Fri. Apr. 29, - May 5, 2016: Oryx and Crake Completion and Essay Topic

Today, students were to have finished reading Oryx and Crake and to have done citations for Sections 12 to 15 as well as chapter summaries and "what is relevant." These are due today.
I also handed out the major assignment to you (the essay). I am posting it here in case you are absent.
The essay must be typed and saved in your student folder in order for me to accept it. The printed copy in the box is due on Thursday of next week.

ELA A30

Novel Unit: Shift Centres, Blur Margins

One focus of this unit was to examine perspectives and voices that are present in Canada and captured and represented by its authors.

INSTRUCTIONS: Using the novel reading we have studied in class, respond to ONE of the following questions using a critical/analytical essay format (in other words, a formal essay using evidence coming from the readings).

1.      What is the theme of this novel that Margaret Atwood is trying to impart upon her audience (what message is she trying to get across to the reader)?

2.      Prior to adulthood, both Jimmy, Crake, and Oryx react differently to moments of stress or tension. How do these differences impact the outcome of each as they reach adulthood?

3.      A number of social justice issues are present in this novel. What are some of the issues and how have these issues resulted in unintended consequences?

4.      Crake believes that if civilization is destroyed, then it could not be rebuilt. Based on what is happening to the Crakers, is this playing out in reality or not?

This is to be a five paragraph, formal essay that is to be edited and revised. To complete this, keep in mind the steps of the writing process (reading, questioning, arriving at a thesis, outlining, rough, revision.). Also keep in mind that it needs to be entered into your student folder and must meet all the computer layout requirements.

This assignment is due on Thursday, May 5. It will need to be printed and handed in.

Tues. Apr. 26 - Fri. Apr. 29, 2016: Oryx and Crake

During these remaining days, students will independently read the remaining sections of Oryx and Crake. They are still to cite the sources and make notes on what is relevant as well as summaries.

Fri. Apr. 22, 2016: Discussion of Section 11 of Oryx and Crake

Today, we reviewed Section 11 of Oryx and Crake. I also assigned the first four chapters of Section 12 ("Pleebcrawl," BlyssPluss," "MaddAdam," and "Paradice.")

Thurs. Apr. 21, 2016: Oryx and Crake: Sections 9 and 10 Discussion

Today, you were provided with a reading question for this section.
We then discussed these sections in more detail (as well as the question answered)
I then assigned students to read Section 11 for tomorrow's class (creating a summary and what is relevant).

Wed. Apr. 20, 2016: Section review

Today, I gave students a question that they would be able to answer if they have read up to Section 11 in Oryx and Crake. We then discussed the novel up to this point.
Tomorrow, I will provide another question from these sections so we can further our discussion. be sure they are read.

Mon. Apr. 19, 2016: INS Two Month Check In

Today, students read their independent novels and filled in their two month novel study check in. Be sure to have Chapters 7 through 10 read for tomorrow's class (Oryx and Crake pages 145 - 261). .

Thurs, April 14 & Fri. April 15, 2016: Reading Time

For the duration of this week, students need to read, summarize and create a what is relevant for Sections 7 thru 10 (pages 145 - 261).
Keep in mind that students will get two full class days, three nights and a long weekend to do this.
Be sure to bring your independent novel to class on Tuesday so you can do the two month novel check.

Tues. Apr. 12, 2016: Oryx and Crake Section Six Part One

Today, we discussed part one of Section Six of Oryx and Crake ("Oryx" and "Birdcall"). For tomorrow, read and create summaries/what is relevant sections for "Roses" and Pixieland Jazz." Pages 127 - 144.

Mon. Apr. 11, 2016: Oryx and Crake Section Five Discussion

Today, we discussed Scetion 5 of Oryx and Crake. For tomorrow, read Section Six "Oryx" and "Birdcall." Pages 113 to 126..

Fri. Apr. 8, 2016: Oryx and Crake: Section 4

Today, we discussed section four of Oryx and Crake. For Monday, you need to be caught up to the end of Section 5 (page 110). You also need to do citations for these chapters, three sentence summaries, and list what is relevant in each one.

Thurs. April 7, 2016:Oryx and Crake Section 3 Discussion and Reading Assignment for Friday

Today, we discussed Section Three of Oryx and Crake. Tonight, read and do "What is Relevant" notes and citations for every chapter of Section Four (pages 49 to 87).

Tues. Apr. 5, 2016: Oryx and Crake

For tomorrow's class, you are to read pages 15 to 36 of Oryx and Crake and create what is relevant notes and a summary (three sentence) for each chapter.

Mon. Apr. 4, 2016: Oryx and Crake Introduction

Today, the students signed out Margaret Atwood's novel Oryx and Crake. We discussed how this is a dystopic novel with graphic language which suits the colloquialism of this era (even if we don't like it). The purpose of this novel is to feel uncomfortable. Atwood chose this tone in order to render her message that change needs to be actively pursued. We also cited the first three chapters and I instructed you to read these and list "what is relevant" for tomorrow's class.

Atwood, Margaret. “Mango.” Oryx and Crake. Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2009. 3-5. Print.

Atwood, Margaret. “Flotsam.” Oryx and Crake.   Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2009. 6-9. Print.

Atwood, Margaret. “Voice.” Oryx and Crake.   Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2009. 10-12. Print.