This year, Mrs. Kirkman's AP English Language class was fun overall. Personally, my favorite part of the classes was being able to use the smart board. It is a fun way to actually interact not only with the material you are learning, but also the students in the class. Our class was privledged by having the smart board installed at the beginning of the year. One of the least favorite things we did this year in class was reading passages and answering questions on them. Although it is important to be able to read and understand and given piece of literature, I personally find it very boring doing so. Aside from this, I found the class very fun and entertaining.
My favorite piece of literature we read this year was The Great Gatsby. It was a very interesting, and suspenseful book. We are already in the twenty-first century, and it was fun reading a book that was based on the early twentieth century. The time periods, a key factor in the novel, helped me set out the differences between then and now. My lease favorite piece of literature was Death of a Salesman. This novel was very short, not very suspenseful, and did not keep me entertained as a reader. While I was reading this play, I felt like I wanted to put the book down because of its lack of action.
Beside my least favorite activity, and my least favorite piece of literature, Mrs. Kirkman's AP English Language class is very fun and entertaining. I would not want to switch it with any other class!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Unpopular Student Ridiculed Mercilessly In Teacher's Lounge
In The Onion reporter, there is an article about teachers mocking an overweight seventh grader in school titled, "Unpopular Student Ridiculed Mercilessly In Teacher's Lounge". It is unclear who the author is, but the reader may assume it is someone working for theonion.com. Doug Durbin,not the most popular kid in middle school, is teased and made fun of be teachers in the teachers' lounge. The irony and humor here is that teachers (especially middle school teachers, teachers of those who are entering early adulthood) tease their students. Teachers are there for support, help and aid. These teachers are doing the exact opposite.
These teachers who tease Doug Durbin by saying "he sweats so bad", "I feel bad for [his teacher]" and "What a loser" obviously only judge their students by "their cover". These teachers seem like they do not give the kid a chance. Also, the humor here is that the United States judges by what they see way too much. Before even thinking about calling names and teasing the boy, these teachers should think twice about what they say, especially since everyone has a couple flaws in them.
These teachers who tease Doug Durbin by saying "he sweats so bad", "I feel bad for [his teacher]" and "What a loser" obviously only judge their students by "their cover". These teachers seem like they do not give the kid a chance. Also, the humor here is that the United States judges by what they see way too much. Before even thinking about calling names and teasing the boy, these teachers should think twice about what they say, especially since everyone has a couple flaws in them.
Coyote v. Acme
"Coyote v. Acme", written by Ian Fraizer, is a court case between a cartoon Coyote, and the company which supplies him with the merchandise (Acme) he uses for his work. The speaker here is Mr. Coyote's attorney, also known as the plaintiff. He speaks on behalf of Mr. Coyotes complaints and wants. The purpose of the essay is to show people the corrupt court system of the United States today, with a twist of humor in it. The subject of this essay is the court case. The whole essay is the plaintiff's argument for the judge.
The humor (suing for the stupidest of reasons) criticizes the United States court system today. In the essay, the attorney claims Mr. Coyote seeks nearly forty million dollars in damage and other losses. He is suing for Acme's lack of precaution while making the products, when it is actually Mr. Coyote's fault for not reading the directions and learning how to properly use the machinery. This example can closely relate to the United States dysfunctional court system. Although the reason of suing may not be legitimate, people may still sue others in the United States.
The humor (suing for the stupidest of reasons) criticizes the United States court system today. In the essay, the attorney claims Mr. Coyote seeks nearly forty million dollars in damage and other losses. He is suing for Acme's lack of precaution while making the products, when it is actually Mr. Coyote's fault for not reading the directions and learning how to properly use the machinery. This example can closely relate to the United States dysfunctional court system. Although the reason of suing may not be legitimate, people may still sue others in the United States.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
St. Patrick's Day in the United States
In the Los Angeles Times newspaper, there is an article about United States obsession over St. Patrick's Day titled, "St. Patrick's Day: Green rivers, green fountains, green beer" written by Dalina Castellanos. The Irish population and other St. Patrick's Day lovers of Chicago, Illinois gathered the Chicago River to turn it lime green. Along with changing the color of the river, thousands of people masked the city with green decorations, as well as painting their skin green. St. Patrick's Day, 2012, was the warmest St. Patrick's Day Chicago has received in 141 years. This was one major reason of celebration on Saturday, March 17.
