Brag Sheet

Personal Narrative


By: Kate Mace

As the sound of my mom’s voice echoed through my brain, I caught a glimpse of the New York, yellow taxicab racing toward my family. The hotel we were staying at towered over the streets of the city. While I was waiting for the cab to pull up in front of the hotel’s massive doors for us to climb in, I made a mental plan for our day in the city. First, we had gotten out of bed, eaten breakfast, and made our way to the front steps to sit down while my mom called a cab. After we stepped into the scented cab, my mom told Larry, the cab driver, that we were going to FAO Schwartz. Usually, my mom told us where my family was going for the day, but today, she surprised us by telling the cab driver we were going to one of the greatest and biggest toy stores on the planet! The bland, drab seats of the cab gave me no further excitement when I rested my head on the back of the seat. The bleeping of the horns and the squealing of brakes called me to my senses.

The cab was stopped in front of the enormous building with an even more humongous sign welcoming you into FAO Schwartz. As the aromatic scent drifted p into my nostrils, my jaw dropped. Even the windows were stuffed to the gills with cute stuffed bears and Lego sets. The mellow colors of the plush toys made my little brother squeal with joy. Matthew, my little brother, pointed out that there was a giant pile of stuffed animals in the middle of the room, and kids were jumping and playing in it. Without asking, I ran up to the heap of toys and did a giant cannonball into it. The cushy, plush animals engulfed me like a volcano engulfs the chunks of rock that plop into its burning mass. As soon as I stuck my head out of the pile, it was pushed back under again when my brother decided it was his turn to jump into the animal pile. Luckily, my mom saw this whole scene unfold so I didn’t have to waste my breath yelling at my brother to get off of me. The pitter-patter of my little little brother’s feet abruptly stopped as my mom scooped him off the ceramic floor before he too could jump on the pile. I felt relieved as we ran up the stairs to the giant piano.

Even though there were a lot of kids at FAO, I still had a lot of fun. The gentle sound of Lucas’s snoring put me in a peaceful mood. The pitter-patter of rain, not feet, filled my ears up to it’s uppermost level, so that I could hear nothing else. I was tired and happy when the cab reached the hotel yet again. Walking through the doors of the Duke Frabresan, I took a deep breath of the perfumy smell. As my mom ushered us to the door of our room, I saw the delicate flowers sitting on the stool next to the table. Because the door was shut, the music became muffled. Jumping on a bed covered in soft, fluffy pillows never felt so good.

GRAAB Techniques

Feel free to post an example of your GRAAB technique for comment.

Brag Sheet -Descriptive Narratives

Read these narratives below. They were chosen to be displayed because they contained clear sensory descriptions of  places in the story. Can you replicate this writng in Friday's assignment? Feel free to comment.

Walker Mountain


By Ansley

The comforting songs of the bluebirds and the vicious howling of nearby dogs filled my ears when I first stepped foot on Walker Mountain in Valle Crucis. A shimmering pond lay obediently at my feet like a king’s cocker spaniel. Fanned out bundles of oak leaves violently swayed above my head as if in a hurricane. The dazzling mountains glowed under the leader of the universe’s gaze. Crackling pine needles crunched softly under my warm bare feet. Walker Mountain felt like my new home, safe and cozy.

Once I was inside the rectangular, little house a bubbly feeling crawled up my spine that made me feel like I was on top of the world. The smooth, waxy maple floor slid under my feet like Michelle Kwan’s Olympic skates on the slippery ice. A delightful scent of pine wood drifted up my nostrils. The bright, glaring sun shone down onto the peaceful house releasing a forcefield to protect my family and my friends from any danger that might knock on our door. When we finally put our tired minds at rest after the last embers of the campfire had died down, the glowing moon and the twinkling stars watched over us like angels looking after their loved ones. As soon as I had strolled into the well-kept house, I knew it would be hard to leave it behind.

Sailing down the everlasting mound of lime grass, my chocolate hair whipped in my face covering up my bright blue eyes. The brilliant, red sled turned the corner and soared down the hill. My New Balance shoes screeched to a halt, and I flipped off the sled, tumbling the rest of the way down the grass. Tall trees were hurt after I had accidentally slammed into them. Never ending laughter, from my friends, echoed in my ears, for they had injured trees as well. Bogey, Mary and Kate’s yellow lab,   continued...

 The Time I Went To Ben And Jerry’s    
by Hannah
As I trudged in, I could smell a scent of sweet vanilla ice cream traveling up my nostrils. People were cluttered throughout the parlor. A soft breeze blew in my face as the glass door slammed shut. Marshall, my older brother, was chatting with my mom about the first day of 10th grade. After hearing the blabbering of Marshall and my mom for five minutes, we finally swayed up to the sparkling counter. The generous lady at the front counter had a tie-die shirt on that said Ben + Jerry’s in big, bold letters. The walls around her had cows on them everywhere I turned. I thought as if I were at a farm. I excitedly ordered my favorite ice cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and plopped myself down at a shining table. As I dropped down, I glimpsed at my mom and Marshall paying for her ice cream, his ice cream, and my ice cream. When I scooped ice cream into my mouth, I suddenly felt like I was in heaven. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough melted on my tongue as if it were a snowflake that had fallen from the sky. I took another bite, and it danced in my mouth as I swallowed the tasty treat. A massive smile came upon my face when the creamy, sweet goodness shot down my throat. Strutting the out glass door, I still could taste that outstanding taste of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. To feel that magnificent taste was like going to NYC for the first time. The scent of the sweet Vanilla Ice Cream and the tasty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough faded away as I pranced out of the building.

Petit Saint Vincent Boat Ride
by Maddie

As the cool summer wind whipped my tangled, wet hair, and the salty Caribbean water splashed my face, I knew this was a time to remember. The inner-tube swung back and forth as the small boat tugged Tyler, me, and my friend, Anabell through the rapid waves. White wave trails followed the boat through the open waters as we had yelled, “Faster! Faster!”. A shiver declined down my back as the cold breeze howled in my ear. Suddenly, the inner- tube’s stiff, braided rope crossed with another boat’s anchor, and the ride took a turn for the worst. My clammy hands clung tightly to the rubber handle; however, my brother, Tyler,had let his hands slipped off. My eyes closed tightly in fright of what might happen next as Tyler crashed into the stern of another boat. I gasped for air, because I had been enclosed underneath the inner-tube after it had flipped. From Tyler hitting is back on a boat, to me running out of breath, I would remember that moment for a lifetime.

