Letter to Myself
On Tuesday and/or Wednesday, you will write a letter to your High School Senior self. You will print the letter and turn it in; in four years, Mrs. Vitek will send it to you as you are graduating. This is a private letter that only you and Mrs. Vitek will ever read. It is entirely open-ended, meaning you may write pretty much whatever you'd like as long as it's appropriate. Here are some popular suggestions:
- What you hope to experience or accomplish during your four years of high school.
- Favorite memories from middle school.
- Advice to your future self.
Writing Portfolio Reflection
You are to complete your Writing Portfolio Reflection in class on Tuesday. Print it and bring it to class on Wednesday. Please take this assignment seriously, putting focused thought into your answers. It is for your benefit. In order to grow as a writer, it is essential that you learn your strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing how to improve will help you know what to work on and what sort of revising help to ask for in the future. Answer length will vary; there is no specific requirement. Your answers may consider any relevant information including, but not limited to, specific skills (topic sentences, concluding sentences, blending quotes, using good evidence, developing the significance of evidence in commentary, concluding sentences, thesis statements, any mechanics), ideas (what you choose to analyze within a prompt), and effort (time management, revising, editing, asking for help).
Rhetoric Research
The top 100 speeches of all time, according to AmericanRhetoric.com. This is a great place to begin your search, but you are not required to choose a speech from this list. If there is a topic that interests you, do an Internet search on the topic and see what you find. Talk to Mrs. Vitek and Mr. Baker for help. As long as the speech is reputable and your sources are reliable, you will be granted permission to use that speech as your topic. You should have a speech chosen no later than Wednesday.
Project Requirements and Rubrics are posted here.
"Rough Drafts" are due Thursday, May 11. (60 points)
Final Projects are due Tuesday, May 23. (155 points)
The final project will be submitted in a 3-pronged 2-pocket folder. The paper itself should be placed neatly in the prongs, with the title page first and the works cited last. Printed copies of your notecards and outline should be placed in the front pocket.
Project Requirements and Rubrics are posted here.
"Rough Drafts" are due Thursday, May 11. (60 points)
Final Projects are due Tuesday, May 23. (155 points)
The final project will be submitted in a 3-pronged 2-pocket folder. The paper itself should be placed neatly in the prongs, with the title page first and the works cited last. Printed copies of your notecards and outline should be placed in the front pocket.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Rhetoric Resources
Color-Coded Rhetorical Analysis of Letter from a Birmingham Jail
- This copy of the text is an excellent resource for identifying King's techniques. It identifies ethos, pathos, logos, and acknowledgement of counterarguments.
King Encyclopedia from the King Center
- This is useful in understanding context. If King references a person, organization, event, etc. with which you aren't familiar, you can look it up here for clarification.
History in Context: Letter from a Birmingham Jail
- A concise explanation of the events surrounding the letter's writing as well as it's historical and political significance
Essay Contest: Biographies of Contemporary Women in Mathematics
Click here for contest rules. Students are always encouraged to take part in essay contests. Mrs. Vitek is available for help in any and all contests.
Writer's Workshop at Hilltop
Your writing and presentation requirements are explained here. The sign-up sheet for sessions as well as the Power Point have been shared with you.
This document provides a summary of each of the Ralph Fletcher techniques explained in your book. You can use it to help you write your 2 pieces as well as to prepare for your presentation.
This document provides a summary of each of the Ralph Fletcher techniques explained in your book. You can use it to help you write your 2 pieces as well as to prepare for your presentation.
Sherlock Holmes Expository Essay
Sample introduction with thesis (based on Harry Potter)
Rubric
Final essays are due Monday, November 7th.
Essay Review Excerpts: These are good examples.
Rubric
Final essays are due Monday, November 7th.
Essay Review Excerpts: These are good examples.
Stop the Hate
In 500 words or less, share an incident when you or someone you know was treated unfairly or you treated someone unfairly based on race, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, etc. Why was this judgment wrong? How did the experience affect you? What have you done and what will you do to help end intolerance and create a more inclusive community?
Information and guidelines for the contest
Rubric
Essays are due Tuesday, November 29th.
Information and guidelines for the contest
Rubric
Essays are due Tuesday, November 29th.
Romeo and Juliet Evaluative Essay
Instructions for the essay and questions for Socratic Seminar
Optional graphic organizer outline
Rubric
Essays are due Monday, February 27th.
Optional graphic organizer outline
Rubric
Essays are due Monday, February 27th.
Sentence Variation Models
sentence_variation_models.pdfMimic sentence variation models to improve your style.
Comparative Analytical Essay: The Old Man and the Sea & Big Fish
Requirements are here.
Rubric is here.
Big Fish script (for finding quotes for evidence)
Essays are due Thursday, April 20th
Rubric is here.
Big Fish script (for finding quotes for evidence)
Essays are due Thursday, April 20th