AMNESTY for All the SENIORS!

(The photo has nothing to do with the post. I just want you all to see what I am going to wear on Saturday for the grad ball. ha!)



My (Not So Very) Dear Seniors,

Being a considerate teacher that I am - I am giving amnesty to all the Seniors.

You may still submit your HOMEWORKS (Speech, Figurative Language, Song Lyrics) and PROJECTS (Theme about your play, Book Report, Filler, Notebook) which are required for the signing of your second clearance.

To those who failed to submit their homeworks about "Truman Show", submit a reaction paper instead. The content should also answer the 10 guide questions. But your opinion as a viewer (similar to the Film Analysis, but a little shorter this time) matters here. Write as if you are a film critique. FORMAT: 2 pages, double-spaced, font size 12, justified-paragraphs

You may also submit your extra projects (Speech of your choice, Original poem) for bonus points.

The deadline will be tomorrow (Friday), March 6, 2009 at 8:00 A.M. I will no longer accept anything beyond the deadline.

I will go to your classrooms to collect everything.

Be ready with the budget for the printer(s) that you will be donating for the school. Alright?

As I have said, once you're done studying hard...let's all start partying harder!!!




You know you (really) hate me,

XOXO

ENGLISH IV - Pointers to Review

My (Not So) Dear Seniors,

Since I want you all to graduate, help me help you.

Below is the "key to success". I am here to ENCOURAGE everyone of you to pass this examination. All is given an equal chance. So, study hard...and afterwards, party harder. That is, if you only feel that you have passing marks in all of your subjects.

CARPE DIEM, Seniors!

You know you hate me...

XOXO

REMINDERS:

1. Notebooks in English will be collected tomorrow before the start of the test.

2. Use ballpens with blue ink only for the periodical test.

3. Pages 5 and 6 serve as your Answer Sheet (NO ERASURE for all your answers).

4. You may write on pages 1 to 4, which can be used as your SCRATCH PAPER (you can have as many erasure as you want here).

5. Fill out the boxes (Your individiual information such as Name, Section, and Class Number).

6. CAPITAL LETTERS are needed for your answers from Number 1 to 24.

7. Shade the circle that corresponds to the letter of the correct answer from Number 25 to 55.

8. Write only your answers for Number 56 to 65 on the answer sheet.

9. Compose a 5-sentence paragraph for Letters A and B for the Essay part. The Affective part must be concise but precise. (Remember: 10 points each)

10. The same (Sir Red's) rules still apply: Wrong Spelling and/or Wrong Grammar is/are considered wrong.

GENERAL TIP: How to Pass the Examination

- Answer the items on page 5 (Test V: Essay Letters A and B first), then answer Test IV Letter B (Figures of Speech, Classification, and Example). You have a copy of the hand-out, so choose only 5 of what you think are the simplest.

- Also on page 5, answer the Affective part of the test. Make it short but with a lot of sense. Please think...write with depth.

- Then, go to page 1 and answer Test I (Recall the quiz we had). For Test II Letter A (Comprehension), a word [verb] will be formed, as always. There are 11 choices, so, DO NOT choose the 2 incorrect answers. Make sure you have a final answer before writing it on the asnwer sheet.

- Now, answer Test IV Letter A (Application) by simply writing your answers on page 6 (answer sheet). Make sure you have chosen the correct one. Find the correct answers for the PRACTICE EXERCISE found at the bottom of this post. This will help you learn the correct rules in Subject-Verb Agreement that could lead you to having a perfect score on this part.

- The next to the last part of the test which you need to answer is the Multiple Choice (Test II Letter B) found on page 2. The coverage of the questions is at the bottom part of this post.

- The LAST part of the test which you have to answer is Test III (Analysis) from page 2 to 4. Focus on the coverage of the questions provided below.

For a more specific breakdown of the topics, please take note of the content of the pointers to review...

FLOW of the Test

Test I - Simple Recall (Identification) 15 points
- CONFIDENCE
- EFFECT
- IMPROMPTU
- INTEGRITY
- INTELLIGENCE
- LOGICAL
- MANUSCRIPT
- OCCASION
- PERSONAL
- PUBLIC SPEAKING
- SPEAKER
- TECHNIQUE
- TO ENTERTAIN
- TO INFORM
- TO PERSUADE


Test II, Letter A - Comprehension (Matching Type) 9 points
- ALLUSION
- APOSTROPHE
- CLIMAX
- HYPERBOLE
- METONYMY
- PARADOX
- PERSONIFICATION
- REPETITION
- SIMILE
- Metaphor
- Irony


Test II, Letter B - Comprehension (Multiple Choice - A, B, C, or D) 11 points
- Figurative Language
- Sophocles
- Sappho
- Aristophanes
- Anacreon
- Euripides
- Virgil
- Arrian
- Epictetus
- Horace
- Martial

Test III - Analysis (Multiple Choice – A, B, C, or D) 20 points

Roman Literature – 5 items
Short Story – 10 items
Figurative Language – 5 items


Test IV, Letter A - Application (Select the correct answer – Write your answers!) 10 points

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT: There are only 10 items for this test. Below are 15 items which serve as your Practice Exercise! Answer this exercise and do self-check. Refer to your notes, hand-outs, and other books.

