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You've got three options for today:

1) Work on homework for The Water is Wide--due on Wednesday of next week.

For chapter four, make an argument for the chapter's organization. The chapter is organized in a certain way--why? Use text for support, and clearly state how that text supports your argument.

Also, keep a list of at least seven pieces of language that show rather than tell. Jot the piece of language down, and then write what it "tells."

Example:

"Each question I asked opened up a new lesion of ignorance or misinformation."

This line says that students are "wounded" by their lack of knowledge...they know what they don't know. Immediately following this line, Conroy tells us, "A stunned embarrassment gripped the class..." We picture the students' shame at having their "ignorance" exposed--it's now as visible as an open sore. How could you not want to soothe those wounds? To cure the patient? It's not like Conroy was asking questions that he believed were difficult--the questions that opened these "lesions" ranged from "Who's the current president" to " What's two plus two?" And there was no question where the students could find relief in their knowledge because "each" one just opened a "new lesion.".

2) Work on position essays--

"The truth will set you free."

"Time heals all wounds."

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

Each of these quotes is popular enough to have become a cliché. Write an essay that argues your own position on one of these quotes. Make sure your position is clear and well defended.

Your essay should be in paragraph form and should use your own experiences, observations, and readings for supporting evidence.

One hint: Make sure to establish your clear position early; make sure to stick to that position throughout your essay.

Length: 550-700 words.

3) Work on the Amy Tan essay "Fish Cheeks."

1) Read the essay. Write what you think Tan is saying. Remember--this is where you identify her message...like we talked about with the Conroy chapters (Change only comes through conflict, racism hurts the racist, etc.).

2) Write how she does it--this is where you get into the text and write about the things she shows us work to tell us something.

3) Write about why this strategy works to make her message effective.

You can think of this as a series of bullet points--it doesn't need to be in essay/paragraph format.

Have a good weekend, and I'll see you next Wednesday--don't forget your homework! Email me if you have questions.