Today we read Act 2 Scenes 3 4 5 and 6.
We talked about the religious significance in the play so far.We talked about how the idea of changing religion has come up 3 times already in the play (note: it is always the Jews having to change to Christian never the other way round).Wea lso talked about all the "brilliant" insults in the play and how most of them are dirrected at Shylock.
Mr Sharpe also reminded us again what a brilliant and confident writer Shakespear is ashe can even make jokes about his oter plays.We then watched what we read on the DVD.
HOMEWORK for Tuesday 4th of March
Have your talk Prepared as some people will be doing them on Tuesday.
Good Luck
sh =)
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Tuesdays Class
Today in class we went down to the LRC to reasearch and plan our talks. People had the chance to go on the computers and do powerpoints or they could look through books provided for their subject of the the talk which we will be doing on tuesday next week.
mm =)
mm =)
S5 - "No Holds Barred fighting is too violent and should be banned"
Hey folks,
Monday's lesson focussed on poaching ideas from the handouts provided, and also included work on organising, structuring and linking ideas with connectives, such as "another viewpoint is..." or "in addition, futher evidence is provided by...". This will help your arguments flow together.
You are now independently writing outside of school hours, and successfully negotiated (see - I told you persuasion is the most important skill from English!) an extention to the homework deadline.
I'll now be collecting and grading your pieces on Monday, 3rd March. It's a NAB, so it will be a pass/fail grade only.
Good luck!
Monday's lesson focussed on poaching ideas from the handouts provided, and also included work on organising, structuring and linking ideas with connectives, such as "another viewpoint is..." or "in addition, futher evidence is provided by...". This will help your arguments flow together.
You are now independently writing outside of school hours, and successfully negotiated (see - I told you persuasion is the most important skill from English!) an extention to the homework deadline.
I'll now be collecting and grading your pieces on Monday, 3rd March. It's a NAB, so it will be a pass/fail grade only.
Good luck!
S3 - "99 Ways to tell a Story" - Tuesday 26th February
Today's lesson focussed on retelling a basic story, creating atmosphere and a sense of setting in a short creative piece of writing. You fun-loving beasts wrote collaboratively in different genre.
It was based on Matt Madden's book of stylised cartoons, some examples of which are here.
If you missed the lesson and wanted to give this a try, the genre to chose from are: horror, war, teen gross-out comedy, western, romance, historical novel (think castles!) detective whodunnit or science fiction.
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Fridays class
On Friday Mr Sharpe first told us about the sponsored read, where you read books to raise money for children with illnesses.
We then got told about what we had to include in our talk "A moment in time". We have to inform and entertain the people who are watching and when planning it we have to use the 50:50 rule. He also told us to make sure that it is interesting and we present it well.
After that we got to watch the Simpsons. It was the one where Lisa entered a public speaking competition to win a trip for her and her family to go to Washington DC. This was to help us with how to present our talk.
Finally at the end of the lesson Mr Sharpe gave us homework to think of ideas for our talk.
bm x :)
We then got told about what we had to include in our talk "A moment in time". We have to inform and entertain the people who are watching and when planning it we have to use the 50:50 rule. He also told us to make sure that it is interesting and we present it well.
After that we got to watch the Simpsons. It was the one where Lisa entered a public speaking competition to win a trip for her and her family to go to Washington DC. This was to help us with how to present our talk.
Finally at the end of the lesson Mr Sharpe gave us homework to think of ideas for our talk.
bm x :)
Friday, 22 February 2008
Persuasive Writing for Intermediate 1 - Is NHB too violent?
Hi Everyone
If you want electronic versions of today's resources, you can listen to the audio section here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/listen/interviews.shtml
BBC Articles which might be interesting (including videos)
http://search.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/search/results.pl?tab=all&go=homepage&scope=all&q=ultimate+fighting
http://www.ufc.com/ for more background information.
Enjoy, and keep your hands up!
Mr Sharpe
If you want electronic versions of today's resources, you can listen to the audio section here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/listen/interviews.shtml
BBC Articles which might be interesting (including videos)
http://search.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/search/results.pl?tab=all&go=homepage&scope=all&q=ultimate+fighting
http://www.ufc.com/ for more background information.
