Gatsby Film 2

No bellringer. Chromebooks have been collected.

Recap: We finished the first Gatsby film, and then we began the new version. Please remember that you will be asked to do a compare/contrast on them on your test next week, and also decide which is the better adaptation of the film.

The papers are looking really good! Keep up this good work!

Z

The Great Gatsby --Original Film

Bellringer: How do you think the film and the book will compare?

Recap: I collected your research papers today. So far, they seem very good. If you have not submitted your paper, it is late.

We then began watching the original Great Gatsby film. You will be asked to compare the two films in an essay on your final test next week. You will also be asked to decide which adaptation is kept truer to the book.

Have a nice evening. Please hang in there. I know you're ready for the year to be over, but it's more important to finish strong than finish quickly.

Z

Peer Edit

Bellringer: What questions do you have your research papers?

Recap: We worked on our peer edits today, and I answered any questions you might have on the assignment. Your paper is due tomorrow with the peer edit and outline. 

Homework: FINISH PAPER!

Have a nice evening!

Z

Gatsby Research Outlines w/ Quotes

Bellringer: What questions do you have about your research?

Recap: Today I checked your research outlines. You needed to have your 3 claims with the quotes to support. I was also checking those outlines that had incorporated their research so I could make sure the research accurately supported the claims. I saw some very nice outlines, and some that still need a bit more work.

Homework: Enjoy the holiday weekend! Have a rough draft for Tuesday so that we can complete the peer edits.

Papers will be due Wednesday!

Have a great weekend! 

Z

Research Paper Outlines

Bellringer: What did you find most interesting about The Great Gatsby?

Recap: We began today by reviewing plagiarism. I want you all to have a clear understanding of what it is, but more importantly, how you can avoid it. You can review the power point if you would like any further clarification.

We then began our outlines for the research papers. The outline format is similar to the other papers we have done, only I have added a research element into it.

Homework: For tomorrow, please be sure to have a full outline. I need to be able to see the 3 claims you are making, the quotes you are using to support the claims, and the web sites you are planning on using for your research.

In tomorrow's class, I will check citations. Don't forget, you can add EasyBib.com as an extension through the chrome store. Doing this will allow you to immediately cite the information; thus, removing the chance of plagiarism.

Nice work today! Have a nice night!

Z

Gatsby Chapter 9 and Socratic Seminar

Bellringer: How does this quote also represent the American Dream?

“Gatsby’s house, had once pandered in whispers to the last and greatest of all human dreams…”(180).

Recap: We completed chapter 9 today, learning that, though Gatsby was labeled "great," no one arrives to his funeral. His father, though, whom he discredits, does show up. Tom and Daisy have retreated into their money, and do not even acknowledge his death.

Below are the webs for chapter 9.

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

We also conducted our Socratic seminar on the research topics for the book. The transcripts for the conversations are below. Please feel free to look them over, as I feel they will be a big help for your research papers!

Great job with these seminars!

Period 1/2

Dream Team

Gangster Squad

Period 7/8

Dream Team

Gangster Squad

***Please note: If you change your mind on your topic, please change no later than tonight. After tomorrow, you will put yourself behind by switching.

Have a nice night!

Z

The Great Gatsby Chapters 7 and 8

Bellringer: What does Daisy’s quote reveal about Gatsby’s character?

“Oh you want too much. I love you now, isn’t that enough?” (132).

Recap: We reviewed chapters 7 and 8 today, which really are the climax of the novel. Chapter 7 shows us how Gatsby and Daisy's romance has rekindled since their meeting at Nick's house, but now Tom is onto them. Myrtle Wilson's husband also has a feeling she is cheating, so he says they are going to move west. Tom now stands to lose both his wife and mistress.

The group then ventures into the city, where Tom begins to call Gatsby out for being a bootlegger, and for having not attended Oxford. Gatsby tries to tell Tom that Daisy never loved him, but we see by the end that this isn't true, and Daisy goes back to Tom.

Chapter 7 concludes with Daisy driving Gatsby's car back home, when Myrtle quickly runs into the road. Daisy hits and kills her, but shows now remorse for her actions.

Chapter 8 has Nick telling Gatsby to get out of town. Gatsby refuses to leave. George Wilson has information that leads him to believe that Gatsby was both Myrtle's lover and killer, so George sneaks up on Gatsby when he is using his pool, and shoots and kills him.

Below are the webs from today. Nice job!

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

Link to Chapter 8

We also watched a video that gives a great overview of the book. If you'd like to watch it again, because he does an excellent job with symbolism and the American Dream, click here.

Homework: Read chapter 9. Write 1 question for your research paper, and another for a different topic. Socratic seminar tomorrow.

Nice work! Have a great night!

Z

Chapters 5 and 6

Bellringer: What is the significance of this quote?

“The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God” (98).

Recap: We covered two chapters today, and we will be covering chapters 7 and 8 tomorrow. Today we discussed how Daisy and Gatsby finally reconnect after 5 years apart. Gatsby does everything he can to impress Daisy, including slip up by stating that "it took him just 3 years to earn the money to buy his things." Nick remembers that Gatsby had told him his money was inherited, which raises some suspicion with Nick.

