Choice essay to go with m.c. test corrections for +5

If you choose to, you may respond to one of these prompts to earn +5pts. on your m.c. test.

PROMPT ONE:
Consider this concept set forth by this turn-of-the-century author:
"It is injurious to be always treated as if something were the matter with us. It is health-giving to be dealt with as if we were healthy, and the man who imagines his wits are failing becomes stronger and sounder by being entrusted with a difficult problem than by all the assurances of a doctor...
Fright is often prior to an object; that is to say, the fright comes first and something is invented or discovered to account for it. There are certain states of body and mind which are productive of objectless fright, and the most ridiculous thing in the world is able to provoke it to activity. It is perhaps not too much to say that any calamity the moment it is apprehended by the reason alone loses nearly all its power to disturb and unfix us."
In a well-developed essay, consider the position this author takes concerning the relationship between health and fright.  Then, write an essay in which you develop your own stance on the connection between health and fear.  Use appropriate, specific evidence from your observations, reading, and experiences to develop your claim.

PROMPT TWO:
Keep a diary/journal for one week about your experiences and responses to the events of that week.  Then, in a few paragraphs, reflect on how the act of journaling affected your interpretation of these events and how/if it impacted the way you approached decisions, etc. as the week continued on.

PROMPT THREE:
Write a personal reflection essay about the ways that you remember being involved or invited into conversations with adults in your family or at your church when you were young , and how this impacted your social interactions with friends and family as you grew older.  Try to be specific and descriptive in your recollection of these moments.

PROMPT FOUR:
Write a personal essay about a time that you had to make a particularly difficult decision.  Describe the problem that was at hand, and why it carried such weight for you.  Then, explain the thought process you went through and the considerations you contemplated before arriving at your final choice.

Shaped by our Experiences

Today, we will read a bit about how views and values can be shaped by experiences.

• First, let's read this article to explore some data as to how early childhood experiences shape us going forward.  You could also read this article.
• Next, read one of these pieces and write a short summary of what you learn about how his/her experience has shaped his/her views:
•  Ricky Jackson's opinion piece about how his experience as an innocent man on death row has shaped his views on the death penalty.
•  Reyna Grande's opinion piece about how her childhood experiences with immigration shaped her views on the subject as she grew older.
• Christine Yared's opinion piece about how her experience as a high school student in Parkland, Florida during the Feb. 14th school shooting has shaped her views on guns. 
• Then, complete this personal response in 2-3 paragraphs:  What is one experience in your life that has shaped your views, principles, choices, or future direction?  Describe why this experience has had such an impact on you.

Influence of others

"Choice:  A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr." by Alice Walker
http://whs.wsd.wednet.edu/Faculty/Zobel/documents/ChoiceTEXT.pdf

1.  Why did Alice Walker feel compelled to write this tribute?  What does she hope others will leave her piece contemplating about the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
2.  What are some of the most successful writing strategies this author uses to bring her purpose across?  Pick specific lines/ideas for support.
3.  Choose one example that Walker included which you felt was strongest for exemplifying her claim(s), and explain your choice.
 
Unexpected hero: http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/robert-downey-jr-saved-grandma/

1.  Why did Dana Reinhardt feel compelled to write this?  How does she go about achieving this purpose, and giving her audience a new lens through which to view Robert Downey, Jr.?
2.  What are some of the most successful writing strategies this author uses to bring her purpose across?  Pick specific lines/ideas for support.
3.  Choose one example that Reinhardt included which you felt was strongest for exemplifying her purpose, and explain your choice.


"Influence of others" articles:  Go HERE  to learn more about more everyday heroes who influence others and the world in big ways.  These are articles and videos, so you may want your earbuds out so you can watch the video clips.
Finally, choose one story to read from the seven listed below.  Take notes and be prepared to share his/her story with someone else.

1.  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/feed-leftover-food-homeless/
2.  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/mobile-shower-helping-homeless/
3.  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/sleeping-bag-coat-help-homeless/
4.  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/i-wish-my-teacher-knew-student-letters/
5.  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/volunteer-crisis-heroes/
6.  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/threshold-choir/
7.  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/angel-flight-pilot-heroes/

If you are further interested, here is another endearing article you can read about the influence one person can have on another:  http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/love-letters-to-strangers/

Motivation

In class today, we watched Dan Pink's TED talk  "The Puzzle of Motivation" (here is the written transcript).  Then, we discussed the ideas he presented about motivation using this doc with questions and extension readings.
Homework is to complete the individual response and read and take notes on one of the additional readings.

 

TIME person of the year work DUE WED., 3/27

Follow this plan as you study your chosen TIME person of the year/runner-up.
This assignment will be due on WED., 3/27.

Education unit end writing, assertion with a synthesis twist essay

Please complete a well-developed essay in response to this essay prompt OR this writing prompt.

This writing should turned in by Tuesday, 3/19.

Use this pres. to continue with the editing process begun in class.

Education around the World

Use this doc to guide your research in this section.

While researching, use this process to access credible and relevant sources on www.mel.org.
1.  click on eresources
2.  go to "all subjects" pulldown
3.  click on "newspapers and journals"
4.  click on "n" -- newspaper source plus
5.  write in your topic, then search
6.  click on "full text"
note: citation is provided for you, which is a great benefit!