Enjoy, and keep your hands up!
Mr Sharpe
21/02/08 Act 2 Scene 2
During yesterdays lesson we first arranged the seats like a theatre from the time of the Merchant of Venice with peasants at the front, standing and rich people at the back, sitting then we read Act 2 scene 2 and we seen how Launcelot played a cruel trick on his father, Gobbo, by telling him his son(Launcelot) had died. He then convinces Gobbo that he is indeed Launcelot.
Also during this scene we seen Bassanio tell Gratiano that he was far too loud to come with him on his trip to "woooo" (< Mr Sharpe's Favourite), Porchia and the scene ends with Gratiano begging Bassanio to come and Bassanio telling him maybe.
After reading the the scene we watched the same scene on the video although what we had read was an awful lot longer than the video.
cm =]
Also during this scene we seen Bassanio tell Gratiano that he was far too loud to come with him on his trip to "woooo" (< Mr Sharpe's Favourite), Porchia and the scene ends with Gratiano begging Bassanio to come and Bassanio telling him maybe.
After reading the the scene we watched the same scene on the video although what we had read was an awful lot longer than the video.
cm =]
Thursday, 21 February 2008
S2 - Homework - Mark your Own!
Hi S2
Remember, I am trusting you to mark your own work! But I'll still be looking in your jotters at some point soon, so don't be too generous!
1.Why does Shylock ask if Antonio is “a good man” (12)?
He wants to know whether Antonio would be able to repay the debt
And/or
He wants to know that Antonio is well respected
2.Look at lines 38 – 48. What is the first reason Shylock gives for hating Antonio?
He hates him because he is a Christian
3.Why do you think this speech is given as an aside?
Shylock is telling the audience how he feels, but he doesn’t want to let Antonio or Bassanio know
4.“I cannot tell, I make it breed as fast” (93) – what technique is this an example of, and what is being compared?
Technically this is a simile, although case could also be argued that it is a metaphor. The speed with which Shylock can make money is like the speed sheep breed, so these two thnigs are being compared.
5.Look again at lines 103 – 126.
a)Write a list of the other reasons why Shylock hates Antonio.
Antonio “rated” him(as in 'berated'), called him “misbeliever, cut-throat dog”, spat on him and kicked him
b)Of all the reasons Shylock gives in this scene, which do you think he feels is the main reason. Give reasons for your decision
He hates him for being a Christian – it is the first reason he gives, and the differences drive all the other insults. BUT answer should be based on well justified opinion.
6.How does Antonio ‘sell’ the idea of lending him the money to Shylock. Quote the lines that show this.
He tries to tell Shylock to take more pleasure in having an enemy in his debt:
“…lend it not as to thy friends …
But lend it rather to thine enemy
Who if he break, thou mayst with better face
Exact the penalty”
7.Think about the bond between Antonio and Shylock:
a)Who comes up with the idea first?
Shylock
a)Do you think they are serious?
No / Yes – judge on merit of the evidence in part (b)
b)Explain your answer with reference to the text.
No – reference to “merry sport”
Yes - Reference to hatred of Antonio
8.How does Bassanio respond to the bond?
He doesn’t want Antonio to take Shylock’s money:
“you shall not seal to such a bond for me
I’ll rather dwell in my necessity”
10.“The Hebrew will turn Christian, he grows kind” (176)
Where have we heard a similar but contrasting thought before?
Shylock says: “Cursed be my tribe If I forgive him” which contrasts against the idea that he is so kind to Antonio that Antonio feels he is converting to Christianity.
Remember, I am trusting you to mark your own work! But I'll still be looking in your jotters at some point soon, so don't be too generous!
1.Why does Shylock ask if Antonio is “a good man” (12)?
He wants to know whether Antonio would be able to repay the debt
And/or
He wants to know that Antonio is well respected
2.Look at lines 38 – 48. What is the first reason Shylock gives for hating Antonio?
He hates him because he is a Christian
3.Why do you think this speech is given as an aside?
Shylock is telling the audience how he feels, but he doesn’t want to let Antonio or Bassanio know
4.“I cannot tell, I make it breed as fast” (93) – what technique is this an example of, and what is being compared?
