More opening thoughts on To Kill a Mockingbird...

Identify someone you know personally who has attempted to change a community or society for the better. Discuss what he/she was trying to change, how he/she went about it, and whether or not he/she was successful. Reflect on this in a 300 - 400 word response. As you read To Kill a Mockingbird, consider how change occurs in the novel and if there are connections with this personal example you are writing about.

Opening thoughts on To Kill a Mockingbird...

As we begin to read To Kill a Mockingbird, think about the concept of justice. Answer the following questions in a 500-word response. Be specific and provide personal anecdotes and examples where possible.

* What is 'Justice’ and does justice apply equally to:

the rich and the poor?

the white and the non-white?

the socially prominent and the social outcast?

the male and the female?

the adult and the child?

Closing thoughts about Feed...

After all of the discussions we have had about Feed and what Anderson might be asking us to consider/critique/perceive about our world today, what is on your mind? Do you agree with Anderson that "everything must go" and that we must begin to challenge the way our consumer culture encourages us to contribute to the economic machine that drives capitalist societies? Or perhaps do you believe that "everything must go" in the sense of how we are abusing the environment, and that our practices must change if we want to preserve our planet? In what ways has Anderson prompted you to consider your own lifestyle and habits you might want to change? Aim for a 300-word response here and make it thoughtful! :)

Paragraph Practice!

Once you have written your practice introductory paragraph for a formal essay, please upload it here as a comment in response to this blog post. Let's help each other check for the essential components to an introductory paragraph:

#1: a hook statement (that must be broad, profound and inarguable!)
#2: a few bridge statements to link the big idea in your hook to the more specific ideas to follow
#3: 1 - 3 sentences that outline your three main arguments (if one sentence, make sure your arguments are clearly articulated)
#4: a clear and concise thesis (that is a direct response to the prompt/question)

First thoughts about what makes a hero...

When we talked about modern day heroes today in class, we created the following criteria for what it means to be a hero in 2010. A hero, according to our collective wisdom, should be: brave, bold, well-spoken, knowledgeable/wise, humble, persistent, swift (to act and speak and think), determined, a leader, calm, decisive, trustworthy, helpful, honest, selfless (and ready to sacrifice one's self for others), confident, a truth seeker, compassionate, strong, courageous, clever/witty and steadfast. Some additional criteria, according to fringe elements in our group, are: being able to fly, likes food, can teleport, has superpowers, is good-looking and funny.

Now, think about two people you consider to be heroes. The first person needs to be a contemporary or historic figure (a real person) you admire. The second person needs to be someone you know personally. Please post a reply to this post that summarizes who these people are and why you think they are heroic. Aim for 300 words.

You may need to set up an account with blogger.com in order to post a reply. It's really easy to do. Just follow the prompts you are given and you should be fine. If you run into any problems, email me. :)

Personal reading...

I'll begin the thread where we will discuss the books we are reading for fun. You can reply to this thread and add your thoughts about the books you are reading and what your reflections are about books you'd like to recommend to your friends.

One of my favourite books is by Jonathan Safran Foer, an American writer. One of his recent books is called Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. The protagonist, Oskar, is a young boy living in New York City, dealing with the grief of losing his father in the events of 9/11. The book is so creative and the writing style of Foer is fresh and new. Throughout the book he uses photographs, drawings and various colours to introduce creative ideas into his narrative. Also, I love the character of Oskar. Foer brings him to life in so many ways, and I left the book feeling like I knew this little boy. The story is gripping and intense, and I cried a lot at the end.

Some other favourite books: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, In the Skin of a Lion, No Great Mischief, The Stone Angel, Until I Find You, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Fifth Business, The Handmaid's Tale, A History of Love... and so many more! :)

Welcome to our blog!

Hello, all ISK freshmen! This class blog will give us a space to reflect on our personal reading and to share our thoughts about books. Make sure you make one post a month about what are reading for fun and what you like about it. Sometimes I (Mrs. Lav.!) will also post prompts and questions about what we are discussing in class, and sometimes you will need to post something in response to a prompt you are given. Happy reading, everyone! :)