Write a short paragraph of seven to ten plain sentences about a recent event, such as a spring break trip, your weekend, or a trip to the store, just to name a few. Then revise your paragraph by adding five schemes or tropes, turning it into a stylized (if overblown) passage.
Example:
This weekend I went to visit a friend. The drive was only an hour, but it seemed to take a long time. Finally, I arrived. We hung out all day and watched a funny movie that night. I slept well. We drank coffee and ate Cheerios for breakfast while we talked about our lives. It was great to see her.
What could be better than a weekend trip to see a friend?(!rhetorical question) The drive was short, but the drive was long. (papadox) Finally, I arrived. Hanging out was followed by watching a movie, watching a movie was followed by chatting, and chatting was followed by laughter. (anadiplosis) That night, I must have slept for years. (hyperbole) In the morning, coffee comforted me, and Cheerios cheered me (personification). Great it was to see her!
This past weekend, I decorated my house for Christmas. I told my mom deorating in November is a little early. She likes to decorate as soon as Halloween is over. Even thought I thought it was early, I finally agreed to help her put up the decorations. We put up our big tree and stung lights around it. We hung red and gold ornaments all over the tree. I also put Christmas themed stickers on all the windows. While we decorated, my mom played Christmas music. To end the day off, I baked chocolate chip cookies and watched the snow fall from inside my house. The day was full of Christmas magic.
ReplyDeleteThis past weekend I decorated my house for the Christmas season. I have a love hate relationship with decorating early (oxymoron). My mom likes putting her decorations up, putting her tree up, and putting her lights up all right after Halloween (paralllelism). Even though I thought it was early, I finally agreed to help her put up the decorations. The tree we put up was as tall as the sky and the lights were as bright as a star (simile). We hung red and gold ornaments all over the tree. I stuck Sticky Santa and sleigh stickers on all the windows (alliteration). While we decorated, my mom played Christmas music that brought the room to life ( personification). To end the day off, I baked chocolate chip cookies and watched the snow fall from inside my house. The day was full of Chrismas magic.
Your tropes are used well in this blog! And, I agree, it is way too early for Christmas decorations, at least wait until after Thanksgiving. I am glad you got to spend some quality time with your mom, too. Good work.
DeleteMegan, your use of tropes was very well, and your blog was entertaining to read. Merry Christmas!
DeleteFun story Megan! I liked your uses of the alliteration and simile.
DeleteMegan, I really enjoyed this blog. While I agree that Christmas decorations are only acceptable after Thanksgiving, I could really picture what you were describing. Reading this blog made me want to drink hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie, and now I'm excited to decorate my house - after Thanksgiving, of course.
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ReplyDeleteOn Wednesday evening, Sophie Neubert and I went adoration together. We both planned on finishing essays on the way to and fro the church. Our youth minister drove us, whom we engaged in banter about faith and life. In fact, we were so deep in conversation, neither Sophie nor I finished our essays on that car ride. We didn’t care though. I prayed a Divine Mercy Chapter all by myself without reference during adoration. We all chowed down on some Taco Bell as we made our way home. The full moon was a pretty sight, as we drive back home.
ReplyDeleteI can’t tell you how much fun Wednesday adoration was with Sophie (aporia)! We thought we would find creative ideas, put order to our thoughts, and give our essays a conclusion (trocolon parallelism). Oh, St. Thomas Aquinas, you’d be so intrigued by our talks about faith (apostrophe). That conversation dragged on for months; we couldn’t even add one sentence to our papers (hyperbole). We didn’t care though. How cool is it to say a prayer and not have to look it up (rhetorical question). I was a hog and devoured almost all the cinnabons from Taco Bell (personification). The evening’s full moon was as white as Mary’s soul (simile).
I am so glad you got encounter Jesus in adoration. You really made your story come to life with your abstract use of tropes. Really Impressive. I hope you got to finish your essay, though, and I’m glad that the Taco Bell was really tasty!
DeleteChels! Your paragraph was stylized very well! Especially your St Thomas Aquinas sentence, it was very creative. I’m glad you went to adoration as well. It is such an important thing. I always feel extra close to God after that experience. I hope Taco Bell was everything you wanted it to be, it’s always pretty tasty! Good writing techniques!
DeleteGreat story Chels! I love how you used a rhetorical question to make people see how cool it really is to say the while chaplet without looking. Great job!