Technically this is a simile, although case could also be argued that it is a metaphor. The speed with which Shylock can make money is like the speed sheep breed, so these two thnigs are being compared.
5.Look again at lines 103 – 126.
a)Write a list of the other reasons why Shylock hates Antonio.
Antonio “rated” him(as in 'berated'), called him “misbeliever, cut-throat dog”, spat on him and kicked him
b)Of all the reasons Shylock gives in this scene, which do you think he feels is the main reason. Give reasons for your decision
He hates him for being a Christian – it is the first reason he gives, and the differences drive all the other insults. BUT answer should be based on well justified opinion.
6.How does Antonio ‘sell’ the idea of lending him the money to Shylock. Quote the lines that show this.
He tries to tell Shylock to take more pleasure in having an enemy in his debt:
“…lend it not as to thy friends …
But lend it rather to thine enemy
Who if he break, thou mayst with better face
Exact the penalty”
7.Think about the bond between Antonio and Shylock:
a)Who comes up with the idea first?
Shylock
a)Do you think they are serious?
No / Yes – judge on merit of the evidence in part (b)
b)Explain your answer with reference to the text.
No – reference to “merry sport”
Yes - Reference to hatred of Antonio
8.How does Bassanio respond to the bond?
He doesn’t want Antonio to take Shylock’s money:
“you shall not seal to such a bond for me
I’ll rather dwell in my necessity”
9. Explain the significance of the lines below: what do they mean, and what do they tell us about Shylock?
“A pound of man’s flesh taken from a man
Is not so estimable, profitable neither,
As flesh of muttons, beefs or goats.” (162-164)
Shylock thinks about the flesh as being worthless – it isn’t even as valuable as beef, goat or mutton because it can’t be eaten or sold. At this point, he seems to be only interested in the money. However, it does also link back to the extended imagery of sheep that we've seen throughout the scene.
10.“The Hebrew will turn Christian, he grows kind” (176)
Where have we heard a similar but contrasting thought before?
Shylock says: “Cursed be my tribe If I forgive him” which contrasts against the idea that he is so kind to Antonio that Antonio feels he is converting to Christianity.
Tuesday's Lesson - 19th February
We watched act 1 on the movie of The Merchant of Venice. We then acted out two scenes. One of the Prince of Morroco and Portia. The other Lancelot and Gobbo.
sm
sm
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Tuesday 19th. Essay evaluation, Learning old words
Today Mr.Sharpe decided we should see the first draft of our "Conduct Unbecoming" essays.
He showed some good examples of introductions and basically we are to use as many liking sentences/paragraphs as possible. See last post for good examples and what linking paragraphs are. The introductions are not to be too short and should be clear as to what you are going to do. Easy.
In our essays we are NOT to tell Mr. Sharpe how hard we worked on our essays or how long, this is because he doesent care. What a meanie.
We also spent a while talking about "there, they're and their".
There is the opposite of here we can remember this because of the "here" in "there".
They're is an abbreviation of "they are" you should know this though.
Their is typically used when talking about objects, e.g. "This is their house."
How comforting it is to know that 3rd years cannot understand this, so if you were wondering whether Standard Grade English is hard, question answered.
N.F.
He showed some good examples of introductions and basically we are to use as many liking sentences/paragraphs as possible. See last post for good examples and what linking paragraphs are. The introductions are not to be too short and should be clear as to what you are going to do. Easy.
In our essays we are NOT to tell Mr. Sharpe how hard we worked on our essays or how long, this is because he doesent care. What a meanie.
We also spent a while talking about "there, they're and their".
There is the opposite of here we can remember this because of the "here" in "there".
They're is an abbreviation of "they are" you should know this though.
Their is typically used when talking about objects, e.g. "This is their house."
How comforting it is to know that 3rd years cannot understand this, so if you were wondering whether Standard Grade English is hard, question answered.
N.F.
Monday, 18 February 2008
Friday 5th
On friday it was the last day term so we did something fun.
We were given a card which had a colour and the name of a dog we had to save, so we had to write a couple of paragraphs on why our dog should be saved.
Then we had to make a presentation to our group to explain why our dog should be saved, and then each group took a vote. Only 3 dogs could be saved from each group of 8.
