Unit #5 - Global Climate Change

Grammar - Perfect & Participle - check out the list of irregular verb past participles

• In this unit we will examine the effect of global climate change on various ecosystems. 
• We read/write/research about the causes of global warming and the greenhouse effect.
• We will learn the rules and application of present/past perfect tense and the formulae for questions.

The Magic Barrel by Bernard Malamud

Access to the text


ELECTION DAY WORK (Due November 6th):
Read up to paragraph #145.  Answer these questions on a separate piece of paper.  Each answer should be at least a paragraph in length. Be sure to have a proper heading. 

• Paragraph #114 - What realization makes Leo panic and cry? Be sure to use author's words in your answer (in quotes).
• Leo considers leaving the school at the cusp of graduation. What tells the reader that he has found no answer in the books?
• In paragraphs 117-140, Salzman appears and disappears again.  In your own words, write a summary of their conversation.
• There is an old English saying that states, "The eyes are the window to the soul." Explain what it means to you and describe the girl who deeply moved Leo (paragraphs #142-143).  Be sure to add a sentence or two discussing why you think Leo had a different reaction to this girl than all other ones.

1. How does Malamud introduce Leo? 
2. How does Salzman appear in the story and reappear later?  How does the author portray Pinye'a unpleasant appearance?  
3. Why is Leo feeling uneasy about finding a bride through matchmaker?
4. How does Salzman try to "sell" the potential brides?
5. In paragraph 80, Salzman asks "What suits you?" How should Leo answer? 
6. Why is Leo relieved that Salzman leaves, but "in low spirits" the next day?
7. How does the author shows Leo's disgust with pictures?
8. p.207 - How does Malamud reveal Leo's state of mind?
9. Why does Leo's revelation about himself make him cry?

When answering these and any other questions about fiction, characters, writing techniques, and literary language be sure to use evidence from the text to support your answer.  Sometimes, you can use direct quotes.  Other times, you can paraphrase.  In all cases, your response should be backed up with textual support.     

Homework Project due 10.18.13

Choose one topic to present/write about. It is very important that you provide the source of information for your essay/project such as the textbook, website, etc. 

• What holds up a bridge? Draw a picture or a blueprint of major types of bridges (beam, suspension, truss, etc.) and discuss what maintains the structural integrity.
• The History of Brooklyn Bridge. Discuss the history and controversy surrounding one of New York's most famous landmarks.
• "London Bridge is Falling Down" is an old English song.  Discuss its origin, lyrics, and different versions.  This project requires a performance. Yes, you will have to sing in front of the class.
• Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse. Create a PowerPoint Presentation that includes a video (you cannot stream a Youtube video in school) of a swaying bridge and its subsequent collapse.  Be sure to include slides that discuss engineering errors of this project.
• Charles Bridge is a 14th century stone bridge linking the two sides of Prague, Czech Republic. Create a PowerPoint Presentation that includes pictures of the bridge, the monuments, and the history of this remarkable landmark.

Homework due 10-07 - Monday

Choose one topic to research about and write 1-2 paragraphs.  Make sure to include the source of information.

1. In what ways do you think conditions during the American Civil War resembled those of the Crimean War? Be sure to use information from the listening passage and one other source such as the Internet or a textbook.
2. Choose one person who has made significant changes on modern medicine and discuss his/her contribution.
3. Pick one disease that has had significant impact on humans. Be prepared to discuss your findings with the class.
4. Interview a real nurse. Write a report about the job description, difficulties, work environment, etc.
5. Write a short story about a hospital stay from a patient's point of view

Bonus points: discuss Florence Nightingale's contribution to the improvement of hospital conditions.
Lo! in that house of misery
A lady with a lamp I see
Pass through the glimmering gloom,
And flit from room to room.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1857)

Persuasive letter.

Write a letter to your favorite restaurant persuading them to include healthier options on the menu.  Be sure to include:

• Questions
• Interesting/scary information
• Expert opinion
• Call to action

Homework #2 - due Spetember 19, 2013

Choose one topic and write 2-3 paragraphs.  You may use additional information from the internet.  Be sure to note the source of information, if you choose to use outside sources.

1. You are a health-care worker who is going into a poor area in a big city.  You have seen several cases of tuberculosis and influenza this month.  You are going to try to prevent an epidemic among the people in this area.  What will you say to the people?
2. A government official in your country has asked you for your suggestions about improving health care.  What will you say to the official?

Welcome, students, to 2013-14 school year!

This is your first homework assignment (due 9/11):

It is often said that character is who you are when no one is watching.  In one or two paragraphs, describe your character.  What defines you as a person? Do you have goals and a plan to reach them? How are you different from the person you are expected to be by your family and teachers? How much effort do you put into developing your character? What does it mean to "be yourself" to you? How hard is it to do the "right" thing? What is the role of culture in your character development?

Don't just answer these questions.  Simply, think about them.  Your paragraph(s) should have a clear structure.  Please, be mindful of grammar.

Bonus points: Who are these people and what is so fascinating about their characters?

NYSESLAT Writing - Descriptive Paragraph

One of your writing assignments will be to write a paragraph that describes what is happening in the picture.  The reader should be able to imagine the entire scene without ever looking at the picture.  Look at the picture and think about the following:

• What is the setting? 
• Who are the people and what are they doing?
• What might they be thinking or feeling?

Remember, your paragraph has to have a well-written topic sentence, supporting details, clear conclusion, and writing conventions of standard English. See the RUBRIC page above for more information on how your work is graded.