English I - Block 4 - Spring 2026 Assignments
- Instructor
- Jennifer Williams
- Term
- 25-26 School Year
- Department
- English Department
- Description
-
This course is designed to build a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and strategies that will be refined, applied, and extended as students engage in more complex ideas, texts, and tasks. Students will be enhancing their grammar and writing skills.
Upcoming Assignments
Due:
Monday, April 13, 2026 - Friday, April 17, 2026
Monday, April 13, 2026
Bell Work - Grammar review handout from practice test...answer each question and then explain why you chose each answer.
We will go over the grading rubric used by the state for grading essays. We will discuss the differences in each of the graded areas for 1-4.
We will read and grade four different sample essays and discuss why we believe they deserve the grade we give them.
You will receive your own essay back to grade in each area and you will be asked to explain why you have given yourself the grade you have based on the rubric.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Bell Work - Grammar review handout from practice test...answer each question and then explain why you chose each answer.
Past Assignments
Due:
Monday, April 6, 2026 - Friday, April 10, 2026
Monday, April 6, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the Parallel Structure handout - then go to the following website and follow the instructions below:
Exercises at Grammar Bytes!
Find "Exercise 6"
Click "Interactive Exercise"
Check and/or change your answers by completing the exercise here.
Turn the handout in when you are satisfied with your answer choices.
Get the video transcript and pull up the YouTube video of "$50bn Ponzi Scheme: How Madoff Did It"
We will finish the video and you will answer the following questions:
3. What is the "classic trick" Madoff used to make his payments?
4. What is the source of "profit" in a Ponzi scheme?
5. What usually happens to a Ponzi scheme?
We will discuss answers as a class.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Several students are out for a math competition, so we will use this as a makeup day.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
You will complete a cold write today.
You have been given two articles.
Read and follow the directions at the top of the paper.
After you have read the articles, open a Word document and begin typing your essay.
It must be five paragraphs and finished by the end of the period.
It should be written in TIDIDE format.
Email it to me when you finish the essay.
You only need to worry about putting your name on the document.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
I am going to give you a reading that we are going to read together. This is a book review, or an informational text, that gives information about the book and its topic, as well as an opinion of the quality of the book. The book being reviewed is "The Wizard of Lies" by Diana Henriques. Notice Dianan Henriques is not the author of this book review. the author of this review we are reading is Liaquat Ahamed.
As we read the first paragraph, keep this in mind:
Determine the central idea in the first paragraph of "How Bernard Madoff Did It." How does this idea emerge and what details shape its development?
I will read paragraph 1 to you as you follow along.
You will reread paragraph 1 and answer the following questions:
6. According to Ahamed what makes the Madoff scandal different from others?
7. What does Ahamed mean by "others found a certain 'voyeuristic' pleasure in the financial 'travails' of the rich and famous"?
8. What might "travails" mean in this context?
9. Why was the public "morbidly fascinated" by the Madoff scandal?
Now annotate paragraph 1 to help you find your central idea. Ask yourself these two questions:
Who or what is the paragraph about?
What does the author want me to know?
Determine the central idea in the first paragraph of "How Bernard Madoff Did It." How does this idea emerge and what details shape its development? In other words, use textual evidence to explain your central idea.
We will finish reading the article and you will answer the last two questions:
10. In two or three sentences describe how a Ponzi scheme works.
11. What makes a Ponzi scheme a crime?
Write the following vocabulary on your own paper
1. festering - putrefying or rotting
2. refuse - anything thrown away; waste; rubbish
3. subterranean - existing below the earth; underground
4. Dante-like - referring to a famous Italian poet of the 14th century, and in this case his vivid descriptions of hell in the poem "Inferno" from the "The Divine Comedy"
5. miasma - pollution in the atmosphere, esp. noxious vapors from decomposing organic matter
6. forlorn - expressive of hopelessness; despairing
7. ambling - going at a slow, easy pace; strolling
8. gauzy - transparently thin and light
9. rickshaw - a small two-wheeled passenger vehicle drawn by one or two men, used in parts of Asia
10. repulsed - produced a feeling of aversion or distaste
11. distress - pain or hardship
12. exploit - to use selfishly for one's own ends
**By the end of this lesson you should be able to answer the following question using textual evidence to support your answer.
How does the author use figurative language to advance his purpose in this article? You should include what the author's purpose is and examples of figurative language used to show or explain that purpose.
I am going to read the entire article to you...
What is a sweatshop?
1. What is the effect of using the word "dream" to describe sweatshops? What might the relationship between these two words reveal about the author's point of view?
We will discuss the answer to this question before moving on.
Now, let's re-read paragraphs 1-4
2. To whom does the author refer in the first paragraph? How does this develop your understanding of the author's point of view?
3. **Note: When figurative language provides a picture that evokes any of the senses (sight, smell, hearing, etc.) we call this imagery.
Find at least 3 examples of imagery in paragraph 2 and write them down.
