LOTF Audiobook online

Sophomores: Lord of the Flies has proved a challenging read for many, in part due to the uniquely British turns of phrase employed by the author.  Therefore, I have located an online source for the audiobook, so that you can hear the text read in an English accent.  Check out the “Media” section of this site for the recording of chapter 4, or visit Edward Santillanes’ classroom webpage for the entire audiobook.  Mr. Santillanes is a teacher in the San Juan Unified School District of Sacramento, CA.

Senior Extra Credit Opportunity

****This movie is no longer at the theater! Please finish your reviews and have them in by Friday 2/24****

The film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is currently showing at the Cinemark.  It is based on the book I shared with you during Banned Book Week, and its protagonist has many similarities to Christopher John Francis Boone, so it could provide some insight into his character.  I will give Extra Credit for anyone who sees this film and writes a review of it. Your review should include your opinion of the film, strong and weak points in it (with specific examples), and a brief comparison to Curious Incident.  It should be approximately one page long– better reviews will receive more points!

The film is rated PG-13 for its strongly emotional content, and some very intense scenes.  Click here for an explanation of the rating.

Click here to see when the movie is playing: Google movie times

Semester Tests

Study guides have been up since yesterday, and can be found under each class page (Mythology for seniors, main English II page for sophomores).

On test day, remember to bring the following:

• A #2 pencil (and a backup)
• A sheet of lined paper for short answer questions
• Your note card with notes (front and back is okay)
• A book or other quiet activity for after the test
• Seniors: Bring your final drafts! It won’t be possible to turn these in late, so this is extremely important.

Please feel free to e-mail me over the weekend if you have any questions about any of these things.

Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays, everyone!

Seniors: Remember to get your outlines finished by Jan.4

Sophomores: I’m looking forward to seeing your first drafts when we get back on the 4th!

If you need help with an assignment during the break, don’t hesitate to e-mail me (jclark@helena.k12.mt.us).  I’ll be checking my e-mail throughout the break.

I hope you all have a wonderful, restful break.

12/26 Update: Seniors– The outline template you requested is up! Feel free to use this tool to help you format your outline.

Weasel Words

From the Grammar and Composition Guide:

“‘Weasel Words’ such as ‘in my opinion,’ ‘I think,’  ‘I believe,’ or ‘I feel’ weaken your arguments; they are unnecessary.  Also, do not muddle the subject of your essay by inserting yourself with such expressions as ‘In my essay. . . ,’ ‘I have thought a long time about this assignment, and . . ., ‘ or ‘In this paper I will. . . .’  Focus on the essay’s thesis.”