Assignment #4 -- Due Thursday (3/7)

Here is your final blog assignment!!!! I am so impressed by the work you have all been doing so far. Awesome job ladies and gentlemen!

For the duration of this unit, we have discussed censorship and banned books, and the role of students/parents/teachers when it comes to making decisions about keeping books available at the high school level.

Write a blog entry (minimum of 200 words) that discusses your view of censorship in today's world. Do you feel it is EVER acceptable to ban a book from a school library? (Why or why not?) What is a student's role when a book is banned? Write what your response would be to someone who wanted to ban a book from the Centennial High School library.

Is there ever a time and place for censorship in our world? (Why or why not?)

And finally: Examine the reasons your own literature circle book was challenged and discuss the literary merit of your book vs. the issues surrounding its place on the banned/challenged book list.

Assignment #3 -- due Thursday (3/7)

Book Review

There are TWO parts to this assignment:

1.     Now that you have finished reading your book, you will write a detailed book reviewincluding the following:

• A brief SYNOPSIS (no more than 10%) of 2-3 spoiler-free sentences about the who, what, when, where, why and how of the plot.

• Thorough and specific OPINION/ASSESSMENT (about 75%) about your experience reading the book. What did you think? How did the book make you feel? Was it good? Bad? WHY? Would you recommend this book? Include specific reasons and evidence as to why or why not.

•  Build some BACKGROUND (15%) for readers that might include some information about the author, a history of the book’s publication, any controversy about the book, or any other information your readers should know to make an informed choice about whether or not to read this book.

*** Remember: your job is to create an argument. Persuade your readers to either go out and get this book, or take a pass on reading it.

2.     You need to read and respond to a group member’s review. After reading all of the reviews about your book, respond to at least ONE other person in your group. 

You may ask questions, answer questions, clarify confusing parts, share your opinion, or offer additional information on your members' posts. You should write several sentences.

To respond, simply hit the reply link at the end the your group member’s post that you are commenting on. Be sure to title your response with your first name.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO 

WRITE YOUR FIRST NAME AND ASSIGNMENT #3 

IN YOUR POSTS AND RESPONSES!!!

Assignment #2 due Sunday 2/24

Hi Everyone! Congratulations to all of you who posted on time. Great job! After skimming through several of your comments, it looks like many of you are doing a GREAT job with your postings. Keep up the awesome work. Please be continually aware and cognizant of spelling and grammar. It definitely helps to type up your response in a word document, then copy and paste it to the blog.

Your second assignment has two parts:

1. You need to read and respond to your group members' first posting. After reading everyone's postings, respond to at least TWO people. (For groups of three, that means you'll respond to everybody in your group.) You may ask questions, answer questions, clarify confusing parts, share your opinion, or offer additional information on your members' posts. You should write several sentences. To respond, simply hit the reply link at the end the your group member’s post that you are commenting on. Be sure to title your response with your first name.

2. Once you have replied to other members, go back to your group page (click your name on the right) and post a new comment on the following. You need to select one quote or passage from the novel so far and write about 200 words explaining the significance. 

Consider the following questions:

• Why did you choose the quote?
• Why do you like it?
• Why is it important?
• Does this passage help indicate why the book has been banned or challenged? What are your views on this?
• What does it say about the characters, symbols, themes, etc. in the novel?
• What larger connections can you make to either other pieces of literature or your own life?

Then add some insightful discussion questions about the quote that your group members could later respond to. Please remember to introduce and contextualize your quote and properly cite it using MLA format.

Also, please be sure to title your new post as follows:

First Name

         Assignment #2 

Hooray for blogs! Hooray for CHS juniors!

Assignment #1 due Wednesday 2/20

Hi everyone! Welcome to our Banned Books webpage. I hope you will enjoy the format of blogging about your book. 

Your first assignment is fairly easy, just so you get the hang of posting on to the blog. For today, what I'd like you to do is to post a general reflection and reaction to the novel so far. What do you like about it? What has been most interesting to you? What are you confused or unclear about? What do you want to discuss? What questions do you have that might inspire further discussion? Try to start off positive, even if you feel a little confused about some parts of the book. 

Your posting should be approximately 200-250 words at least. Please remember to follow basic grammar and writing expectations. Sign your name to every blog post as well, so we can keep track of responses. 

Have fun and enjoy!

Gods from the Hood (Period 9)

Kevin, Eric, Richard and Ty -- Welcome to your blog!

The Rose and the Bell (Period 9)

Rebekah, Ashley and Sarah -- Welcome to your group!

The Fun Group (Period 9)

Sam, Cheyenne, Diego and Jessica -- Welcome to your blog!