4. What is the effect of the author's use of imagery in paragraph 2?
5. Find 3 examples of imagery in paragraph 3 and write them down.
6. What effect does the author's choice of words like "miasma" and "forlorn" have on the text?
7. According to paragraph 4, what are President Obama and the Democrats' attitudes toward sweatshops?
8. How does the author's circling back to Barack Obama in paragraph 4 further inform your understanding of the author's purpose?
9. How does the author's use of the word "exploit" convey his point of view on sweatshops?
Friday, April 10, 2026
Re-read paragraphs 5-7
10. How does the author's use of "dream" in paragraph 5 develop the author's purpose?
11. What relationship is the author constructing between his point of view and the point of view of the people he interviews?
12. Find at least two examples of imagery in paragraph 5 and write them down.
13. How does this use of figurative language compare to the author's use of imagery in paragraphs 2 and 3? How does the cumulative effect of the figurative language in all three paragraphs advance the author's purpose?
Read paragraphs 8-10
14. In paragraph 8, what words and phrases in the text can help you make meaning of the word "repulsed"? What synonyms might be used instead of "repulsed"?
15. What comparison is the author constructing in his description of sweatshops as a "symptom" of poverty? How does this metaphor advance his purpose?
16. What does the author reveal about his point of view in paragraphs 9 and 10?
17. How does the author's reflection on his own personal experiences advance his purpose?
Quick Write:
How does the author use figurative language to advance his purpose in this article? Be sure to include what his purpose is, some examples of the figurative language, and his point of view on sweatshops...
Due:
Monday, March 23, 2026 - Friday, March 27, 2026
Monday, March 23, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the Parallel Structure handout
We will read an article called "What Can Rhetoric Do for You?"
After reading the article together as a class, answer the questions (there are 9 altogether).
After you have answered the questions that go with the reading, answer the extra question posted here on my website:
On page 3 of the article, there is an example of pathos, logos, and ethos. Tell me the following for each one:
Pathos
Work referenced as example:
Statement used as example:
Logos
Work referenced as example:
Statement used as example:
Ethos
Work referenced as example:
Statement used as example:
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the Parallel Structure handout
Get the video transcript and pull up the YouTube video of "$50bn Ponzi Scheme: How Madoff Did It"
We are going to watch the video through 3:44. Then we will stop and you will answer the following questions:
1. A hedge fund is an investment fund that invests large amounts of money using risky methods. What is the difference between a hedge fund and Madoff's "Collar Method"?
2. Why would the scheme the video outlines not make a profit?
We will discuss answers as a class.
We will finish the video and you will answer the following questions:
3. What is the "classic trick" Madoff used to make his payments?
4. What is the source of "profit" in a Ponzi scheme?
5. What usually happens to a Ponzi scheme?
We will discuss answers as a class.
I am going to give you a reading that we are going to read together. This is a book review, or an informational text, that gives information about the book and its topic, as well as an opinion of the quality of the book. The book being reviewed is "The Wizard of Lies" by Diana Henriques. Notice Dianan Henriques is not the author of this book review. the author of this review we are reading is Liaquat Ahamed.
As we read the first paragraph keep this in mind:
Determine the central idea in the first paragraph of "How Bernard Madoff Did It." How does this idea emerge and what details shape its development?
I will read paragraph 1 to you as you follow along.
You will reread paragraph 1 and answer the following questions:
6. According to Ahamed what makes the Madoff scandal different from others?
7. What does Ahamed mean by "others found a certain 'voyeuristic' pleasure in the financial 'travails' of the rich and famous"?
8. What might "travails" mean in this context?
9. Why was the public "morbidly fascinated" by the Madoff scandal?
Now annotate paragraph 1 to help you find your central idea. Ask yourself these two questions:
Who or what is the paragraph about?
What does the author want me to know?
Determine the central idea in the first paragraph of "How Bernard Madoff Did It." How does this idea emerge and what details shape its development? In other words, use textual evidence to explain your central idea.
We will finish reading the article and you will answer the last two questions:
10. In two or three sentences describe how a Ponzi scheme works.
11. What makes a Ponzi scheme a crime?
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the Parallel Structure handout
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Prom Day
Friday, March 27, 2026
Makeup day - Students will work on missing work
Due:
Monday, March 16, 2026 - Friday, March 20, 2026
Monday, March 16, 2026
Bell Work - Confusing Words Cont'd...copy the following notes
which - refers to things only
Ex: Her medal, which is actually gold-plated, is quite heavy.
that - refers to people or things
Ex: Carlotta is the runner that (who) won the gold medal.
who - refers to people only
Ex: Carlotta, who is a sophomore, won the gold medal.
capital - center of government; money or property used in business; punishable by death; of major importance; excellent; uppercase
Ex: Do you support capital punishment?
capitol - building where legislature meets
Ex: We could see the capitol from our hotel.
complement - to make whole or complete
Ex: That scarf complements your outfit nicely.
compliment - praise; courteous act or statement
Ex: He received many compliments on his cooking.
coarse - rough or crude
Ex: Burlap is a coarse fabric.
course - part of a meal; series of studies; a playing field; path of action
Ex: What course will resolve the conflict?
counsel - advice; advise
Ex: Sue followed her aunt's counsel.
council - group called together to accomplish a job
Ex: Members of the council voted on the resolution.
