The Handmaid’s Tale
Critical Thinking Questions for 10, 11, 12
Why do you think most music is banned in Gilead? Why would music be threatening?
Summarize what happens to Offred when she goes to the doctor’s office.
Why would a commander’s sterility be kept a secret? (Think about this carefully and elaborate)
Based on what you know so far, how are women treated in Gilead? Describe the ideal Gileadian woman.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Handmaid’s Tale
Critical Thinking Questions for Chapters 1&2
Review the epigraphs at the beginning of the book. Why did Atwood choose these quotations to open the story? What do they suggest the book will be about?
What is the tone of the opening chapters? How does Atwood establish this tone?
Skim over chapters one and two. What similarities do you see in theme, character and detail between The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984?
Critical Thinking Questions for Chapters 1&2
Review the epigraphs at the beginning of the book. Why did Atwood choose these quotations to open the story? What do they suggest the book will be about?
What is the tone of the opening chapters? How does Atwood establish this tone?
Skim over chapters one and two. What similarities do you see in theme, character and detail between The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Critical Thinking Questions
1984 Pages 147-217
Briefly summarize Winston’s first encounter with O’Brien.
What is “the book?”
How does the Party convince the citizens of Oceania that they are at war with Eastasia, not
Eurasia, and have been for years?
According to Emmanuel Goldstein, what is the real meaning of “War is Peace?”
Explain “doublethink.”
1984 Pages 147-217
Briefly summarize Winston’s first encounter with O’Brien.
What is “the book?”
How does the Party convince the citizens of Oceania that they are at war with Eastasia, not
Eurasia, and have been for years?
According to Emmanuel Goldstein, what is the real meaning of “War is Peace?”
Explain “doublethink.”
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Grade 12 Academic English
1984 Essay Assignment
Choose one of the following topics and write a 1200 word essay. Your essay must follow proper MLA formatting and be structured correctly. You must use textual evidence to support your argument in the form of properly cited quotations. I would like to see a draft of your essay on October 19th, and your final copy is due Friday, October 26th.
Consider the role of technology in the text. What does Orwell suggest is the relationship between advanced technology and absolute power? Why would Orwell include technology as part of the dystopic environment of Oceania?
What is the role of romance and sex in this text? Why does Winston suggest that having sex with Julia is both a personal and a political act?
Trace a pattern of imagery and explain how it develops one of the major themes of the text. Consider images of violence, technology, pain, control, etc.
Explore Orwell’s use of foreshadowing and its importance to the story. How does he indicate to the reader that Winston’s fate is doomed?
1984 Essay Assignment
Choose one of the following topics and write a 1200 word essay. Your essay must follow proper MLA formatting and be structured correctly. You must use textual evidence to support your argument in the form of properly cited quotations. I would like to see a draft of your essay on October 19th, and your final copy is due Friday, October 26th.
Consider the role of technology in the text. What does Orwell suggest is the relationship between advanced technology and absolute power? Why would Orwell include technology as part of the dystopic environment of Oceania?
What is the role of romance and sex in this text? Why does Winston suggest that having sex with Julia is both a personal and a political act?
Trace a pattern of imagery and explain how it develops one of the major themes of the text. Consider images of violence, technology, pain, control, etc.
Explore Orwell’s use of foreshadowing and its importance to the story. How does he indicate to the reader that Winston’s fate is doomed?
Friday, September 28, 2007
1984 Newspaper Assignment
One of the ways Big Brother and The Party manipulate the citizens of Oceania is through media (television, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc). Big Brother controls what people read, what they hear, what they say, and what they think about “reality” and “history.” As a way of exploring this theme, you and your partner will create a newspaper for Oceania. You can report on any aspects of Oceanic life that you wish, such as the occurrence of any crimes (Thoughtcrimes or Facecrimes), or reports from the Junior Spies, the Anti-Sex League, and the Ministries of Truth, Peace, Love, etc. Try to write at least four articles, while keeping in mind that all information is controlled by Big Brother. What kinds of information would The Party want disseminated? The name and layout of your Newspaper are up to you. Be creative, but keep in mind the bleak tone and setting of the Oceania.
For Bonus Marks: Try to incorporate some Newspeak words.