Coming Next Week

• Midwest Region Facts
• GRAAB Non-fiction WritingTechniques
• Poetry Writing- Poetic Devices (simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteriation, personification, onomatopoeia, sensory language)
• Nouns Test - CLOSED NOTES (Make sure you have tackled all the exercises on the blog on Nouns)
• Figurative and Sensory Writing (in class writing assessment on an abstract noun of your choice)
• Spelling Test (Fri)

Southeast Region - Essay Question

See how Robert was able to incorporate so many precise facts that we had learned about the Southeast  region in his essay test answer.  This is an exact example of HOTS in practice. You will have three more regions tests and similar questions. Set this as a standard for  your own essay writing.

Question
Explain how the regional specialties served at a traditional Southeast meal might be different to food served in restaurants in other areas of the country.
Time limit: 30minutes

The warm gumbo bowl steams heavily. Its captivating scent gestures diners to dig in. The Southeast has a litany of enchanting food. Fortunately, several cultures have heavily influenced Southeastern cuisine. A long time ago, the French sailed to Louisiana to settle; therefore, giving the Gulf Coast delightful eating. The Spanish journeyed to Florida, while bringing a cornucopia of Spanish recipes. Slaves from Africa brought their own cooking styles. Coincidentally, the Southeast grows a multitude of crops. From pecans, to peanuts, and peaches, the 180-day growing season helps grow copious foods. In Florida, the citrus capital of the world, one can always find a tasty tangerine. Rice is very popular in the Southeast, so it might be on the menu. Luckily, numerous Southeast animals will be on this plate. There is an assortment of farms in the Southeast, and they provide steak, pork, and chicken. The Mississippi River, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of México combine to always have a fresh catch. Fish, shrimp, and crab make seafood an enormous possibility. To reiterate, the recipes of early settlers, plentiful cash crops, and several Southeast animals to make the Southeast a popular eating region. As the customer leaves the restaurant, he is satisfied, for the unique Southeastern cuisine fills his stomach.

Showing not Telling Sensory Writing Examples

Congratulations to Ryan S and Ansley, (Graham class) and Robert  (Buxton class) for your triumph in the '5-Day 10 minute writing' competition. We will have another writing competition next April with different partners. Enjoy some notable pieces of writing from your classmates last week. Let these be the 'standard' by which you judge the quality of your own  personal narratives this evening.  Feel free to  leave a comment about the writing.

Day 1

Gazing at the crowd of young school kids glazed eyes, I begin to feel what it is really like to be ignored.  The itchy lace surrounding my neck urges me to scratch all ober my body, buy I stay as still as possible. Mild dewey oders of my husband's pitchfork slowly waft towards my smooth, straight nose. A wrinkly face belonging to my husband shimmered like a ray of sunglight on a lakeunder the light. His narrow, wiry glasses bob up and down on his nose as he slightly turns his head to peer at the kids tired faces. As the noisy students trudge to the museum's lunchroom, my husband and I sign with relief.  by Ansley and Ryan S.

Day 2

Up on the mountain, the Grinch glared down at the mountain he used to love. The stars and the moon were the only hasppiness in the Grinch's life of despair. As the cold December rain whislted, the quiet town of Whoville slept in a shower of peace. A sinister grin spread across his face while he tailored his Santa suit. He seemed older than the hills that rolled over the quiet, sleepy town.  As the clock struck 11pm,  the Grinch mopped his sweat-filled brow and cut the pine wood for hiss sleigh. Not a soul paced the old,rocky streets at his hour. He smelled freshly wrapped candy canes whafting out of every chimney. The Grinch knew Christmas would never come to Whoville again.

by Kate and Will.

Day 3

I felt lost. Bustling around me, my siblings of different colors shoved and pushed me as if I were dirt. I felt crammed, like an elephant in a desk.  My stomach churned whem students came. I was as quite as a Churchill mouse. I was only a small portion of this master piece.  A blob, barely seen. A breeze of students passed knowing that they shouldn't be running. Me, only a small circle of this dazzling painting wishing to be free.  by Jack and Sabrina

Day 4 The Music 'O Fortuna'
I could hear  the awful, fear instilling band as I stumbled past. If only I had thought before commiting that awful crime. Had I stopped and considered before stealing, I would not be here walking to my death, like a pig to slaughter. Trepidation was everywhere. The joys and regrets of my short, pitful life flashed before me like a movie.  It was not my fault that I was desparate,stole, and was sentenced here before this rookery waiting calmly for the end.  The evil drumming stopped, a voice rang out, and I knew no more. I had chosen the wrong path, and paid the price like a sorry gambler.  by Robert


Day 5  the word...  'BEAUTY'
I hld back as I walk into the kitchen trying to resist the untouched chocolate truffle. I feel as if I want to marry the sweet chocolate sensation. I hear my conscience calling out, 'don't do it, don't do it' ! I wipe a drop of sweat off my forehead. The dark chocolate powedered covered dessert is just too much for me.  I cannot take it anymore; I have to have one. I reach nito the bagm get one, and plop it into my mouth. I know it now. Beauty is not a sight but a taste.

These were just some of the outstanding pieces you all created. Fine efforts for just 10mins of writing. Watch out for 'showing not telling' competition number 2 in the spring!

Coming 'After' Thanksgiving and before Holidays

• Midwest Region
• GRAAB Non-fiction WritingTechniques
• Poetry Unit-Introduction
• Nouns Test (Make sure you have tackled all the exercises on the blog on Nouns)
• Figurative and Sensory Writing (in class writing assessment)
• Figurative and Sensory Reading Test (simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteriation, personification, onomatopoeia, sensory language)
• Selection of States for State Report

Personal Narratives

Feel free to share some of your best sentence (s) that you create in your narratives on the blog.  State what type of sentence your are sharing e.g. sensory, figurative, action,  emotion, use of proper nouns, quotes etc... Other students are encouraged to give  polite, respectful constructive feedback where possible.

Narrative Writing - Time Shift (Past Perfect)Sentences

Use these exercises to practice creating 'time shift' sentences in narrative writing.
Who said 'time travel' was impossible?

http://www.english-zone.com/verbs/pstperf1.html
http://odl.vwv.at/english/odlres/res8/Grammar/grammar_exercises/tenses/past_perfect/pastperf3.htm
http://odl.vwv.at/english/odlres/res8/Grammar/grammar_exercises/tenses/past_perfect/pastperf1.htm
http://www.learnenglish.de/Games/Tenses/PastPerfectTest.htm
http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/grammar/tense/3.1.xml
http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/140.html

This is a 'challenge' exercise that only a few of you will understand. +2 if you can do these questions!!!
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs11.htm

Enjoy these videos to see the 'time shift' sentences, more commonly known as past perfect sentences, used in real context.

