April 7

Artistic Interpretations

The performances today were as varied as they were entertaining. Most all of the arts were represented, from more mood music and movement by the 1st period Poe group presenting “A Dream Within a Dream,” to some great drawings and enthusiastic readings. Scenery was set with well designed backdrops while students dressed in self designed costumes and makeup (Sam’s face was painted white).

More interesting facts were revealed about each of the poets and the BIG essay assignment that everyone will be doing over the weekend was reviewed.

Poetry Island Final Essay Homework Assignment

All week you have been hearing some of the poetry as well as facts and details about several very well known poets. You took notes about each poet and now it is time to show me what you know about each poet.

Your assignment is to use your notes to do your prewriting, then write, revise, proofread and edit a two to three typed or four to five handwriten page essay expressing how you now feel about each of the poets. Because this is a personal opinion essay, you may use a first person perspective. That means you may use first person pronouns such as I. Although you are expressing your opinion about each poet and his or her poetry, you must support your opinion with proof, facts, details, or evidence from the class presentations. We reviewed what some of the students have written so far in their W-R’s notebook about individual poets and how they could use that information to support their feelings about the poet when writing their essays. These essays are not to be simply a collection of facts or details about the poets.

Remember to make sure your work:

• Includes all poets presented this week.
• Is 2 to 3 typed or 4 to 5 handwritten pages long.
• Clearly expresses your opinion (what you think of, how you feel about) each poet.
• Has a complete header.
• Has an interesting title.

Because this essay assignment is a cumulative assessment (covers lots of different lessons that we have been working on, such as each of the 6 traits of writing, essay writing, expression of an opinion, support of that opinion, taking notes and poetry) this is like a take home test. It is important that you do your very best work on this essay. The essay is due on Monday and is worth 90 points. There will be a 5% deduction in the grade for each day the essay is late.