Continue working on your argumentative essay on:
Do Juvenile Killers Deserve Life Behind Bars?
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Benchmark
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bell Work - Choose the word that makes the sentence complete. Use the definitions you wrote yesterday.
1. The workers (which, that, who) put up that new office building certainly finished it quickly.
2. Some churches have parish (counsels, councils) that provide guidance and oversight.
3. The (capital, capitol) of Alaska is Juneau.
4. Ronald E. McNair was aboard the space shuttle (which, that, who) exploded in January 1986.
5. From our hotel room we could see the dome of the (capital, capitol).
6. We have ordered pizza for the main (coarse, course).
7. I sought (counsel, council) from a local master gardener before planting my first vegetable garden.
8. The D.A. hasn't decided whether to charge the suspect with a (capital, capitol) offense or a lesser crime.
9. Her dress perfectly (complements, compliments) the shade of her eyes.
10. Proper nouns begin with a (capital, capitol) letter.
11. He will always (complement, compliment) her when she brings home a great report card.
12. The dress is made of (coarse, course) fabric.
13. Our family therapist provided (counsel, council) on how to communicate more effectively.
14. He offered a kind (complement, compliment) to the chef of the restaurant.
15. Do you think the white tulip (complements, compliments) this flower arrangement?
16. This is the best race (coarse, course) on the continent.
17. Use of (coarse, course) language is prohibited in school.
18. Municipalities have city (counsels, councils) as part of their governmental structure.
Today is the last day you will get to work on your essay in class.
You will receive a grade for your completed essay and you will get a grade for the corrections you complete.
Both will result in a zero if not submitted.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
We will take notes on parallel structure and discuss the notes as we go...the PowerPoint can be found linked at the bottom of the page.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the "Parallel Structure Review" handout
Get a sheet of paper and put today's date
Paragraph 1 Vocabulary
1. stock market - a place where shares of a company are bought and sold
2. hedge fund - an investment fund that invests large amounts of money using risky methods
3. fluctuation - irregular rising and falling in number or amount
4. voyeuristic - having the quality of being an obsessive observer of sordid or sensational subjects
5. morbidly - unhealthily; unwholesomely gloomy or extreme
6. travails - pains and suffering because of hardships
Due:
Monday, March 9, 2026 - Friday, March 13, 2026
Monday, March 9, 2026
Subject-Verb Agreement cont'd
The following indefinite pronouns are singular:
anybody everybody no one something
anyone everyone nothing
anything everything one
each neither somebody
either nobody someone
Ex: Neither of the animals in the pen has been fed this morning.
Ex: Somebody is bringing a CD player to the birthday party on Saturday.
Ex: Was everyone on the volleyball team on time for the class picture at noon?
Ex: One of the puppies has chewed a hole in your tennis shoe.
The following indefinite pronouns are plural:
both few many several
Ex: Have both of them been informed?
Ex: Many of the staff volunteer with local charities.
The following indefinite pronouns are singular or plural, depending on how they are used:
all any more most none some
Ex: Most of the job was finished.
Ex: Most of the jobs were finished.
Ex: Has any of the shipment arrived?
Ex: Have any of the shipments arrived?
The subjects and verbs in some of the sentences do not agree. If a sentence is incorrect, write the correct form of the verb. If a sentence is already correct, write C. (2 are correct.)
1. Several of the forwards on the team was commended by the captain.
2. Neither of the coaches were happy with their decision.
3. Each of us are going to make a large poster for the upcoming election.
4. Some of the frozen yogurt have started to melt.
5. Does both of those games require special gear?
6. Either of Mr. Catalano's assistants have approval and can go.
7. None of the buildings were damaged by the hail.
8. None of the food have been frozen.
9.Neither of the book reports were finished on time.
10. Does anyone want to help me make gefilte fish for the Passover feast?
We will read the article "Justices Bar Mandatory Life Terms for Juveniles"
You will complete the questions that go with the article.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Bell Work - You will complete a review handout for "Subject-Verb Agreement"
Today, you will begin writing your argumentative essay for the prompt:
Do juvenile killers deserve life behind bars?
Setting up your document in Word:
Times New Roman
12 Font
Double spaced
Your name
English I
My name
Friday's date
Title (Centered)
We will talk through your introductory paragraph before you work on your own.
You MUST use at least two of the three articles:
"Stanley 'Tookie' Williams"
"Do Juvenile Killers Deserve Life Behind Bars?"
"Justices Bar Mandatory Life Terms for Juveniles"
Introductory Paragraph:
Hook
Background Information
Thesis
Body Paragraphs:
Topic sentence - restate first piece of evidence in the thesis
Important evidence - quote straight from article
Detailed analysis - how that piece of evidence supports your opinion
Important evidence - another quote straight from article
Detailed analysis - how that piece of evidence supports your opinion
Ending statement - restate your first piece of evidence in different words
NOTE: The first two body paragraphs will be your claim and the third body paragraph will be your counterclaim.