H/W Clarification

For tonight's h/w activity... you only need to get 'sensory' words from one of the following five topics that appear on the video (video choice number 2):

• The lagoon
• Helicopter landing
• Snowboarder falling
• Pizza eating
• Ocean waves

You should have sensory words/phrases under the five sense categories (between 12-20) for just one of the above topics.

If you have already done this H/W differently, that don't worry...that is fine.

Figurative language Practice Exercises

SENSORY LANGUAGE WORD BANK

Use this link to get ideas for your ‘sensory language’ sentence constructions

http://www.yoakumisd.net/junior_high/bartosh/bartosh2.html  

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE EXERCISES AND PRACTICE

Simile

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/similepractice.html

http://www.worsleyschool.net/socialarts/simile/page2.html

Personification Practice

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/personificationpractice.html

Metaphor

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/metaphorpractice.html

http://www.quia.com/quiz/234882.html

Examples of Figurative Language

http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/jacob_wismer/leahy/2006/flb/flb.htm

Research the word ‘hyperbole’. What type of figurative language is it?

http://www.quia.com/rr/397508.html

This activity contains questions on content we haven’t covered yet, but it is a fun game to play.

http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/tech/fling3.html

Coming Next Week

• Reading Selection -Climb or Die
• Advanced Narrative Writing (Chronological, Simulatenous, Time Shift)
• Figurative and Sensory Language
• Southeast Region Test
• Nouns (Types, Plurals, Possessives)

Brag Sheet - Character Sketch

Irena Sandler

by Mary Grace

‘I was brought up to believe that a person must be rescued when drowning, regardless of religion and nationality.’ –    
                                             Irena Sendler

From her forged papers clutched in her hand, eyes full of faith and crisp nurse uniform, everything about Irena Sendler seemed business-like as she entered the Warsaw Ghetto. The more she saw, the angrier she became. Irena Sendler was a remarkable woman who showed courage, loyalty and faith in the face of danger.

Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic social worker and grew up around Jews from childhood. Irena was born on February 15, 1910. She was raised by her Catholic parents to respect, love and help people regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Her father, a physician, was the only doctor who would treat the poor, mostly Jewish patients that had typhus. Her father may not have been held highly in the eyes of others, but he was very loyal to his belief.

Surprisingly, he died when Irena was just seven from the very sickness he cured. Irena was comfortable around Jewish people as a young child. Not only did she oppose the Ghetto Bench System that existed at the Warsaw University, but she was suspended from the University for three years for doing so. She had courage to do so because she was following her heart, which is a most admirable thing. When she grew up, Irena became a Polish Catholic social worker. From Otwock, to Tarczyn, Irena Sendler worked for Urban Social Welfare.

She moved into Warsaw just as World War Two began. Almost immediately, Irena Sendler joined the Zegota and began aiding Jews. Irena Sendler knew she had to help people in the Warsaw Ghetto because she had been brought up as a little girl to know that everyone should be helped. The Warsaw Ghetto was an area that Jews were forced to live in Warsaw, Poland. She didn’t like the way they were treated just because they had a different religion. She joined the Zegota, which was a code name for the Polish Council to Aid Jews (also known as Konrad Żegota Committee). Irena Sendler and two dozen others started to smuggle the children out. To smuggle them out past German guards took tremendous courage. In boxes, suitcases and strollers, the children were taken out of the Ghetto and away from the train that led to the concentration camps. The children were placed with Polish families, orphanages and convent. The families who gave up their children were probably feeling like their hearts were being torn out of their chests. Most of the families would never see their children again. I can only imagine what they were feeling and I admire them for that. Irena Sendler disguised herself as a nurse and forged papers. Before she knew it, she had saved 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto. As she saved the children, she kept track of their names in jars. Their new identities and their old ones were buried in jars beside a tree. Irena Sendler had the hope that after the war she could return the children to their parents.


Irena Sandler continued her life-saving work until she was arrested. In 1943, she was arrested by the Nazis. When they came to her home, she was working with another member of the Zegota on writing down the children’s names in a jar. Irena knew she couldn’t risk them finding the jars. They both showed tremendous courage to keep calm with the soldiers at their door. Tactfully, she stuffed the jar into her underwear. Not only did the Gestapo torture her, but they sentenced her to death. But still, she did not give away anything. This was incredibly devoted of her and courageous. On the way to her death sentence, the Zegota bribed her guard into letting her go. With shattered, broken arms and legs, Irena Sandler was left in the woods. She lived in hiding for the rest of the war and continued to help the Jewish children. At the end of the war, she tried to return the children to their families. Sadly, most of the parents had been killed or gone missing. Some say she was a hero. She disagrees, "heroes do extraordinary things. What I did was not an extraordinary thing. It was normal." With all things considered, this was an extremely modest thing for her to say. Some Christians did nothing to help the Jews. Irena Sendler died on May 12, 2008. She showed the world that in times of danger, you must follow your heart and do what you know is right.

To conclude, Irena Sendler showed courage, loyalty and faith in times of horror. She didn’t save just 2,500 children. She saved their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so on. She did believe that people should be rescued. The Jews were drowning and Irena Sendler saved them. Stumbling out of the Ghetto, Irena Sendler holds a box in her hands. Her face twisted with emotion. Her hands shake a bit as she walks through the streets of Warsaw. Arriving home, she pulls the baby out of the box – and smiles.

Brag Sheet - Character Sketch

Mother Teresa
                                            by Caroline Mackey

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”   Mother Teresa

As the frail, old woman looks at the children suffering; tear droplets well up in her eyes, and gently and slowly roll down her wrinkled, old face. Mother Teresa, a missioner and humanitarian, ministered and saved the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying people in Calcutta, India.

Out of five children, Mother Teresa, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was one child. Sadly, only three of her born siblings survived. She was the youngest out of the surviving children with an older brother and sister. Mother Teresa and her siblings had a father who devoted most of his time to politics and the Albanian cause. After one of his meetings, he fell ill and died. Having her father die made 8 year old Mother Teresa want to help ill and dying people.