DeleteI participated in the high school musical this weekend. We performed Oklahoma, which for many, was boring. I was a main character and I had a ton of lines, but I learned all of them and had a fun time! We had four nights we had to perform for the audience. At the end of the play, I was exhausted. I got to perform with all of my friends, and we had fun. I Am so excited to perform in the play next year.
ReplyDeleteI participated in the high school musical, which was Oklahoma, this weekend. (parenthesis) Some see Oklahoma as super stale. (alliteration) I had many lines in the play, but the play had many lines itself. (chiasmus) At the end of the play, I was so tired, I could sleep for the rest of my life. (hyperbole) Is there anything more special than spending a weekend with your best friends? (rhetorical question)
Great job Marky! I liked your use of chiasmus. I also noticed that you accidentally included a trope in your first copy. You said, " I had a ton of lines," Which is actually a hyperbole!
DeleteMorky, good paragraph! Very good use of your stylistic schemes/tropes. I’m glad you joined the play again this year. And according to your blog, I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as you did! I agree with John in loving your use of chiasmus as I feel not many people will use that one. Good job, and can’t wait to act alongside you again today!!
DeleteGreat work Mork. Your use of schemes and tropes is almost as impressive as your play performance. I was also really impressed with your use of the chiasmus; I was really trying to find a way to use one in mine, and it was definitely tough. I also liked you parentheses because I don’t think I saw anyone else use that.
DeleteYesterday, Eddie and I went to Taco Bell. The food there was mediocre. After, we went to the play, which was 3 hours long. The actors were mostly great, but I think that the play was a bit boring at times. All the people around us left before intermission even came. but eddie and I stayed to support our friends who were in the play. I enjoyed hanging out with Eddie even if it was kind of a drag.
ReplyDeleteYesterday, Eddie and I ate like kings: we went to Taco bell(oxymoron). The food there was no 5 star meal(litotes), but it did just fine. After, we went to the play, which was 3 hours, but it lasted for days(paradox/hyperbole). The actors were mostly great, but I think the play was a bit boring at times. All the people around us left before intermission even came, the play actually bored them into leaving(personification). Eddie and I decided to stay and support our friends who were in the play. I had fun with Eddie even if I didn’t have fun with the play(anaphora).
I really liked your use of tropes to describe Taco Bell, a place that I have a love/hate relationships with. These provided a very accurate description. I also appreciate that you stuck it out and finished watching the play, despite how bored you were.
DeleteIf and when you are bored, it is because you are boring. Interesting people find joy and pleasure in even the most mundane of instances. Not to mention, the play was absolutely fantastic.
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ReplyDeleteI went on vacation with my family. It couldn’t have been more fun. We went hiking and boating all that week. There was an ice-cream place down the street that had really big cones. Almost every night that week I went outside and stargazed. Many of my family members joined us on this trip. That meant there was lots and lots of delicious food. One night for dinner we even had campfire food on the dock! It was a very fun time and I can’t wait to go back.
I went on just a joyful vacation with my family (Alliteration). What could have been more fun (rhetorical question)? We went hiking and boating all that week. There was an ice-cream place down the street with cones as big as a mountain (simile). Almost every night that week I went outside and watched the stars dance in the moonlight (personification). Many of my family members joined us on this trip. There were many mouthes to feed, so the house was always stocked with lots and lots of delicious food (synecdoche). One night for dinner we even had campfire food on the dock! All in all vacation was full of memories, laughter, joy (asyndeton).
Great work, Liv. That sounds like it was an awesome vacation, and you did an impressive job adding all your figures of speech. I was especially impressed with your synecdoche and asyndeton because I found it hard myself to use some of the figures that I wasn’t quite as familiar with.
DeleteIt was a normal night of getting McDonald’s, but my friend was driving...scary. Her, Haley, and I were leaving after eating. On our way out, we were planning on going to Walmart, so we had to turn left. The turn signal was on and we told her to get into the turning lane because of all the people at the red light. Instead, she pulled straight into the two lanes, that meant we were blocking a whole side of traffic, while facing the wrong direction. In an effort to get out of the way, she threw it into reverse and backed into the other lane of traffic, while cars were coming! We thought this was the worst thing that could happen that night. Then she pulled out in front of a big truck. She’s still bad at driving but she’s getting better.
