November 27, 2002

Come to class today to receive your marked essay, to write a practice reading comprehension test, and to obtain information on the new marking guides for the English 10 Essay Certificate Test.

Good news! The majority of students passed the essay practice. A few were very close to passing as well, so prepare well for passing the test in December!

 

 

PEARSON ADULT LEARNING CENTRE 
English 10: Writing and Class Discussion
Poetry: Writing about Poetry (In Essay Form)

November 13, 2002

This week, students will begin writing an essay based on the past two weeks of study of poetry. Your essay is due on Wednesday, November 20. Essays must follow the instructions below carefully and exactly. We will discuss the different parts of the essay and its structures today.

 

Introduction Paragraph (40 to 50 words)

Begins with a comment on the student’s prior experience with poetry (in one sentence). Then, the student will make a transition from this experience to the material studied in English 10 (one or two sentences). Finally, the student will write a thesis statement that states the three body paragraph topics: sound, figurative language (metaphor, simile, paradox), and structure.

Body Paragraph 1 (Sound—125-150 words)

Begins with a specific topic sentence. Gives three examples of sound devices (rhyme etc.) in the body. Quotes the relevant poem and words used to explain the sound devices to the reader (any reader who reads the paragraph will learn and understand the terms). Ends with a suitable concluding sentence.

Body Paragraph 2 (Figurative language—125-150 words)

Follows good body structure. Gives three examples of figurative language and uses quotes from the poem to explain. *Note that when a poet compares two things (as in a simile) the essay writer should comment on the strength and suitability of that comparison.

Body Paragraph 3 (Structure—125-150 words)

Follows good body structure. Gives three examples on use of stanzas, lines, and punctuation in the poems we have studied. Quotes the relevant poem when required.

Concluding Paragraph (40-50 words)

Restates the thesis without repeating the thesis exactly. Gives a general summary of the three body topics in a single sentence. Ends with a prediction about the student’s future interest in poetry.

 

 

 

Link to Three Poems for Study

The Three Oddest Words: Wislawa Szymborska

Erosion: E. J. Pratt

Dark Pines Under Water: Gwendolyn MacEwen

See the class notes.

 

 

PEARSON ADULT LEARNING CENTRE 
English 10: Writing and Class Discussion
Poetry: Creating a Definition

October 30, 2002

Today, we will work to create a personal definition for poetry. Then, we will work together to share opinions and create a group definition.

 

Writing our Ideas:

Write your personal definition of poetry below in a 50 to 75 word paragraph. Use some of these questions to guide your examples: What is poetry in your view? How important is poetry to your life? When have you read and/or written poetry? Why do you think poetry is created? (Use the back of this paper if necessary)

 Group Definition:

Find similarities among students' paragraphs and record them below.

Find differences among students' paragraphs and record them below.

Agree on a group definition of poetry and write it below. The class will discuss this definition together to reach a final conclusion on poetry.

 

 

Return to top