In other words, Mother Teresa’s warm, tender nature led her to help the dying, ill, poor, and orphaned. She vowed to give her life to these people the care they need. Speaking out about divorce, protecting people, and caring for other human beings is what makes up a wonderful woman like Mother Teresa. Not only did Mother Teresa care for children, but also spoke out against problems throughout the world. Although Mother Teresa did sublime things she did take pity for God. A famous quote Mother Teresa once said, “If you can dream it you can do it,” really wings me. When I have a dream to be someone or do something, I remember her words and realize that I shouldn’t give up; I should go out and grab the chance. Abandoned, ill and dying people combine to make up the humans Mother Teresa helped throughout her loving life.

Mother Teresa was a good woman who inspired the world and the people with her unselfish acts of love and dedication; thus she took a vow of poverty, and she spent most of her life helping others and serving God. Above all Mother Teresa did what God expects from each of us and that is to do the best that we can, with what we have. She used her position in life to the best of her abilities. She taught the world and people that love will open doors that hate has closed. She taught us that the greatest way to show God's love is to meet the needs of others. She helped those that were in need. She helped the poor, the dying, and abandoned children. She showed them love, compassion, and kindness. She gave them shelter, food and hope. Truly, she was an inspiration. When Mother Teresa said, “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person,” she meant to tell people to get up and do things for other people and to lead your own life the way you want it to go.

Sister Teresa was a kindhearted and affectionate woman; therefore, she helped save many lives, provide for others, and make other people feel good about God and life. She experienced things that none of us could ever experience. As Mother Teresa slowly walks away from the Albanian children she helped, they all run as fast as they can up to her and thank her from the goodness of their hearts for what she had done.

Mother Teresa

By Robert Fuller

“We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa

An old, frail woman picks up a small child. She washes him, feeds him, and blesses him. They are in the slums of Calcutta, India; however, this little boy is considered “untouchable”. Who is this person who so willingly, lovingly serves those in need? Mother Teresa is this nun’s name. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was a joyous, generous, and loving woman who served God with and people in poverty with all her heart.
When she was born on August 26, 1910, her name was Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. Nicola Bojaxhiu, her father, was a pharmacist. Upon his death when Agnesë was 9, Drone, her mother, became a saleswoman. Even as a child, Agnesë was very devout, and she went with her mother to work with kids in poverty.
During her 18th year, Mother Teresa left her home of Skopje, Albania and traveled to Ireland to become a nun with the Sisters of Loreto. She then took the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Theresé of Lisieux. Six months later, she went to India and taught geography at St. Mary’s High School for Girls in Darjeeling, India. Next, she received a call from God, so she went out to serve in the slums of Calcutta. Determined, wise Mother Teresa started the Missionaries of Charity and made shelters in more than 120 different countries.
At the time that she passed in 1997, sweet Mother Teresa and her kind organization had more than 4,000 nuns helping. Although others criticized her beliefs and actions, she made the world a much better place. Righteously, Pope John Paul II sped up the process to make her a saint. Mother Teresa won countless humanitarian awards, including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. From making shelters, to blessing children, and feeding the hungry, Mother Teresa has impacted millions with her love, generosity, and inspiring deeds.
I think Mother Teresa was faithful, hardworking, and wise. She was very faithful because she listened and followed the call of God. Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity intensely comforted and healed. To become one in poverty in order to help them is so generous. Caring for others and comforting the suffering, Mother Teresa helped thousands. She was wise because of all the guidance she gave to the dying, the poor, and those who feel unloved. As Mother Teresa once said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
To conclude, her faith, wisdom, love, and generosity pushed her to do the magnificent things she did and light up lives like no one else. As Mother Teresa feeds the homeless man, he is happy, for he knows he is in excellent hands.

Mother Teresa

by Abbie Wedding

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

                                                                         -Mother Teresa


As an old, natural, and caring lady is getting out of a rustic bed, she’s ready to help India. Mother Teresa is a warm, loving person who puts others first.


She has a valuable background. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born on August 26th, 1910 in Macedonia, Skopje. Mother Teresa was the youngest of five children; however, only three survived. Nikola, her mother, devoted all her time to politics and Albanian cause. Mother Teresa’s father died in 1918. Mother Teresa was almost eight years old. Her pictures were all she had to remember him. Then later in her life she decided to help the sick and poor. Mother Teresa gave to others and was known as sentimental, wise, and fair.


Mother Teresa had many accomplishments. As Mother Teresa said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” She accomplished so many things that she won the Noble Peace Prize for working to bring help to suffering humanity in 1979. In 1946, Sister Teresa had an experience called a “call within a call” which made her want to care for the sick and poor. She was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. Roman Catholic women helped the poor, especially the poor of India. She created Nirmal Hriday (“Place for the Pure of Heart”), a place where people who were dying could go and be taken care of. To advocate for the blind, old, and people who are disable, she decided to open a center for them. Amazingly Mother Teresa didn’t judge others, and was always giving to others.


Surprisingly, Mother Teresa has changed the world in various ways. She helped people be aware of poverty in other countries. If Americans really want to make a change in the world, and be like Mother Teresa, they must work hard at it. I f Americans were brave and compassionate, they too can be successful. Americans and Indians are still trying to emulate her actions, even 12 years since her death. This shows how Americans and Indians are good and believe in doing the right thing. September 5th, 1997 in Calcutta, India at 87 Mother Teresa died of a heart attack. Although, she has not been forgotten.

To conclude, from caring for older people, to winning the Noble Peace Prize, and changing the world, Mother Teresa was a life changing, selfless woman. “If you judge people, you have no time to love them” means that people shouldn’t judge people if you haven’t had time to get to know them. The little, old lady lays down in her antique bed, she’s ready to start the next day.

Character Sketch

Can you 'draw' your hooks

Have you multiple 'judgment' phrases?

Did you use at least two SSS techniques?

Can you give a reason for EVERY comma in your writing?

Can you highlight  at least 12 specific and precise facts about your person?

Did you use an effective Power 0 that you explained in your writing?

Is it clear your overall opinion of this person and their accomplishments from your writing?

Have you learned anything through doing this assignment?

Fragments and Run-ons Test Practice

Fragments and Run-ons Explanation

Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4rN48QVyFQ

www.edzone.net/~wohltjen/StAIR_Fragments_Runons.ppt
http://www.uvu.edu/owl/infor/test_n_games/practice_tests/fragments.htm
http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/fragrunonpostest.html
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/writerschoice/gp/hslessons/grade9/lesson8/exercises.shtml

http://www.quia.com/rr/450895.html
http://www.quia.com/rr/450936.html?AP_rand=1888308509

Comma Splice
http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/exercises/comma_splices_ex1.htm
do exercise 2 also

http://faculty.valleycollege.net/apal/run-on_quiz.htm
http://www.writing.eng.vt.edu/exercises/grammar1.html
Exercise 1+2 only (exercise 3 only for experts!)

