Friday, September 18, 2009

VOCAB (TFA2)

Discern
Malevolent
Feign
Esoteric
Amiss
Sullen
Inadvertent

Monday, September 14, 2009

One-Page Essay #2

In his essay "Language and the Destiny of Man," Chinua Achebe argues that the invention of the spoken word or language is society's greatest feat, but that it also -- due to the ease with which it can be "disjointed from the truth" -- has the greatest chance to bring "horrors [that] can descend on mankind" (Achebe 137).

Do you agree or disagree with Achebe's position? Why? If you disagree, discuss what humanity's greatest invention is, and if that too has the potential for destruction and brutality. Use specific and relevant information to support your thesis.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

First One-Page Position Paper Topic

For those who were having trouble reading it via the calendar.

The Mahabarata, a religious text of the Hindu faith states:

"Truth, self control, asceticism, generosity, non-injury, constancy in virtue — these are the means of success, not caste or family."

Are these the components of success? Are there more than are on this list? Less? Are caste (social standing and upbringing) and family true measures of success or is it more what the individual does, and, if so, what does the individual need to have success?

In an essay of one page, pick a POSITION in this argument and SUPPORT it using relevant and specific information. Feel free to use your studies in literature and history, but also feel free for this essay to use personal experience. Just be sure that your personal experience is as specific as evidence from literature and that it truly supports your ideas.

As you conclude your essay, please COME TO A CONCLUSION about your own senior year and how you plan to make it a success. Of the components and reasons you have chosen, which will you utilize and how?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Vocab (TFA1)

Quiz will take place on 9/17

prowess, imperious, capricious, gnashed, interim

WELCOME!



It's a new year!