the major issues it shows, including in our times. NEXT WEEK.

5.  The Essay Prompt: 

  Atwood shows us that mankind has not learned

           enough of the ways of the world,

                and this ignorance will not

                      guide us to shelter.

          Without learning who we are in nature,

          We are just a miracle that leaps from

                      
                      Tower   to    Tower

                                       
                                                    and 

                                             amounts        
                                                                                                           to 
                                                          nothing.

You will come with your Essay Outline on January 8th and begin writing. You will have three days to finish.

English 11 Homework for Monday, 11th:

1. The Jade Peony: You will continue in your Literary groups discussing and learning  through each of your Roles. You do not have to rush through this process. Listen, contribute, questions, etc.  Make it through.

2. This weekend you read to the end of Chapter 8, and did questions 6 to 7. 

3. You are now reading Chapters 8 and 9.

English 12 Homework for Tuesday, the Fifth to Thursday the 7th.

1. You are preparing to begin your Synthesis Essay of "Dover Beach" and Oryx and Crake.

You will begin writing Tuesday and work through Wednesday and Thursday with your approved Outline. 

You may come in to class at the lunch break and I will give you a half hour after school. However, be prepared to have a lot of people in the room.