English II Journal (Poetry)

In an organized journal that supports a clear thesis, compare and contrast Li-Young Lee's poem with Rita Dove's poem. Compare and contrast the speakers, the power of memory, the setting, the tone of the poem, the food served, the theme or message of the poem, and the symbols in the poem.

English II Love Journal

Does falling in love change a person? What might motivate someone in love to behave as he or she would have never behaved before? You might think of your own experiences and observations as well as love stories you have read or seen in the movies.

English III Civil Disobedience Journal

The phrase "civil disobedience" was coined by Henry David Thoreau when he chose to disobey a law he considered unjust. Think about people who hold rallies, boycotts, or hunger strikes today to protest a perceived injustice. Do you think they are abusing the role of citizens or fulfilling that role in a responsible way? Why/Why not? When protesters accept beatings, imprisonment, or even death as a consequence for disobeying laws they view as unjust, are they criminals or patriots?

English IV Women's Rights Journal

The basic concept behind the issue of women's rights is that women and men are equally human and should have equal stature in society. Few westerners now challenge that concept, yet many dislike or reject such labels as "feminism," preferring instead to speak of "human rights" or "women's rights". What do these three labels mean to you? Write a brief explanation of which term you find most meaningful and why you prefer it over the other two terms.

English III Thanatopsis Journal

What is the main theme/philosophy surrounding Thanatopsis,and what characteristics make it Romantic? Do you think Bryant's youth (he composed Thanatopsis at sixteen) plays a part in how he views mortality? How might he have written Thanatopsis 20-50 years later?

English III Journal (Freedom and Equality)

What does freedom and equality mean to you? Are these rights something you take for granted or do you hold them precious? What is the difference between liberty and democracy? Which one (liberty & democracy) is more important to you?

English IV Carpe Diem Poem

Develop and hone lyrics for the Carpe Diem poem/ song in any style. Your song/poem must have a distinct tone, imagery, and must use various forms of figurative language.

English II (Preach IT!)

Religion in the South at that time was the backbone of people’s lives. Ms. Angelou relates an amusing anecdote about a church service gone out of control. Southern Fundamentalist churches are known for their high-energy services. Compare the passion of the church service Ms. Angelou described with a service of another religion. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Is one religion more devout than another? Choose a religion you would like to use as a comparison. You must be either very familiar with the religion you choose, or research it through sources such as family members, friends, clergy, the library, or the Internet. 150 words

English IV Middle Ages

Summarize your research on the Middle Ages by addressing the following in a 150 word response: * What were the main features of feudalism, and how did feudalism change the social structure of Anglo Saxon England? * How did the influence of the Church grow in England and how was religion seen by Kings and the masses? * How did the Black Death or bubonic plague cause the end of feudalism?

English III Journal- Fear as a Motivator

Many people would agree that fear is one of the most powerful motivators of human behavior. Fear of injury makes us buckle our seat-belts. Fear of failure makes us study or work harder. Edwards and other pastors used harsh warnings in their sermons to make "sinners" understand the danger of their actions and situation by actually FEELING the fear and horror of their sinful state. Do you think fear is a great motivator? Write about what motivates you and whether you would use fear to motivate someone else.

English IV Journal #1 (Archetypes & Heroes)

Beowulf is an ancient tale about a hero who faces violence, horror, and even death to save people from danger. The epic took place many years ago, but this story still speaks to people today, perhaps because so many of us are in need of a rescuer... a hero. Take a moment to invent and develop a contemporary hero. You must create your own hero. Describe your hero, and analyze him/her using these questions *What sort of evil or oppression does your hero confront? * WHY does he/she confront evil? What is the motivation? *What virtues does your hero represent?

English II (Animal Farm Chapter 8)

Select one of the following three journal options and complete an organized 3/4 journal complete with a thesis and supporting details.

A- The commandments are changed to suit the pigs’ behavior. Revise some of your school’s rules so that they suit you more. Next to each item, give a short reason the existing rule needs to be changed.


B- Some animals are executed on the spot if they are guilty of a crime. Write a paragraph about your feelings on the death penalty. Do you feel it is ethical? If so, for what crimes should anyone receive the sentence? If not, explain your answer.


C- The animals’ memories are weak, and they easily forget past events and rules. Write a journal describing your earliest memory. What is the importance of memory and remembering things first-hand?

English IV In the Time of Butterflies Journal

Write a journal about each sister's personality and interests. Is there one sister who may be considered the main character of the novel? Why/Why not?

English III Harlem Journal

Pick one of the following writing topics and answer it in an organized, 3/4 of a page response.


How does Hughes challenge America’s race relations without rebellious sounding rhetoric? How does he view his culture’s past, present, and future in his poetry?

How do you use music to get over or heighten your emotions? How does Hughes incorporate the blues and jazz culture into his pieces? Come up with a topic for a blues song and experiment with some bluesy lines.

For what reason does Claude McKay say that even a doomed resistance in worthwhile? Is reacting to violence violently stupidity or intelligence?

English IV Journal (The Stranger Super Journal)

Please organize your response, supporting a cogent and coherent thesis in multiple paragraphs. Try your best and use creative language. This journal must be 500-700 words.
Leave your response as a comment and select the "Anonymous" profile. Leave your first and last name as the first line of writing as your comment.

A- Camus was a self-proclaimed "absurdist." Based on The Stranger and Meursault’s beliefs in The Stranger, how would you define "the absurd"? What role do concepts like "detachment," "alienation," "acceptance," and "society" play? How is absurdity reflected in (a) the events in Meursault’s life, (b) the relationships Meursault finds himself in, and (c) the attitudes with which Meursault faces, and subsequently rejects, the world?
B- In what sense does Meursault triumph at the end of The Stranger? (This was what Camus intended, but you’re welcome to argue that, in fact, Meursault doesn’t triumph at all.) Does Meursault overcome society’s judgment, and thereby, its shackles? Or is it more important that he rebelled against conformity? And what’s up with him wishing for a large crowd of hating spectators at his execution?
C- In his jail cell, Meursault finds an old newspaper article about a Czechoslovakian man who is murdered by his mother and sister. How does this article relate to Meursault’s own trial for murder? How does this article expand the themes in The Stranger? How does it support Camus’s philosophy of the absurd?

English III (Steinbeck's "Leader of the People")

It seems that in every generation there are older people who say "It was different in my day." These people feel nostalgic about their past, remembering it as a golden age when everything was simpler and more heroic. In fact some people end up living mainly in memories of a past that no longer exists and may never have been as they remember it.
Do you believe that the time of heroes is long last? who are today's heroes, or are there none worthy of the label? What opportunities do you see for heroism today?

English II Journal (Flags & Animal Farm)

What is the power of a flag? Why do countries need flags and how do they use them? Is a flag a sign of control or independence? Why do politicians use so many flags when they speak?

English II Journal (Utopia Development)

In your opinion, what is the best way government can be organized? What elements of rule, law, and order must be preserved for a society to thrive? In two-to-three paragraphs, outline a government or system and explain how it will thrive.

English IV Journal (The Stranger Ch. 1)

Analyze Meursault's relationships with other people in the first chapter. Try to explain his indifference with the heavy events surrounding his life. Why doesn't Meursault cry at his mother's funeral? Do humans have a purpose- do our lives have meaning? What events in the first chapter make it an existentialist piece? Use quotes from the novel to support your points.