ReplyDeleteIt was a normal night of getting greasy, gross McDonald’s, but my friend was driving...scary. (alliteration) Her, Haley, and I were leaving after eating. On our way out, we were busy doing nothing, so we planned on going to Walmart. (oxymoron) To get there, we had to turn left. The turn signal was tick tick ticking away, and we told her to get into the turning lane because of all the people at the red light. (onomatopoeia) Instead, she pulled straight into the two lanes, that meant we were blocking a whole side of traffic, while facing in the wrong direction. In an effort to get out of the way, she threw it into reverse and the car pounced into the other lane of traffic, while cars were coming! (personification) We thought this was the worst thing that could happen that night. Then she pulled out in front of a big truck that was speeding like a bat out of hell. (simile) She’s sadly still bad at driving and gets mad when we talk about it. (assonance)
I really liked this, it used the tropes needed but was still funny at the same time. I especially liked the use of personification!
DeleteAlex, this is so funny. I’m very glad you’re both safe! Your onomatopoeia was creative, I didn’t see that in anyone else‘s blog. You did a great job giving a funny explanation of a probably spooky experience, and I loved the style you used. Nice job!
DeleteAlex, you’re blog was very entertaining. I really enjoyed reading it and our use of the tropes was very well thought out
DeleteYesterday, I went to Suburban Building Center to choose cabinets for my new bathroom. There were so many things I had to make decisions on. Each decision came with dozens of different options. I had to choose everything from wood type to color to door style. I’m very indecisive, so the whole thing took me a long time. I thought I would be there for 20 minutes or so, but it ended up taking 2 hours. It was not as much fun as I thought I’d be, and I just wanted to go home.
ReplyDeleteWhat could be better than designing your own bathroom, right (rhetorical question)? That’s what I thought too, ‘til I took a trip to Suburban Building Center to decide on cabinets yesterday (alliteration). They had more options than stars in the sky (hyperbole). Unfortunately for me, I’m about as indecisive as a brick (simile). I had to choose my wood, pick a cut direction, select a stain or glaze, find a door style, pick out an edge, and opt for or against knots (parallelism). I couldn’t choose a door style, so I walked around expecting a door style to chose me (chiasmus)(personification). The whole thing took me an eternity, and I just wanted to go home(hyperbole).
I’m sorry you had such a bland time at Suburban Building Center (I actually think it’s a pretty magical place), but on the bright side, it fueled these very creative and well done paragraphs. I really liked your second-to-last sentence in the revised paragraph; it really popped out. Awesome job!
DeleteSuburban is not a place I’d like to spend two hours at either. However, your use of tropes gave the drab situation a fun side. I liked your simile, it made me laugh, and I feel the same way. Good work, Joe!
DeleteThis morning I went my uncles house for brunch with my family. I got to see my cousin, Hannah. As soon as I walked in, the smell was amazing. We ate waffles, potatoes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and much more. I really enjoyed talking with my family. We shared a lot of laughs. I was sad to leave, but I had to go. I had to do my AP Lang blog.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I want to my uncles house for brunch with my family. It had been an eternity since I had seen my cousin Hannah, so our reunion was awesome (hyperbole). The moment I walked in, the sizzling bacon and rich smell of chocolate waffles was a symphony of sensory delight (metaphor). We feasted on potatoes, eggs, sausage, toast and much more. I enjoyed a Sunday morning full of glorious giggles, and great grub (alliteration). Leaving was hard, leaving was sad, but leaving was necessary (anaphora). My AP Lang blog was calling my name (personification).
Wow, these were some really good paragraphs! Sounds like you had a filling meal. The anaphora you used was really well put, and it made me sad for you that your visit was so short. You made me feel what you were feeling, and I commend you for that. This blog was a super wholesome and lovely read.
DeleteYou should have asked Hannah to join in. She loves blogs!
DeleteOn Thursday, I went to the DMV and took my drivers test. I wasn’t too nervous, because, unfortunately, it was my second attempt. Even though I was only taking my test for a short period of time, the process seemed long. I almost missed the turn back into the DMV, which could have cost me my chance at a license. Thankfully, I turned in time. The test instructor, who seemed bored, told me that I passed my test. I went into the photo center to have my photo taken. The woman at the counter gave me my driver’s license, and I left the DMV with a new sense of freedom and a very blurry license photo.
