A Christmas Carol – The Ghost of Christmas Past

Describe the Ghost of Christmas Past.  What is the “strangest thing” about the spirit?  Include all of the contradictory descriptions about the ghost.  Explain how each contradict one another and how that contributes to the strangeness of the ghost.

Please check your work by using the following questions before posting to the blog.

Claim Do I have a topic sentence that makes a clear claim about the ghost?
Evidence Have I given all of the contradictory descriptions of the ghost?
Reasoning Have I provided an explanation for each contradiction that proves my point about the ghost?
Conclusion Have I included a well-written conclusion, a summary of the information that supports my claim about the ghost?
Attention to Detail Have I repeatedly gone through my paragraph to improve word choice, sentence flow, appropriate transitions, and reasoning?

 

A Christmas Carol – Marley’s Ghost

You and Scrooge have just been haunted by Jacob Marley’s ghost.  Please answer each of the following questions regarding that visit in paragraph form.  Be sure to number each response as I’ve numbered each question.

  1. What has Marley’s ghost been doing since his death?
  2. What is the warning Marley gives Scrooge?
  3. Why are the phantoms (three paragraphs from the end of the stave) upset?

WTRFG – Chapter 11 Response

Answer the following prompt in paragraph form.  Be sure to include a topic sentence (claim), examples/evidence from the text, and provide reasoning connecting each piece of textual evidence to your claim.  Type your response in Google Docs first before copying and pasting as a comment to this post.

At the end of chapter 11, Billy says, “If it had not been for the miracle of the lantern, my little dog would have met her death on that night.”  Later that evening, he asks his mother if God answers prayers every time one was said.  Do you believe miracles really happen to Billy, or does he solve his own problems?

All About Poe

Can learning about an author’s life and experiences give you a deeper understanding of  his characters, perspective, and purpose?

What was the first tragic event in Poe’s life, and what was unusual about the woman he married? How did these events and others influence Poe’s life? You will find the answers to these questions and learn many other fascinating facts during this activity.

  1. Collect information from the Knowing Poe Interactive Timeline (click here) and record notes on the sheet provided .
  2. Read through the notes you’ve taken and consider the following questions:
    1. What was Poe’s life like?
    2. How might the events of his life influenced his writing?
  3. Now answer the questions on the back to make connectections between the facts and how they relate to Poe’s life and writing.

Where the Red Fern Grows Response

Answer one of the following.  Be sure to include a topic sentence (claim), examples/evidence from the text, and provide reasoning by relating to your own experiences.

  1. At the end of chapter 8, humor is used to illustrate Billy’s mixed feelings toward his sisters.  How does he imply that he loves them, but can’t really show it or admit it? How does he express his annoyance at them? Is this common in relationships with siblings?
  2. Billy says, “After Papa left, things were a little different.  The tree didn’t look as big, and the ax wasn’t as heavy.” What does this say about the way our feelings and emotions can change our perspective about things, even our physical sensations? Relate this to an experience of your own. (pg. 81)

An Extraordinary Plant

Review “The Unusual Venus Flytrap,” “The Corpse Flower,” and “Against All Odds: Earth’s Fragile Pioneers” from your Ready Common Core books. Think about which plant you consider to be the most extraordinary.  What does it mean to be extraordinary? Which plant was most remarkable and why?

Write an argument to support your opinion.  Remember to include relevant evidence from the passages to support your argument and to organize your reasons clearly. 

Write your paragraph(s) in Google Docs.  After you have reread and edited it, please paste your response as a comment to this post.