Mr. Del Ferraro's English 8 Class

Poetry Study Guide

2012-02-09T18:04:00.001-05:00

Here is the poetry study guide that you can use to help prepare for the test. Remember that it will be part matching and part multiple-choice.

Alliteration: repeating sounds at the start of words.
                     Dirty dog, frigid frog, white whale, drab door

Sensory details: any details that a writer uses that evoke or bring about the senses in the writing. Remember, writers can make you see, feel, smell, hear, or taste.

Personification: when a nonhuman object/animal is given human traits, abilities, or actions.
                           The kettle yelled at me, signaling that the water was ready.
                           The mosquito sucked away at my blood in anger, cursing at me the whole time.

Simile: a comparison of two unlike things using like, as, or than.
Your smile is brighter than the sun.
Frodo is smaller than a grain of sand.

Metaphor: a comparison of two unlike things. DO NOT use like, as, or than!
Your smile is the shining sun
The tree is an empty barren desert

Mood: the emotions that a poet tries to bring out in his/her poem.

Stanza: a "paragraph" for poetry

Line: the most basic units of poetry. Series of lines make up stanzas.

Hyperbole: when a writer exaggerates something that isn't really that important for comical effect.
Ah, this paper cut. My finger's about to fall off!
Selena Gomez's songs are more beautiful than a chorus of angels.

Understatement: when a writer makes something seem not important when it actually is.
I lost a couple of limbs in the accident, whatever.
It was just an 8.5 earthquake, that's all.

Perfect/exact rhyme: when most of a pair of words rhyme with each other.
Berry/very Tough/rough House/mouse

Near/half rhyme: when only a small part of the end of a pair of words rhyme with each other.
Proud/thud Dog/fog

Eye rhyme: when a word looks like it should rhyme but it actually does not.
Rough/bough

Rhyme scheme: a pattern of rhymes at the end of lines of poetry.
AA BB CC DD EE FF is an example of rhyme scheme.
ABAB CDCD EEFF GG is another example of rhyme scheme.

Cool sites to make timelines and charts/graphs

2012-01-18T08:24:00.001-05:00

Site to make timelines

http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/materials/timeline/

Site to make charts and/or graphs

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/

Editing mistakes in our guidebook

2012-01-17T14:50:00.001-05:00

Today we fixed up our writing before we had a chance to format. Here are the steps to take:

1) Click under TOOLS in the Word menu, then click on SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. Fix any mistakes that the computer catches.

2) Click under EDIT in the Word menu, then click on FIND. Then, search for:

A) It's. The only proper way to use it's is when you want to say it is.
B) You're: the only proper way to use you're is when you want to say you are.
C) They're: the only proper way to use they're is when you want to say they are.
D) Their: the only proper way to use their is when you are using it to show possession or ownership.
E) Too: too can mean more than needed or can mean also or in addition.

Nonfiction Guidebook Grading Rubric

2012-01-12T14:46:00.002-05:00

Here is the link to the rubric for the Nonfiction Guidebook Grading Rubric. Just click here and you'll be able to see the rubric. Use this to check against your paragraphs and to improve your writing.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqJcvTC-pxUQdGI2YTJhQkpfSzJ4aWpCVzFLNmoxSVE

Revising for vocabulary and I/me/my

2012-01-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

1) You want to be able to have a great vocabulary in your writing. Begin by picking the most appropriate word that really explains what you are trying to get across. Also, be sure to use specific subject-related vocabulary in your paragraph.

2) Remove I/me/my from your paragraphs. This will make your writing more professional and fits better with the genre.

DDF

Headlines and headings for nonfiction guidebooks

2012-01-09T14:18:00.001-05:00

Here are some great ideas for headlines and headings:

• Make them funny, clever, and witty
• Use alliteration/assonance
• Create a play on words
• Short and sweet
• Draws the reader in

Here are some of my ideas:

A Man of Many Talents
Determined Dali
The Dali Way
Cheesy Dali
Salvador Dali: the myth, the man, the legend

What paragraphs to include in your nonfiction guidebook

2012-01-05T14:04:00.003-05:00

Here are the seven paragraphs that you need to have completed for your nonfiction guidebook:

1) Compare and contrast

2) Cause and effect

3) Argument

4) Problem and solution

5) Two paragraphs, written any way, about two different subtopics
6) General introductory paragraph

Notes on how to write paragraphs 1-4 are up on this site. Just keep looking at all the posts. :)

General introduction to our guidebook

2012-01-05T13:58:00.001-05:00

Most nonfiction guidebooks have a paragraph, a page, or a chapter devoted to a general introduction about the topic. We are going to have the same thing because it will tie all our subtopics together. Make sure you:

• Make your intro exciting
• Think about making a joke or being light-hearted
• Possibly ask an interesting question
• In the last sentence or two introduce your topics (remember those 6 paragraphs you wrote in class?)