Concluding Paragraph
Three to four sentences explaining what you have stated in your paper, only reworded so you aren't being too repetitive
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Bell Work - Copy the following notes onto your own paper. Include EVERYTHING you see, including examples.
accept - to receive
Ex: Gary did not accept the bribe.
except - to leave out; to exclude
Ex: Everybody except me knew the answer.
affect - to influence
Ex: Working part time did not seem to affect his study habits.
effect - a result of some action
Ex: Teens need to understand the effects of their actions on others.
allusion - an indirect reference to something
Ex: This story has an allusion to "Noah's Ark" in it.
illusion - mistaken idea or a misleading appearance
Ex: Stripes embellish the surface to create the illusion of wood grain textures.
between - refers to two things at a time
Ex: A strong bond exists between the twins.
among - refers to all members of a group rather than to separate individuals in the group.
Ex: We distributed the pamphlets among the crowd.
fewer - used with plural nouns and tells "how many"
Ex: There are fewer whales than there once was.
less - used with singular nouns and tells "how much"
Ex: We should have bought less meat and more vegetables.
Today, you will begin writing your argumentative essay for the prompt:
Do juvenile killers deserve life behind bars?
Setting up your document in Word:
Times New Roman
12 Font
Double spaced
Your name
English I
My name
Friday's date
Title (Centered)
We will talk through your introductory paragraph before you work on your own.
You MUST use at least two of the three articles:
"Stanley 'Tookie' Williams"
"Do Juvenile Killers Deserve Life Behind Bars?"
"Justices Bar Mandatory Life Terms for Juveniles"
Introductory Paragraph:
Hook
Background Information
Thesis
Body Paragraphs:
Topic sentence - restate first piece of evidence in the thesis
Important evidence - quote straight from article
Detailed analysis - how that piece of evidence supports your opinion
Important evidence - another quote straight from article
Detailed analysis - how that piece of evidence supports your opinion
Ending statement - restate your first piece of evidence in different words
NOTE: The first two body paragraphs will be your claim and the third body paragraph will be your counterclaim.
Concluding Paragraph
Three to four sentences explaining what you have stated in your paper, only reworded so you aren't being too repetitive
Thursday, March 12, 2026
No School for Students!
Friday, March 13, 2026
Bell Work - Choose the word that makes the sentence complete. Use the definitions you wrote yesterday.
1. The tasks were divided evenly (among, between) the two scouts.
2. The audience was deeply (affected, effected) by Simon Estes's powerful baritone voice.
3. No one (accept, except) the sophomores will attend.
4. Penicillin has had a profound (affect, effect) on modern medicine.
5. Uncle Joe said that the crosslike rays radiating from the moon were an (allusion, illusion) caused by the screen door.
6. In his remarks about Dr. King, the speaker last night made an (allusion, illusion) to Ghandi, whose nonviolent protests paved the way for the civil rights movement in the United States.
7. The heat has (affected, effected) the growing season; we'll harvest (fewer, less) olives this year.
8. Don't forget that you can mix cursive, printed, capital, and lowercase letters to create
(affects, effects) like the ones in these ambigrams.
9. Thanks to modern medicine, there are (fewer, less) cases of tetanus and diphtheria nowadays.
10. Ahead of us on the desert, a lake seemed to sparkle, but it was only an (allusion, illusion).
11. This prolonged water shortage will (affect, effect) the whole state (accept, except) for two
counties.
12. Because of the indiscriminate slaughter, each year there were (fewer, less) bison.
13. The disagreement (between, among) the two friends caused a number of problems.
14. The illness has had a strange (affect, effect) on everyone.
15. Meeting Governor Jones had a big (affect, effect) on the students and on me.
Your argumentative essay for the prompt:
Do juvenile killers deserve life behind bars?
Setting up your document in Word:
Times New Roman
12 Font
Double spaced
Your name
English I
My name
Friday's date
Title (Centered)
We will talk through your introductory paragraph before you work on your own.
You MUST use at least two of the three articles:
"Stanley 'Tookie' Williams"
"Do Juvenile Killers Deserve Life Behind Bars?"
"Justices Bar Mandatory Life Terms for Juveniles"
Introductory Paragraph:
Hook
Background Information
Thesis
Body Paragraphs:
Topic sentence - restate first piece of evidence in the thesis
Important evidence - quote straight from article
Detailed analysis - how that piece of evidence supports your opinion
Important evidence - another quote straight from article
Detailed analysis - how that piece of evidence supports your opinion
Ending statement - restate your first piece of evidence in different words
NOTE: The first two body paragraphs will be your claim and the third body paragraph will be your counterclaim.
Concluding Paragraph
Three to four sentences explaining what you have stated in your paper, only reworded so you aren't being too repetitive
Due:
Monday, March 2, 2026 - Friday, March 6, 2026
Monday, March 2, 2026
Bell Work - You will complete the "Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement" Review Handout
We will watch the first episode on Chernobyl
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Bell Work - Subject-Verb Agreement
Singular subjects take singular verbs.
Ex: Patty attends college.
Ex: That boy delivers newspapers.
Plural subjects take plural verbs.
Ex: They attend college.
