Bella reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied and took a quiz on the words. She was then introduced to a new set of SAT vocabulary that will be studied and applied during this week. She then read, analyzed, and discussed the next chapter of Escape from Camp 14. Bella then wrote a short essay explaining the reasons for the Chinese government's view that uncontrolled surge of impoverished Koreans refugees was unprofitable to their country. She also added her opinion and supported with text based evidence from the novel.
Cabo began the session by being introduced to a new set of SAT vocabulary. He applied the words in various sentences. He then read Chapter 23 of the Catcher in the Rye. Cabo then wrote an extended definition of the protagonist's concept of phoniness and explained why artificiality violates his values. Cabo went on to explain why children bring him happiness and peace. He used text-based support to substantiate his opinions.
Matthew took his final test (essay) on the novel during today's session. I distributed the next book, non fiction, and assigned homework for MONDAY-r. intro /read chapters 1-3
Bella read, discussed, and analyzed for theme the next chapter of Escape from Camp 14. Bella then wrote on the theme of alienation and its effects on the life of a human being. She then continued her SAT vocabulary study and applied the words to a prepared paragraph.
Cabo read, discussed, and analyzed chapter 22 Catcher in the Rye. I then read and discussed three different New York Times reviews of the novel. Cabo used text to support his agreement or disagreement with the reviews/ He then took a test on an SAT vocabulary unit of study.
For our final class discussion on the novel before the test, I placed on the board a series of questions to summarize the novel's inquires: What is Ivan's epiphany ? Where in the text is the epiphany revealed and articulated ? Is Ivan a static character? . I further outlined analysis steps including tying symbols and themes. Matthew discussed Ivan's moral awakening and worked locating the textual support. As Ivan indeed does realign his moral compass on his deathbed, we discussed why Ivan ,hence, can not be described as a static character. We last explored the symbol of light and its religious significance given Tolstoy's religious fervor that prompted this novel as well as his later writings . Additionally, we discussed and modified Matthew's study guide answers to incorporate today's class discussion. HW-study for final test on novel.
Bella read and discussed chapter 16 Escape from Camp 14. She analyzed and discussed the permeability of the border between North and South Korea and the effect on the number of defectors. She wrote a journal entry on the topic of freedom and the effect of freedom on one's life and relationships. She then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied and took a quiz.