We were given a card which had a colour and the name of a dog we had to save, so we had to write a couple of paragraphs on why our dog should be saved.
Then we had to make a presentation to our group to explain why our dog should be saved, and then each group took a vote. Only 3 dogs could be saved from each group of 8.
Monday, 11 February 2008
S3 - Essay Feedback
Hi everyone.
I'm sure no-one will be checking back here during the holidays, but in case you are..
Essay feedback - good examples from good pupils! Feel free to modify ideas to improve your own work!
Introductions
"Conduct Unbecoming" is a play of honour, mystery and romance. Written by Barry England, "Conduct Unbecoming" has all the potential to be a good, mysterious play. At the outset of the drama script we are introduced to two characters, Millington and Drake, who are throughout the book, contrasted with each other. Drake is made to seem optimistic, serious and very ambitious. Millington, on the other hand, is seen as slightly pessimistic, has a laid back attitude and has the desire to fail and be rejected. Act one ends with Millington being accused and arrested of a crime he seems oblivious to. - KA
"Conduct Unbecoming" is a play written by Barry England. It is set in India during the 1880s. It is about two young subalterns on probation in the army. The two main characters couldn't be more different. Milington, the son of a general is trying to make the worst possible impression on the officers of the regiment so he can get dismissed and go back to England. Drake, the son of a major wants to make the best possible impression and from the minute he and Milington arrive he is apprehensive that Millington's mocking and ironic behaviour will reflect badly on him. - AA
Linking paragraph
In this essay I aim to establish the contrasts between Drake and Millington. Firstly, I will look at the respect for tradition, then on to the differences in humour. I will look at their behaviour and manners. I will then look at their respect for women. Finally I will look at ambition of both Drake and Millington. - LJ
In my essay I aim to demonstrate how Millington and Drake are contrasted throughout act one. Firstly, I am going to do this by compparing their speech. I will go on to illustrate the differences in their actions and intereaction with other characters, and finally I will show how their backgrounds contrast and why this is important. - HI
Main Ideas
Millington is demonstrated in the play to be a troublemaker. He is a misogynist who likes to use and abuse women. - AP
Earnest Drake is contrasted with Millington's casual manner. - JM
Conclusions
Therefore, in conclusion, Drake and Millington are complete opposites. This is shown throughout Act one in their behaviour, actions, speech and thoughts towards the mess and people in it. Drake is generally earnest and formal, however Millington is generally casual and ignorant. I have proved that Millington and Drake are contrasted greatly throughout act one. Even so, they will be measured as one:
“Unfortunately, we shall be judged together” – MM
I'm sure no-one will be checking back here during the holidays, but in case you are..
Essay feedback - good examples from good pupils! Feel free to modify ideas to improve your own work!
Introductions
"Conduct Unbecoming" is a play of honour, mystery and romance. Written by Barry England, "Conduct Unbecoming" has all the potential to be a good, mysterious play. At the outset of the drama script we are introduced to two characters, Millington and Drake, who are throughout the book, contrasted with each other. Drake is made to seem optimistic, serious and very ambitious. Millington, on the other hand, is seen as slightly pessimistic, has a laid back attitude and has the desire to fail and be rejected. Act one ends with Millington being accused and arrested of a crime he seems oblivious to. - KA
"Conduct Unbecoming" is a play written by Barry England. It is set in India during the 1880s. It is about two young subalterns on probation in the army. The two main characters couldn't be more different. Milington, the son of a general is trying to make the worst possible impression on the officers of the regiment so he can get dismissed and go back to England. Drake, the son of a major wants to make the best possible impression and from the minute he and Milington arrive he is apprehensive that Millington's mocking and ironic behaviour will reflect badly on him. - AA
Linking paragraph
In this essay I aim to establish the contrasts between Drake and Millington. Firstly, I will look at the respect for tradition, then on to the differences in humour. I will look at their behaviour and manners. I will then look at their respect for women. Finally I will look at ambition of both Drake and Millington. - LJ
In my essay I aim to demonstrate how Millington and Drake are contrasted throughout act one. Firstly, I am going to do this by compparing their speech. I will go on to illustrate the differences in their actions and intereaction with other characters, and finally I will show how their backgrounds contrast and why this is important. - HI
Main Ideas
Millington is demonstrated in the play to be a troublemaker. He is a misogynist who likes to use and abuse women. - AP
Earnest Drake is contrasted with Millington's casual manner. - JM
Conclusions
Therefore, in conclusion, Drake and Millington are complete opposites. This is shown throughout Act one in their behaviour, actions, speech and thoughts towards the mess and people in it. Drake is generally earnest and formal, however Millington is generally casual and ignorant. I have proved that Millington and Drake are contrasted greatly throughout act one. Even so, they will be measured as one:
“Unfortunately, we shall be judged together” – MM
Sunday, 10 February 2008
S2 - If you can't find your homework questions!
