Movie assignment

Write about a movie you have seen that you either liked (or loved) or disliked (or hated!). Describe the movie to me. (You can look up information on movies—such as the actors' names—at imdb.com.) Then tell me what you especially liked or disliked about it. (Yes, you could tell me things you both liked and disliked about a movie.)

Follow these technical details:
12 pt.
serif font (Times Roman, for example)
double space
approximately 500 words

Double check for run-ons. Also check your tense(s). As with a book or story, it's okay to talk about the events in a movie in present tense. (For example, "The bank robber escapes, but the police track him down to a sewer.")

Instructions on and questions for "The Lottery"

Revised: For Nov. 6 (Since most of you haven't done this.)

Read Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery." You may look up words and phrases, but please don't look up anything else about the story. You will probably be confused by the story, which is what Jackson wants.

When you've finished reading—and, again, without looking up anything online—please answer these questions. I am NOT looking for CORRECT answers. I want to hear your ideas about the story, not what someone else has concluded about the story.

1. When might this story take place? (What decade? Why do you think that?)
2. Why do the townspeople perform the lottery?
3. Why does Tessie Hutchinson's reaction (to the lottery) change? Where do you first see that shift?

We'll do the recitations first; then we'll discuss the story. Enjoy!

PS: Make sure you now know how to access the calendar.

Always check the calendar

That's all I have to say.

Personal story assignment

Tell me a story about your family. I want to hear:

Descriptions of the family members.

Information about where and when this story happened.

How you know this story. (Were you there?)

How you feel about this story.

Try to make the story interesting. Use details that help a reader see, hear, and feel the events.

Length: 250-400 words.

Due date: Oct. 1

Check the calendar

You've now started Maus, by art Spiegelman. I won't usually post the assignment here. Please check the calendar for the daily assignment. (Check the calendar link on the right-hand side of this page.)

Welcome!

This space will be used for information regarding homework assignments and other important material for the World Literature for English Language Learners course.

I look forward to our having a great year together.

Mr. Preston