Turning points and symbols: chapter 23 and 24

Feel free to (in an appropriate and grammatically correct manner) discuss and ask questions about how chapters 23 and 24 are turning points in the novel. Why is it a turning point in the plot? Why is it a turning point in the writing style? What symbols keep recurring?

Test Prep: nysedregents.org

You can prepare for tomorrow's essay by going to www.nysedregents.org and click on Comprehensive English. Go to Aug 2009 session two exam. Click on Comprehensive English Exam and download. You will need Adobe. Look at Part A. This is exactly the format for the exam on Friday. Scan it to get to know the exam.

Next, go back and click on Scoring Key and Rating Guide for Day two, Part A. Skim through pages 4-40 to see actual papers for the test and their grades from a 6 down to a 1. There are three examples of each grade (6,5,4,3,2,1) and a note box to tell you why it was graded that way.

The rubric is the one we always use which you can look at on page 3.

Feel free to blog on hstathandmaid.blogspot.com with comments and concerns.

Go over your notes on The Handmaid's Tale from chapters 1-22 about the characters and symbols/allusions.

Chapters 17-22

While reading chapters 17-22 tonight, feel free to post any questions or comments on whether or not the individuals in the HOUSEHOLD embrace or dislike the routines of the Gilead.

Consider: If they are embracing the rules, is the society successful? What happens to the individual? What happens if the individual accepts the society but is not happy?

Does the individual count?

chapters 1-10: what have you learned?

After reading chapters 8-10,comment in proper English on the following essential questions:
-what more have you learned about society (old and new)
-what more you have learned about our speaker (old and new)
-what you have figured out regarding how Atwood uses specific language and techniques (italics, capitals, figurative language, allusions...)

You post should focus on one of the topic above. Label it with your name and the topic (society, speaker, language). Language and techniques bloggers will receive more points if the posts are thoughtful.

HW 2: Chapters 2 and 3

Social class and Language

Take notes on chapters 2 and 3 by identifying these concepts:

1. Who are the characters/people involved in this society? List the titles or roles, not the names. Put them in order according to social class.

2. List two quotes for each character type (ex.-Marthas) identifying their purpose with citations.

3. Why does the author write some words in italics? Predict her purpose. Cite examples.

4. Why does the author choose to create some words starting with capital letters that are not just starting a sentence? Give two examples with citations.

Post answers to 3 and 4 on the blog. Put your name please. Use proper grammar and punctuation for full credit.

Blog Post #1: Due Thursday April 8th

Task: In a notebook/section of your binder for this book, after reading chapter one, identify:

1. what you think the mood is for chapter one (mood is the atmosphere or emotion)
2. five to seven words or phrases that help build this mood
3. what is the setting and who is the speaker
4. five to ten words that support your answers to #3
5. five to seven key words that stand out to you as important or powerful
6. why you selected each of the words in #5 as important or powerful
(What makes each of these words seem important or powerful to you?)
7. Post your answers to either 1 and 2 or 5 and 6 on this blog. Put your name.

I will check your answers to 1-6 on Thursday. I will check the blog in the a.m. on Thursday.