Thursday, November 29, 2012

Friday, Nov. 30th (section 3) and Thursday, Nov. 29th (section 1 and 2)

Agenda: 

1. A timed writing was taken today for First Language Paper 2 Question 2: Writer's Effects for 30 minutes. Students reviewed the important points to make during the writing beforehand that looked like the following:

Writer's Effects = Explain!
(a) the sun setting and the approach of the evening
     1. Make a point - choose an effect
     2. Quote - a short excerpt, perhaps just a phrase.
     3. Comment - point toward the effect by looking at semantics or syntax. You may identify the tool (e.g. alliteration, repetion, assonance, personification) but more importantly point towards how the writer has created the effect.
     P
     Q
     C
     Q
     C
(b.) the approach of the stranger
    1. Make a point - choose an effect
     2. Quote - a short excerpt, perhaps just a phrase.
     3. Comment - point toward the effect by looking at semantics or syntax. You may identify the tool (e.g. alliteration, repetion, assonance, personification) but more importantly point towards how the writer has created the effect.
     P
     Q
     C
     Q
     C
2. After 30 minutes, students read peer work and evaluated student work based on the IGCSE rubric provided. I will re-grade for an accurate score. 

Homework: 

You took a timed-writing so ...NO HOMEWORK! Enjoy your weekend. Next class we will review our Paper 2 performance thus far (Question 1: Transformation or in this case, the Visitor's Guide, Question 2: Writer's Effects, Question 3: Summary) and then finish the other half of Paper 3, which is Question 1: Directed Writing. 

A sample Visitor's Guide written by your peer, Michelle Kim:

Are you ready to leave behind your rock heavy brief case and your pinchy work shoes? if so, get ready to step into the whirlwind serenity, delicate beauty, and the incomparable landscape of the Great Grimpen Mire. 

The rolling hills that glow in the last lights of the day is an absolute must-see for those aspiring photographers and sketchers. The silhouettes of Beliver and Vixen Tor will never fail to steal your heart as they stand majestically over the moorland. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the infamous glimmering gray wings of a lone curlew that soars through the sky like a king of the moorland. So for all you birdwatchers out there, make sure you bring your binoculars for this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

The cluster of ancient huts still stand in its original formation and its untouched condition makes it a definite hotspot. If you're one to see the wonders of our past then do not hesitate to see the historical jewels of Great Grimpen Mire. 

As you stand in the middle of the moors, stay to watch the sun as it sets into a lavish aura of blazing gold and burning red. Silent enough to hear a pin drop, you will not be disturbed if you gaze across the expanse of the fiery sky. 

This is a perfect holiday destination if you have kids. With the enclosed suffocating space of the city, your kids will be on their knees thanking you as they can run around and splash in the natural poos of the Great Grimpen Mire to their hearts content. 

if you are ever missing the city life (which we are certain you won't) then drop into the village of Grimpen which will definitely fulfill your longing for the simple wholesome life of a villager. No beeping phones, no buzzing television, no loud alarms. Just you and the organic Grimpen village. 

Wherever you are in the world, this attraction will quench your every need and give you the experience that won't be able to find anywhere else. We know you're itching to come; what are you waiting for?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Wednesday, Nov. 28th (Section 3)

Agenda: 

1. We corrected the packet that was not finished in class covering student sample work of the First Language exam Paper 2 Question 2 or Writer's Effects. Students made note of what the examiners were looking for and major features that we must include to be successful in this portion of the exam.

2. Students opted to take the timed writing on Friday and practice the Writer's Effects together as a class.

Homework: 

1. Complete Weblog on your own personal blog by Friday.

2. Write a word bank and review the packet to follow guidelines during your timed-writing process.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Monday, Nov. 26th (Section 3) & Tuesday, Nov. 27th (section 1 and 2)


Agenda: 

1. Homework was checked for worksheet regarding First Language Paper 2 Question 2 (Writer's Effects).

2. A packet of student sample responses was handed out and gone over. Students made notes on what the examiners are looking for when responding to the question prompt. Also, students guessed the outcomes based on the rubric.

Homework:

1. Finish the packet. It will be corrected on the following day and 30 minutes of class will be given to a timed writing based on the Writer's Effects worksheet. Open notes allowed.

2. Are you a happy person? How could you become more happy? Write a reflective comment below. 100 words.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Wednesday, Nov. 14 (section 3)

Agenda: 
Timed Writing Today.
Visitor's Guide written in 45 minutes.

Homework: 
1. Turn in FL Paper 2, question 1 packet with the rest of the sample guides marked for both Content and Language marks. 

2. For those that are missing class for APAC, retake is Monday after school from 3:10 - 3:55.

3. IRB2 weblog. Take a picture of your book and post it on your weblog (not mine). Describe one character and the way the author manages to develop the character. 300 words minimum. Due Friday, Nov. 30th.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Monday, Nov. 12th (section 3), Tuesday, Nov. 13th (Section 1 and Section 2)


Agenda: 

1. The previous class we brought in sample visitor's guides and looked for trends in language.

a. We noticed the following:

* the use of active verbs (e.g. Explore, Experience, Get away)
* the use of the rhetorical question
* closer reference to the text to demonstrate reading comprehension
* the need to relay the totality of the scene, the big picture
* one paragraph is used to describe the attractions of the area
* the following paragraph is used to persuade people with different interests to spend some time there

b. We also noticed after correcting some of the student submissions that the examiners paid close attention to the following:

* convincing language sustained throughout
* interesting word choices
* a narrative style should not emerge
* language should attract the reader to the location

2. Today, we proceeded to read sample responses from our packet and graded them for both content and language according to the rubric, making note of trends we notice and examiner comments.

Homework: 
1. Finish the packet by reading the remaining responses and give them a grade for both content and language.

2. Bring a word bank to the class with at least 15 words you may want to use in your description, such as synonyms for hills, sunsets and and other words that may help to give the land an attractive quality.

3. For Section 2 only, pick up your summaries and turn in the edited copies by Thursday, Nov. 15th. They will be posted outside the English Department door, for those of you that handed me a hard copy.