Mr. Welch's Classroom Blog: En. 10 Term 4

A. Novel Study

The first major assignment for Term 4 will be a novel study. You will reading the great sci-fi dystopian classic, Fahrenheit 451. If you do not have your own paper copy, it does come in the epub, Kindle and pdf formats. Epub is to books what mp3 is to music. All desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets and e-readers (except for Kindle) offer free epub reader apps. Text size can be altered in an epub, unlike pdf files.

You can read the book in a browser or, better yet, download the book, open it in a free epub, Kindle or pdf reader, and get a head start for Term 4:

Here is a free audiobook version of Fahrenheit 451.

How do I get the file onto my phone or tablet, Mr. Welch?

1. Most phones and tablets have built-in pdf reader apps. Both iPhone and Android stores offer free epub and mobi reader apps; install one before you head to step 2 below. I recommend epub or mobi, because both will allow you to modify the text size, which is important if you're reading on a phone!

2. Email the file to yourself as an attachment and open up the file on your phone or tablet. Then, save it to your device. Alternatively, navigate to this website with your phone, tablet or computer and click on one of the files above. Once the file is open, save it to your device.

Novel Project

Here is the novel project for English 10.

Fahrenheit 451

Make sure you have read the novel and studied the following video on the themes of Fahrenheit 451.
You should also re-watch our online classes:

F451: Part 1 (The Hearth and the Salamander)
F451: Part 2 (The Sieve and the Sand)

For sake of fairness, I've alternated the block available!

F451: Part 3 (Burning Bright) and the F451 Project

These files may not work on Mac OS laptops. If they don't, try your phone or tablet. These links apparently work on iOS or Android, as well as Windows.

Identify six (6) specific examples from the novel of the "carrot and the stick" metaphor referred to in the lectures above. You must present two examples from each of the three sections of the novel (i.e Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3) Thus, 3x2 = 6 examples overall.
Here is a brief video that explains the project:

To help you with the project, here is updated version of some brainstorming we did in a recent online class:

For each example, I want you to place a quotation at the top in quotation marks. Note the chapter location. Then, below the quotation, I want you to write a short paragraph (5-8 sentences) that explains what is going on in this quotation and how it describes a "carrot" (i.e. something that controls our desires and behaviours) or a "stick" (i.e. a form of control, fear or violence).

The quotation might look like this:

"How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, about something real?” (Bradbury, Part 1)

Here is a good example from a student who completed a similar project on John Wyndham's The Chrysalids:

At the beginning of your project, include a cover page with a title and your full name.
After the cover page, provide a short introduction to the topic of the project (i.e. the forms of control discussed in the novel). This might be 2-5 sentences.
At the end, provide a short conclusion of 5-10 sentences, and explain what has happened in the novel and why. Consider exploring one of the following questions:

Do we face similar "carrot and stick" problems in our own society? If so, do you have some examples?
Are we becoming increasingly like Mildred?
Which character do you find most sympathetic? Why?
Is "screen time" addictive? Is it a problem?
Do you share some of Bradbury's concerns?

You may complete this project using a number of tools:

Word: Create a document-based project that looks similar to an essay;
PowerPoint or equivalent: Create a presentation that takes advantage of graphics and transitions;
Podcast: Create an audio file in which you describe the elements described above;
Video: Create a video file where you present your ideas.
Have another idea? Let me know!

***When you're finished, send the document to me as an email attachment or, if applicable, send me a link. Your name must be on the front/beginning of the document.

B. Poetry Assignment

Poetic Devices:

In preparation for the final assignment, I'd like you to read the following notes on poetic devices:

Structure and Poetry
Sound Patterns (The Rhythm and Meter section is optional!)
Meaning and Poetry

Theme and Poetry:

Please watch this helpful short video on theme in poetry. While clear and well written, it's theme statement is aimed at grade 8 students, so your theme paragraph should be longer.

Next, read this well written discussion on theme.

Poetry Assignment:

Once you've completed the tasks above, go to the following site: https://poets.org/poetry-teens
Spend some time scanning through the poems. I would like you to stick with these poems because I am familiar with them and the website, and they've all been carefully vetted.
Settle on one poem from the website above and complete the following exercise:

Poetry Analysis Sheet

You may print out and write directly on the sheet or re-create it on your own Word or Google document. Send the results to me via my email (colin_welch@sd33.bc.ca).
Aside from Question #1, all answers MUST be in full sentences. Fragmented responses = 50%!