Only for experts...
http://www.chompchomp.com/csfs01/csfs01.01.htm
(Hard but fun to do!)

Enjoy the song from today's class

The lyrics are catchy, but they portray a strong message.

Coming Next Week

-Overcoming Adversity - The Life of Nelson Mandela

-Comma Rules (C.O.M.M.A.S.)
-Fragments and Run Ons (Fused and Comma Splices
-Writing a Character Sketch
-Regions Study - The Southeast


You will be tested on your knowledge of fragments, run-ons, and comma rules at the end of the week, so use the blog effectively to watch the videos and do the practice  exercises before Friday.

 

(+1... Which comma rule did I use  in that last sentence?)

 

 

ERBs start week beginning Nov 9th. No H/W in any subject at all that week.

Next Week

Next week is a 'No-Homework week' in Humanities classes apart from studying for tests.

Reminder:

Subjects and Predicates Test - Open book/Open notes (Tuesday Morning)

• Make sure you have already practiced the online exercises. This is the best way to study for this test.
• Make sure you can both identify and write examples of the four different types of subjects and the four different types of predicates.  REMEMBER ...You can use any notes like these in the test.
• During the test, make sure you pay careful attention to instructions  e.g. circle simple subject  or underline complete predicate. 
• What strategies for proof reading will you use in the test to make sure you have followed the test questions specifically?

Spelling Lesson 7 (Tuesday afternoon)

Brag Sheet - Pete's Essay

Enjoy reading Pete Chaconas's very well written answer from the test yesterday. The essay was written under test conditions in about 25mins. Notice the sturcutre and clear use of specific examples to support each P2 category

Question
Charlotte Latin School has decided to become more environmentally conscious and do a better job of conservation across the school. By making reference to what you have learned explain how the school can achieve this goal.

The students struggle and debate on ways to make Charlotte Latin School a more conserving campus. Charlotte Latin School has various ways of achieving this goal to be more of a conserving place. The school should recycle as many things they can. In the cafeteria, students using plastic bottles should recycle them separate from trash. Any extra paper should be recycled in bins instead of being thrown away. Recycle any cans like soda on campus once people are done with them. Charlotte Latin should reuse different materials in order to save money and landfills. Every year in every grade, students should reuse markers, glue sticks, and other supplies. People should reuse cups and plates if they are glass or plastic. Reusing textbooks is a good way for Charlotte Latin to save money and trees. Charlotte Latin should reduce pollution and waste on campus. In order to reduce pollution, people that live close to school should ride bikes or carpool with others. To reduce trash, people should only throw away things that aren’t recyclable. Reducing the golf cart use on campus will help the environment grow green. To conclude, (Those -examples needed here) are possible reasons to help Charlotte Latin achieve the goal of becoming a more conserving place. The students now have wonderful ideas on how to protect Charlotte Latin’s campus, and will present them to their
teachers.

Tranisitional words and effective restate sentences are two things  we will consider on our next essay question.

Descriptive Sentences - Brag Sheet

Enjoy these impressive descriptive writing pieces rom your classmates. Notice how there is limited action taking place in the writing. It is as if 'time froze' and just a 'moment in time'  is being  described.

Fishing with Dad
Miles W.

As I listened to the hypnotic sound of the beach volleyball being bounced back and forth on the sandy court, all was peaceful. The half-bare trees had their own special way of beauty by shaking slowly (as if in a dream) their artistically designed red/yellow leaves. Faint footsteps in the distance awoke my senses, and I started to think in a clearer state of mind. Being able to think more clearly, I realized that there was an assortment of knobby twigs that must have fallen from the tree branch hovering above me. Red/yellow leaves in the grass and cold, crispy air also surrounded me. Suddenly something on my lap moved! A fishing rod! I then remembered that I was fishing with my dad, and he had gone to the car to get more bait.

Descriptive Paragraph: A Moment In Time

By: Kate Mace
The shiny galas and crisp mackintosh were just begging me to pluck them off

the branches. Somewhere else out in the orchard, a small child shouted out in frustration. Clover and trees in the area created an earthy, inciting aroma that made me want to stand there under that tree and breathe it in all day. Suddenly, a loud rumble that came from under my shoulders interrupted my peaceful daydream in paradise. I could understand the grumbling from my stomach. It was saying, “Feed me Kate, I’m famished. I could hear the apple treats being set out on the table for just my family and I to enjoy. As I sat down on the table, the mouth watering smells wafted up into my nostrils from the outdoor kitchen. The apple pie and apple cider were for dessert of course, but I thought we should eat them now. For they would be cold if we waited any longer, and nobody wants cold apple pie or warm cider. Apple juice is what we would drink instead of cider. Apple tarts and apple donuts were just now being set out on the table. I put away a second or two to soak it all in and take a mental note of it. Sprinkled with powder sugar, the petite donuts seemed extremely delicious. They were arranged on a platter decoratively, and they made you want to grab the giant platter and start wolfing them down. As for the apple tarts, lets just say that they tasted better when they were in your mouth, not on yourshirt. When I could get them in my mouth, they were the best donuts I had ever tasted. Even though we had to go home right after lunch, I had a great time at the orchard on the mountain.

A Perfect Day of Winter
by Maddie

Branches and leaves of all colors crinkle as I step on the ground in the wooded area. Pine needles on the evergreens brushed against my coat and boots. Although the snow and air was cold, it had a welcoming feeling. The frosted leaves and weak branches fell as the wind howled throughout the trees. My fingers and toes were numb, and my breath made white clouds in the air. Small and large, icicles hung upon the dormant trees sparkling like crystals because of the afternoon sun above. Snowflakes fell from the sky dancing in the wind, each twirling like how dancers skip across the floor. There were no flowers anymore, and all the plants were drooping as if they knew there had been a winter’s frost. The trees shook as the wind attacked them, and the branches rattled as if they were mad. Animal prints decorated the snow in patterns in the same way a stamp would decorate a piece of paper. Winter is beautiful, but I always miss the animals that are hibernating for the season. Snow falling from branches way high in the trees fell and made me think my friends and I were in a snow fight. Sitting in a branch high in my favorite tree made me feel so small to the big woods around me. The wind up my spine made me shiver all over and reminded me what it would be like to be on the streets without a coat. Snow drifts were all over like little hills of snow to make snow forts out of them. The beautiful white snow reminded me of how perfect the world really was. All my worries drifted out of my head as I thought of how good I had it. The nature of the woods reminded me that life was more than the newest ipod or the biggest house. The woods was a place were life thrived, and it felt as if you were on top of the world. Dad’s voice echoed through the trees “ Time for hot chocolate!” for that was our favorite drink after a day in the snow. Tripping over stumps and roots, I darted toward the cozy house.