Here's my intro:

Did you know that Salvador Dali was famous for his crazy mustache? Although this is true, he was even more famous for the amazing art that he created during his lifetime. Few people can disagree about how much of an influence his art had on the world. This guidebook will focus on his kinds of art, how others influenced him, his "paranoiac-critical" style, his use of clocks, and why he's one of the most amazing artists of all time.

Problem/Solution for nonfiction guidebook

2012-01-05T13:24:00.000-05:00

Life is full of problems. When we watch movies we sometimes get the wrong impression that there is always one perfect solution to every problem. In life, though, we discover that there are often more solutions to problems. Sometimes, also, solutions don't always fix the problem.

We focused in on one problem from our nonfiction topic, created a box and bullets to go with it, then wrote out a paragraph. Here's mine:

Problem: Help! I don't know what the soft clocks mean in Dali's paintings. Can you help?

Solution 1: Dali was served a warm cheese at a restaurant that melted. EUREKA!
Solution 2: Soft things don't last forever.
Solution 3: Time is relative.

You have probably looked at Salvador Dali's "The Persistence of Memory" and wondered, "What's going on with those melting clocks?" Actually, there's an interesting start to this. Dali was served a warm cheese that was melting and he became inspired. He believed that soft things in the world like clocks or skin are only temporary and don't last forever. This is shown in sharp contrast to the Earth and sea that are solid and forever lasting in his paintings...

Arguing about your nonfiction topic!

2012-01-03T13:17:00.001-05:00

Thinking back to when we argued about a school-related topic, we followed a procedure to help us. To start off, we had to create an argument. Then, we broke down the argument into misconceptions and then truths. From there we turned all of this into a paragraph. Here's my sample:

Argument: Dali is one of the most creative artists of all time.

Misconception: Salvador Dali was just weird and had no actual talent.

     Truth: Dali also drew classical paintings and portraits with incredible detail.

Misconception: Salvador Dali's work is too hard to understand.

     Truth: Dali's art makes you feel a certain way and that's the key.

     Truth: Dali painted with symbols that were repeated in his work.

     Although some people might disagree, Salvador Dali is one of the most creative artists. The first reason is that he had a very detailed and classical style. This didn't always show through because people just concentrated on how weird he was and how strange his paintings could be...

Cause and effect in your nonfiction book

2011-12-21T15:18:00.003-05:00

Cause: Salvador Dali became a better artist as a result of interacting with friends and family.

Example 1: Llucia, his nanny. She sparked his imagination.
Example 2: He enters San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Art in Madrid. He meets Garcia Lorca and Luis Bunel and records his first film. He now has a love of film that will spill over to the rest of his career.
Example 3: Joins a surrealist group in Paris. He becomes edgier and pushes the boundaries of art. Andre Breton expels him from the group!

Now, I turn this ideas into a paragraph:

Salvador Dali grew as an artist when he interacted with other people. For example, his childhood nanny, Llucia, inspired him with stories and sparked his imagination. Years later, Dali would become famous for his "insane" view of the world and his own imagination. Another example of him growing was when he went to the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Art in Madrid...

Sixth Grade Paragraphs Study Guide Rules

2011-12-21T15:10:00.002-05:00

1) Pick your favorite two paragraphs that you created for the sixth grade study guide.

2) Type up both paragraphs.

3) Use 12 point font, Arial.

4) Use 1.5 spacing.

5) Give a title to each paragraph.
      a) Have the title be in bold, 16 point Arial.
      b) Center the title.

6) At the end of the paragraph, skip a line, use a - and write your name:
     -Daniel Del Ferraro

7) Each paragraph is on a separate page.

Compare and contrast...now with your nonfiction topic

2011-12-19T14:30:00.000-05:00

We have created our subtopics for the nonfiction book that we chose in Ms. Scimone's class, so now it's time to move on. Yes, we're moving onto our first paragraph. First, we'll start with one of our subtopics that we think we can compare and contrast with. I looked at my topics and the one that made the most sense was about Dali's different forms of art. I noted the differences between his painting and his photography in a Venn Diagram, but also mentioned some similarities.

From there, I turned the Venn Diagram into a paragraph.

