Monday, March 14, 2011

Zeitoun: Persuasive Letter

Persuasive Letter
After reading Zeitoun, write a persuasive letter to an organization, important person or government bureau with the power to change something about what went wrong with the response to Hurricane Katrina. Research different organizations such as FEMA, Dept. of Homeland Security, your Congress Person or Senator to determine who would be the best person to take action for your cause.

Like any persuasive argument, use rhetorical devices, facts and examples from the story of Zeitoun to strengthen your argument and attempt to convince the recipient of your cause.

The letter should be at least 250 words and must actually be sent to the recipient by way of email or paper copy and envelope. You must show proof by either printing the email or bringing me your unsealed, addressed and stamped envelope and letter.
I will send it for you.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Rule Of The Bone: Narrative Essay

Rule of The Bone

Narrative Essay

The Rule of The Bone is a fictional first-person narrative. This means that the entire story is told from the perspective and in the voice of the protagonist “Chappie” or “The Bone”.

For this essay, create your own character and tell their story, using their unique voice. Follow the steps below as a guideline for creating your plot.

Introduce yourself indirectly by starting your story from the beginning.

Create a conflict or dilemma that causes your protagonist to “leave the nest”.

Introduce characters that create tension or conflict (antagonists).

Include your protagonists’ voice. Help us understand his/her moral conscience. What tough decisions do they have to make? What are the outcomes for those decisions?

Introduce a character or characters that serve as role models or mentors to your protagonist.

Be sure to change the setting several times to provide a fresh perspective and background.

The requirement for this essay is to finish three complete chapters. Each chapter should have its own mini-plot: rising action, conflict, climax and resolution (clean up). Be unique! Do not just copy Rule of The Bone, give a fresh perspective and environment.

Monday, March 7, 2011

R.O.B #8

After reading Bone's Revenge: What are your thoughts? Was "it" the right thing to do? Why/why not?
Examine The Bone as a moral instructor, has your opinion of him changed?
Why do you suppose the author created this encounter? Do we learn more from the protagonists mistakes?
Explain your answers in a well-organized essay. ~250 words

Zeitoun #8

After reading to page 277, answer the following:
Who gives Zeitoun the break he's been waiting for?
Describe how his family decides to deal with the news. Give specific actions for two family members.
Research the prison system in the U.S. Record any interesting facts you encounter. Does there appear to be any ethnic inconsistencies in the ratio of prisoners to outsiders?
What are your miranda rights? Under what circumstances can they be revoked?

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

R.O.B # 7

What is your reaction to Chapter 19? Did the ending surprise you? How is this typical for The Bone?
In another paragraph, analyze the theme of "man's inhumanity to man"-a major theme in Huck Finn too- and explore how the novel portrays this. Give specific examples to strengthen your argument.
Don't read this last question until you have finished Chapter 19! In a paragraph or so, explain who you feel is ultimately responsible for IMan's death.

Zeitoun #7

After having read to page 247, discuss your impressions of Zeitoun's imprisonment. Name and describe three or four of the conditions that make it nearly unbearable for him.
In another paragraph, discuss the importance of this story to you: the average American citizen. What is the significance of it all? Should we be worried? Or is it only middle eastern men that need to worry and if that's so, is that OK?
Lastly, write a letter to President Obama himself, urging him to fix FEMA. Why is it necessary? What needs to be done specifically? Why is this important to every American Citizen?
Feel free to use the internet to find facts and information to strengthen your argument.
If you finish early, search REX84 on google-it's scary!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Rule of the Bone #6

After having read Chapter 17 to page 300:
Describe the Birthday Party. What's really missing? Is The Bone expecting too much or are the hosts just self-absorbed? What does it reveal about "Papa Doc"? What is your first impression of Evening Star?
Answer in at least two complete paragraphs.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Zeitoun #6

After having read to page 214:
Explain whether or not you think Zeitoun is being treated unfairly and support your argument with details and examples. How would you feel if you were him? Are there legitimate reasons for his treatment? If he is being treated unjustly, what clues does the novel give us as to why?

In another paragraph, explain why the author included the two quotes at the beginning of the book by McCarthy and Twain. Give specific examples to support your assertions.

Research two or three of the following groups and, in a sentence or two, explain what their role is in a disaster area and comment on their appropriateness in New Orleans:

Blackwater USA
Army National Guard
Department of Homeland Security
Instinctive Shooting International
Border Patrol Tactical Units
SWAT teams

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Zeitoun #5

After having read to page 142, metaphorically analyze what the following events reveal about FEMA's emergency management strategies:
The helicopter dropping a case of water directly on top of Zeitoun's tent.
The official blatantly ignoring Zeitoun's request for assistance.
The media's depiction of what was going on in New Orleans.
The middle paragraph on page 136.

Find at least one other ominous hint as to FEMA's attitude.
Find and review at least one news story that depicts the survivors in a negative light.
Be sure to elaborate on each of the topics and provide your own interpretations.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

R.O.B #5 "Coming of Age"

Read Chapter 11 "Red Rover"
Rule of The Bone is supposedly a "coming of age" novel. What does that mean? Identify 3 passages or quotes that are indicative of a coming of age and comment on how and why each is significant.
In another paragraph, identify two or three instances from your life that could be considered coming of age experiences. Describe how you felt at that moment. What change had taken place?

Note: Tomorrow we will have a sub as I will be in a meeting with the English Dept. We will be conducting our Book Club meetings so be sure to bring your novel and "Read and Role" beforehand!!

Monday, January 31, 2011

Rule of The Bone # 4

After reading Chapter 9, compare and contrast the school bus during both eras: The Bong Brothers vs. IMAN. What specific phrases does Russell use for each to make the contrast stand out? What are your first thoughts and impressions about IMAN? What does his paranoia about the fourth of july celebration reveal about his past?
In paragraph and without plagiarizing, give a brief summary of the history of Jamaica.
Please refrain from post Marijuana related images.

Define and explain:
Hallie Selasie
Rastafarianism
Bob Marley
Malcolm X

Zeitoun Assignment #4

Having read to page 94, we can see that Zeitoun has defied the mandatory evacuation and stayed behind despite considerable dangers. Analyze the danger he faces and answer the following in a persuasive paragraph: What do you think of his decision to stay behind? What does he risk? Is it worth it?
In another paragraph or so, predict how the story will end. It seems that what has happened up until now is interesting but not enough to warrant a book. What dramatic occurrence will make this story novel-worthy? Write your paragraph(s) in a descriptive style and demonstrate your knowledge of what has happened so far with your telling of the remainder of the story.

Research, define and describe the following:
  1. Mandatory evacuation
  2. Martial law
  3. Patriot Act
  4. FEMA

Monday, January 24, 2011

Tuesday 11/25

Junior English (periods 1 & 2)
Examine and describe the effects of global warming from two, differing sources. Are the sources accurate, verifiable and unbiased? Why/why not? Which do you believe to be the most accurate?
Explain what weather conditions are necessary for a hurricane to exist. What factors contributed to Katrina's notoriety (extreme destruction). Remember to list Zeitoun 1 (first period) or Zeitoun 2 (second period) as your favorite movie in your personal profile.

Senior English (periods 5 & 6)
In Chapter 5, Bank's takes us on a whirlwind escape and exile from the burning biker pad. Create your own ending for the chapter, starting where Russ finds Chappie tied up in his bedroom. Be sure to include dialogue and keep it appropriate for school. Your story should be at least 200 words long and take us through several changes of scenery and adrenaline-pumping scenarios. If you want to get credit for your first two posts, you must add Bone Rules 5 or 6.