School Notes

Character Analysis:

Do’s
Ask questions about motivation. Develop answers to the question: “What motivates this character?” Why is Torvald so concerned with honor?

Focus on key moments. (You don’t need to write about every scene or every choice.)

Organize based upon importance…

Outline based upon key events / themes / character traits.

What lessons can the reader learn?
Are these good lessons?

Don’ts:

Don’t summarize excessively.
Don’t simply retell the story.

Don’t feel the need to analyze the character in chronological order.

Eng 102 – Final Exam / Presentation

Students will be able to use their creative and critical thinking skills during this unique exam. There are several options from which to choose:

A) Perform a monologue or scene from one of the plays we discussed this semester:
• Trifles
• Hamlet
• A Doll’s House
• The Importance of Being Earnest
• Death of a Salesman
• Fences

B) Perform a new scene (inspired by one of the above plays) which takes place before, during, or after the drama. This scene may be a parody, or it may be a serious attempt to show the characters in a new situation.

C) For students not interested in performing, write a new scene which takes place before, during, or after the play’s events. The scene should be at least 3 pages long. (I will provide a script sample.)

After performing or submitting their written work, students should be prepared to orally answer some of the following questions:

• What is the character’s motivation during the scene?
• Why does the character behave that way?
• Why does the character make certain choices?
• Is there any symbolism in this scene? What is its significance?
• What themes are being conveyed? How are the themes delivered to the audience?

Eng 1A – Research Paper

John Stossel, an investigative reporter and staunch libertarian, claims that many of our society’s commonly held beliefs are false.

Stossel analyzes a wide range of issues, anything from frivolous lawsuits to flawed government policies.

As stated in class, his book Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity is compelling. But how reliable are Stossel’s arguments?

Conducting your own research, select a specific claim (or a group of claims) from a chapter of Stossel’s book. To the best of your ability, verify whether or not Stossel’s statements are factual, fallacious, or somewhere in between.

Secondary Sources:
In addition to quotes from the Stossel’s book, students should incorporate material from at least four other sources.

Provide a Works Cited page – MLA format.

Length: 7 – 10 pages

Due: June 15th