Remember: start off your paragraph with a topic sentence. You can ask yourself: "What will this paragraph be about?" Your answer is your first sentence!

From there, add in the details from your Venn. Make sure to use words such as "while," "although," "in comparison," "in contrast," and "even though."

Problem/solution organization and paragraph writing for nonfiction

2011-12-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

In life, we are often faced with many problems. We discover, though, that there are many ways to face those problems. I thought about what problems sixth graders face at the start of the year and/or during the year. I then picked one of the problems that I felt strongly about.

Problem: Help! I can't get to class on time. :( ;-(

Solution 1: Don't spend so much time talking with your friends in between classes.

Solution 2: Only go to your locker at set times.

Solution 3: Go the quickest way to class.

The next step is to turn our ideas into a paragraph.

If you're always late to class, pay close attention to these tips. To start off, you shouldn't talk to your friends for 30 minutes while you are by your locker. Instead, you could talk with your friends at lunch or while you are walking to class...

Arguing and defending a point

2011-12-14T14:25:00.003-05:00

If we ever hope to win arguments in life, we need to know how to defend our ideas. For example, you won't just go up to your boss and demand a raise. You need to go to your boss with a list of reasons why and explain why you deserve the raise. The same is true about our ideas: we need to convince people to believe like we do.

Here's my sample from class:

Argued topic: Homework isn't too difficult

*What people say: HW takes too much time
   *Argument against this: You should spend 10-20 minutes per class.
   *If you concentrate and work in a quiet spot, you'll work quicker.

*What people say: HW is too hard.
   *Argument against this: Teachers prepare you to do well and complete HW.
   *You can also see teachers for extra help.

Many sixth graders think that HW is too hard, but it really isn't. To begin, some people think that HW takes just too much time. Actually, if you sit in a quiet space...

Notice how I used BUT in my topic sentence? This shows the contrast between what people believe wrongly and what I believe. I need to refer back to words like "but," "actually," "yet," "despite," and "although" to show the difference in thought.

Analyzing a topic with a slant/angle

2011-12-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

Let's face it: sometimes what's reported as the truth isn't always the truth. Sometimes there are different sides to a story, right? Well, when a writer tackles a topic with a slant or angle, he or she is trying to tell a different side. In other words, you're looking at a topic in a fresh, unique way.

Here's my example from class:

Topic: Time Management

Angle: A little work here and there makes things better.

Managing your time in sixth grade doesn't have to be difficult. Some people actually get stressed out because of work, but they aren't doing one thing right: dividing up their time properly. Yes, the more you procrastinate, the more work that you have to do later. Instead, you should...

Another example might be the angle of "Studying is best when done with a friend." This is a unique topic and is different than your average, ordinary paragraph about studying.

Cause and effect in writing

2011-12-12T13:15:00.001-05:00

In writing, we often present topics in terms of cause and effect. In other words, if I do something, there will be certain effects or results for my action.

Here is my practice for "Organization" from the study guide:

Causes
--------
Keep binders organized
Keep locker organized
Keep agenda organized

Effects/results
-----------------
It will be harder to lose things
You'll be prepared for class and will have all of your materials
You'll know what is for homework and when assignments are due

Sample start to paragraph

Staying organized in sixth grade will help you to do your best. After you have kept your binders organized, you'll see that you'll be able to find your work easily. So, when you get to class, you'll have your homework and notes all in the right spot...

Words used to compare and contrast

2011-12-12T13:05:00.000-05:00

We talked about comparing and contrasting ideas and topics in class with our Venn diagram. Here are some phrases to put into your writing:

In fifth grade we...now in sixth grade we...

In sixth grade we...but in fifth grade we...

Although...

Even though...

While...

Organizing subtopics by comparing and contrasting

2011-12-12T12:59:00.000-05:00

One way that we can organize our thoughts is by comparing and contrasting ideas within a topic. This will help to set up our paragraph and make it amazing. One of the best ways to compare and contrast is by using a Venn diagram. Here is the Venn diagram that we completed in class:

