English 4-P4 Assignments

1. Read the Article (attached)
2. Open a Google Document
3. Write a paragraph response on the article in which you reflect on the function of music in your own life.
4. Create a ten-song playlist that is symbolic of your Senior Year.
5. Turn in Google Document here

Your Listicle should be polished and free of grammar/mechanics issues. It should be about a page of writing (with visuals probably two pages).

1. SELECT YOUR TOPIC – It should be related to your TED TALK.  You could even use your speech content for the listicle.

2. TITLE YOUR LISTICLE – The number of sub headers required should be part of the title.  Ex. Seven Reasons How Disney Failed the Star Wars Franchise, Ten Reasons to Go Vegan Today

3. DEVELOP YOUR SUB HEADERS – These short, catchy sub headers often begin with the same work, rhyme, or contain the same number of words.  Ex. – Bring a Friend, Bring Fun Tunes.  You need AT LEAST FIVE SUB HEADERS.

4. TEXT – Following each sub header, write several sentences that support the sub header.

5. ADD IMAGES, GIFS, GRAPHS, VIDEOS

6. Edit for grammar and mechanics issues.

Submit your visual aid for your TED TALK here.

Type your 750+ word Draft and submit it here! 

DUE TUESDAY, APRIL 22 before class starts!

Submit both your:
How-To Speech visual aids for your topic. (15 pts)
The handout "quizzes" you'll use to test your audience after you've taught them. (15 pts)
How your audience score impacts your quiz grade! (1/4 your speech grade!)
YOU MUST HAVE NOTECARDS THAT YOU TURN IN AFTER YOUR SPEECH TOO!

Use your Rant script and record yourself delivering your rant!

You can upload your video here, or you could upload your video to Google Drive, make the video link available to anyone, and link the video here.

Graded on:
___ / 10 Content (school appropriate topic with meaningful content, verbal irony, + personal connection)
___ / 10 Organization (Intro, Body, Conclusion)
___ / 10 Delivery (1-2 minutes, clear voice, + energy)

Questions to answer on a Google document and then turn in here today (4/5):

1. What is the protege effect?  Explain the concept in at least two sentences.

2. Do you believe that this is actually a good way to learn?  Explain.

3. How could this connect to the "how-to" speeches you will be doing next in class?

Write your RANTS - Write your rant out in complete sentence format.  This is usually 250-300 words.    

INCLUDE: Intro, Body, Conclusion, Verbal Irony, and Personal Connection in your draft!

TED Talk journal reflection Assignment

https://www.ted.com/talks/emilie_wapnick_why_some_of_us_don_t_have_one_true_calling?language=en

On a google document, answer the following four questions in complete sentences.  Turn this in here today (3/25/2025)

What are some of the moves that Emilie Wapnick makes in this speech to try to make it engaging and powerful?
What is Emilie Wapnick’s main idea/ thesis in this talk?
Reflect on your life. Would you consider yourself a multi-potentialite? Explain your answer using specific examples from your life.
Do you agree or disagree with her overall argument? Explain

Toasting to your partner, your outline will:


Introduce yourself and your partner
The reason you're toasting to them today
An amusing anecdote or piece of trivia about your partner
2+ great qualities about your partner
A concluding statement that ends with a drink with your audience.
Your speech must be between 1 - 2 minutes.

Find a news article that is interesting to you on either NPR, CNN, FOX, MSNBC, or CBS.

Link it in a Google document. 

Write 250+ words that:
Summarize the article
States your opinion on the article
Names any bias in the article
Explains why you believe it is important

Carefully Read the Article.  In a Google Document, answer the following questions.  Then turn in your completed questions here.  DUE TODAY.

1. What is Ethos?   How can you use ethos in public speaking to be a more effective speaker?

2. What is Pathos?  How can you use pathos in public speaking to be a more effective speaker?

3. What is Logos?  How can you use logos in public speaking to be a more effective speaker?

4. What do you think is the most important pillar of these three for public speaking?  Why?

How does the video analyze the theme of Duality? What strategies and elements did you notice? Have you used similar strategies in your writing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfJeMS-9HpE&list=PLg-DoAEop0UsX4zwyZGZD0gtFBytIcUWj&index=7

Tell me:

Your partner's name
Their 2 themes
A few key scenes they'll use for evidence
1 difference and 1 similarity between the film and text
To receive points:

I need your essay plan but written by your partner(s).

Create a detailed outline for your essay.  Follow this format: 

Compare/Contrast Themes of Texts

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Secret Window

Introduction Paragraph
   Hook
   Background Information - introduce the text and film
   Clear and strong thesis statement

[Thesis starter: Jekyll and Hyde and Secret Window both explore – insert themes here + briefly explain the significance of each theme…

Body Paragraph 1 - Theme #1
Discuss your chosen theme #1
Provide evidence for this theme from the film
Provide evidence for this theme from the book
Show how this theme emerges in both, and why it is relevant

Body Paragraph 2 - Theme #2
Discuss your chosen theme #1
Provide evidence for this theme from the film
Provide evidence for this theme from the book
Show how this theme emerges in both, and why it is relevant

Paragraph 3 - Compare/Contrast/
   Discuss the similarities and differences between the treatment of your chosen theme in the book and the film
   Provide evidence, be clear
Discuss the implications of the differences and similarities of the theme    

Conclusion
   Summarize your thesis and your arguments
   Summarize your arguments    
Insert some insight, perhaps about culture or the story’s influence or the impact of your chosen theme

Write a full paragraph response on the Google CR Question.

