Reading for Pleasure

Be a skilled, passionate, habitual, critical reader.

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Fall of the

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Describing a Romantic painting

When you describe your chosen painting, first include a biography of the painter.

In the second paragraph, describe the painting itself-- lines, colors, shapes, forms, texture.

In the third and final paragraph describe the composition of the painting-- rhythm, balance, focus, emphasis, and unity .

Kindred Spirits

by Asher Durand

Romanticism in American Art

Reading about Asher Durand can help you understand what he was trying to accomplish in the painting "Kindred Spirits," formerly exhibited in the New York Public library. Today's blog is for you to find another painting in the American Romantic tradition, post it on your blog and describe its Romantic aspects.
(some of these may include benevolent aspect of Nature, the individual, concern with feeling more than with some message or idea, classical antiquity of Greece or Rome, and death.)

Nicholas K. Peart, 23

Witch Hunt, or Just Bad Luck?

The events of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts are long gone. There are no witches today. But some feel that authorities are continuing their own "witch hunts" today. This NY Times opinion article makes one wonder ...."Why is the N. Y. P. D. after Me?" What do you think?

What did you learn from peer editing today? (12/16/11)

Supporting Details for your book

It's time to update us on what you have been reading. Begin by mentioning the title and author of your book, then add 5 supporting details about your reading. If you are reading fiction,,--what has been happening to the characters? their conflicts? is there a new character?
If you are reading non-fiction , how has the author developed her thesis or main topic? scientific evidence? historical discoveries? biographical details?
Add 5 defined words from your book.

Need inspiration? click on the picture.

He's not just talking about reading.

Justin Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy

Your own reading selection

Read the opening chapter of your selected book and answer these questions:
1) title and author? date published?
2) general purpose of this book?
3) narrative hook? quote it.
4) define five key words from the opening chapter.
5) is your book any good? (your evaluation so far, questions you may have about what you read or about what is unfolding.

Ms. Found in a Bottle

Describe the disasters recounted in the story. Why is the device of reading a message in a bottle popular? Why is this message successful in keeping the reader's interest? Add your favorite quote.

The Fall of the House of Usher

Describe the house in the story. How do the narrator and Usher spend their time? What happened to Usher's sister? What happened to the house? Include a quote about your favorite part.

Justice

The Black Cat

This story of the "spirit of PERVERSENESS" describes what crime? Are there two cats or one? What is the surprise ending? Add a quote that you found memorable. Explain its attraction.

The Jester

Hop-Frog

In what ways is this story a revenge tale? What is the narrator criticizing about the characters? Add a quote about your favorite part.

The accusing eye

The Tell-Tale Heart

Was this story a good tale? What made it so? Can you think of another tale or movie like it?

Guidelines for Blogging

1. Only registered users may post.

2. Use your first name and the initial of your last name.

3. Each student must post a comment at least once per week.

4. Each post must respond to the topic at hand.

5. Posts should be at least 50 words. Do not use Yes, No comments.

6. Ideally, a post should include a quote from a story or from some other specific reference.

7. Write in standard English, with capitalization, punctuation, and proper spelling. Do not use abbreviations or other text-messaging shortcuts.

8. Successful, on-time posts receive 10 points.

9. Be considerate. Everybody can read your post. It is my hope that your constructive comments can help our readers improve their own explorations in reading.

10. Use bolded vocabulary in your posts.