4/16 English III Agenda TSW utilize notes and group discussion in order to put together a multi-faceted literature circle project, which will have students discussing and analyzing the elements of a short story (plot, characterization, literary terms, theme). TSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class. Focus: Use the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the underlined word: 1. Mel’s relationship with his parents degenerated when he dropped out of school against their wishes and became a bartender. 2. Insurance companies hear such implausible excuses for auto accidents as, “I hit the telephone pole when I was blinded by the lights of a flying saucer.” 3. My sister talks a lot in her sleep, but she’s so incoherent then that we can never figure out what she’s saying. Activities: 1. Groups: Organize and prep for presentations – conference with teacher. 2. Groups: Present Literature Circle Project to class. Closing: Independent reading time.

Improving Vocabulary Skills Chapter 10

1. degenerate (verb) - ___________ Mel’s relationship with his parents degenerated when he dropped out of school against their wishes and became a bartender. degenerate means: A. to improve B. to remain the same C. to worsen

2. implausible (adj.) - ___________ Insurance companies hear such implausible excuses for auto accidents as, “I hit the telephone pole when I was blinded by the lights of a flying saucer.” implausible means: A. unbelievable B. acceptable C. valuable

3. incoherent (adj.) - ___________ My sister talks a lot in her sleep, but she’s so incoherent then that we can never figure out what she’s saying. incoherent means: A. calm B. unclear C. inconvenient

4/17 English III Agenda TSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class. Focus: Use the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the underlined word: 4. When the principal said Harry couldn’t play in Friday’s football game, the coach interceded, hoping to change the principal’s mind. 5. War and Peace is a long, intricate novel that weaves together the detailed life stories of many individuals. 6. Old unused trains in Grand Central Station serve as a nighttime sanctuary for some of New York City’s homeless. Activities: 1. Groups: Present Literature Circle Project to class. Closing: Independent reading time.

4. intercede (verb) - ___________ When the principal said Harry couldn’t play in Friday’s football game, the coach interceded, hoping to change the principal’s mind. intercede means: A. to give in to someone B. to plead for someone C. to examine closely

5. intricate (adj.) - ___________ War and Peace is a long, intricate novel that weaves together the detailed life stories of many individuals. intricate means: A. simple B. uninteresting C. complicated

6. sanctuary (noun) - ___________ Old unused trains in Grand Central Station serve as a nighttime sanctuary for some of New York City’s homeless. sanctuary means: A. a reminder B. a shelter C. a challenge

4/18 English III Agenda TSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class. Focus: Use the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the underlined word: 7. Store security guards give careful scrutiny to people carrying large bags, since the bags may be used for shoplifting. 8. The creepy novel The Boys from Brazil tells of a sinister plot to clone dozens of copies of Adolf Hitler who would then take over the world. 9. I forgot to buy something for lunch tomorrow, but the leftover meatloaf will suffice. 10. Because they tend to have brittle bones, the elderly are vulnerable to fractures. Activities: 1. Groups: Present Literature Circle Project to class. Closing: Independent reading time.

7. scrutiny (noun) - ___________ Store security guards give careful scrutiny to people carrying large bags, since the bags may be used for shoplifting. scrutiny means: A. attention B. protection C. permission

8. sinister (adj.) - ___________ The creepy novel The Boys from Brazil tells of a sinister plot to clone dozens of copies of Adolf Hitler who would then take over the world. sinister means: A. illogical B. evil C. inconsiderate

9. suffice (verb) - ___________ I forgot to buy something for lunch tomorrow, but the leftover meatloaf will suffice. suffice means: A. to be wasted B. to be adequate C. to be examined

10. vulnerable (adj.) - ___________ Because they tend to have brittle bones, the elderly are vulnerable to fractures. vulnerable means: A. open B. safe C. attracted

4/19 English III Agenda TSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class. TSW compare and contrast elements of two literature circle short stories by completing an essay that utilizes direct references from the stories for support. Focus: Work with you literature circle group and create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting your story with one of the other stories – identify similarities and differences. Activities: 1. Class: Review comparing and contrasting – discuss c/c essay requirements and expectations. 2. Groups: Finish project presentations – Brain storm ideas for compare- contrast essay and develop thesis. Closing: Independent reading time.

Comparing and contrasting Do not just focus on random similarities and differences. Ex. Both main characters are young, one story is set in south Africa and the other in England, one protagonist if short and the other is tall, both stories deal with love Find a theme: Ex. Both stories deal with the concept of family loyalty, but one character chooses loyalty to his family of doing what is right, while the other character choose to be disloyal to his family to do the right thing. Lets look at an example:

Comparing and contrasting Both television shows, The Simpsons and Family Guy are social satires that use cartoon families to “poke fun” at society. Both shows were very controversial when they first aired and have been protested against on numerous occasions. Unlike The Simpsons, Family Guy was actually taken of the air for a short time and it was only an online campaign from its devoted audience that got it back on the air. The humor in Family Guy, is considered very irreverent (coarse, harsh, etc.) and the shows creators are far more willing “go to the limit” with their humor to make bold statements.

4/20 English III Agenda TSW compare and contrast elements of two literature circle short stories by completing an essay that utilizes direct references from the stories for support. Focus: Create a thesis statement for you essay topic. Activities: 1. Group: Develop a list of similarities and differences to create the thesis for the c/c essay – organize essay structure and identify direct quotes. 2. Individuals: Work on c/c essay. Closing: Independent reading time.

Focus: Create a thesis statement for you essay topic. Thesis statement for a compare-contrast paper: Do not just say that the stories have similarities and differences, Ex. The “A Devoted Son” and “Six Feet of the Country” are different in many ways, but similar in others. Find a focus – what is more important for you reader to understand, the similarities of the differences? Focus on one area/element of the stories. Ex. Though the stories, “Marriage is a Private Affair” and “The Destructors”, both deal with the gap between generations, Achebe feels that the younger generation is justified in wanting to overturn the traditions and beliefs of their parents, while Greene feels that the younger generation has lost its sense of values. Notice that the focus is on the message that the author wants to convey (theme), and not just random similarities and differences.