Monday, November 15, 2010

Vocabulary (Friday, November 19th---Quiz)

Here's a list of vocabulary words that will be on the upcoming test...

1) adapt-(verb) to change to be suitable or fit
2) adhere-(verb) to stick to something; conform to; obey
3) adjacent-(adjective) close to, bordering on
4) recurrent-(adjective) happening again and again, returning periodically
5) reimburse-(verb) pay back, refund
6) reiterate-(verb) repeat many times
7) secession-(noun) the act of withdrawing from an alliance or association
8) seclude-(verb) to withdraw or set apart from social contact
9) segregate-(verb) to separate from the rest of the group
10) sequester-(verb) to separate or withdraw; to choose solitude or retirement

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Extra! Extra! New Vocabulary----Read all about it!!!

Prefixes:
Cir, Circum- around circumference
Peri- around, surrounding near perimeter

Circuit-(n) a revolving; a journey around; a route
The delivery man's circuit took him to all parts of the city.

Circulatory-(adj) going in a circuit, circular
The circulatory system includes the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries.

Circumnavigate-(v) to sail around
His attempt to circumnavigate the world in his small boat was ended by the large storm.

Circumstance-(n) the condition surrounding or related to an event
He asked for a careful explanation of the circumstances of the accident.

Circumvent-(v) to go around or bypass
It is better to face your problem straight on than try to circumvent it be blaming other people.

Period-(n) the interval between certain happenings
The period between lunch and wellness is two hours.

Periodic-(adj) happening at regular intervals; happening from time to time
Her periodic trips to the dentist kept their teeth healthy and clean.

Perigee-(n) the point in the moon's or a satellite's orbit that is closest to the earth or body it is orbiting
When the moon is at its perigee, does it appear longer than usual?

Periphery-(n) the outer boundary of something
The perphery of a the garden is surrounded by a fence.

Periscope-(n) an instrument for seeing around things
Using a periscope, he was able to spy on the animals on the other side of the fence.

On Demand Writing/Vocabulary

Purposes of On Demand Writing:
To Persuade*, Inform** or Narrate***
*Persuading an audience requires students to establish a viewpoint and support that viewpoint with details convincing the audience to adopt your position (Speech or Editorial)
**Informing (telling) an audience requires the student to write an article about a situation or a topic
***Narrative pieces include a story or account in order to support an idea, opinion, conclusion, interpretation or a request...the storyline is a way of developing the writing to accomplish a realistic, transactive purpose



Organization of an On Demand Piece of Writing
To WHOM are you writing ?( In other words, who is your audience? Who is going to be reading your piece of writing? What type of TONE are you using? Vocabulary?

Why am I writing this piece? PURPOSE...what is the focus of your writing?


Which Format will you be using? You will see a number of different types of prompts. You may be writing an article, editorial, letter or speech.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Book Blogs (New Way to Earn Extra Credit)

If you write a book blog about a new book you have read...please talk to Mrs. Basham about posting your blog on this website so other students can chime in as well. This will allow us to share information about books and what your preferences are.

I can't wait to hear the speeches on Thursday and Friday about your Greek god or goddess. You have worked hard to prepare for this moment. Don't forget to practice in front of a mirror or a live audience at home. Also please try to time yourself...so that your speech is not longer than five minutes. Eliminate any pauses, uhs or using the word like excessively.

You may speak loud enough for your audience to hear everything you say. Speaking slowly is also important so we can understand you properly. Smile and remember that you have worked hard for this speech. You can do it...I am looking forward to hearing you share!

Great looking posters! I like the graphics used and demonstration of creativity....

Sunday, October 3, 2010

What do Fish have to do with anything? (pp.557-565)

Symbolism, the use of symbols, adds another layer of meaning to all kinds of texts,
from poetry to fiction and nonfiction. In this story the writer uses things, like cave-dwelling fish and a poundcake, to mean what they are-----and much more.

Reading Skill: Inferences....writers rarely come right out and explain what their symbols mean. You have to find the symbols and figure out their meaning on your own. You do this by making inferences. You use details to infer, or guess at, the larger ideas the writer is trying to convey.

Vocabulary:
vaguely-not clearly or definitely
urgency-pressure;insistence
contemplated-studied carefully
intently-with close attention

Notecards (10/4), Posters (10/5), Speeches (10/7-8)

STUDENTS : Looking forward to hearing about your mythological gods and goddesses. You have been working extremely hard to prepare for these upcoming due dates.

Notecards are due Monday, October 4th.
Posters are due on Tuesday, October 5th.

Vocabulary test on Wednesday, October 6th......study hard for these last ten words before fall break! :)

Speeches are being shared with the classes on Thursday and Friday, October 7th and 8th...Remember to practice in front of a mirror before giving your speech...it helps with nervousness and you can see your own expressions as you give your speech. You are going to do a great job...you can do it!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Before and After

Prefixes: fore-before, toward
pre--before, toward
post-after, behind

New Vocabulary:
forecast (v)- to predict or estimate in advance
forethought (n)- a thought that comes beforehand, a prediction
forewarn (v)- to warn beforehand

posterior (n)- the back side
posthumous (adj)- happening after someone's death
postpone (v)- put off until a later time

preamble (n)- an introduction or introductory explanation
precaution (n)- care taken beforehand
premature (adj)-happending or ripening before the natural or proper time
premier (n)- the first performance or showing