Ex: Those boys deliver newspapers.
In a verb phrase, the first helping verb agrees in number with the subject.
Ex: A boy in my class has been delivering newspapers.
Ex: Two boys in my class have been delivering newspapers.
Choose the verb in parentheses that agrees with each subject given.
1. people (walks, walk) 11. Lauren and Sierra (laughs, laugh)
2. you (is, are) 12. everyone (is, are)
3. house (has stood, have stood) 13. otters (has swam, have swam)
4. we (talks, talk) 14. students (graduates, graduate)
5. Joan (was, were) 15. boulder (weighs, weigh)
6. cattle (is running, are running) 16. firefighting (saves, save)
7. result (is, are) 17. Phoebe (reads, read)
8. they (believes, believe) 18. jets (flies, fly)
9. crews (sails, sail) 19. children (sings, sing)
10. women (seems, seem) 20.to whisper (is, are)
Take notes over "Claims/Counterclaims" (you will turn your notes in at the end of class so that I can see them...I will return them to you before you begin writing)
The YouTube video showing the "Monty Python Argument Clip"
You will also watch the debate videos and complete the assignments that are in the notes as well.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Bell Work - You will complete a review handout for "Subject-Verb Agreement"
We will read the article "Stanley 'Tookie' Williams"
You will complete the questions that go with the article.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Subject - Verb Agreement cont'd
The number of a subject usually is not determined by a word in a phrase or clause following the subject.
Ex: A book of poems is on the shelf.
Ex: The dinosaurs from the Jurassic Period include the Seismosaurus.
Ex: Frogs, which live both on land and in water, are amphibians.
A negative construction following the subject does not change the number of the subject.
Ex: Carl, not Juan and I, is doing the artwork.
Give the subject and then choose the verb that agrees with it.
1. A heaping basket of turnip greens (was, were) sitting on the counter.
2. The cost of two new snow tires (was, were) more than I had expected.
3. The community college course on collecting stamps always (attracts, attract) many people.
4. The members of the Pak family (meets, meet) for a reunion every year.
5. The carpeting you saw in the upstairs and downstairs rooms (is, are) going to be replaced.
6. The turquoise stones in the Navajo ring certainly (is, are) pretty.
7. One friend of my brothers (says, say) that I look a little like his teacher.
8. The package sent by my cousins (was, were) smashed in the mail.
9. Not all the singers who tried out for the school choir (sings, sing) equally well.
10.Burt, not Anne and Laura, (has, have) borrowed the bicycle pump.
We will read the article "Do Juveniles Deserve Life Behind Bars?"
You will complete the questions that go with the article.
Friday, March 6, 2026
Bell Work - You will complete a review handout for "Subject-Verb Agreement"
We will read the article "Justices Bar Mandatory Life Terms for Juveniles"
You will complete the questions that go with the article.
Due:
Monday, February 23, 2025 - Friday, February 27, 2026
Monday, February 23, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the "Review of Semicolons and Colons"
Find your textbook and tear out pages 745-756 and staple them together.
I will give you the "Concept Vocabulary Handout" and three definitions. You will find the three words in the story (each one is highlighted in blue) and read the sentence in which you find each of the words. Use the context clues to determine which definition goes with each word. You will then write the definition for each word at the bottom of the handout.
1. in a strange and frightening manner
2. something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurance
3. disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury.
We will listen to the story and discuss as we go.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Bell Work - Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
A noun or pronoun that a pronoun refers to is its antecedent.
Find the pronoun in the following sentences and then ask who or what it is referring to.
That is the antecedent.
Ex. Does Margaret like her dance class?
Ex. Arturo is doing his homework.
Use a singular pronoun with a singular antecedent.
Ex. Emma has lost her car keys.
Use a plural pronoun with a plural antecedent.
Ex. Ben and Holli played with their toys.
The following indefinite pronouns are always singular:
anybody everybody no one something
anyone everyone nothing
anything everything one
each neither somebody
either nobody someone
Ex: Each of the teams had its mascot at the game.
These pronouns are always plural:
both few many several
Ex: Many of the actors already know their lines.
These pronouns are singular or plural, depending on how they are used in a sentence:
all any more most none some
Ex: Most of these coins are rare, but I don't know what they are worth.
Ex: None of the soup was eaten, so it is in the fridge.
Complete questions 1-5 on page 753...on the same page as your reading summary, answer the following question:
6. Reread paragraphs 7-10 and tell me if you agree or disagree with the author that "There is something deeply rooted in the human soul" that compels people to visit places like Chernobyl? Explain.
Ask for the "The Nuclear Tourist-Text Questions" and complete the handout...You should answer each question fully.
Things to know: Connotation is an idea or feeling that a word invokes...in other words, how does that word make you feel when you hear it?
You will complete the "Nuclear Tourist - Reading Informational Text" handout
We will test over "The Nuclear Tourist"
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Bell Work - Discuss notes from Monday and then complete review handout
Ask for the "The Nuclear Tourist-Text Questions" and complete the handout...You should answer each question fully.
Things to know: Connotation is an idea or feeling that a word invokes...in other words, how does that word make you feel when you hear it?
