Tuesday

Hello Students,

AP students received two assignments today, which are copied below:

MOST FABULOUS VOCABULARY ASSIGNMENT

By BOC this Monday, September 29, 2014, you must use sixteen (16) words from List #2 (the pink sheet) in conversations with at least eight persons, each of whom must be at least 25 years old.  After you use this word, you must have that person sign the following sheet in the appropriate place.  You may not use one person for more than two words, and you may not converse with that person during class time.  Likely candidates for the completion of this assignment are as follows:  parental units, relatives, neighbors, family friends, teachers (not during class time and not your AP English teacher), and administrators.  You will receive extra credit for conversing with administrators (one point for each word for a maximum of five points).

In order to make it easy for your listener to help you complete this assignment, YOU should complete the first column and the printed name BEFORE you converse with your listener.  That way, your listener need only sign his or her name in the appropriate column.  Have fun, and own these words!

Word	Printed name & signature

 Declaration of Independence or Speech Urging Emancipation

As you all know by now, the Scots have voted to remain part of the United Kingdom.  We read Alan Cumming’s opinion piece in the New York Times urging his fellow countrymen to vote for independence, as well as the Times editorial opining that the vote in favor of Scotland remaining in the UK was the right vote.

Now it’s your turn. 

Write your own declaration of independence on the subject matter of your choice.  Your subject could be of a geopolitical nature (you may seek independence for, e.g., Scotland, Catalonia, Crimea, or Texas) OR it could be of a personal nature (e.g., you may wish to seek independence from your curfew or from the school’s dress code) OR you may write a humorous or satirical piece seeking some independence from, e.g., bad television, the character limit for a tweet, or, if you feel strongly about the subject, the music of Justin Bieber.  Finally, you may write a profoundly serious (albeit arguably metaphorical) piece seeking independence from some societal scourge such as racism, homophobia, or bullying.

Simply put, the choice of your piece’s subject matter, tone, and purpose is yours.

Requirements? 

·        Minimum length - 750 words; 

·        The inclusion of five vocabulary words from any of our 40 words; AND

·        At least two complex sentences, one beginning with an independent (!) clause and one beginning with a dependent clause.

Although no other requirements exist, all rhetorical strategies and flourishes will be appreciated and rewarded by your teacher.  (Is this sentence an effective use of passive voice?)

Your writing is due at BOC on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

Extra credit will be given to any student who presents his or her declaration to the class in an arresting manner.

We also participated in a Socratic seminar on the issues arising from "No Name Woman" and Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "Declaration of the Sentiments and Rights of Women."

Seventh period started their homework assignments, read Rats Saw God, and took a reading quiz.  Your homework is Thursday; your test is Friday.

See you tomorrow!