Thursday, April 28, 2011

Macbeth Final Exams: Short Essays

Students will be taking their Macbeth finals on the following dates:


B and F Block - Monday, May 2
C and G Block - Tuesday, May 3


During the test period, students will be presented with a variety of prompts that fall within three different categories: imagery, character, and themes/motifs. Students will choose two prompts, each from a different category. For each prompt, students must write a thought-out and well-developed one-paragraph essay.

Suggested Study Materials
  • Journals
  • Anticipation guides
  • Concordance handouts
  • Class notes

Recommended Essay Structure

Creative and descriptive title

Introductory sentence(s)
·      Introduce the author, title, and general topic/relevance of your paper
·      1-3 sentences
Thesis
·      Clear statement of your central claim or argument
·      1 sentence
Key points
·      Support and analysis for each           
·      3-5 key points, 6-12 sentences
Summary of arguments
·      Synthesis of your key points
·      1-3 sentences
Conclusion
·      Reiteration of your central claim or argument, with a focus on its broader applications or implications
·      1 sentence

**** Bottom line: essays should be between 10 and 20 sentences. ***

Essay Rubric

Each essay will be graded individually, using the following rubric:

Mechanics – 5 points

·      Indentation of paragraph
·      Accuracy of spelling, capitalization and punctuation
·      Use of complete sentences
·      Sentence clarity, variation and complexity
·      Agreement

Language – 5 points

·      Precise and appropriate use of diction and register
·      Use of the active voice
·      Use of the third person point of view
·      Consistent verb tense

Structure – 5 points

·      Title – present, creative and descriptive
·      Essay is 1 paragraph and no fewer than 10 sentences in length
·      Essay has a clear introduction, clear body, and clear conclusion
·      Essay has a balance of supporting details and analysis
·      Essay uses effective transitions or a flow of ideas

Content – 5 points

·      Thesis – clarity and relevance
·      Demonstrated comprehension of the text
·      Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of literary technique
·      Accuracy of analysis
·      Appropriateness and effectiveness of supporting details

Total per essay:          20 points
Grand total:                   40 points

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Test Retakes

Students who wish to improve their grade for the quarter will be allowed to retake their Macbeth Act IV and V "quest". The highest possible retake score will be the equivalent of a B/85%.

Students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity must complete their retake between now and progress reports (May 13th).

Quarter 4 Gradebook

The Quarter 4 online gradebook is up and running. Please note that student ID numbers have been changed and will be distributed in class.

Students are STRONGLY encouraged to make up any missing work prior to progress reports (May 13th).

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Movie In Class - Bring Food!

I hope you’ve enjoyed your break so far!

I wanted to remind you that we will be watching excerpts from a filmed version of Macbeth this week: C and B Block on Monday and Tuesday; F Block on Monday; and G Block on Tuesday.

As promised, you may bring in snacks to share with the class on the days when we watch the film. It might also be nice if someone could volunteer to bring in plates and/or napkins. Please use the email chain I set up to coordinate.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon! Enjoy the weekend!