Ben worked diligently on his homework. He had started it but professed he did not complete it and politely requested permission to complete it in class. As we had two sessions together, he was given permission to do so and gave the assignment a lot of thought. I read the sections that pertained to the question as the fond did not show enough contrast for him to read without difficulty, and Ben responded via voice -to-text. We shared an engaging discourse about his response and also reviewing the standard conventions of grammar - specifically run-on sentences, sentence fragments, comma and semicolon usage, and vocabulary (the term 'astute' as it was used). Ben was receptive and responsive to comments and amended his response in accordance with expectations; he elaborated his response when the question's directives were pointed out. We enjoyed a highly productive class and Ben's comments were reflective and insightful.

Analysis of contrasting views/inferential reasoning

In our readings in Book II Chapter V, Ben was prompted to examine and analyze why and how Winston changes and between what two contrasting points of view do he and Julia swing. Ben compared and contrasted the two different points of view of the two characters and noted that a former prediction he made turned out to be true. Ben will be assigned a homework assignment due Thursday, 3/20.

Ben arrived 1/2 late today and enthusiastically showed me two keyboards he built this week. He demonstrated its use and was clearly proud of his accomplishment. We spent the 15 minutes of class reviewing the prevalent themes in Orwell's "1984"novel, such as power and control, love and sexuality, and individual identity. Ben will be assigned homework next Tuesday, 3/18 when we are able to progress further in chapter V in Book II

Ben correctly inferred that a character has been vaporized. We read about how the Party and the entire city is readying people for Hate Week. Ben made interesting predictions about Winston's fate and the outcome of him potentially meeting O'Brian. We will determine the accuracy as we continue to read on in the book.

Ben brought in his homework on time and he answered the question with thoroughness and accuracy. Next, we began reading V and learned what happened to the character, Syme, why it's important, and how the protagonist, Winston, begins to change throughout the course of the chapter. Ben demonstrated a thorough understanding of the reasons behind Winston's metamorphosis.

We had a productive lesson as we read chapter V in Book II in its entirety. We discussed the romantic interlude between Winston and Julia in the room they rented from Mr. Charrington, the shop owner, and the significance of the objects in the room. We also analyzed the significance in the words of the sung by a woman outside. Ben reflected on the emphasis Orwell placed on the discussion of rats and made logical assumptions and predictions about it.

As we continued reading Book II, Chapter IV in George Orwell's novel "1984", Ben commented about the structure and use of language to create suspense. We explored the themes of manipulation, control, and repression and read about Winston and Julia meeting in a secret apartment as their relationship is forbidden by the Party.

Ben forgot to bring in or email me his homework, but I trust that he did it and I've asked for it to be turned in when we next meet; it is expected on Thursday. Ben summarized Book II Chapter 3. He explained that Winston and Julia wait to see each other again so that they don't rise suspicions and share details from their personal lives with each other. An important part of the chapter is when Julie tells Winston about her life and activities with many Party members. Ben discussed Winstons reaction to all the intimate details and inferred why he is fine with it - that he is happy in the knowledge that corruption happens often within the Party. The chapter ends with Julia drawing a map in the dust of the place they are to meet again. Ben demonstrates excellent inferential reasoning in his analysis of the novel.

We reviewed Ben's homework which is due tomorrow. Ben said he completed it over the weekend and will bring it in or send it to me tomorrow. To reinforce concepts in his homework, we defined "motif" and discussed examples in the novel, such as butter, razor blades, and real chocolate, and how they contribute to the theme.