4/16 English III AgendaTSW utilize notes and group discussion in order to put together a multi-faceted literature circle project, which will have students discussing and analyzing the elements of a short story (plot, characterization, literary terms, theme). TSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class.

Focus: Use the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the underlined word:

1. Mel’s relationship with his parents degenerated when he dropped out of school against their wishes and became a bartender.

2. Insurance companies hear such implausible excuses for auto accidents as, “I hit the telephone pole when I was blinded by the lights of a flying saucer.”

3. My sister talks a lot in her sleep, but she’s so incoherent then that we can never figure out what she’s saying.

Activities: 1. Groups: Organize and prep for presentations – conference with teacher.

2. Groups: Present Literature Circle Project to class.

Closing: Independent reading time.

Improving Vocabulary Skills

Chapter 10

1. degenerate (verb) - ___________

Mel’s relationship with his parents degenerated when he dropped out of school against their wishes and became a bartender.

degenerate means:

A. to improveB. to remain the sameC. to worsen

2. implausible (adj.) - ___________

Insurance companies hear such implausible excuses for auto accidents as, “I hit the telephone pole when I was blinded by the lights of a flying saucer.”

implausible means:

A. unbelievableB. acceptableC. valuable

3. incoherent (adj.) - ___________

My sister talks a lot in her sleep, but she’s so incoherent then that we can never figure out what she’s saying.

incoherent means:

A. calmB. unclearC. inconvenient

4/17 English III AgendaTSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class.

Focus: Use the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the underlined word:

4. When the principal said Harry couldn’t play in Friday’s football game, the coach interceded, hoping to change the principal’s mind.

5. War and Peace is a long, intricate novel that weaves together the detailed life stories of many individuals.

6. Old unused trains in Grand Central Station serve as a nighttime sanctuary for some of New York City’s homeless.

Activities: 1. Groups: Present Literature Circle Project to class.

Closing: Independent reading time.

4. intercede (verb) - ___________

When the principal said Harry couldn’t play in Friday’s football game, the coach interceded, hoping to change the principal’s mind.

intercede means:

A. to give in to someoneB. to plead for someoneC. to examine closely

5. intricate (adj.) - ___________

War and Peace is a long, intricate novel that weaves together the detailed life stories of many individuals.

intricate means:

A. simpleB. uninterestingC. complicated

6. sanctuary (noun) - ___________

Old unused trains in Grand Central Station serve as a nighttime sanctuary for some of New York City’s homeless.

sanctuary means:

A. a reminderB. a shelterC. a challenge

4/18 English III AgendaTSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class.

Focus: Use the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of the underlined word:

7. Store security guards give careful scrutiny to people carrying large bags, since the bags may be used for shoplifting.

8. The creepy novel The Boys from Brazil tells of a sinister plot to clone dozens of copies of Adolf Hitler who would then take over the world.

9. I forgot to buy something for lunch tomorrow, but the leftover meatloaf will suffice.

10. Because they tend to have brittle bones, the elderly are vulnerable to fractures.

Activities: 1. Groups: Present Literature Circle Project to class.

Closing: Independent reading time.

7. scrutiny (noun) - ___________

Store security guards give careful scrutiny to people carrying large bags, since the bags may be used for shoplifting.

scrutiny means:

A. attentionB. protectionC. permission

8. sinister (adj.) - ___________

The creepy novel The Boys from Brazil tells of a sinister plot to clone dozens of copies of Adolf Hitler who would then take over the world.

sinister means:

A. illogicalB. evilC. inconsiderate

9. suffice (verb) - ___________

I forgot to buy something for lunch tomorrow, but the leftover meatloaf will suffice.

suffice means:

A. to be wastedB. to be adequateC. to be examined

10. vulnerable (adj.) - ___________

Because they tend to have brittle bones, the elderly are vulnerable to fractures.

vulnerable means:

A. openB. safeC. attracted

4/19 English III AgendaTSW demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters and themes of their literature circle short stories by completing a presentation for the class. TSW compare and contrast elements of two literature circle short stories by completing an essay that utilizes direct references from the stories for support.

Focus: Work with you literature circle group and create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting your story with one of the other stories – identify similarities and differences.

Activities: 1. Class: Review comparing and contrasting – discuss c/c essay requirements and expectations.

2. Groups: Finish project presentations – Brain storm ideas for compare-contrast essay and develop thesis.

Closing: Independent reading time.

Comparing and contrasting

Do not just focus on random similarities and differences.

Ex. Both main characters are young, one story is set in south Africa and the other in England, one protagonist if short and the other is tall, both stories deal with love

Find a theme:

Ex. Both stories deal with the concept of family loyalty, but one character chooses loyalty to his family of doing what is right, while the other character choose to be disloyal to his family to do the right thing.

Lets look at an example:

Comparing and contrastingBoth television shows, The Simpsons and Family Guy are social satires that use cartoon families to “poke fun” at society.

Both shows were very controversial when they first aired and have been protested against on numerous occasions.

Unlike The Simpsons, Family Guy was actually taken of the air for a short time and it was only an online campaign from its devoted audience that got it back on the air.

The humor in Family Guy, is considered very irreverent (coarse, harsh, etc.) and the shows creators are far more willing “go to the limit” with their humor to make bold statements.

4/20 English III AgendaTSW compare and contrast elements of two literature circle short stories by completing an essay that utilizes direct references from the stories for support.

Focus: Create a thesis statement for you essay topic.

Activities: 1. Group: Develop a list of similarities and differences to create the thesis for the c/c essay – organize essay structure and identify direct quotes.

2. Individuals: Work on c/c essay.

Closing: Independent reading time.