TEDDY BEAR SKIT DATES

These dates have now been finalized

Buxton Class: Thur 2.30pm
Graham Class: Fri 11.30am

Make sure your group is ready to receive the first grade audience. Plan for plenty of choral repetition and sound effects during the play

Social Studies Test- Practie Essay Questions

Practice your essay writing techniques (hook,topic,support,elaborations,restate,hook)by doing one of the questions below.

Planet Venucian is very similar to Earth but it is running out of its natural resources. Based on what you have learned in S. Studies, advise Venu and his relatives on how they can best conserve the natural resources on the planet.

or

Circuit City, an electronics firm, recently went into bankruptcy. Based on what you have learned about the Free Enterprise system, explain why this might have happened.

or

Johnny and his family believe that the southwest is the best region to move to in the U.S. Give reasons to persuade Johnny to move his family to a different reason of your choice.

Review of Today's Lesson - Making Judgments

Enjoy a more detailed explanation of the Sugihara story. How would you judge this man?

Descriptive Sentences - Brag Sheet

Enjoy Alex's descritpive writing. Can you spot th advanced ubjets?

A Day at McDonalds



King size Hershey bars and fatty French Fries light up like beacons, calling my brother to them. Some of the burgers at the front of the store smelled like chemicals and looked like they had just been sat on. A fat, bald man in front of him turned around to sling a silver bugger wrapper into the trash can. Blotched red ketchup and yellow smeared mustard stains lined the front of his shirt. As the man hurled the wrapper, Jacob disappeared out of my view. The wrapper flashed through the air, and I got a glimpse Jacob about 10 feet away. The dirty construction workers next to us continued to noisily eat their meals while I lunged forward through the bustling crowd, grabbed his arm, and hoisted him back toward my parents. Turning toward our parents, we soon realized we didn’t know where they had sat down.


As we frantically looked for our parents, I realized that they were right behind us and there was no need to worry. The worker decided just then to call our name. Our parents went up to get our burgers, yet we lost sight of them again. We sat down at the table and about five seconds later our mom and dad came back with our food. The food looked okay. I have not been there since.

Coming Next Week

• Advanced Predicates
• Making Judgments about people and situations
• Social Studies Lesson 3-5 Test
• Teddy Bear narrative stories
• Writing a character sketch

Updates and Changes to H/W sheet

As we haven't had time to practice the teddy bear performances yet, we will postpone the presentations until next week.

Well done on Prep. Phrases test today.

Just to confirm. Writing assignments due date has been pushed back until Monday. Feel free to bring yours in tomorrow if it is finished.

Spend tonight studying for Science and vocabulary (just my class). For vocabulary, you could try and create some  of your own multiple choice questions. if you can create questions for those vocabulary words, it means you probably tuly understand all of their uses

Descritpive Writing Assignment - Student Work

My Bedroom  by Sabrina Brewer

Enjoy Sabrina’s descriptive writing. Which lines are ‘your’ favorite? Which lines show emotion? Which lines use advanced subject techniques?

At bedtime, walking silently in the room the smell of stuffed animals fill the air. I come to the cozy warmth of the bedroom when I have the terrible feeling to be mad and angry. That comfortable room eases me. That room is my favorite room in the house. The blue and green quilt lies softly on the bed. The untidy desk sits there on the floor reminding me of my grandpa working in his office late at night helping sick patients in need of help. A mirror sways gently high upon the wall. The dresser is below with pictures that make tears well up in my sad brown eyes wanting to go back to my childhood so I wouldn’t have anything to worry about. A desert tan wooden bookshelf sits there holding books I’ve read before. One of the books might be about the American Revolution and the men who gave up there life to save our beloved country. That makes me realize that we are the bravest country, we have citizens who would volunteer to save our country still knowing that it could cost them their life. Soccer cleats and dresses hang on the hangers of my closet shelf. A cream shelf piled high with stuffed animals and a few trophies. The carpet squishes beneath my feet as I walk in the room. That room satisfies me when I go to bed sometimes making me feel relieved that the long tiring day has finished. In the tidy bedroom laying my head on the pillow I feel safe.

A Moment in Time - Mentor Text

This was written by Molly Brice last year. Notice how all the actions takes place over a few seconds. Notice how her  emotions are felt through her words, especially  at the end of the piece. Notice the variety of advanced subjects she integrated  into her work.  Notice how her title closes her piece at the end...

Life by the Sea

By: Molly

The old wooden boats laid across the Neuse River as if to say, “I’m ready, please sail me.” I felt alone staring at these wonderful treasures. Walking across Seafarer’s wooden paved dock, I pushed off the ground and landed in the white benches of the sunfish. My eyes looked up at the crowded boat with all my friends in it, and I absorbed the dazzling clear water that lay all around the white sailboat. The sun beat down on my face as we began to prepare the timeless sail for our journey. A vivid orange life protector hugged my chest as I gazed out of the worn down face of the boat. I looked up and before my eyes was the never endless, stunning river that felt almost too exquisite to be real. I was awakened by the sound of roaring engines as the motorboats took off; the relaxed, calm feeling I had once felt was being vanished by the thunderous noises.

Our sailboat began to move slowly past the wondrous waters as I felt anxious about the journey ahead. Moving in the old white sunfish, I was mesmerized. Each time the boat took another step forward, I felt like I was drifting away to the heavens on a white and fluffy cloud. As the boat pushed past all of the waves and the wind in my face, I began to feel more at home. The things I missed about my parents faded away with the calmness of the Lake Neuse. The missing piece of the puzzle at Camp Seafarer was closed and now the adventure had truly started. I soon retrieved the soothing vibe I had before I had climbed on the sunfish. My fellow campers and I touched the beauteous waters as we glided past the camp and into the breathtaking river.


The staggering waters were contagious, and I was a girl caught with the disease. Gliding back to the camp site, I began to think more about the Neuse river. To some it was no more fascinating then a math lesson, but to me it was one of the Earth’s true beauties. Drifting away in the sunfish, fascination over came me. The beautiful river made me realize life is not what is coming next, but to enjoy the present timing’s little treasures. Why doesn’t everyone live in the soothing and adventurous way I do? When I think back to that long sail ride, a smile spreads across my face and know that I know how to live. I flow with the tide and enjoy life by the sea!