Hi S2
If you can't find your questions which you are supposed to be answering during the half term break, use the links on thr right hand side of this page. You can click on the "Merchant of Venice" link which will take you to a page with only MoV information. The questions are below the handsome photo of Al Pacino...
Enjoy the break and see you Tuesday morning.
If you can't find your questions which you are supposed to be answering during the half term break, use the links on thr right hand side of this page. You can click on the "Merchant of Venice" link which will take you to a page with only MoV information. The questions are below the handsome photo of Al Pacino...
Enjoy the break and see you Tuesday morning.
Saturday, 9 February 2008
S3 Exam Preparation: Comprehension Questions.
In today's lesson we learned how to answer comprehension questions. Comprehension questions ask you to find information about the author's feelings, attitudes and opionons in the text. These will cover tones such as angry, sad, emphatic, sympathetic. We also in the class had an example of a comprehension question which is on Mr. Sharpe's power point presentation which he will e-mail to you if you are on his school mailing list, in case you have missed a lesson or you need help with a type of question in the presentation.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Tuesday 5th & Thursday 7th - English
Tuesday 5th
We read to the end of act one scene two. We discussed with a partner & wrote in our jotters why Portia did not like any of the men from different countries that wanted to marry her, & if she was a racist.
Thursday 7th
We read to the end of act one. We completed questions that we on the board on Shylock & Antonio: the central conflict & discussed as a class the conflict between Shylock & Antonio.
cw =) x
We read to the end of act one scene two. We discussed with a partner & wrote in our jotters why Portia did not like any of the men from different countries that wanted to marry her, & if she was a racist.
Thursday 7th
We read to the end of act one. We completed questions that we on the board on Shylock & Antonio: the central conflict & discussed as a class the conflict between Shylock & Antonio.
cw =) x
S2 - Meeting Shylock
Act I scene iii today folks.
Look at how Shylock is presented, and the reasons why he hates Antonio. We know what is going to happen in the play, but how is the character built up from his opening lines?
We'll be answering this in class, plus looking at these questions, for today and tomorrow.
1.Why does Shylock ask if Antonio is “a good man” (12)?
2.Look at lines 38 – 48. What is the first reason Shylock gives for hating Antonio?
3.Why do you think this speech is given as an aside?
4.“I cannot tell, I make it breed as fast” (93) – what technique is this an example of, and what is being compared?
5.Look again at lines 103 – 126.
a)Write a list of the other reasons why Shylock hates Antonio.
b)Of all the reasons Shylock gives in this scene, which do you think he feels is the main reason. Give reasons for your decision
6.How does Antonio ‘sell’ the idea of lending him the money to Shylock. Quote the lines that show this.
7.Think about the bond between Antonio and Shylock:
a)Who comes up with the idea first?
b)Do you think they are serious?
c)Explain your answer with reference to the text.
8.How does Bassanio respond to the bond?
9.Explain the significance of the lines below: what do they mean, and what do they tell us about Shylock?
“A pound of man’s flesh taken from a man
Is not so estimable, profitable neither,
As flesh of muttons, beefs or goats.” (162-164)
10.“The Hebrew will turn Christian, he grows kind” (176)
Where have we heard a similar but contrasting thought before?
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
S3 - Exam Skills
In class today we looked at how to answer Comprehension Questions.
Comprehension questions ask you to look at the author's attitudes, ideas, opinions and feelings.
We looked at tones, such as sarcastic, angry and conversational.
Comprehension questions ask you to look at the author's attitudes, ideas, opinions and feelings.
