Getting the Wheels Moving

In the following letter, Abigail Adams (1744–1818) writes to her son John Quincy Adams, who is traveling abroad with his father, John Adams, a United States diplomat and later the country’s second president. Read the letter carefully. Then, in a well-developed essay, analyze the rhetorical strategies Adams uses to advise her son. Support your analysis with specific references to the text.

 Letter from AA to Her Son

Blog Due Tuesday, but just do it now and get it over with. Also, do not forget to finish reading       The Great Gatsby and to bring in a pic of yourself all ready for one of Jay's parties!

If Jesus Had a Map

The Way the World Looked When Jesus Was Born

So the birth of Christ is not a fairytale, it is factual. Some do not believe that the baby born was the Savior of the world, but there are few who still dispute his birth. So, take a look at this map, and read the article. This transports us to a time when things were very, very different. How does reflecting on the world as it was at the time of Jesus's birth give credence to the argument that it is imperative that we learn Literature, History and Religion together? Use examples from the text. Your entry must be at least 350 words. You may use outside sources if you wish.

The True Meaning of Christmas

A   Doubtful Christmas is a story about the value of hard work.  Read this enjoyable, true story and answer the following question:  Have we lost the true meaning of Christmas? Choose a side and argue it.  Your blog must be AT LEAST 300 words.

http://fusion.net/story/373561/yellowbrick-millennials-failure-to-launch/

So your generation is not yet named. You have here a chart that explains the generations and their titles. The article I have posted here is about millennials. Read the article what is it about? React to it. How might the habits you are developing, good or bad, impact whether or not you will need to check into this program. Argue how success can be achieved. You can be creative and or provide examples of success. Your blog must be a minimum of 400 words in order to get credit.

Are You Going Or Not?

Fidel Castro's funeral is on Sunday and you were invited. Are you going? Why are why not? Make an argument and support your decision.

Grub and Gab

For your blog this weekend, I want you to bring one thing to eat and invite one person to our virtual Thanksgiving table. The dish should be something you love and or something that is a tradition in your family or a dish that maybe you are known for. The person can be living or dead, but you should share why you think that person would be a great guest.

We Don't Need No Education!

Quotes about Education

Another Brick in the Wall

Watch the video from Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall", then choose a quote from the list. Once a quote has been chosen, it is no longer available, so first come, first serve.

 Relate the quote to the video and or song lyrics in some way. Consider that I am providing you with two resources, a quote and a song/video about the topic of education.

Talk about the topic of education. What do you think about it?  Talk about education as a philosophy, or a practice, or a responsibility or ????????

When you respond to a classmates blog, do not comment on whether or not you like it. Rather comment on how you might challenge it or validate it with another point.

I am looking for posts that are full of thought about the topic. Perhaps you chose a quote that contradicts the lyrics or the video. On the other hand, perhaps you found a quote that drives home an important point brought up in the lyrics or video.

Most of all, I want you to think, deeply about the topic. You may also pull in any thoughts from pieces we have read in this unit.

Dare to Disagree

https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_dare_to_disagree?language=en

Watch this TedTalk. What is her argument? Name a few rhetorical devices she uses in order to establish her main points.

Now, the hard part. Make a statment about something that you think is a problem. Be brave. Be prepared to defend it. And make this statement in the spirit of what Margaret Heffernan says in regards to disagreement.

When you are commenting on a classmates statement, make sure to be kind, but honest. Try and comment on at least 2 statements, but be sure that all of the statements are addressed. And try and comment on a statement about which you disagree.

Once someone has posted a comment about your statement, you need to repond.

Like I said, mind your manners!

Do You Like My Red Sweater?

http://www.stjohns-chs.org/english/nwixon_courses/english-9-111/eleven-by-sandra-cisneros.pdf

The main character, Rachel, describes an incident on her eleventh birthday that made a strong impression on her. Think about what happens to Rachel and how she feels about the incident. How does it affect the way she feels about herself? Write an essay in which you explain how you think Rachel views herself on her eleventh birthday. Consider why she sees herself as she does, what affects her view, and if her feelings about herself change as a result of her experience. How does the author show us Rachel’s feelings and how do we know if those feelings change? Be sure to use specific details from the text to show why you think the way you do--including one simile or metaphor taken directly from the text and one original simile or metaphor of your own to describe Rachel’s experiences. 

And, how does this TedTalk relate to the story Eleven

The Danger of Silence

Halloween Fun! Or Danger Ahead?

In the spirit of Halloween, read the following article about Superstition.  What is the author's main argument and what rhetorical devices does he use to prove his point? Do you agree or disagree with his argument. Explain in depth and give examples and evidence from this text and perhaps an outside resource if needed to qualify or to counter his claims.

Here is a tune for inspiration, and who knows, maybe you can use the lyrics as a resource!!!!

Stevie Wonder Baby!!

Relativism

What is his argument? How can you tie it to the essay you read last week? Do you know how relativism is affecting you? Explain.

Relativism

What is His Argument? No BS

Read the following essay:

On Bullshit by Princeton professor Harry Frankfurt.

Here is a 5 minute video that introduces you to the topic and to Harry Frankfurt as well.

Video with Professor Frankfurt

Tell me what his argument is? Which, according to Frankfurt is worse, lies or bs? Explain how he establishes that opinion. What do you think?

Good Argument?

Sermon on Writing

Video of Sermon

The 2016 Presidential Election: Voting from a Catholic Perspective 

Watch this sermon. What makes it so important? What is his argument? Tell me what rhetorical strategies Fr. John Lankeit uses to make his argument. What does Fr. Lankeit NOT SAY that makes the sermon even more relevant? Who is the author of this sermon? And how does that play into it's rhetorical appeal? And finally, do you think the pulpit was the appropriate place to deliver this message? Why or why not? and why might this be considered controversial? (Hint: We are assuming that abortion is a non-negotiable. As Catholics and as Christians, we oppose abortion, so the controversy is not the abortion issue. It is something else.)