Period 1 GrammarCasts

My GrammarCast

Alright everyone. Here's my example for your GrammarCast. I've set the bar pretty low, so I sure hope yours is better than mine!

Bellwork 01/22/2008

In the book The House on Mango Street, the section "Boys and Girls" ends with this line:

"Until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor."

What does the author mean by this statement? Think beyond the literal level and post at least 75 words on your blog.

GrammarCasts

For this assignment you will create a podcast type video to explain a particular grammar term, rule, or concept. The video must be at least 1 ½ minutes long (not including credits) and may not be longer than 3 minutes (including credits). Your video must give viewers a thorough understanding of your topic, including definitions, explanations, usages, and examples. Your video may be humorous, serious, or anywhere in between, and may include video clips, still pictures, music, sound effects, and more. Have fun with this video, but remember the primary reason for creating it is to explain a grammar topic to your audience!

Video Length (1-3 minutes) 5 points
Definition of Grammar Term 5 points
Explanation of Usage 5 points
Examples of Usage 5 points
Quality of Video 5 points
Perceived Effort 5 points
Total Points 30 Points

Letter of Introduction

You will write a letter of introduction in formal business letter format. Please do not use your last name or put your real address on the letter. Your letter should include important information about yourself, such as: hobbies, interests, career goals, education goals, things that make you unique or special, and anything else that you think is appropriate. Post your letter on your blog when you are finished. Due January 21st.

YOUR LETTER SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS:

Your Street Address (make one up)
Your City, State Zip
Your Phone Number (optional and fake only)
Today's Date

Recipients Name
Recipients Street Address Real
Recipients City, State Zip

Dear Mr. or Mrs...

Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here.

Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here. Insert body of text here.

Sincerely,



Your Name Here

Schedule for the Last Week of the Semester

Wow, hard to believe that were pretty much done! Here's the schedule for the last week of the semester. Good luck and finish strong!

• Monday: Rough Draft #6 due with 2 peer edits. We will complete a 2nd draft of this essay in class and then begin peer edits of our final draft picked from the three 2nd drafts.
• Tuesday: Work on final draft. This essay will be your final essay and will be due before you leave class on Friday.
• Wednesday: Final Exam Multiple Choice Section, followed by free time to work on your final essay.
• Thursday: Final Exam Constructed Response section, followed by free time to work on your final essay.
• Friday: Movie!!! And free time to work on your final essay. Remember, it is due before the end of class and it had better be AWESOME!
  

Essay Prompt for Wednesday, January 2nd

Ernest Hemingway, in his praise about Huckleberry Finn, states that:

All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. If you read it you must stop where the Nigger Jim is stolen from the boys. That is the real end. The rest is just cheating.

Explain Hemingway's possible rational for this statement. Do you believe it to be a valid statement?