TEST PRACTICE Thursday 15th Oct

Review of PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES. Enjoy the video link on the American Revolution


These are the ‘types of question’ that you will have in the test.

The sentences below all contain prepositional phrases. A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends (usually) with a noun or a pronoun.

The noun or pronoun that ends the phrase is called the object of the preposition; the object of the preposition answers the question what? (or whom?) after the preposition and shows the end of the phrase.

A) Find the prep. phrases in these sentences

1. During hot summer weather, I like swimming at the beach near my house.

2. The beach is surrounded by many trees with leafy branches giving plenty of shade.

3. The lake is very deep in the centre, but it is quite shallow near shore.

4. In the middle of the lake, there are several small islands; some people swim out to them, but going by boat is safer.

5. On the bushes along the shore, I can hang my wet towel.

B) CAN YOU FIND ALL THE PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES IN THIS TEXT?

Although my room in residence is small, it is very cozy. On the single bed under the window is a spread quilted by my grandmother in winter. It is my most treasured possession. Beside the bed is a small bookcase filled with my books and papers. The bookcase is painted white, and the top and sides have a pattern of vines running over them, stencilled in green. Next to the bookcase is a small antique armchair from my grandmother's house. The chair is upholstered in a rich cream brocade material, sprinkled with tiny pink roses.
C) Writing Component

YOU WILL ALSO BE EXPECTED TO DESCRIBE ‘A BUILDING YOU KNOW WELL’ USING PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

(hint hint! nudge nudge! Bob’s your uncle!)

D) Make sure you tackled the multiple choice questions on prep. phrases posted on the blog last week.

e.g.http://www.eduplace.com/cgi-bin/hme-quiz-start.cgi?Grade=6&Unit=7&Topic=Prepositional+Phrases&x=25&y=9

E)_Divide the words in this box into the three categories

Prepositions       Not Prepositions      Prepositional Phrases

below
or
under
above the flower pot
a green animal
will she come?
in Madrid
in
around the house
with Mary
back
making a mistake

Descriptive Sentences - Brag Sheet

Feel free to 'brag' by copy/paste  into a comment window a small selection from your  descritpive writing piece. If people like what they read, feel free to comment on other people's  writing.

Tyes of Subjects - Review

Can you manipulate the different openings to your sentences. Remember, a strong piece of writing uses a variety of these techniques combined with prepositional phrases, proper noun and emotion sttements

Simple Subject

The garden/

Complete Subjects
A long colorful carpet/

Compound Subjects
Parcels and packages/

Complete Compound Subjects
A mountain of dirty clothes or a pile of  spent books/

Integrating a prepositional phrase
In my mind, this disheveled cornor of  our family house/...


JUST WRITE FIRST...THEN GO BACK AND ADAPT THE GRAMMAR

THEN READ IT TO SOMEBODY. Can they see the place?  Can they tell how  YOU feel about the place from you writing?

Prepositional Phrase Story - Axle the Freeway Cat

http://www.childrenslibrary.org/icdl/SimpleSearchCategory?ids=84&pnum=1&cnum=1&text=&lang=English&ilang=English&langid=11

Look at theway prepositional phrases were used in this story. Click the link above to finish the story we started reading in class.

Prepositional Phrase Practice -Videos and Games

You have one week to watch these videos and practice with these exercises and games before next week's prepositional phrase test.  Enjoy !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqDRn3CskAo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIfM7IGKNSQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4jIC5HLBdM&feature=related

Use of the comma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePVa3IZiISY&feature=fvsr

Test Type Questions– Prepositional Phrases

http://www.quia.com/quiz/298373.html?AP_rand=810582058

http://www.eduplace.com/cgi-bin/hme-quiz-play.cgi

Prepositional Phrases - Test Practice
http://www.eduplace.com/cgi-bin/hme-quiz-start.cgi Grade=6&Unit=7&Topic=Prepositional+Phrases&x=25&y=9

http://eslus.com/LESSONS/GRAMMAR/POS/pos7.htm#Pop%20Quiz%201
http://www.toytowntreasures.com/Prepositional_Phrases_story.pdf
(print out this exercise and bring it to the class to be graded)
http://www.quia.com/quiz/298373.html?AP_rand=159214296
(drag and drop answers for speed)
http://aliscot.com/bigdog/prep_exercise.htm

Prepositions
http://www.manythings.org/vocabulary/games/k/words.php?f=prepositions

http://www.tcet.com/eaonline/FlashedESL/CatsMX.swf - fun with prepositions

http://www.quia.com/cc/73781.html

Online Discussion Forum - Reflection Question 1

Every so often, i will pose a question on the blog that encourages all of you to both reflect on your learning  and also certain events that are going on in the classroom. You are invited to add comments as normal.  In addition, you are also encouraged to respond directly to the comments other students add to the blog.

Warning: When adding comments or responding to comments, use CIVILITY at all times!  Never write anything on the blog or about a student that you would not say directly to an adult's face. Likewise, when responding to people's comments, focus on the positive by  'validating others'.

Discussion Question 1
What important lessons have you learned from the most recent 'Sentence Fluency' grammar assignment?

Evaluating Newspaper Article - Mentor Texts

Enjoy these 'unedited' examples of  your most recent  assignment on evaluting a newspaper article. Will  your evaluation of  President Obama's speech contain clear examples of your opinion? Notice this time i have highlighted just opinion statements.

Filled with tater tots, cheese curls, and trail mix, Mr. Smith’s tractor slowly moves to the pig pen. Pigs Switch to Trail Mix is an unusual, but interesting article from the Wall Street Journal. Surprisingly, farmers are switching to fatty foods for their pigs! Oddly enough farmers, like Mr. Smith are now feeding there pigs tater tots. Cheese Curls are another strange food you can find on a farm. People food is now on a weird feed for animals like trail mix. Sadly, farmers are really hard time feeding their animals. Unfortunately, the whole reason pigs are switching to fatty foods is because of how high priced corn is these days. To feed the animals only fatty foods is a disaster because it depresses them. Farmers have figured out that pigs are really picky eaters, so they have to them sugary foods. Some of the vocabulary that was in my article was very difficult to understand. Mitigate, to make something less harsh, was one of the words I thought was difficult. Also, byproducts, something produced as a secondary result by manufacturers, was another word I did not know. Ethanol, a colorless liquid with a pleasant smell, also was new to me. The engaging and sad article Pig Switch Trail Mix is most unusual article that I have ever read. As Mr. Smith puts the tater tots, trail mix, and cheese curls into the squirming pigs troth, he is glad the pigs like their food.    by Paige