You will complete the "Nuclear Tourist - Reading Informational Text" handout
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Bell Work - Pronoun - Antecedent Agreement: Compound Subjects
Use a plural pronoun to refer to two or more antecedents joined by and.
Note that antecedents joined by and that name only one person, place, thing, or idea take singular pronouns.
Ex: Carmen and Janet have not memorized their lines yet.
Ex: The writer and director of the play offered his suggestions.
Use a singular pronoun to refer to two or more singular antecedents joined by or or nor.
Ex: Neither Carmen nor Janet has memorized her lines for the play.
We will test over "The Nuclear Tourist"
Friday, February 27, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the "Pronoun-Antecedent Review Handout"
Due:
Monday, February 16, 2026 - Friday, February 20, 2026
Monday, February 16, 2026
President's Day - No School!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the Semicolon Review Handout
We will begin reading the following articles in preparation of writing our informative essay:
1. How did Bonnie and Clyde Die?
2. Bonnie and Clyde
3. 9 Facts About Bonnie and Clyde
Our writing prompt will be: Describe the life and crimes of Bonnie and Clyde.
You will begin typing your essay today, but first we need to set it up:
Layout for essay (use Word): Times New Roman, 12 font, Double spaced
Name
English I
Mrs. Williams
February 4, 2022
Title
Your essay should contain:
Introduction
Hook - grab reader's attention
Background Information - what you know about the subject before reading the articles
Thesis - restate prompt and give three points to discuss in the essay
Body paragraphs 1-3
Topic Sentence
Important Evidence
Detailed Analysis
Important Evidence
Detailed Analysis
Ending Statement
Conclusion - wrap up what you've said in essay
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Bell Work - You will complete a three-page semicolon review
You will begin typing your essay today, but first we need to set it up:
Layout for essay (use Word): Times New Roman, 12 font, Double spaced
Name
English I
February 4, 2022
Title
Your essay should contain:
Introduction
Hook - grab reader's attention
Background Information - what you know about the subject before reading the articles
Thesis - restate prompt and give three points to discuss in the essay
Body paragraphs 1-3
Topic Sentence
Important Evidence
Detailed Analysis
Important Evidence
Detailed Analysis
Ending Statement
Conclusion - wrap up what you've said in essay
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Bell Work - Colons
Use a colon to mean "note what follows."
Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as the following and as follows.
Ex. The only articles allowed in the examination area are as follows: pencils, compasses, rulers, and protractors.
Ex. During summer vacations, Juanita read biographies of the following people: John Ross and Annie Wauneka.
Ex. In Washington, D.C., we visited four important national sites: the White House, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.
Do NOT use a colon between a verb and its complements or between a preposition and its objects.
Incorrect At the amusement park we rode: the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, the bumper cars, and the water slide. (The list serves as the direct object of the verb rode.)
Correct At the amusement park we rode the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, the bumper cars, and the water slide.
Incorrect Our family has lived in: California, Arizona, and Texas.
Correct Our family has lived in California, Arizona, and Texas. (The list serves as the object of the verb rode.)
Practice Add colons where needed. If any are correct, put a "C" in front of the number.
1. My niece has several items embossed with that logo a poster, a nightgown, a notebook, and a clock.
2. Sherry's favorite artists are Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, and Margaret Burroughs.
3. The directions were as follows Cover with plastic wrap, place in microwave oven, and cook for at least ten minutes.
4. I prefer my bicycle to a car for three reasons I don't have to pay for gasoline, I don't need insurance, and I don't waste time looking for a place to park.
5. In Cuba, which is a Spanish-speaking country, most of the people are of Spanish, African, or Spanish-African descent.
6. We should buy a house Our taxes would be lower, and we'd have more spaces.
Your essay is due at the end of class today.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Bell Work - Colons cont'd
1. Use a colon before a long, formal statement or quotation.
Ex. Thomas Paine's first pamphlet in the series The American Crisis starts with these famous words:
These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
2. Use a colon before a statement that explains or clarifies a preceding statement.
Ex. He deserves a raise: He completed the project on schedule and under budget.
Ex. Preston slapped his forehead: He had forgotten to put oregano in the sauce.
3. Use a colon between the hour and the minute.
Ex. 6:15 p.m. Ex. 9:55 tomorrow morning
4. Use a colon between chapter and verse in Biblical references.
Ex. Psalms 8:9 Ex. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
5. Use a colon between a title and a subtitle.
Ex. I Like Jazz: The Essence of Billie Holiday (recording)
Ex. Tilting Knights: King Richard and Saladin (painting)
6. Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.
Ex. Dear Ms. Weinberg: Ex. Dear Sir or Madam:
Practice Add colons where needed. If any are correct, put a "C" in front of the number.
1. My little sister's favorite book is The Great Kapok Tree A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynn Cherry.
2. Sometimes the paper comes at 7 15 a.m., but other times it doesn't hit the driveway until 8 00.
3. In Williams Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, "Caesar has this to say of courage "Cowards die many times before their deaths, / The valiant taste of death but once."