Realistic Fiction Directions Explained

2011-12-02T12:19:00.000-05:00

Rubric for Realistic Fiction Writing Unit

2011-12-02T11:41:00.001-05:00

	4	3	2	1
Classwork	Works hard and helps others to work hard; always prepared.	Works well; occasionally having to be redirected; occasionally unprepared.	Creates some work, but not enough with the time given; has to be redirected often; often unprepared.	Works on and off, not accomplishing much; rarely prepared; keeps others from accomplishing goals.
Language Usage	Language is sophisticated and inventive. The writer uses original poetic language.	Language is clear. The writer uses some poetic language.	The language is mostly clear. The writer has not used poetic language.	Passages are not clearly written. The writer has not used poetic language.
Development	Narrative develops with at least four key scenes, each written long, bit by bit.	Narrative develops with three or four key points, some of which have been written long, bit by bit.	Narrative develops with two or three key points, few of which have been written long, bit by bit.	Narrative is exceedingly brief, relying exclusively on summary.
Setting	Setting is well described as part of the narrative and is worked into the dialogue; seems seamless	Setting is described as part of the narrative and is worked into the dialogue	Setting is described as part of the dialogue or is worked into the dialogue	Setting is barely mentioned or isn't mentioned at all
Characters	The desire of the main character is clearly described through scenes; the struggles clearly get in the way of the main character achieving his/her goal; complex characters	The desire of the main character is described through scenes; the struggles get in the way of the main character achieving his/her goal; slightly complex characters	The desire of the main character is not clear and/or not told through scenes; the struggles slightly get in the way of the main character achieving his/her goal; character is mostly flat	The desire of the main character is not stated; there are no struggles or they don't interfere with the main character; character is plain and flat
Meaning	Story relates an exceptionally meaningful experience in the character’s life.	Story relates a meaningful, realistic experience in the character’s life.	Story relates a predictable experience in the character’s life.	Story is unfocused. The writer doesn’t understand the task.
Structure	Story begins with a compelling scene. Conflicts build, and the sequence of events is clear and easy to follow. The denouement shows conflicts are resolved.	Story begins with a predictable scene. The conflict is apparent, and the sequence of events is mostly easy to follow. The denouement brings the narrative to a neat conclusion.	Story begins randomly. The conflict may not be apparent, and the sequence of events is not always easy to follow. The denouement may be missing.	Story begins randomly. The conflict is not apparent, and the sequence of events is difficult to follow. The denouement may be missing.
Grammar	Writer demonstrates mastery of dialogue punctuation, capitalization, paragraphing, and apostrophe usage.	Writer demonstrates few errors in “4.”	Writer demonstrates multiple errors in “4.”	Errors in “4” interfere with readability.

Final Draft of Personal Narrative Checklist

2011-12-02T11:39:00.001-05:00

Final Draft of Personal Narrative

Assigned: 12/2

Due: 12/16

Total work time: 14 nights

Requirements need to be initialed and dated by the writer:

________ ________ Init. Date	12 point font such as Times New Roman or Arial
________ ________ Init. Date	Clear font choice—no script or weird stuff that’s hard to read!
________ ________ Init. Date	Black font only
________ ________ Init. Date	Title in 16 point bold font, centered Include name in title (don’t capitalize by): Writing Towards Freedom by Daniel Del Ferraro
________ ________ Init. Date	Number each page
________ ________ Init. Date	Write date of publishing, centered, at the end of your story: October 25, 2011
________ ________ Init. Date	1.5x (one and a half) spacing
________ ________ Init. Date	Spelling and grammar check
________ ________ Init. Date	Proofread your work
________ ________ Init. Date	Staple pages together
________ ________ Init. Date	Hand in rough draft and final draft

Parent Signature upon completion: _____________________________________________

The Most Common Mistakes in Writing

2011-12-02T11:31:00.001-05:00

Fix these mistakes in your stories and improve the quality of your work. Readers don’t like finding mistakes in stories and writing.

It’s: it is. This is the ONLY way to use it’s. Every other usage is its.

Their: something belongs to them

They’re: they are.

There: a location

Your: something belongs to you

You’re: you are

Accept: to receive something, to agree

Except: to not include something, exclude

Could of, should of, would of: all of these phrases are incorrect.

Could have, should have, would have: these phrases are used correctly.

How to Use Transitions in Stories

2011-12-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

Using transitions in your story

Transition words and phrases are essential in linking up scenes in our stories. Without transition words, our story will seem jumpy, awkward, and confusing. Here are some ideas on how to create transitions from scene to scene:

Create a transition in setting:

After we got out of the car…

When we opened the door...

Create a transition based on time:

The next day...

After finally talking to him...

Create a large break in time by:

Skipping two lines

Centering *** between two paragraphs

Create a heading to show a time shift:

Two Days Later

The Next Day

When Should I Create New Paragraphs in My Story?

2011-11-30T15:01:00.001-05:00

How do we know when to start a new paragraph?

When you start in on a new topic
When you start a new idea
When you skip to a new time
When you skip to a new place
When a new person begins to speak
When you want to produce a dramatic effect