- That bag of oranges (looks, look) fresh.
- Your trousers (needs, need) to be cleaned.
- That pair of trousers (looks, look) good on you.
- The economics of the trip (was, were) pleasing.
- Most of the sand (is, are) wet from the high tide.
- My father or my brothers (is, are) coming with me to the ball game.
- (Is, Are) my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?
- Either Matilda or her brothers (use, uses) the symphony tickets each week.
- There (has, have) to be some people left in that town after yesterday's flood.
- Either the two kittens or the puppy (sits, sit) in my lap while I watch television.
- My friends who are in the band (wants, want) me to play a musical instrument.
- The mayor and the governor (hopes, hope) that the bill will soon become a law.
- The phone that belongs to the two friends (has, have) finally run out of minutes.
- Even though the students like the class, a few (thinks, think) that it is too complicated.
- The tornadoes that tear through this county every spring (is, are) more than just a nuisance.


Test IV, Letter B - Application (Write your answers – Kind, Classification, and Example) 15 points

Example:

Figure of Speech: Simile Classification: Resemblance Example: He shouts like a dog.


Test V - Essay (Write a 5-sentence paragraph!) 10 points each

Letter A
Public Speaking: Definition, 3 Types of speech according to its classification, and IMPORTANCE of Public Speaking

Letter B
Figurative Language: Definition, 3 Kinds of figures of speech and their classification, and IMPORTANCE of Figurative Language

Photo Courtesy: http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r33/efaisalz/spongebob_1.jpg

BOOK REPORT: Tuesdays With Morrie

My general tip is to read and understand what is written below this post as your guide for the book report. Make sure that all parts are included (INTRODUCTION, BODY with 4 Sub-Parts, and CONCLUSION). Below is the specific book report format:

- At least 3 pages (preferably) or up to a maximum of 4 pages only
- A MUST : Use short, clean, unscented white bond paper
(letter size / 8.5” x 11”) only
- Printed from the Computer (or Typewritten) – Spacing: double-spaced only
- Font type: Times New Roman only
- Font size: 10 (at least) or 12 (at most) only
- Font color: Black only
- All Paragraphs must be Justified (Not Centered nor Aligned to the left or right)
- Or if Handwritten (A MUST : write legibly, in print) – Spacing: 1.5 only
- No erasure (in any form), No cover page, No folders
- Upper left topmost part – Surname, Given name, and Middle name
- below are your Year Level and Section
- Upper right topmost part – Book Report: A Project in English IV
- below is the Date of submission
- Centered: Title of the book / report

DEADLINE of SUBMISSION:

- February 24, 2009 (Not later than the Tuesday morning break at 10:30 A.M.)
- BONUS points will be given to those who will submit the book report WITHOUT ERRORS on the format, so do what is asked of you to do, and
- Deductions from the Total Grade for Late Submission will be given

Here is the content of the book report:

Your Original Title for the Report (Write Original Subtitles for Each Part As Well)


INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH (1 Paragraph)

The introduction to the book report should contain a short description of the book and its general plot line. It must contain the title, the name of the author, the year it was written, and a very brief summary (2-3 sentences) of the major plot line. The introduction may make a general reference to the main characters, but it should only introduce who they are; it should not discuss the conflicts facing these characters.

Don't get too detailed here. Provide basic information about the book. You should include:
· Title (underlined)/Author of the Book
· Publication Information: Publisher, year, number of pages
· Genre
· A brief introduction to the book and your report

BODY PARAGARAPHS (A Must: 4 Paragraphs)

The body is the longest and most detailed section of the book report. The body paragraphs should contain a critical discussion of the major thematic elements of the book, the main characters, the plot lines, and the questions of conflict and how they are resolved. A book report is most effective when it is broken down into the major aspects of a novel and when you can identify the main elements that a writer is trying to convey without getting lost in the detail.

The Setting

The first section of the body should contain a summary of the novel’s setting. In other words, you must discuss the time period (or periods) that the story takes place, a description of where the main plot lines occur, and who the main characters are. In this last respect, you must identify the main protagonist of the story. This character is always the most fully developed and the story focuses on what happens in his or her life. Like the introduction, this section should be fairly short, but it should contain some critical analysis of the novel.