We looked at tones, such as sarcastic, angry and conversational.
S2 - Introduction to "Merchant" slideshow
For those who missed the introductory Powerpoint on all things Venicey, the show can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
Answers such questions as: What is Iambic Pentameter? What is the play about? Why is some writing in italics? Who are the main characters, and why do they keep talking when they are on their own?
My only lesson ever to get a spontaneous round of applause!
Click Me
Answers such questions as: What is Iambic Pentameter? What is the play about? Why is some writing in italics? Who are the main characters, and why do they keep talking when they are on their own?
My only lesson ever to get a spontaneous round of applause!
Click Me
S3 - Conduct Unbecoming essay
We looked at a good example of a piece of critical writing which (a) analyses the text/engages with the language - this is in blue to make it stand out, and (b) discusses how character is both established and developed - this is in brown. Look also at how the last sentences in the good example constantly link the ideas back to the question. We also looked at a bad example.
Good example
When Drake is first introduced to the audience, even before his first words, he is established as a man for whom being an officer has been a lifetime ambition:
“Drake looks about as a man finally at peace.” p5
The impression created is that he has found his Shangri-La, somewhere that he has known existed , or perhaps considers that he has arrived in his idea of heaven. It is suggested that his character is one which will blend into the regiment.
This initial characteristic is developed later in the scene. His arrival at the mess has almost over-awed him, and he describes the experience:
“It is like … coming home” p5
The stage direction calls for this to be delivered “quietly”, and the ellipsis suggests Drake is struggling to find the words to describe his feelings. His character is established at this point as having always wanted to be a military man.
Bad Example
Millington is a nightmare. When he turns up, he says “How very uplifting for you.” But he says this in a sarcastic way. This shows that he is a sarcastic character.
Millington is also very disrespectful of military traditions …
Good example
When Drake is first introduced to the audience, even before his first words, he is established as a man for whom being an officer has been a lifetime ambition:
“Drake looks about as a man finally at peace.” p5
The impression created is that he has found his Shangri-La, somewhere that he has known existed , or perhaps considers that he has arrived in his idea of heaven. It is suggested that his character is one which will blend into the regiment.
This initial characteristic is developed later in the scene. His arrival at the mess has almost over-awed him, and he describes the experience:
“It is like … coming home” p5
The stage direction calls for this to be delivered “quietly”, and the ellipsis suggests Drake is struggling to find the words to describe his feelings. His character is established at this point as having always wanted to be a military man.
Bad Example
Millington is a nightmare. When he turns up, he says “How very uplifting for you.” But he says this in a sarcastic way. This shows that he is a sarcastic character.
Millington is also very disrespectful of military traditions …
Monday, 4 February 2008
S5 - Intermediate 1 & 2 - Exam Skills
Don't worry folks, I've not forgotten about you either!
Close reading help is at hand, with the first two presentations on Close Reading skills downloadable below.
Click me
Close reading help is at hand, with the first two presentations on Close Reading skills downloadable below.
Click me
S3 - Exam Skills
Your end-of-year exams are approaching fast - just 8 more lessons to prepare!
For those who haven't subscribed to my mailling list, you can download the first Exam Skills powerpoints below for your viewing pleasure!
click me!
For those who haven't subscribed to my mailling list, you can download the first Exam Skills powerpoints below for your viewing pleasure!
click me!
S2 - The Merchant of Venice
Remember S2 - The greatest writer that ever lived...don't mock the 'PeareFor a copy of Sonnet 73, click the link
S3 - Essay Title and Help Sheet
Conduct Unbecoming - a whodunnit with a historical message that is every bit as relevant today as it ever was!
This week, S3 will be writing their critical essays about the establishment and development of their chosen character: either Millington or Drake, or a comparison between the two.
If you missed previous lessons, handouts are available here ... http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfxsh979_1hdhv55gx - click the link for a copy of the essay sheet from Google Docs
This week, S3 will be writing their critical essays about the establishment and development of their chosen character: either Millington or Drake, or a comparison between the two.
If you missed previous lessons, handouts are available here ... http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfxsh979_1hdhv55gx - click the link for a copy of the essay sheet from Google Docs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)