The Lottery

In a short 200-300 word response, explain how the story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is relevant in today's society. Choose 1 or 2  symbolic objects, characters, or actions and explain how that symbol helps develop the theme.  Make sure to include T.A.G. Read the following analysis to get some ideas: http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-lottery/themes.html

Always Running Blog #2

Luis Rodriguez, in his autobiographical novel, argues that his environment influenced much of his actions and beliefs. Do you believe Luis is a victim, a survivor, a hero, or an "everyman"? Explain your answer using specific details from the text. (Min. of 250 words)

Always Running Blog #1

After reading the opening chapter of Always Running,  discuss how Luis's family ends up in the "barrios"(ghetto). What does it mean to you when the neighborhoods is described as "incubators of rebellion"? Who does Luis become involved with in the neighborhood? How does this set the stage for the rest of his life, based on the title of the book? How is this situation relevant today? Use textual evidence to support your ideas(write a maximum 200-350-word response). This is a blog, not an essay. I am looking for clear writing, authentic voice, and text-based responses.  

Eng 1 Honors Blog 2 TKMB

Choose a scene or quote from Chapter 15-18 and write your opinion about it. You can agree or disagree with the quote or events, you can explain how it relates to you or to today's world, or you can compare it to another work of literature or a movie. Make sure to begin with T.A.G. and a brief summary of what is happening in the scene. (200+ words) due by Thursday 2/23/17.

English 1H blog 1

Hello freshmen,

Answer One of the following questions using appropriate academic language. Use textual evidence and give thorough elaboration. Make sure to begin your post with T.A.G. and make sure to use your full name. Answers must be 200 words or more.

1.) Why does Atticus decide to defend Tom Robinson even when he knows he won't win the case? Do you think people today would do this?

2.) Why do you think the author Harper Lee chose to tell the story through Scout's point of view? Which scenes show her naiveté (innocent ignorance)?

3.) Why do you think the author Harper Lee chose to begin the novel with the children trying to make Boo Radley come out? How might this relate to a possible theme in the novel?

Intro Practice

Practice writing your Intros. Write an intro with a clear thesis for the following prompts:

1.) In literary works, cruelty often functions as a crucial motivation or a major social or political factor. Select a work in which acts of cruelty are important to the theme. Then write a well-developed essay analyzing how cruelty functions in the work as a whole and what the cruelty reveals about the perpetrator and/or victim. (2015)

2.) In a novel by William Styron, a father tells his son that life "is a search for justice." Choose a character from a novel who responds in some significant way to justice or injustice. Then write a well-developed essay in which you analyze the character's understanding of justice, the degree to which the character's search for justice is successful, and the significance of this search for the work as a whole. (2011)

Socratic Sem 1

Choose one of the following questions and respond using textual evidence as well as evidence from your own observations, or other sources. Remember to use appropriate and professional tone when disagreeing with someone's opinions. Make sure to include T.A.G + P in your response.

1.) Is it dangerous or wrong to be ambitious? What might a person have to sacrifice to achieve a goal?

2.) Should scientist tamper with the "elixir of life"? To what extent do you believe in scientific experimentation for the benefit of humankind i.e. stem cell research, cloning, etc.?

3.) What is the duty of a parent? Should people undergo psychological evaluations before becoming parents?

4.) Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein can be seen as a didactic piece of literature, one that aims to teach a lesson. What do you think is the lesson, and is it relevant today?