IDEASontheline

As we have discussed, the plot in acts 1 and 2 is increasingly good for the young lovers. In acts 3 and 4,  the problems start to really develop. What part do you think Friar Laurence plays in their situation? Is he truly helping them or just causing more problems for them? Is he the cause of their downfall?  You may use MSN-speak for this assignment and you are encouraged to debate your arguments with your classmates.

We have now finished Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet. Please write a Retell, Relate, and Reflect on Act 2. Remember, I want to know about Shakespeare’s play, not about Baz Luhrmann’s film, so concentrate on what we have read! Divide your Retell into scenes.

For the Relate, compare Romeo and Juliet to some other media or story that you have seen or read.

For the Reflect, use our reading vocabulary (plot, characters, setting, scene, metaphor, irony, personification, pun, foretelling, etc.) to talk about how Shakespeare is doing as an author.

You have now finished reading Act 1. Write a page assignment on this act which includes a Recount, a Relate, and a Reflection. This is due on Monday, Feb. 25, 2008.

The Capulets and the Montagues have been fighting for many generations. Make up a 1 paragraph “legend” of the reason that they started to fight in the first place.

Please write down 5 adjectives for the following characters:

1. Benvolio (Romeo’s Friend)

2. Tybalt (Juliet’s Cousin)

Please don’t use any boring adjectives (i.e. big, bad, etc)

If need help, use the Thesaurus and the ‘Grammar Help Links’ on the English Blogroll. 

Yesterday we discussed the term “irony”.  For homework, please post a personal story that involved an ironic situation  (hint: think about the Alanis Morrisette song).

Listen to this song at:     

Due Date: Monday February 11, 2008

Hello room 47/48

Welcome to your class blog!  We will be using this blog for the next few months.  We hope you enjoy this new way of learning and doing your work.  However, it’s important that you understand that this is not MSN.  This is an educational blog, where you have the opportunity to respond to the postings from your teachers, as well as to your classmates’ responses to those postings.  You will be marked on your responses, and inappropriate responses will be deleted and will result in you losing marks. 

The guidelines are as follows:

1.  Comments must relate to the postings by the teachers.

2.  Always use your online name, not your real name.  If you are responding to a classmates’ comment, use their online name only.

3.  Comments must be written in standard English; do not use numbers to replace words, be sure spelling is correct, do not use short forms such as lol, and use capital letters and punctuation where required. 

4.  Comments must be posted under your own online identity and email address, not anyone elses.  If you post a comment under someone else’s ID, you risk losing your right to leave comments on the blog, and will have to respond on paper. 

We hope this will be a valuable and interesting learning tool for all of us.  Happy Blogging!