Possible Response Questions:
• What do you think about the possibility of scientists one day being able to clone human beings? Is it ethical?    What are the dangers? Are there advantages? Explain.
• What is not said in this article? What is left out? Discuss.    
• Pick a word/line/passage from the article and respond to it.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Short Essay Response #2 – THE MONSTER WITHIN
Within our world and within ourselves, what is the most powerful force: good or evil?  Are people more attracted to the light or the darkness within themselves?  Create a clear thesis statement by choosing a specific perspective on this question.  Support your thesis with some examples and evidence.  Please refer to Jekyll and Hyde in this response.
All responses must be typed in 12 point, Times New Roman font.  Each essay must have an introduction (hook, explain the point of your essay, thesis statement), a body (examples and explanations for your argument), and a conclusion (summarize and talk about significance of this essay to the real world).  So, to receive full credit, you must write at least three paragraphs.

Scoring:
___ / 15 Intro, body, and conclusion (content – use of Jekyll and Hyde)
___ / 15 Intro, body, and conclusion (completion – at least 5 sentences per paragraph)
___ / 10 Essay makes a clear and specific claim (thesis)
___ / 10 Body has examples to support this specific claim
___ / 5 Conventions (grammar, spelling, mechanics)
                                  ___ / 55 Total

Jekyll and Hyde Transformations and Quick Write:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2OCGVCWnhw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soolcLpo18w

If you had to choose (and, yes, you do have to choose for this essay), what, in your opinion, is MOST responsible for the way a person is?  Is it their nature (genetics) or how they were nurtured (their environment and experiences)?  Why?  

The plagiarism check mechanism is on.  All responses must be typed in 12 point, Times New Roman font.  Each essay must have an introduction (hook, explain the point of your essay, thesis statement), a body (examples and explanations for your argument), and a conclusion (summarize and talk about significance of this essay to the real world).  So, to receive full credit, you must write at least three paragraphs.
  
Scoring:
___ / 15 Intro, body, and conclusion (content)
___ / 15 Intro, body, and conclusion (completion – at least 5 sentences per paragraph)
___ / 10 Essay makes a clear and specific claim (thesis)
___ / 10 Body has examples to support this specific claim
___ / 5 Conventions (grammar, spelling, mechanics)
                                  ___ / 55 Total

You should already have completed (in a separate document shared with Mr. Wiley)

1. A first draft of your thesis (Soul is a good/bad film, because A, B, and C.)

2. Three (3) pasted articles and their hyperlinks, reviewing Pixar's Soul or The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

3. Highlighted quotes in each article.

Here you are submitting: Your Works Cited page with sources in 8th ed. MLA Format!

Write a 250+ word thematic analysis of either "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" or "Cup of Tea."
In your analysis, name a specific theme that you believe the author is communicating in the short story. Provide evidence from the text that supports your chosen theme.  Explain in your own words how you know this is a theme in the story.
Make sure your response is clear and understandable.  Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and mechanics.

Possible Response Questions
• What are your thoughts about the FDA’s new definition of “healthy” food? Explain.
• Did something in the article surprise you? Discuss.
• Pick a word/line/passage from the article and respond to it.
• Discuss a “move” made by the writer in this piece that you think is good/interesting. Explain.

Possible Response Questions
• What are your thoughts about this study? Explain.
• Did something in the article surprise you? Discuss.
• Pick a word/line/passage from the article and respond to it.
• Discuss a “move” made by the writer in this piece that you think is good/interesting. Explain.

Write a thank you letter for your mock interview.  You can use the attached example to guide your short letter.  Be sure to have a header, a salutation, a short paragraph thanking the person for the time, a short paragraph about what you gained and learned from the mock interview, a short paragraph with a second thank you, and a formal closing.  See attached example for help.

Possible Response Questions 
How might you regulate your stress? Explain.
Did something in the article surprise you? Discuss.
Pick a word/line/passage from the article and respond to it.
Discuss a “move” made by the writer in this piece that you think is good/interesting. Explain.

Use the attached Outline to create a draft for your Resume.  Make your own copy from the document, and turn it in here when you are finished.   This content should be polished, accurate, and professional.

Due Wednesday, October 30th at the end of class. 

Be sure to complete a paper checklist and turn it in Wednesday before you turn in your paper here.

The plagiarism check is on.  Remember to only submit your own work!