Finally, Seay feels a tug on his line, and as he reels in he sees that hard, scaly snout and treacherous pointed teeth. The Charlotte Observer’s story on four fishermen catching an alligator, written by Andrew Dys, is both breathtaking and amazing. The characters in this story, Seay, Fields, Honeycutt, and Martin, are astonishing. These people have numerous character traits. One of the character traits that these people possess is adventurousness because most people would never go hunting for alligators. Also, they are very persistent, because they never gave up on conquering that alligator. I am very impressed by them. I believe the action in this article could have been better, but they did use some very descriptive details in quite a few places. For example, they could have used more descriptive writing on how they got the alligator into the boat. Although, they did use some decent descriptive words and quotes when they narrated how the fishermen never gave up. One of the quotes was “No way we were going to give up once we got him hooked.” I believe that the information in this article is well chosen and informative. A very valid piece of information is that alligators are indigenous to South Carolina and have been around this state much longer than humans. Another important piece of information is that in 2009 more than 3700 people applied for the 1000 hunting tags. To conclude, this story needs a bit more descriptive writing but gives some impressive information. At last Martin got a noose around the gators jaws and Honeycutt ended the fight with a shot to the head.   by Handy

Evaluating a Speech - President Obama speaks to School Children

http://www.youtube.com/whitehouse#play/search/0/8ZZ6GrzWkw0

What criteria (categories) would 'you' choose to evaluate this speech.  Some possible choices might be:

• Message
• Stance (agree with/disagree with)
• Delivery of Speech
• Memorable moments
• Surprising moments
• Relevance to audience
• Quotes used
• Humor
• Setting
• Surprising Facts
• Language and vocabulary
• etc etc...

Make sure that whichever criteria (Power 2s) you choose to evaluate this speech, you can find at least three pieces of evidence (Power3s) to support the opinion you made

Compound and complex Sentences Practice

Explanation of  Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTfgqZmmG2Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO4CBvS_i8g
Ignore use of colon (:) and dash (-) explanations

text
http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo/eng1001/sentences.htm

Complex and Compound Practice
http://eslbee.com/cgi-bin/quiztest.cgi?helenkeller
http://www.ainop.com/users/classroom/compoundsentences.html
http://itech.pjc.edu/writinglab/senpat.htm
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/complex_sentence/index.html
http://www.quia.com/rr/126726.html
http://eslbee.com/cgi-bin/quiztest.cgi?shadrach

Optional Writing Activity to Practice
http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/sixtrait/sentencefluency/sentencebeginnings.html

Coming Next Week

Sentence Fluency Test
Can you write advanced simple, compound, and complex sentences?
Do you know the characteristics of compound and complex sentences?
Can you punctuate compound and complex sentences effectively?
Do the practice exercises on this blog to help you prepare for the test

Prepositions and Prepostional Phrases
What is a preposition?
Why do we use prepositional phrases?

Social Studies Textbook - Lesson 4
Land and Regions

Evaluating Text - Speeches
What criteria would you use to evaluate President Obama's speech to school children?

Evaluating - Mentor Text Example

Make sure the evaluation of your newspaper article resembles the paragraph below. Your opinion of what you read should be very evident. Follow effective paragrpah struture. Have you used sentence fluency?

Two adventurous fifth grade school girls search out more than they bargained for while attending a class outing at the Natural History Museum. A Mummy Mystery is an exciting story that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. The main characters, Molly and Lena, are very mischievous throughout the story. Even though they should be with their class, they wander off on their own almost immediately on their arrival at the museum. Lena is probably the most disobedient of the two. Molly seems be the type of person who worries about what other people think, “Mr. Gardiner will be furious with us!” she exclaimed at one stage in the story. Alternatively, Lena’s fascination with ancient Egypt and complete disregard for her class was demonstrated when she almost ran toward the larger banner over the entrance to the Great Hall. The author, Andrew Clements, tries to use humor to break down some of the tension that builds in the story. It was amusing when Officer Johnson thought he was on T.V. when he first saw the Mummy’s hand move or when Molly whispered to Lena about the Mummy, “…it looks more like a squirrel that’s been hit by a car.” The author does not seem to pay meticulous attention to all of the fine details, leaving some of the events of the story a little confusing. How would a mouse be able to burrow under the Mummy’s wrappings without causing damage? Moreover, the mouse would have died of suffocation if it had been stuck in the glass case all that time. Any “…ancient pieces of corn or wheat”, would surely be rotten after thousands of years and could not have provided food for the mouse. Despite some over exaggerated facts, the daring exploits of Molly and Lena and a few light hearted jokes make the tale, A Mummy Mystery both memorable and enjoyable. On your next field trip, I’d watch the exhibits really closely if I were you. Just in case.

Social Studies Test- Essay Question

Today's social Studies test required you to use your Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) to apply what you learned in Lessons 1&2 to a specific question. Read an 'adapted' copy of Will Gardner's essay below for a fine example of how to do this.

Venu has returned now to his native planet of Venutian. He was very impressed by what he learned on his Social Studies course. Based specifically on your studies on Lesson 1+2, advise Venu on policies he could implement in his own planet.
(notice key words in question that you should have highligted)

As Venu steps out of his spacecraft, his family cheers,"Venu's home". Venu begins to speak to his nation based on what he learned on his travels. Venu is tired of his country being a communist nation, so he plans to change his governement in some ways. Becoming a Republic with unique rights and responsibilities for its citizens, will be a goal for Venu's new governemnt. In a Republic, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on the citizen's behalf. Unfortunately, theese representatives sometimes vote in their own interests and not the ctizens. Venu will ensure that the citizen's representatives will vote fairly. Even though Venu does not want Venutian to be a 'direct demoncracy', he should inform his leaders about this alternative form of government. In a direct demoncrcy, everybody takes part in every decision. Direct demoncracy works well for small groups like clubs and neighborhoods. It would be took much hassle in Venutian to bring everybody together to vote on every decision. Venu should take the time to make sure his new system of government contains certain rights and responsibilities for its citizens. Some rights he learned about inthe U.S. include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freddom to live and work where a citizen pleases. Venutian citizens will have certain responsibilites like voting, going to school, and obeying martain laws. All of these would be written in the Venutian constitution, or a plan of government. By implementing all these new policies, Venu will have success in changing his government from communism to a successful Republic. Venu finishes his speech and sits down drenched in sweat. The chief of Venutian rises and says to the natio,"It's time Venutian implements a real change to its government."