The Major Dramatic Question

Fairly early in the content paragraphs of the book report, you must be able to identify the novel’s major dramatic question, which is usually answered by a simple “yes” or “no.” The major dramatic question demonstrates your comprehension of the novel’s “big picture” and what message the author is trying to convey. The major dramatic question is the central organizing force that ties all of the major plot lines together. Frequently, the major dramatic question contains a reference to the novel’s protagonist.

The Plot Lines

The most extensive section of the book report should contain a summary of the novel’s main plot lines, keeping in mind the importance of the major dramatic question. Plot is essentially conflict. The novel depends on it, and it is focused in large part on the main character. Sources of conflict can be both internal and external.

You must give a summary of how the plot develops in the story, focusing on the conflicts facing the main character and how those conflicts are resolved throughout the story. It is critical to identify the other major characters, but simply reciting who they are is not enough. An effective book report demonstrates the influence that other characters have on the main character and how those characters cause the protagonist to act and change (or sometimes, not act and not change). Examples of how these influences play out are very important.

Be sure to incorporate critical analysis into the report. The best way to do this is to frame any discussion of the plot around the major dramatic question and the development of the main character, demonstrating how the sources of conflict lead to the ultimate resolution of the story. It is imperative that you identify specific examples from the novel to illustrate that you have a thorough understanding the novel’s plot and how it impacts, and ultimately resolves, the major dramatic question.

The Climax

A book report will not be effective unless you describe how the conflict was resolved. You should keep in mind that giving away the climax is just a starting point in this section; you must identify how the plot’s resolution impacted the main character, and whether there are any unresolved questions that are not immediately apparent from the book. It is a good idea to discuss one or two major thematic elements (such as irony) and how these themes were developed.

In addition, you may explore whether the point-of-view from which the story is told played any importance in the ultimate resolution of the novel, and whether the point-of-view was effective. Many novels are open to interpretation and authors do not want to give away how the character changed. However, if you offer your own conclusion and interpretation of what likely happened to the main character, supported by a convincing example or two from the novel, then you will have demonstrated to your teacher or professor that you have given critical thought to the book.

CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS (At least 2 Paragraphs)

The conclusion paragraph of your book report is not a summary of what you have just written. It should contain a clear paragraph or two of whether the novel accomplished its goal of demonstrating a larger idea out of the specific plot line, whether the story impacted or affected the reader, and whether the main characters were believable and convincing. This section is an opportunity for you to give your impression of the book. An ineffective conclusion simply states a personal opinion of the book without giving the teacher any idea of why you have reached this point. A more persuasive final paragraph demonstrates that you have given the book some critical thought, identified the main themes of the book, and understood the central point that the author was trying to convey.

References:
- Photo Courtesy http://camilleplayhouse.webs.com/Tuesdays%20with%20Morrie.jpg
- Format from http://www.infoplease.com/homework/wsbookreporths.html , and http://www.homeworkspot.com/features/bookreports.htm

THE TRUMAN SHOW: How’s It Going To End?

Answer the Guide Questions. Reason Out by Defending Your Answers.

1. Being chosen to be the star of his own “TV show”, do you consider Truman lucky?

2. Is the world created for Truman perfect?

3. Before Truman knew everything, was he living a real/natural/authentic life?

4. After knowing his situation, was Truman living a real/natural/authentic life in the world created for him?

5. Do you think he has freedom before he knew the set up?

6. Is freewill absolute?

7. Do you think Christof (“the creator”) has the right to do what he did to Truman towards the end of the movie?

8. Which world is better for Truman: his world inside the studio or the “real/outside world”?

9. If you are Truman and you have found out the truth from “the creator” (who made you realize a lot of things like being blessed with almost everything), what will you do: will you still leave your “world”?

10. Would you like to live Truman’s life?

IMPORTANT: Ask for your guardian's signature. Write your COMPLETE ANSWERS ONLY on a letter size (short) bond paper. Make sure that what you will submit is printed (computerized). Deadline is on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 during your respective English period.

Photos Courtesy: http://bebsisms.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/truman_show_ver1.jpg

http://coverdivx.altervista.org/The_Truman_Show-front_DivX.jpg

Juniors' 3rd Quarter Exams for RESEARCH

Take note of the definition of the following words:

Introduction, Statement of the Problem, Research Objectives, Null Hypothesis, Assumption

Remember the two (2) Types of Objectives [General and Specific], the two (2) Types of Hypothesis [Null and Hypothesis], and the five (5) Characteristics [S.M.A.R.T.= Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, Time-bound]

You need to write your own STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM (with SPECIFIC QUESTIONS), HYPOTHESIS, and ASSUMPTION based on two (2) research titles provided.

Therefore, be ready to construct/write/compose your own paragraph (STATEMENT of the PROBLEM) with SPECIFIC QUESTIONS, and sentences for your HYPOTHESIS, and ASSUMPTION for each Research Title.

IMPORTANT: Notebooks in Research will be Collected after your Research Exam.