Response to Literature Tips

The easiest way to write an organized essay is to follow the four or five paragraph format, just like in our recent persuasive essay project. Always include an introduction with thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion. So, here is a mnemonic device (memory trick!) to help you for RESPONSE TO LITERATURE:

ICTOC: pronounced ick-tock! Use this as your acronym to organize your 4-5 paragraph essay. Here's what this stands for in a response to literature:

I: Introduction. Give a brief intro naming the title of the story, and put your thesis statement at the end. Your thesis statement should be a judgment you have made about the story's characters and theme.
C: Character analysis. Discuss the character(s) in the story--not what the author has TOLD you, but what you can INFER based on the characters words and actions. Focus on how the characters change, grow, or learn a valuable lesson by the end of the story.
T: Theme. Here, you need to figure out what the author's message is in the story. What life lessons can one learn from the story? Use quotes or examples to support your assessment of the theme. Remember most authors will not TELL you the theme; you will have to infer it!
O: Optional/Other. Are there other literary devices used in the story, like imagery, symbolism, or foreshadowing that help readers understand the characters and theme? If not, move on to conclusion; if so, write a paragraph explaining and giving examples.
C: Conclusion. Restate your thesis, and sum up your main statements from each paragraph. Make a connection to your own life or the outside world, or share your opinion on the story.

Reminder: Independent Reading Requirements

Remember that your Blog Posts will be due by Sunday nights for the next few weeks; you may post anytime during the week prior to 11:59 PM Sunday night. No vocabulary required!
Post #1: Feb. 24 (1 hour only)
Post #2: March 2 (2 hours)
Post #3: March 9 (2 hours)

Please remember to use the proper heading and meet all requirements for full credit. You'll find the heading you can copy and paste at the link below, and on the Projects page.
http://staff.hightechhigh.org/~cinterlandi/blogirguidelines.doc

Here is the list of ideas and questions to help you respond. Try to vary your responses!
http://staff.hightechhigh.org/~cinterlandi/Reading&blogs/IDEAS%20FOR%20READING%20RESPONSE.doc

Black History Month Reading Titles

If you need ideas for Independent Reading Books (since you must choose one by next Friday!), consider celebrating Black History Month by reading a book by an African American author!
A few of my favorite African American authors of realistic teen fiction are:
Sharon Flake: Skin I'm In and Money Hungry are two great ones! (I have copies in class)
Sharon Draper: Tears of A Tiger, Forged By Fire, Darkness Before Dawn, and Romiette and Julio.
Walter Dean Myers: Too many to list, in a variety of genres! I have many books of his in classroom, among my favorites are: Monster, Handbook for Boys, and Slam

Here is the booklist link:
http://sandi.net/events/blackhistorymonth/readinglist_6-8.pdf

Sites for "Issues" research

NOTE: Handouts and other resources are available on the Projects Page! Rough Drafts due on Tuesday, Feb. 19, start of period. (Please print before class!)

Link to online essay organizer: http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/persuasion_map/
(Remember you must print it, and add details from MY outline into Intro, Counterargument, and Conclusion sections on back.)

List of issues with info, pros, and cons
http://www.twinlakes.k12.in.us/info/library/connection/controA.htm

List of issues with info, pros, and cons
http://www.sac.edu/students/library/nealley/websites/controversial.htm

Click databases and use "Opposing Viewpoints":
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/catalog-databases/

A Fun Super Tuesday Quiz

Click the link below to take a quiz that tells you which candidate you most agree with!

http://www.eenvandaag.nl/stemwijzerusa/en/

X-block sign up

https://www.formrouter.net/forms@HTHSD/HTMXblk0708S2.html