1. Welcome! February 12th, 2018 Monday
Do Now
Take a weekly Bell Ringer sheet from the front table. Once the bell rings, we’ll watch a video, and you will have five minutes to respond to the question in at least five sentences.
Remember: Do Now's are INDEPENDENT and QUIET exercises. Thank you 

2. Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength? Why?
Click on the link below to watch a video clip. Respond in writing by providing your thoughts on the following question:
Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength? Why?
© Presto Plans

3. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
For your final assignment this unit, you are going to write a literary analysis essay based on one of the story stories we’ve read during this unit. For your essay, you will need an introductory paragraph with a thesis, two body paragraphs supporting your thesis (with at least two supporting quotes each), and a concluding paragraph.
Essay Prompt: Determine the theme in one of the stories we’ve read during our short story unit. Analyze the author’s use of literary elements (symbolism, foreshadowing, characterization, etc.) to show the theme throughout the text.
Possible Texts: “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes, “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, “Rules of the Game” by Amy Tan, “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl, “The Interlopers” by Saki, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

4. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
Your first step will be to choose which story you’re going to focus on.
Possible Texts:
“Thank You Ma’am” “The Cask of Amontillado”
“Rules of the Game” “The Most Dangerous Game”
“Lamb to the Slaughter” “The Interlopers”
“The Gift of the Magi” “The Scarlet Ibis”
Remember, your essay will discuss the text’s theme, so pick a story that you think had the clearest message to the reader.
Once you decide on a story, pull up the text on your Chromebook. You can find them on my website or via Google if you search “(title of your story) pdf”.

5. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
Once you’ve chosen your text, take a moment to fill out the first page of your packet.
1. What I Know: What do you remember about the story? Think about the plot, any interesting things the author did (especially with symbolism or characterization), and what the author might be trying to say.
2. What I’m Most Interested In: Why did you choose this story? What draws you to it? Be specific!
3. Questions I Have: What still confuses you about the story?
4. Questions the Author is Asking: What do you think the author wanted us to think about or consider after reading his/her story?

6. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
Once you’ve reflected on your story, begin page two of your packet. You must decide: What is the author’s purpose in writing? Are they trying to teach the reader something? Make a comment about society? Illustrate some aspect of human nature? Come up with at least three potential purposes and explain your thinking.

7. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
After you’ve got at least three solid ideas, share them with a partner. What does your partner think is your best idea? What is your partner’s best idea?
Be sure to put your answers in the boxes on your second page. 

8. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
On page 3 of your packet, rewrite your best idea for your author’s purpose.
Use the second box on the page to brainstorm: What things does the author do to achieve his/her purpose? Characterization? Symbolism? Figurative Language?
Come up with at least two things the author does, and elaborate with at least one specific example from the text.

9. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
On page 4 of your packet, write the topic of your essay. What will your essay focus on?
Use the second box on the page to draft your thesis. It should follow this format:
In his/her story “Title,” [author’s name] uses [technique] to show/illustrate/demonstrate [theme.]
For example…
In her novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Lee uses the characterization of Atticus to show that kindness can be more powerful than cruelty.
In his story “The Necklace,” Maupassant uses situational irony to illustrate the negative impact greed can have on a person.
In his story “The Scarlet Ibis,” Hurst uses symbolism to demonstrate…

10. Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
If you finish early, you may begin your IXL: F.3 and F.4 
Short Story Unit Final: Theme Essay!
Once you have your theme (and it’s been checked by me!), you can move on to the next stages.
First, complete the fourth page of your handout. What ideas are you going to argue and/or explore in your essay? Be as specific as possible. 
Use the next page to elaborate on at least one point in your essay. Find at least two quotes to support your argument. Use the arrows below to provide commentary.