4. I think the story of Moses and Pharaoh's daughter is told in Exodus 2 5-10.
5. We should buy a house Our taxes would be lower, and we'd have more space.
Complete the "Figurative Language" handout. Read and follow all directions.
Turn in what you have completed at the end of class whether it is finished or not.
Due:
Monday, February 9, 2026 - Friday, February 13, 2026
Monday, February 9, 2026
Bell Work - Semicolons
Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related if they are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet.
**The semicolon takes the place of the comma and the conjunction.**
Ex: First, I had a sandwich and a glass of milk; then I called you for the homework assignment.
A semicolon can take the place of a period to join two or more simple sentences.
Ex: Eric looked out at the downpour; then he put on his raincoat and boots.
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or transition.
Ex: Emma felt shy; however, she soon made some new friends.
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
1. Art in Mexico is varied and distinctive it exhibits a strong Spanish influence.
2. The Zapotec and Mixtec peoples of Puebla and Oaxaca have a long history of artistic craftsmanship the Mixtec were considered master goldsmiths.
3. The Mixtecs built a tremendous pyramid in Cholula it was the largest pyramid of the ancient world.
4. During the thirteenth century, stone was a favorite medium of these peoples they also used bone, gold, jade, and wood.
5. Much of the art from southern Central America was destroyed during the years of the Spanish conquest several historical manuscripts survive today.
You will complete the Comprehension Check on page 729 (Questions 1-4). Answer questions 2 and 3 in TIDE.
On a separate sheet of paper, go to page 730 and complete the "Analyze the Text" questions
You will begin working on the "There Will Come Soft Rains - First Read Extension Questions" handout...you should complete at least question 1 before the end of class.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the Semicolon Review Handout #1
You will complete the "There Will Come Soft Rains - First Read Extension Questions" handout
We will complete the "Annotating the Text" handout together.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Bell Work - Semicolons cont'd
A semicolon (rather than a comma) may be needed to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when the clauses contain commas.
Ex, Alana, Eric, and Kim voted for her; and Scott, Roland, and Vanessa voted for Jason.
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
Ex. I would like to visit Panama City, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and San Diego, California.
Add semicolons where needed. You may need to replace a comma in order to add the semicolon.
1. On Tuesday, March 11, we’ll be in Atlanta and the day after that, barring any glitches, we’ll be in Chicago.
2. One hot day my mother, my grandparents, and I went to the beach, and my grandfather, the most active man I know, immediately went down to the water for a swim.
3. While he was in the water, Mom had gathered driftwood, dug a shallow pit in the sand, and built a fire in it, and Grandma had put lobster, corn, and potatoes on the coals.
4. The Incas planted crops, such as corn, they domesticated animals, such as the llama, and they developed crafts, such as weaving.
5. The Photography Club will meet on Wednesday, September 12, Wednesday, September 19, and Tuesday, September 25.
By the end of class you should have turned in the following:
1. Page 729 questions 1-4 "Comprehension Questions" with #2 and #3 answered in TIDE
2. Page 730 "Analyze the Text" questions 1-5
3. First Read Extension Questions Handout
4. Annotating the Text handout
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the Semicolon Review Handout #2
Test over "There Will Come Soft Rains"
Friday, February 13, 2026
Due:
Monday, February 2, 2026 - Friday, February 6, 2026
Monday, February 2, 2026
Bell Work - Commas with Interrupters - write the following notes on your own paper. Include the date and the list as well.
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Ex. His guitar, according to him, once belonged to Bo Diddley.
When you are talking directly to a person, the name is set off in the sentence.
Ex. Linda, you know the rules.
Parenthetical expressions are side remarks that add information or relate ideas. These expressions are set off by commas. (Write the list that follows)
after all however nevertheless
at any rate I believe of course
consequently in fact on the contrary
for example in the first place on the other hand
for instance meanwhile that is
generally speaking moreover therefore
1. Dorothy tell me about your scholarship.
2. Ana is the only student in our school in fact who has ever lived in China.
3. Dr. Eastham the only pediatrician on the staff has office hours today.
4. Accepting the award will be Emily James the producer of the documentary.
5. Elephants the largest mammals in Africa are now considered endangered.
6. This manuscript reads like the work of Sandra Cisneros.
You will complete the "Life of Pi - Annotating the Text" handout.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the "Commas with Interrupters" handout
Take the selection test over "Life of Pi"
On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:
1. Do you think technology provides more benefits or poses more hazards to daily life?
2. Do you have any kind of devices in your home that help you control anything such as an Alexa or Google or Siri?
3. What all does your device do?
We're going to read an article about Frances Gabe, the creator of the Only Self-Cleaning Home in the world.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the "Using Commas" review handout...it is a compilation of all the comma rules we have looked at so far.
We will finish reading the article on Frances Gabe.
We're going to watch a short video of Frances Gabe showing off her self-cleaning home
You will answer the following question in TIDE format:
Why was it hard for Frances Gabe to get along with her neighbors?
Topic Sentence
Important Evidence
Detailed Analysis
Ending Statement
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Bell Work - Conventional Uses of Commas
Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses.