Many parties and parades were hosted on Saturday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Irish or not, the United States definitely was out partying all night. It is nice that the people of the United States have a day where they can just forget about all the work they have, to relax and enjoy this wonderful celebration. Along with the rest of the country, the famous White House water fountain found on the front lawn of the White House even sprayed green water. Maybe next year, more than one river will be a shade of green.
Many parties and parades were hosted on Saturday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Irish or not, the United States definitely was out partying all night. It is nice that the people of the United States have a day where they can just forget about all the work they have, to relax and enjoy this wonderful celebration. Along with the rest of the country, the famous White House water fountain found on the front lawn of the White House even sprayed green water. Maybe next year, more than one river will be a shade of green.
Monday, March 5, 2012
SOAPST
The Great Gatsby takes place in New York City during the 1920s. During this time period, there was a great amount of illegal alcohol being sold and consumed, which is one factor the story lays on. The speaker of the novel is Nick. Nick tells the audience, the reader, about his life in New York City and how he wanted a fresh start on life. He explains extravagant parties and affairs between married couples. The Great Gatsby is a very interesting and mysterious novel. I cannot wait to finish the book and see what every detail symbolizes.
Because of the illegal alcohol consumption, and the large sum of money the speaker mentions, the reader can foreshadow a very mysterious and interesting story coming up. Not only does this book keep the suspense high, but it also keeps me reading to answer unknown questions. Who really is Gatsby and where did he get his money from. What is Nick going to do about his love life. All these questions can be answered by simply reading the book to understand all the unknown parts of the intense novel.
Because of the illegal alcohol consumption, and the large sum of money the speaker mentions, the reader can foreshadow a very mysterious and interesting story coming up. Not only does this book keep the suspense high, but it also keeps me reading to answer unknown questions. Who really is Gatsby and where did he get his money from. What is Nick going to do about his love life. All these questions can be answered by simply reading the book to understand all the unknown parts of the intense novel.
Importance of Language
Without language, the world today would be different. Language is an important factor not only in communication, but a key to social acceptance. When one communicates with different people, they use different words to describe something. This different choice of words is known as diction. Diction may contribute in helping to judge a person from a first impression, for example. Many people chose different words around different people, according to a level of respect, and closeness. This is totally fine and accepted across the world.
Along side diction, is dialect. Many different languages, such as Spanish or Armenian, have different dialects that people from different origins use to speak. A dialect may not seem very important, but it is. This can tell you what area a person is from. Different mentalities think differently. Many people do not accept others if they are not one of their own, meaning one who speaks the same dialect as them. On the other hand, there are those who are open to acceptance, no matter where they are from, or who they are. Language gives away ones true identity, which is very important, especially for a first impression.
Along side diction, is dialect. Many different languages, such as Spanish or Armenian, have different dialects that people from different origins use to speak. A dialect may not seem very important, but it is. This can tell you what area a person is from. Different mentalities think differently. Many people do not accept others if they are not one of their own, meaning one who speaks the same dialect as them. On the other hand, there are those who are open to acceptance, no matter where they are from, or who they are. Language gives away ones true identity, which is very important, especially for a first impression.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Party at My Place
If I was as rich as Jay Gatsby, my parties would be incredible. $100,000 is a lot of money. Spending that kind of money on only one party is just outright insane, but if someone is going to do it, they must do it right. My party will have such loud music that it is going to want to make my neighbors want to move away. A portion of the money will be spent on food and drinks. Alcohol will be served to the adults, and other sodas to the children. My party will not have pizza or hot dogs, but a full buffet for breakfast partying, a burrito stand for afternoon partying, and sushi chefs for late night partying.
If someone wants to take a break from all the long, hard partying, they can simply go to either the backyard where the pool is, or to the garage, which will be like a lounge for those who want to socialize. The backyard will have several slides, enclosed and open, all ending at the deep end of the enormous pool. The garage will not be your average garage where you keep cars or tools. My garage will consist of different rooms, like a game room, a bar, and even a theater! No matter where my guests are in the house, they will have an unforgettable time. This party will go down in history.
If someone wants to take a break from all the long, hard partying, they can simply go to either the backyard where the pool is, or to the garage, which will be like a lounge for those who want to socialize. The backyard will have several slides, enclosed and open, all ending at the deep end of the enormous pool. The garage will not be your average garage where you keep cars or tools. My garage will consist of different rooms, like a game room, a bar, and even a theater! No matter where my guests are in the house, they will have an unforgettable time. This party will go down in history.
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