In Chapter 6, we finally learn that Gatsby's real name is James Gatz, and he was born to poor farmers in North Dakota. He creates this new persona for himself on his way to rescue Dan Cody when his yacht is stranded. This is Gatsby's first step to overcoming his past. In the present, we also see that Daisy has finally attended a Gatsby part, to which is is underwhelmed, and Tom asks if Gatsby had earned his fortune through bootlegging. This finally reveals to us what Gatsby does.

Below are the webs for the two chapters today.

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

Homework: Read chapters 7 and 8. For Wednesday, have one question prepared for your research topic, and one more question about another topic. We will hold a Socratic seminar Wednesday.

The Great Gatsby--Chapter 4

Bellringer: What does Nick mean when he says, “Even Gatsby could happen” (69).

Recap: We reviewed chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby. This chapter is SO important, as we now learn about Gatsby's motive behind all of the money and parties, but also have an idea of what he does to earn the money.

We also learn about his past with Daisy, as this connection has not been made up to this point, so we understand why Nick becomes just as important to Gatsby.

Below is one of the group webs. Keep up the good work with these!

Homework: Read chapters 5 and 6.

Have a nice weekend!

Z

Gatsby--Chapter 3

Bellringer: What do we learn about Gatsby based on this first party we see?

Recap: We held our discussion today on Chapter 3, focusing on the idea that Gatsby has now finally been introduced into the book. He subtly slides into the book, just as he subtly slides into the party. He keeps being called away from the party, however, when he receives phone calls from cities. This lets us in on his importance, in addition to the amount of alcohol at the party. The fact alone that he has alcohol there is enough to make him a criminal, but it shows his power by the fact that he had alcohol there.

Homework: Read chapter 4. Don't forget to select a research topic. 

Nice work today. Have a nice night! Stay dry!

Z

The Great Gatsby --Chapter 2

Bellringer: What is the significance to the rumors about where Gatsby inherited his money from?

Recap: We reviewed Chapter 2 of the novel today with group presentations of their web. This also led to discussion of the chapter. The class webs are posted below.

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

Please examine some of the main ideas from the chapter. The important ideas for you to take away would be how contradictory Tom is. (This will come up again). Also, note the importance of the Valley of Ashes, and how it represents the decline of the American Dream.

Homework: Read Chapter 3. Select a topic for your research.

Nice job today!

Z

The Great Gatsby--Chapter 1

Bellringer: How do you think the following quote helps to predict Nick’s character and his role in the story?

“Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone...just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (Page 1).

Recap: We completed a close reading web for Chapter 1 as a class. This was our way of pooling all of your webs together into one complete web. We also did 3 examples of says, means, matters. This is how your group webs should be completed as well.

Period 1/2

Period 7/8

You did a nice job with these, and I can see a lot of thought went into some of them. Please remember that you're group's web will count as a test grade. You can see the project sheet or rubric for any clarification. Don't be afraid to email me with questions, either. 

Additionally, we watched a brief clip on the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald. If any of you are considering doing your research paper on the idea that he has included himself into the novel, this would be a great starting point.  

Your research paper topics have been shared with you. It's in your best interest to choose a topic by the end of Chapter 2. This will ensure that we do not read too far into the book for you to find information. 

Homework: Read chapter 2. 

Have a nice evening!

The American Jazz Era

Bellringer: What is the Jazz Era?

Recap: We visited the Media Center to pick up our copies of The Great Gatsby. If you were absent, please be sure to obtain your copy. You may also purchase one if you'd prefer, but borrow one first so that you have it.

We then explored the Jazz Era and the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald to give context to the book. It's critical to understand the Roaring 20's and bootlegging for this novel. These themes will also tie into your final paper for the class. Likewise, one may argue that Fitzgerald has included himself into the text, so we discussed his life as well.

We watched a brief clip of the idea of the American Dream, as well. Some have argued that Gatsby represents America throughout the book; however, the idea of the American Dream, and what people would do in order to achieve that dream, runs rampant throughout the novel. It's the entire basis for it, in fact.

Additionally, we took a brief look at Prohibition. We will be exploring this throughout the week as well.

Homework: We divided into 9 groups today. If you haven't heard from your group, please see me tomorrow, and we will assign you to one. For tonight, read Chapter 1. Each group will submit a neatly done web, complete with Says, Means, Matters. All groups are responsible for reading all chapters; however, your group has one assigned chapter to present. The directions are shared with you for the Gatsby Lit Circles. 

I should also have all papers shared with me or in my hands at this time. If I do not, the paper is late.

I missed you all! Have a nice evening!

Z

Socratic Seminar 2 and Argument Outlines

Bellringer: What are your final thoughts on Huck Finn? [Did you like the ending? Think it was anticlimactic? Were hoping it would be different?] Explain.


