Q4: Week 5 - Posts for 4/24

1. Hits and Misses: Our last class project will be a portfolio in which you consider the work that you've done over the course of your ninth grade year in English.  As part of that project, I'll ask you identify your "hits and misses" for the year: what were the pieces of writing you enjoyed, felt successful with, or grew the most on?  What were the pieces that you struggled with, that tortured you, or for which you feel you didn't learn as much as you could have?  Why?  (The portfolio will ask you for three of each - for this post, you can approach the question in any way you want to.  You may include major essays, blog posts, or any other kind of writing you've done for this class.)

2. Anticipating our next book: Consider the eight statements below, and decide whether you disagree strongly, disagree, neither agree nor disagree, agree, or agree strongly.  Then, respond to two of the statements, explaining your opinion in a standard-length post.  Use examples from your experience and, if you like, from things you've read.

1. Ambition is a positive, desirable trait in a person.
2. If you are in a position of power, you are happy.
3. Everyone is capable of lying, betrayal, and violence, which are basic parts of human nature.
4. Who we are--our essential character and temperament--is fixed and unchangeable.
5. Women are more compassionate and less violent than men.
6. Sometimes you have to do things other people consider wrong to get ahead.
7. Some things are destined or fated to happen.
8. If something is destined to happen, it will happen without your interference.

Happy Spring Break!