Into the Wild

You have read though Chapter 7 in the book, and now you will reflect on the content as well as the non-fiction writing style employed by the author.



Respond to the following questions:



1. What has been your initial impression of this book? How are you responding to the events, characters, plot, writing style? Explain.

2. What is one word you would use to describe Chris, in your opinion? Explain why you hold this opinion.

3. Identify any themes that you see emerging in the book. What is the author seeming to suggest about the human experience? About the need for individuality, independence, social conformity?

4. Make one text-to-text connection between something or someone in this book and another movie, book, TV show. Explain this.

5. Make one text-to-self connection between yourself and an event, idea, or character in this book. Explain.

6. Make one text-to-world connection between this book and and a story or situation from the larger society we live in. Explain this.

7. When you are finished, read Chapter 8.

Review

Task: Craft TWO reviews. One about a CD, movie, video game, or book you enjoyed and one about a CD, movie, video game, or book you did not. Follow the guidelines from yesterday's power point about writing reviews. If you do not have your notes, refer to the OWL website: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/704/01/.

BEFORE WRITING:
Go to any of the following web sites and read at least one review that is written in the same genre of the reviews you plan to write today:

1. The Star Tribune Entertainment
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/

2. Rolling Stone Magazine
http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews

3. New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/arts/index.html

WRITING:
If you are reviewing a book, movie, or video game:
a. Summarize the content. (1/5th of the review)
b. Review (your opinion) the plot. (1/5th)
c. Review the themes and motifs. (1/5th)
d. Review the main characters. (1/5th)
e. Review the writer’s/director’s/programmer’s style and artistry. (1/5th)
Include at least one quote, line of text/lyric, or direct description of the style that stands out and supports your opinion.

If you are reviewing a CD:
a. Provide an insightful general opinion of the album. (1/5)
b. Provide a brief bio of artist. (1/5)
c. Compare and contrast album to past works or other artists of similar style. (1/5)
d. Discuss specific highlights or downfalls of album. Avoid a track-by-track analysis, but include a review of one or two songs. (1/5)
e. Sum up the bottom-line: a hit or miss? Is it worth the $ and time? (1/5)hout revealing too much. (1/5)

Include at least one quote, line of text/lyric, or direct description of the style that stands out and supports your opinion.

AFTER WRITING:
Visit the blog of at least two classmates- individuals whose blogs you have NEVER visited. Read their reviews and complete the form. Turn in the form at the end of the hour.

20 Minutes with the President

Part one: The Sit-Down

One of the first things President Obama wants to do is meet with you individually to learn about what your biggest concerns are for our nation and world. He has scheduled 20 minutes of his day (a huge amount of time for the most powerful man in the world) to sit down with you one on one.

What issues would you bring up in those 20 minutes? What things do you want him to spend time, money, and resources on in the next four years? What are some of your solutions or ideas for these issues? Why are these the most critical issues?

OR write your response as a letter to him.

Part Two: In the Future...

Respond to each question in a short paragraph. Explain your reasoning.

1. In what ways do you think our nation and our world will be different in four years? You will be about 21-22. Will it be different? What issues do you believe will be addressed more closely as a result of the new administration? How do you hope our nation/world has changed by 2012? You can also focus on where you see yourself in four years. What predictions can you make about your life?

2. think way ahead now...to 2035. You will be in your- gulp!- 40s. You will have kids and jobs and bills. What will be the biggest issues facing our nation and world in 2035? Will the world be a better place? Why or why not? What will your life be like? What will you be doing? Where will you be living?