Recap: We held our final Socratic seminar for Huck Finn, where we focused on tying up any loose ends, and discussed the author's purpose behind ending the book the way he did. Below are the chat transcripts. There was some excellent discussion involved, and taking a look at these transcripts will definitely help some of your papers!

Period 1/2

Group 1 Transcript
Group 2 Transcript

Period 7/8
Group 1 Transcript
Group 2 Transcript

Additionally, some of you have voiced your worries about the paper. It is the same format as the Crucible paper. We are still using Says, Means, Matters, just as we did on the last one. I am providing an outline below.

I. Introduction
   A. Summary/overview of topic
   B. Use of TAG
   C. Thesis with 3 claims
        ex: In Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain clearly shows how the time period he was living in was racist, and holds a mirror up to a racist society by using the "n word" throughout the novel, depicting Jim's everyday struggles as a slave, and discussing some of the basic rights slaves didn't have that white people did.

II. Body paragraph 1
     A. Claim (This will be the matters)
     B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
     C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
     D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
     E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).

III. Body paragraph 2
      A. Claim (This will be the matters)
      B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
      C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
      D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
      E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).

IV. Body paragraph 3
      A. Claim (This will be the matters)
      B. Example (Says; direct quote from book).
      C. Follow-Up (Means; how does this quote help your claim?)
      D. Example 2 (Another direct quote from the book).
      E. Follow-Up 2 (Shows how second quote supports claim).

V. Conclusion
      A. Re-state thesis
      B. Re-summarize your hook; tie argument together.
      C. End on an interesting note

Remember, an argument is showing your opinion on the topic. You don't need to use "I" statements, as this is already understood to be your opinion.

Here is the link to the Peer Edit. This needs to be submitted with your paper as well.

If you are unclear about any of the requirements for the paper, please see the Argument Paper Description that has been shared with you. If you have any questions about how you will be graded, please see your rubric. If you are unclear about any citations, please see the MLA Citations Power Point that I shared with you. Or, visit http://www.owl.english.purdue.edu. Please be sure to also use easybib.com to create your final MLA citations page.

Great work today! Have a wonderful weekend!

Z

Argument Paper Outlines

Bellringer: How is the following quote foreshadowing? (Why does Huck not realize the real truth in it?)

“Now, old Jim,  you’re a free man again, and I bet you won’t ever be a slave no more” (Ch 40).

Recap: Today we worked exclusively on our outlines for the argument papers. Below is the photo of our notes, and the outline format for your paper.

Additionally, this is the link to the website that has the paper description. Some students have found the different terminology helpful. 

I am also including a link to the Purdue Writing Lab if you would like to see how to properly format block quotes. If you have any quotes that run longer than 4 lines, this is how they need to be formatted. 

Homework: I would like working outlines for tomorrow; however, 7th/8th period voiced that they would prefer to do their Says, Means, Matters first, and then plug the information into the outline. So...

1st period--Outline for tomorrow

7th--Says, means, matters for tomorrow. 

BOTH CLASSES, question for your Socratic seminar. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Z

Mini Group Discussion Day 2

Bellringer: What does the following quote reveal about Huck’s character?“ It don’t make no difference whether you do right or wrong, a person’s conscience ain’t got no sense, and just goes for him anyway” (ch 33).

Recap: We held another mini group discussion today, as that seemed to work well yesterday. Below are the transcripts from your group. Please feel free to look through them.

Homework: Finish Huck Finn and create a close reading web. You should have no fewer than 3 ideas per category.

Also, have your argument topic selected for tomorrow's class. We will be working on outlines.

Period 1/2

Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28


Period 7/8
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30

Nice job with this! Have a nice evening!

Z

Mini Group Discussions

Bellringers: What is the significance of the following quote?

“I says to myself at last, I’m agoing to chance it; I’ll up and tell the truth this time, though it does seem most like setting down on a kag of powder and touching it off just to see where you’ll go to.” (Ch 28)

Recap: Below is the list of group discussion transcripts. Please feel free to view ones from other classes to see what their thoughts were on a particular chapter.

Period 1/2

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Period 7/8

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Nice work today! Keep it up! We are going to push through these last few weeks and finish strong! Get fired up!

Z 

Socratic Seminar Notes

Bellringer: What are you most nervous for/excited about regarding the seminar?

Recap: Below are the transcripts from your class discussion. Please feel free to look through these for quotes and opinions to support for your argument papers.

Period 1/2
    Group 2 Transcript
    Group 1 Transcript


Period 7/8
    Group 2 Transcript
    Group 1 Transcript

Excellent job with these seminars! We will hold another one on Thursday to tie everything together!

Z

Huck Finn Chapters 19-21

Bellringer: None today; omit

Recap: I was out during first period today due to a meeting. First period was to use this time to catch up on reading, and to format questions for tomorrow.

Period 7/8 Chapters 19-21

I have also shared an article with you "Everything I Learned in Life, I Learned from Hucklberry Finn." I think this article will be helpful for you for tomorrow. Please review.

If you have any questions, please let me know. Please have fully charged chrome books for tomorrow.

Have a nice night!

Z