ReplyDeleteOn Thursday, I went to the DMV and took my driver’s test. I wasn’t too nervous, because unfortunately, it was my second attempt. Failing my first try was just what I needed to succeed (irony). Even though the test didn’t take a large amount of time, it seemed to go on forever (paradox). I almost missed my turn back into the DMV, which could have cost me my chance at a license. After nearly coming to a screeching halt, I made the correct turn (hyperbole). The test instructor, who seemed as bored as if he was watching paint dry, told me that I passed my test (simile). I went into the photo center to have my license photo taken. The woman at the counter gave me my brand new freedom; my driver’s license with a very blurry photo (metaphor).
Congrats on getting our license! The simile you used about the instructor was very funny.
DeleteGreat story! The DMV is definitely nerve-racking but getting your license is freeing for sure. Your figures of speech worked well with the story!
DeleteOver the summer, me and my family went on vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We decided that it would be a fun idea to go parasailing. The day was windy and cold, and the water was choppy, and we almost didn’t go. We got into the boat, and our captain drove us into the bay. Me and my aunt decided to go first. We got into the air properly on our second try. While we were in the air, the boat died, and we were stuck. After almost half an hour of being stuck and not knowing what’s was going on, they finally cut our line and we were dropped into the water. We were rescued and returned home with only a few bumps and bruises.
ReplyDeleteWhat could be better than a beach vacation with your family (rhetorical question)? This past summer, me and my family took a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We decided that it would be super fun to go parasailing. That day, the water was choppy and as cold as ice (simile), and the wind was howling (personification). We got into the boat, and our captain drove us into the bay. My aunt and I decided that we would go first. While we were in the air, the boat died, and we were stuck in a sticky situation (alliteration). After almost an hour of being stuck and now knowing the fully extent of our situation, they decided to cut out line and we plummeted into the black hole of water (metaphor). We were rescued and returned home with only a few bumps and bruises
Great job on this! From the use of your tropes I really got a feel for the situation you were in. It was very descriptive and interesting to read.
DeleteThis weekend my best friend is coming home. This is the first time I get to see Rena in about a month. We spent all of high school before this year together. From going to Joey’s for breakfast, to riding home from school everyday, and competing in every sport together, we spent most of our time with each other. I would not be where I am now without her. This is one of the busiest weekends of the entire school year, but I will not hesitate to spend any free moment I have with her. Her coming home is one of the good things I’m looking forward to. I can’t wait!
ReplyDeleteThis weekend, not just my friend, my sister (anthesis) is coming home. This is the first time I’ll see Rena in forever (hyperbole). Before this year, we spent all of high school together. Between breakfast at Joey’s, driving home from school, and competing in every sport together, time flew by (personification). I would not be where I am now without her. This weekend I will be busy as a beaver (simile), but will not hesitate to spend any free moment of time I have with her. I can’t wait to see my best friend. What would I do without her? (rhetorical question)
This is very good. I like that it was about your friendship, it made it more fun to read.
DeleteOn Friday I went out to eat with my family in Olean. My sister goes to school in that town, so she went early to reserve a table at the popular restaurant for our large group. I was very excited to see her and have a good meal with my family. So after looking at the menu for ten minutes, I ordered the same thing I order everytime. My meal was delicious and I had a great time enjoying my family’s company. After everyone was done eating, we decided to order dessert to end the great night. We sat at our table together talking and eating for another hour before we decide to go home. Everyone said goodbye and started driving home.
ReplyDeleteOn Friday I went out to eat with my family in Olean. My sister goes to school in that town, so she went early to reserve a table at the Beef and Barrel for our large group (periphrasis). I was very excited to see her and have a good meal with my family because my stomach was growling like a lion (personification). So after looking at the menu for an hour, I ordered the same thing I order everytime (hyperbole). My meal was delicious, a beef on wick with coleslaw, and I had a great time enjoying my family’s company (periphrasis). After everyone was done eating, we decided to order dessert to end the great night. We sat at our table together talking and eating, like we were at home and not in a restaurant, for another hour before we decide to go home (simile). Everyone said goodbye and started driving home.
Out stories were kinda similar. Seeing our best friends from school. I like how you said you looked at the menu for ten minutes and got the same thing. Funny stuff!
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