Due Friday, October 12th
One of the ways Big Brother and The Party manipulate the citizens of Oceania is through media (television, radio, newspapers, magazines, etc). Big Brother controls what people read, what they hear, what they say, and what they think about “reality” and “history.” As a way of exploring this theme, you and your partner will create a newspaper for Oceania. You can report on any aspects of Oceanic life that you wish, such as the occurrence of any crimes (Thoughtcrimes or Facecrimes), or reports from the Junior Spies, the Anti-Sex League, and the Ministries of Truth, Peace, Love, etc. Try to write at least four articles, while keeping in mind that all information is controlled by Big Brother. What kinds of information would The Party want disseminated? The name and layout of your Newspaper are up to you. Be creative, but keep in mind the bleak tone and setting of the Oceania.
For Bonus Marks: Try to incorporate some Newspeak words.
Due Friday, October 12th
Friday, September 21, 2007
1984
Chapter Two (Continued)
Read over the following webpage about the Hitler Youth. What similarities do you find between the Hitler Youth and the Junior Spies?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_Youth
Chapter Two (Continued)
Read over the following webpage about the Hitler Youth. What similarities do you find between the Hitler Youth and the Junior Spies?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_Youth
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Critical Thinking Questions
1984 Chapter Two
Chapter Two focuses in part on the children of Oceania. Describe their behavior and the affect of the Party's regime on their upbringing. Consider the tone of Orwell's description; what is dangerous about the way the children behave?
Winston is desperate to write his thoughts down on paper, even if it means death:"Thoughcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death" (28). Why does he think it is so important to leave a legacy to a future age?
1984 Chapter Two
Chapter Two focuses in part on the children of Oceania. Describe their behavior and the affect of the Party's regime on their upbringing. Consider the tone of Orwell's description; what is dangerous about the way the children behave?
Winston is desperate to write his thoughts down on paper, even if it means death:"Thoughcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death" (28). Why does he think it is so important to leave a legacy to a future age?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Critical Thinking Questions For 1984
Chapter One
This chapter introduces readers to the major themes of the book, specifically the use of irony to manipulate the minds of the citizens of Oceania. Explain the function of each of the following departments and why their titles are ironic. How is the Party attempting to redefine notions of Truth, Peace, Love, Freedom, Strength, etc?
What does the Party seek to achieve by posting the following slogans?
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
Chapter One
This chapter introduces readers to the major themes of the book, specifically the use of irony to manipulate the minds of the citizens of Oceania. Explain the function of each of the following departments and why their titles are ironic. How is the Party attempting to redefine notions of Truth, Peace, Love, Freedom, Strength, etc?
What does the Party seek to achieve by posting the following slogans?
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
Friday, July 27, 2007
Personal Essay Project
People are defined by significant moments in their lives. These moments, perhaps positive and happy, or tragic and fearful, are often etched in our consciousness. They shape our identities. With this in mind, I would like you to write one 1000-1200 word personal essay in which you thoroughly explore one of these moments. You are not simply writing an autobiographical sketch--although you should use first person, anecdotes and personal stories--you are writing an essay. As such, your work should have an underlying theme or argument. It should be crafted with an introduction, thoroughly developed body paragraphs and a pithy conclusion.
You don’t need a formal thesis statement, but you should make it clear to me in your introduction how you think this moment has affected you. This is an opportunity for you to carefully reflect on your life and to write creatively, while keeping in mind the structure and purpose of an essay. Due date to be determined.
You don’t need a formal thesis statement, but you should make it clear to me in your introduction how you think this moment has affected you. This is an opportunity for you to carefully reflect on your life and to write creatively, while keeping in mind the structure and purpose of an essay. Due date to be determined.
Grading Rubric
A+ Outstanding ideas. Student has exceptionally high ability to think critically and conceptually. Grammar and sentence structure are almost flawless.
A Excellent. Work shows high level of critical and conceptual thinking. Few to no grammar or structural errors
A- Very strong ideas. Work shows capacity to think critically and conceptually. Few grammar or structural errors
B+ Very good. Work shows evidence of critical thinking. Minor grammatical and structural errors
B Good. Work shows organization and thought. Minor grammatical and structural errors.