English 4, Personal Statement Response Essay #2 (W.3 - CHECKPOINT)

Directions: For your second response, choose a different prompt from your first response and really focus on “showing not telling” in your writing. Choose just one prompt. Your response must be 500-700 words. Please write these as if they were your final copies that you would be submitting to a college. This means they need to be error proof and you should reread them prior to submitting. 

You must use and underline/highlight/label at least THREE Write Like a Pro strategies (https://prezi.com/view/20EaEfySE21yp9YwdvbJ/) and have one “Show Don’t Tell” focused section of your essay.  ALSO, USE (CORRECTLY) AT LEAST ONE SEMICOLON IN YOUR ESSAY.

This response will be valued at 10pts. 

Below are the prompts:
https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Create a google document and type responses.  Turn these in here.  Today you will be discussing Scott Russel Sanders’ “The Inheritance of Tools.” Please answer each question, and write responses in full paragraphs. See guidelines below questions.

“The Inheritance of Tools”
1. What is the purpose of Sanders’ essay? What does he want to accomplish by writing this piece?
2. Sanders talks about inheriting specific tools, but how else does the idea of inheritance come into play in the essay?
3. How did you find yourself relating to this piece? What items do you have in your family that hold similar value to Sanders’ hammer? Why do they hold this type of value?
4. Name one specific descriptive moment in Sanders' text. What makes this moment impactful and effective?

Guidelines for Your Reading Responses:
Each response should be at least a 4+ sentence paragraph in length.
You will write in essay form, meaning you will need to use paragraphs, full sentences, and a clear focus and purpose.
You will need to use standard academic English, meaning you should avoid slang and adhere to standard grammar and punctuation conventions.
Your response should bring in quotations or summaries of information from the text(s) in order to help support the points you are making; however, responses must not plagiarize either the readings or other discussions of the readings.
Responses should not simply summarize the reading, nor should it consist of a personal tangent. Instead, plan to respond to the prompt provided with a clear, thorough discussion that shows your understanding of the text(s).

Directions: You will be writing a series of responses to personal statement questions. Each response must be 400-600 words. For this assignment, you are choosing ONE prompt to address. Please write these as if they were your final copies that you would be submitting to a college or a job. This means they need to be error proof and you should reread them prior to submitting.  Each response will be valued at 25pts. Below are the prompts:

1. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

2. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

3. Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

4. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

For essay #1, choose whichever prompt you like best.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/13/learning/tiny-memoir-contest-for-students-write-a-100-word-personal-narrative.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/13/learning/how-to-write-a-100-word-narrative-a-guide-for-our-tiny-memoir-contest.html

Be sure to cite examples from the film (The 13th Warrior) and evidence from the text (Beowulf) to support your answer. I expect a THOROUGH response of a paragraphs for each question.

RL.1 - Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Create a google document for this writing response, and turn it in here.  Respond to both questions with a THOROUGH response of a paragraph for each question.
1. In a response of a paragraphs and using evidence from the film and the text, explain the similarities and differences between the monsters of "The 13th Warrior" and the monsters of Beowulf.  Be sure to explain WHY you think there are these differences.  What is the purpose of these differences in the film? 

2. In a response of a paragraph and using evidence from the film and the text, explain at least one similarity and difference between the heroic character of Buliwyf in "The 13th Warrior" and Beowulf in the epic poem.  Be sure to explain WHY you think there are these differences.  What is the purpose of these differences in the film?

Answer the following FOUR questions about Chapter 3 of "Grendel" after reading.  ANSWER IN COMPLETE SENTENCES in a Google document.  These are due by Friday, September 20th.Chapter 3: Gemini, the Twins.1. As a detached observer, what does Grendel learn about Hrothgar and his theories? What shocks Grendel about man's behavior to other men and to nature? Why does Grendel fear Hrothgar?
2. Why is Grendel so impressed and affected by the Shaper? Why does he fear the Shaper?
3. According to Grendel, what is the truth about poetry?
4. Why does Grendel scream "Lost!" and crawl on all fours as the chapter ends?

As you answer the following questions, think about how the movie either supports or twists the Anglo-Saxon culture. 
1. Describe King Hrothgar. Does he fit the expectation of an Anglo-Saxon king? 
2. Describe Grendel…paying particular attention to his size throughout the movie. 
3. Describe the battle with Grendel’s Mother. Does this fit the archetypes of hero and creature of nightmare? 
4. Which religions are present in this movie? How are they portrayed? 
5. When Unferth says “the sins of the father…” he is missing the second half of the quote which is “..shall be visited upon the sons.” How does this quote apply  to the movie? Would it have applied to the Anglo-Saxon culture? 
6. Describe Beowulf throughout the movie. Does he fit the role of archetypal hero? 

Choose a question above & use it for inspiration to write a 400+ word essay regarding a difference(s) between the original tale & the movie. You must use specific examples in your essay cited from each text. Be sure to use MLA format (Times New Roman, 12pt font, double-spaced, MLA header).   Hint: If you start with an MLA Report from Google Documents, this will help you with formatting.


Due by Friday, 9/13.