Diction

In order to encourage independent work on writing goals, I have created this post for students to reflect on what makes diction strong or weak etc. This is a good place to discuss strategies for improving your diction etc. These responses can be used as "proof" that you are independently finding strategies etc. Keep revisiting this post as people update it.

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Decisions, Decisions

(submitted by student" In The Absolutely True Life of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Arnold decides to leave his school on the reservation to attend class in a nearby "white" town. His friends resent him for it, even though it is clearly the best thing for him. Have you ever made a decision that was right for you but considered wrong, or perhaps traitorous, by people close to you?

Popularity

(submitted by student) Listen to the song "Popular" from the musical Wicked. Some of the important lyrics are "celebrated heads of state or especially great communicators, did they have brains or knowledge? Don't make me laugh, they were popular," and "It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed..." What is the theme of this song? Do you agree with the message? Can you connect to it personally? After you reflect on the song and theme, think about this. What gets you farthest...brains, beauty, or charisma?

The Ashleys

(submitted by student) In my book, The Ashleys, a girl named Lauren wants to get into a popular clique (The Ashleys). Lauren tries everything to be included in their group, including hiding her personality etc. Have you ever lied about who you are to be accepted by a group?

Speed

(submitted by student) In the movie Speed, the main character has a choice to either save his own life, or risk his life to save a girl he just met. If you were in his position, what would you do and why?

Live Life

In Kris Allen's song Live Like We're Dying there are some pretty intense lyrics. All songs have meaning. I am wondering what you guys think the meaning of this song is. Don't forget to prove what you are saying.

Self Sacrifice

In the book The Hunger Games, Katniss's sister is chosen to compete in a game that will ultimately result in her death. Katniss volunteers to take her place out of a sense of love and duty. Think for a moment and then answer...could you sacrifice your life for someone you love?

"Bad Romance"

In the song "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga, she says, "I want your love and I want your revenge." She also says that she wants his "psycho", his "ugly", and his "disease". This says that she is willing to accept everything that comes with being with him. Why do you think she associates these things with a "Bad Romance"? Also, she says she only wants these things "as long as it's free," meaning she wouldn't give anything up to love him. Why?

For One More Day

The book For One More Day by Mitch Albom is a thematic story based on the struggle of a man who tries to commit suicide. As he crosses the border from the living to the dead he encounters his dead mother who convinces him he needs to forgive himself of his past and move on. In short, he needs to change his mind and decide to live. The idea of forgiveness...especially forgiving oneself is central to this book. Have you ever read anything with a similar theme? Does the theme relate to your life in any way?

Fireflies

Check out the song Fireflies. Listen to the lyrics closely, especially the chorus..."I'd like to make myself believe...". What do you think the meaning of the lyrics is?

The Red Badge of Courage

Use this post as a basis for discussion, questions, any communication that needs to happen around the novel. We will come together after finishing reading the text to have a roundtable discussion of literary elements, themes, connections etc, but in the meantime you can help build an understanding of the book here.

The Dark Knight

In the film, The Dark Knight, the characters are forced to contemplate how to live a good and decent life when they are surrounded by evil and crime. Batman, played by Christian Bale is forced to choose between saving the life of the girl he loves and saving the life of another character, Harvey Dent, who can help make things better for everyone in Gotham City. Batman must choose between his own happiness and the safety of citizens he barely knows. How would you react? Would you do what is good for you...or sacrifice what is good for you for the good of everyone else?