B- Fairly Good. Work shows strong ideas and an attempt at organization and structure. Grammatical and/or structural errors do not obstruct meaning
C Satisfactory. Work attempts to fulfill criteria but does not show advanced thought, organization or sentence structure. Grammar and other errors at times obscure meaning
D Weak. Student makes a poor attempt to fulfill criteria. No evidence of careful thought or organization. Grammar and other errors often obscure meaning
F Work does not fulfill criteria and/or is unreadable
A Excellent. Work shows high level of critical and conceptual thinking. Few to no grammar or structural errors
A- Very strong ideas. Work shows capacity to think critically and conceptually. Few grammar or structural errors
B+ Very good. Work shows evidence of critical thinking. Minor grammatical and structural errors
B Good. Work shows organization and thought. Minor grammatical and structural errors.
B- Fairly Good. Work shows strong ideas and an attempt at organization and structure. Grammatical and/or structural errors do not obstruct meaning
C Satisfactory. Work attempts to fulfill criteria but does not show advanced thought, organization or sentence structure. Grammar and other errors at times obscure meaning
D Weak. Student makes a poor attempt to fulfill criteria. No evidence of careful thought or organization. Grammar and other errors often obscure meaning
F Work does not fulfill criteria and/or is unreadable
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Course Outline
Welcome to grade 12 Academic English! This course will focus specifically on the study of literary genres and on improving written expression and literary analysis. Students will study the art of writing the literary essay by focusing on literary genres such as essay, poetry, drama, short story and the novel. After each major unit, students will submit an essay, or other writing assignment, followed by several days of grammar and writing workshops devoted to improving consistent weaknesses in essays and assignments.
*Please Note: Laptops are not permitted in class unless I have given specific instructions to bring one.
Texts
Collection of essays
Collection of poetry
Shakespeare's "Othello"
Ann Marie MacDonald's, "Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet"
James Joyce's Dubliners
Frank McCourt's Angela’s Ashes
Alistair Macleod's No Great Mischief
Ami MacKay's The Birth House
George Orwell's 1984
Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale
Marks Breakdown
Term One:
20% Writing Assignments
20% Exam, Tests, Quizzes
Term Two:
15% Writing Assignments
15% Tests, Quizzes
Term Three:
15% Writing Assignments, Tests, Quizzes
15% Final Exam
Supplementary Book Assignments
Each student is required to submit one supplementary book assignment per term. The books will be provided for you, but you may choose the order in which you study each book. For each text there is a set of questions which must be answered in full sentences, to the best of your ability. The book selections for this year are, The Birth House by Ami MacKay, No Great Mischief by Alistair Macleod and The Wars by Timothy Findley.
Writing Workshops
Writing workshops will cover such topics as: introductions; thesis statements; transitions; using textual evidence and proper citation format; literary analysis and concise expression. The purpose of the grammar and writing workshops is not only to put a strong emphasis on learning grammar, but also to ensure that students get thorough feedback on their strengths and weaknesses as well as strategies to improve their writing for the next assignment.
Plagiarism
Please note that plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate zero on any given assignment. Plagiarism includes using secondary sources without proper citation, copying from internet sources without reference, passing in essays used in other classes or essays written by someone else.
*Please Note: Laptops are not permitted in class unless I have given specific instructions to bring one.
Texts
Collection of essays
Collection of poetry
Shakespeare's "Othello"
Ann Marie MacDonald's, "Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet"
James Joyce's Dubliners
Frank McCourt's Angela’s Ashes
Alistair Macleod's No Great Mischief
Ami MacKay's The Birth House
George Orwell's 1984
Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale
Marks Breakdown
Term One:
20% Writing Assignments
20% Exam, Tests, Quizzes
Term Two:
15% Writing Assignments
15% Tests, Quizzes
Term Three:
15% Writing Assignments, Tests, Quizzes
15% Final Exam
Supplementary Book Assignments
Each student is required to submit one supplementary book assignment per term. The books will be provided for you, but you may choose the order in which you study each book. For each text there is a set of questions which must be answered in full sentences, to the best of your ability. The book selections for this year are, The Birth House by Ami MacKay, No Great Mischief by Alistair Macleod and The Wars by Timothy Findley.
Writing Workshops
Writing workshops will cover such topics as: introductions; thesis statements; transitions; using textual evidence and proper citation format; literary analysis and concise expression. The purpose of the grammar and writing workshops is not only to put a strong emphasis on learning grammar, but also to ensure that students get thorough feedback on their strengths and weaknesses as well as strategies to improve their writing for the next assignment.
Plagiarism
Please note that plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate zero on any given assignment. Plagiarism includes using secondary sources without proper citation, copying from internet sources without reference, passing in essays used in other classes or essays written by someone else.
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