Loyalton High's 9th Grade English Class

Of Mice and Men

2011-12-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

At the end of the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, George makes the painful choice to kill his best friend Lennie. From what you know about Lennie and George, their dreams for the future, and the tragedy resulting from Lennie's inability to control his own strength; is George justified in killing Lennie? Write a paragraph explaining your opinion complete with evidence from the text to support your claim and deep commentary or analysis of your evidence and opinions.

Be sure to introduce and blend your quote evidence so that your readers understand the context of each quote.

Characterization Rules!

2011-09-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Write a narrative of one or more paragraphs in which you show examples of direct and indirect characterization as we have defined them in class. We want to hear, see, and feel your characters! Your creative writing must include one out-of-order adjective phrase and one present participle phrase for more interesting reading. Don't forget correct punctuation and spelling. This is a formal writing assignment. No text speak language, PLEASE.

The Sun Goes Down on Summer

2011-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Steve Lawhead's poem, "The Sun Goes Down in Summer" creates a picture of a student returning to school after a long sweet summer. But is that all there is to the poem? Aside from the obvious surface message, what deeper messages or themes do you read in this work?

Write a paragraph describing at least one deeper message (ex. loss of freedom, being true to yourself, etc.), in the poem. Include one topic sentence (a sentence with a subject and an opinion) for each deeper message you describe and then a concrete detail to back it up (example quote from the poem that illustrates your opinion). Finally, add your commentaryabout how that quote proves your topic sentence to be true. You need to write at least two commentary sentences for each concrete detail or example you provide. Finish with aconcluding sentence.

I AM.....

2011-02-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Write a poem about yourself entitled, "I Am.." with the following guidelines: Each metaphor or object/person you compare yourself to must be modified by one participial phrase, one out-of-order adjective phrase, one absolute, and one appositive. Follow the directions handed out in class and use my poem as a model. Enjoy this. It's your turn!

I am

A Russian nesting doll,

Dancing colors, growing larger and smaller

A glass of Spanish red wine,

smooth, rich, bold

An adventurous traveler,

my backpack full of dirty cloths, old sandals, and new friends

A great belly laugh,

love medicine on a rainy day.

The Importance of Having a Dream

2010-11-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a dream for their future, but sometimes those dreams are hard to fulfill. From what we've discussed while reading the novel Of Mice and Men, explain the need for people to have dreams and why they are important to living a happy and satisfying life.

"The Most Dangerous Game"

2010-09-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

According to dictionary.com, the definition of 'civilized' is: “educated,” “at an advanced stage of cultural development,” “refined.”

With this definition in mind, do you consider General Zaroff to be a civilized man living a civilized life? Write a formal character analysis paragraph on Zaroff with a clear topic sentence, quoted evidence from the story to support your characterization, and your commentary or explanation of your evidence. Don't forget to wrap up your analysis with a strong concluding sentence or sentences.

The Sun Goes Down on Summer

2010-09-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Write a paragraph describing at least one deeper message (ex. loss of freedom, being true to yourself, etc.), in the poem. Include one topic sentence (a sentence with a subject and an opinion) for each deeper message you describe and then a concrete detail to back it up (example quote from the poem that illustrates your opinion). Finally, add your commentary about how that quote proves your topic sentence to be true. You need to write at least two commentary sentences for each concrete detail or example you provide. Finish with a concluding sentence.

Welcome to your English 9 class: The Writer's Voice

2010-08-21T15:14:00.001-07:00

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to your English 9 Blog. Here I will post a writing prompt as a new blog entry for your commentary, analysis, and discussion. The prompts will connect to the themes and ideas presented in the literature we're reading in class. Please write your responses in the comments section of the corresponding blog post and be sure to follow the formal writing and composition rules. No text message or chat language on this blog.

Also, be sure to check out the resources on the right side panel of this blog. There you will find a monthly list of class assignments and due dates. This is provided to keep you on track with your work. There are also writing and vocabulary resources.

Please share this website with your parents, friends and others who might be interested in what you're scholarly life at LHS is all about. Remember that a blog is open to the public and that means that your readers are going to come from everywhere: the school, the community and the world. So, do your best work and let your voice be heard.

2009-11-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a dream for their future, but sometimes those dreams are hard to fulfill. Based on your experience growing up in a poor rural area much like the setting of the novel, "Of Mice and Men," explain the need for people to have dreams and the forces that work against those dreams.

Our Writers

2009-09-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

"The Most Dangerous Game"

2009-09-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Civilization: “an advanced stage of development in human society.” Civilized: “educated,” “at an advanced stage of cultural development,” “refined.”

Do you consider General Zaroff to be a civilized man living a civilized life?

The Sun Goes Down on Summer

2009-08-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Steve Lawhead's poem, The Sun Goes Down in Summer" creates a picture of a student returning to school after a long sweet summer. But is that all there is to the poem? Aside from the obvious surface message, what deeper messages or themes do you read in this work?

Write a paragraph describing at least one deeper message (ex. loss of freedom, being true to yourself, etc.), in the poem. Include one topic sentence (a sentence with a subject and an opinion) for each deeper message you describe and then a concrete detail to back it up (example quote from the poem that illustrates your opinion). Finally, add your commentary about how you think that quote proves your topic sentence to be true. You need to write at least two commentary sentences.

Welcome to your LHS English 9 Class!

2009-08-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

I look forward to working with all of you this year as it will be full of interesting new learning experiences for everyone. This year, in addition to your usual in-class discussions and assignments, an important part of your English work and academic thoughts will be published on this classroom blog. Here you will find a list of assignments, important links, and a place to share your ideas.

To the right of this page, please notice some very important links: a calendar of assignment due dates, critical announcements, and helpful English language resources.

If you have any questions, comments, or ways of improving this blog page, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Enjoy your year!