Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Invasion of the Plastic Bags - Book 76

What is the solution to the plastic bag pollution problem?  Explain what you think are the best ways to persuade Americans to change their ways.


Friday, February 26, 2016

Ted Talk Connections

http://www.ted.com/

Your task is to find a TED talk that we have not watched in class. You will then do a bit of research:  

1) Find 2 articles of writing (from the internet) that connect with the messages being shared in the TED talk.  

2)  Then, explain how each article connects by referring to specific passages in the article.  3 paragraphs total- 

Paragraph #1: Summarize the TED talk 
Paragraph #2: Connect 1st article to TED talk with specific passages
Paragraph #3: Connect 2nd article to TED talk with specific passages

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Fighting Fake Money - Book 75

Write an essay that starts with this topic sentence:

Sometimes an idea is ignored at first, but if you believe in it, it's worth seeing it through.

1st paragraph - 6 sentences with 2 quotes from the book

2nd paragraph - 4 sentences with an example from your own life

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Raising Oysters - Book 74

Start your essay with this topic sentence:

It is important that people continue to work and learn how to save and restore fragile habitats around the world.

1st example from the book: (2 sentences)

Connection to topic sentence: (2 sentences)

2nd example from the book:  (2 sentences)

Connection to topic sentence: (2 sentences)

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Listening

Watch the following video and answer the questions below in essay format:

http://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_5_ways_to_listen_better#t-448965

1st paragraph:  What do you listen to throughout the day? (3 sentences)
2nd paragraph:  How good of a listener are you? (3 sentences)
3rd paragraph:  What is the hardest part about being a good listener? (2 sentences)

Monday, February 22, 2016

Wanted: Lost Amphibians - Book 73

Describe what Robin Moore and other scientists did to find missing species of amphibians.  Explain their searches in THREE different countries.

Start with this sentence:
Everyone can contribute to protecting the ecosystem.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Runaway - Book 72

Use this sentence to start your essay with:

It is hard to trust people after you have been hurt, but it is important to try.

Give an example from the book (4 sentences)

Give an example from your life (4 sentences)

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Dream Team - Book 71

Comprehension Questions:

1. Why do you think Madison behaves as she does?

2. Does Tara change her feelings toward Madison?

3. How does Tara solve her problem?

4. Why do you think Tara makes the decisions she does?

Writing Prompt:

What is the theme of Dream Team?  Use TWO pieces of evidence to support your claim.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Jane's Carousel - Book 70

Writing Prompt - Begin with this sentence:

Great projects can be completed with tenacity and perseverance.  

Four sentence summary of the book

Four sentences - Your own experience on completing a long-term project.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Twister Resisters

1. Find a passage: How do you know that Doug is annoyed with Saya?
2. What does Saya realize when her superpower doesn't work against the tornados?
3. Describe THREE characteristics of Saya and use textural evidence to support your answer.
4. What does Saya learn at the end?

Essay:
What is the Theme of Twister Resisters?  Use TWO pieces of textural evidence to support your claim.