Ex: On Saturday, June 21, 1999, Robert moved to Miami Beach, Florida, with his parents.
(Notice the year and the state are set off on both sides in the middle of the sentence.)
Ex: His new address is 814 Georgia Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139.
(When writing a full address in sentence form, think about addressing an envelope and put a comma where the end of each line would be)
Use a comma after the salutation of a personal letter and after the closing of any letter.
Ex: Dear Marcus, Sincerely Yours,
Use a comma to set off an abbreviation such as Jr., Sr., or M.D., that follows a person's name.
Ex: Elena Moreno, M.D.
Russell Davis, Jr., has been elected mayor. (Notice the abbreviation in the middle of the sentence has a comma both before and after it.)
Bell Work - Rewrite the sentences adding commas where needed.
1. On November 15 1999 the mayoral race was won by Herbert E. Thomas Jr.
2. By Tuesday February 29 2000 you must have your car inspected.
3. You can reach Kyle Forsyth M.D. at 243 First Street Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19002.
4. Sincerely yours Charlene Watson DVM
5. My dentist, Susan Schwartz D.D.S. graduated from dental school in June 1999.
Find and tear out pages 722-732 and staple them together.
Find the following words in the margins of your story and write down the definitions on a sheet of paper:
chimed
attending
delicately
fluttered
manipulated
tremulous
We will then complete the "Concept Vocabulary" handout together.
We will read/listen to the short story "There Will Come Soft Rains" and discuss the story as we go. This story is hard to follow and understand so you may want to take notes in the margins of your story as we stop and discuss. We will do several different things with this story after we finish reading it and the more notes you have, the easier it will be to do the other activities.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the review handout over "Conventional Uses of Commas"
You will complete the Comprehension Check on page 729 (Questions 1-4) and answer questions 2 and 3 in TIDE format.
On a separate sheet of paper, go to page 730 and complete the "Analyze the Text" questions
You will begin working on the "There Will Come Soft Rains - First Read Extension Questions" handout...you should complete at least question 1 before the end of class.
Due:
Monday, January 26, 2026 - Friday, January 30, 2026
Monday, January 26, 2026 - Friday, January 30, 2026
SNOW WEEK - NO SCHOOL!!!!
Due:
Monday, January 19, 2026 - Friday, January 23, 206
Monday, January 19, 2026
MLK, Jr. Day - No School!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Bell Work -
Commas and Non-Essential Clauses and Phrases
Use commas to set off non-essential clauses and phrases. .
Ex: The cook, smiling broadly, bowed at us.
When a clause or phrase is necessary to the meaning of the sentence - that is, when it tells which one - the clause or phrase is essential, and commas are not necessary.
Ex: The car sitting on the trailer is a dragster.
Note: An adjective clause beginning with that is usually essential.
Ex: The book that I reserved is for a report.
Complete the following exercise by adding commas where they go.
(Three are correct)
1. Dad energized by his morning jog made us breakfast this morning.
2. Our two puppies which like to play tumble over their own feet sometimes.
3. The telephone woke Mr. Grady who was snoring loudly.
4. That blue chair which is rather old has been on the balcony all summer.
5. Customers using coupons may go to that cashier.
6. Students sitting in the first two rows will have to move to the back of the room.
7. Trees that lose their leaves every year are called deciduous.
8. David cleaning out his desk found the missing book.
Write a paragraph for each question:
1. Which do you think would be more dangerous: being marooned on a lifeboat in the middle of an ocean or being confined in a small space with a hungry tiger?
2. If you had to choose one of the previous options, which would you choose and why?
3. How do people change when confronted with life-and-death decisions?
We will discuss the questions you answered for bell work on Monday.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Bell Work - Complete the review handout for "Commas with Non-Essential Clauses and Phrases"
You will complete questions 1-6 on page 211. Please write your summary for question 6 on a separate sheet of paper and staple it to the rest of your story. Your summary should include ALL major events in the story!!!!
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Bell Work - Commas with Introductory Elements
Use commas after mild exclamations such as well, oh, why, yes, or no at the beginning of a sentence.
Ex. Sure, I'll go with you.
Use a comma after an introductory participle phrase (a verb being used as an adjective and usually ending with --ed or --ing.)
Ex. Shivering, the couple hurried into the lobby.
Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase if the phrase is more than five words long or if two or more phrases appear together.
Ex. Near the door to the garage, you will find hooks for the car keys.
Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause (may appear at the beginning of a sentence or before any independent clause in the sentence).
Ex. After we claim our first victory, we'll celebrate at Darcy's Deli.
Complete the exercise below by adding commas where needed. (Two are correct)
1. Yes I would be happy to give you a ride to the airport.
2. On a clear day in the early spring flocks of migrating birds swept by.
3. When the scarecrow said goodbye to Dorothy Steve began to cry.
4. Sweating the runner finished the race.
5. On the lawn we found the morning paper.
6. Okay let's start the game.
7. When I moved from Georgia to North Dakota I learned what winter means!
8. In the shop window we saw Eric Kraft's latest novel.
You will complete the "Life of Pi - Annotating the Text" handout.