Assignment #3: Original Poem

Original Poem

Choose one of the following lines to begin an original poem. The line must be the first line or at least a part of the first line of your poem.

The emphasis will be on creating interesting, unique, powerful images.

Use a variety of poetic devices, diction, and sensory descriptions. (similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration…) Precise, interesting diction is essential.

Focus on senses other than sight.

A minimum length should be at least 20 lines. About the length of a song.

Make sure you have an interesting title.

You may use any form of verse. (Free verse or rhyme and meter)

Be creative with the lay-out of your poem on the paper – DO NOT centre it.

Some very creative students may want to try to include each of the lines in the poem.


It loomed in front of me…

The darkness (or the light) seemed to…

Drip… drip… drip…

If I could offer you my…

On cool afternoons…

HAND IN A PRINTED COPY AT THE END OF CLASS

Assignment #2: Write for Your Life

Write for Your Life

Our class has taken a field trip on a submarine - how cool! Unfortunately, due to mechanical problems, we are trapped on the ocean floor. Rescue is on the way, but there is not enough oxygen for all of us.

There will be enough oxygen, however, if I kill a few of you. It's tragic, but I have no choice. I need to sacrifice a few so that at least some of us can survive.

Your task is to write me a letter that convinces me that you should be chosen as someone who survives. Tell me what you've done in your life or perhaps what you plan to do that makes you special. Be creative - your life depends on it.

You must use perfect business letter format. Print a copy and present it to me. I will read them to the class and decide who lives and who dies.

John Doe
123 Green Ave
Penticton, B.C.
V2A 3W1

February 2, 2012

Captain Draude

Commander
HMS Princess Margaret

O Captain, My Captain:

Insert your plea for mercy here. Minimum 300 words. May be longer!

Sincerely,


John Doe

Blog Assignment #1

Your first assignment is to write a creative profile about yourself. The goal of the assignment is to develop a personal text that is entertaining which allows self expression.

Use a minimum of 300 words and concentrate on using proper word choice, grammar, and punctuation. Your task is to compose a profile that tells me something about you. Tell me a story about your past. Describe something you like to do. Create an alternative identity for yourself. Share your philosophy on life. Write about your life as though it were a scene from a movie.

Your profile must be between 100 and 150 words. Include at least one simile (a comparison using like or as) and at least one metaphor (a direct comparison). Try incorporating hyperboles (exaggerations), onomatopoeia (sound words), alliteration (words with the same beginning sounds), or an important quote. Write this in third person as if you were writing an entertaining magazine article, not a job application form.

Have fun!

Introduction to Blogs

Welcome to the world of blogging! You will have the opportunity to create a blog of your own and design it to complement your personal style. Use your blog as a showcase portfolio. This means that you will include your most thoughtful and polished work.

Blogs are an excellent method student self expression and may be a more comfortable way for students to write. Not only do computers ease editing practices, but also the option to use tools such as spellcheck, grammar check, and a thesaurus. Furthermore, students may also read each others' ideas, as well as draw from internet resources.

We will be using blogs for a number of assignments, therefore you will be graded on the blog site throughout the semester. Part of your mark will be based on having all of your assignments completed. Part of your mark will be based on your writing skills and the effort and detail you have put into your assignments.

Remember to follow the expectations for English 11 writing. Proper grammar, word choice, and punctuation must be used at all times. Do not use abbreviations or texting language. Always proofread your work and have someone else check your work. And ALWAYS have fun!

Remember that everything you put on your blog is public; therefore, do not post comments you would not feel comfortable having read in or outside of the classroom.