College Essays

Although I will not be assigning and assessing college essays for a grade in this class, I am more than happy to make myself available to guide you through the process -- including devoting some class time to explaining the basics, workshopping your essays during TASC, and offering feedback and suggestions along the way.

It is important that, in the end, you arrive at a place with your college essay where you feel like it represents something real about:

-- who you are
-- who you were
-- how you got here
-- what you've learned
-- what matters to you
-- what kind of person you hope to be

These are all incredibly valuable reflections, especially now, at 17 or 18, standing on the threshold between childhood and adulthood.  The stories you tell yourself now about your experiences and who you are (and who you want to be) are very likely to shape your future in profound ways -- for better or for worse.  It is important get them right!

Good luck, have fun, and HERE ARE THE PROMPTS if you are ready to get started.

Feel free to come for TASC if you need a pep talk or have something you'd like me to look over.  :)

Reminder 9/7: Review ELS for Gentleman in Moscow Mini-Test

The "mini-test" will be an all-Gentleman-in-Moscow replica of an AP Lit exam.  We'll complete it in class on Monday.

HW 9/7: Their Eyes Were Watching God

Assignment: Create a double entry/dialectical reading response journal for each reading section in Their Eyes Were Watching God.  You may use my simple template, or create or modify one of your own.  If you prefer handwriting, that is fine too--but I do advise using a ruler to draw the vertical lines to keep things somewhat neat and tidy :)

The quote goes on the left, and your insightful comments go on the right.  The page number goes in the middle, or if you prefer you may eliminate that column and add the page number to the quote (use parentheses).  In your quote selection, focus on what impresses or confuses you.  Use this journal as place to clarify your "What/How/SoWhat?" thinking en route to a deeper understanding of the MOWAAW.  I recommend that you try to include a mix of quotation types, including dialogue, setting, descriptive, and thematic passages.  Similarly, try to vary the types of comments and analysis you provide: connections you are making to the real world, your own life, or other texts one time, and questions or predictions the next.  Be sure to sprinkle in ample amounts of insightful analysis as well.

READING SCHEDULE:

9/7 Ch. 1, 2

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9/10 Ch 3-5
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9/12 Ch 6, 7

9/13 Ch 8-10

9/14 Ch. 11-13
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9/17 Ch. 14-17
9/18 Ch. 18-20

HW 9/6: ELS Revisions

Based on our class discussions and/or any additional thoughts you've had on A Gentleman in Moscow, please add any additional info to your ELS that you think you need -- and bring me a photocopy tomorrow.  Thank you!  --Mr. G.

HW 9/5: A Gentleman in Moscow ELS

Please prepare an Essential Literary Synopsis form for A Gentleman in Moscow.  Since we will be using this form for each of the major literary works we study, I would recommend storing a clean copy in your drive.