I returned the Huck Finn quizzes (most did very well), and we talked about the schedule for the next two weeks.  We will have an essay test on Wednesday (which may turn into a take home test if March Madness interferes) and a formal essay assigned on Huck Finn.

After the break, we took the Unit 9 Vocab quiz.  If people finished early, they could work on the new weblog assignment or continue reading in the novel.

HOMEWORK:  Complete weblog assignment #4 and continue reading the novel.

WHAT’S NEXT:  Essay test and formal essay.

We reviewed “A Modest Proposal” today.  We talked about the weapons a satirist can use (exaggeration, understatement, verbal irony) and how Swift used them.  We discussed the different appeals a writer can use in persuasion (ethical, logical, emotional) and how Swift employed them.

HOMEWORK:  Prepare for quiz on “A Modest Proposal” tomorrow.

WHAT’S NEXT:  Satire in the movies! (”This one goes to 11.”)

We reviewed the vocabulary exercises in preparation for the quiz on Wednesday. For the remainder of the period, students could read their novels or work on weblogs.

HOMEWORK: Complete new weblog assignment for tomorrow. Study for vocabulary quiz on Wednesday.

WHAT’S NEXT: Vocab quiz on Wednesday.

We continued using Google Docs to revise our articles for the next issue.  We learned how to insert comments and what happens when two people make contradicting revisions.

HOMEWORK:  Continue revising articles 

WHAT’S NEXT:  Budget meeting