1. English 2 September 3-4 I can edit sentences for mistakes in comma usage (with interrupters). I can demonstrate comprehension of increasingly difficult texts. I can identify figurative language, including allusions, metaphors, idioms, imagery, and euphemisms.

2. Commas with Interrupters Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence. ALWAYS use commas to set off expressions that begin with which; NEVER use commas with clauses that start with that. You are I hope planning to arrive on time. In fact Walt Whitman is my favorite poet, Pat Conroy is my favorite novelist. Emily Bronte not her sister Charlotte wrote Wuthering Heights. The artist, Faith Ringgold, painstakingly hand-letters her beautiful unique story quilts. When editing for commas be sure to remember to use a comma after introductory phrases, we missed that often on our test. Mozart composed his first opera, when he was 12 years old.

3. Tic Tac Vo-cabulary If you scored less than 75% on your vocabulary test (that is, fewer than 9 correct), then you must complete the “TIC TAC VO-cabulary” grid. We will do the center square together. 1. follower of customs (conformist) 2. hard-working (diligent) 3. sharing of feeling (empathy) 4. friendly, helpful (benevolent) 5. unable to work together (incompatible) 6. able to work together (compatible) 7. honesty, decency (integrity) 8. short account of event (anecdote) 9. hard-working (assiduous) 10. agreeable (amicable) 11. trust among friends (camaraderie) 12. sympathy, mercy (compassion)

4. Symbols in “The Overcoat” Often, writers use a symbol to help develop a theme within the work. What is the major symbol in “The Overcoat”? Does the symbol remain constant, or does it change throughout the story? In partners, you will have ten minutes to complete the work on symbols in “The Overcoat.” You must tie the symbolic meaning to some larger theme in the novel.

5. 15 minutes vignette writing Remember that your vignettes are due September 11/12 As I have been walking around class I have noticed several things about your vignettes: Many of you have forgotten to indent for new paragraphs. INDENT FOR EACH NEW PARAGRAPH. Some of you aren’t really telling stories. Remember, your vignettes (another word is an anecdote) must have a clear beginning, middle, and end to the story. Think about the plot outline. As you write your rough drafts, be sure to underline or otherwise mark where you are using the literary devices. Please look at the scoring guide to check yourself.

6. Of Mice and Men background Watch the first clip of Riding the Rails. Keep track of interesting facts you learn, and answer the attached questions. Define a novella on the vocabulary study grid. As we read the novel, we will be completing the study grid with examples from the story. You WILL be expected to participate in class discussions on the novella. Homework: Do the short video introduction to John Steinbeck (created by Ms. Thomas) on my website.