Mastery Learning Assignments

Parents and Students, below you will find a series of assignment designed to challenge and aid students who wish to prove mastery of a particular skill taught in class. Students must meet with me to approve the execution of all assignments. All points will be added on to marking period grades. No assignments will be accepted after the given due date. 

1.    Review subject-verb agreement. Compose a list of 20 examples of sentences that have subject-verb disagreement. Your list can be generated from pop songs, newspaper/magazine articles or conversations you overhear. Type your list and provide the correction beneath as well as a rationale explaining why it should be corrected. 
Due November 30  (2 pts.)
 
2.    Watch at least one film version or documentary on any one of the summer reading titles. Compose a 3-4 page MLA formatted paper comparing the film to the book. Note changes and analyze why you think there is a divergence between book and film.  Refer to the MLA Packet provided.    Due November 30 (2 pts.)
 
3.    Review metaphors and similes. Define both figure of speeches, provide the etymological root of each, and locate 10 examples of each from poems, pop songs, short stories, ads, newspaper or magazine articles. You must include the sources and prove a rationale of what is being compared to what and your opinion of whether it is an effective comparison.        Due November 30    (2 pts.)
 
4.    Write a critical lens essay in which you discuss two (2) works of literature from the perspective of one of the statements provided in the list of Critical Lens (see me to retrieve a copy). In your essay, provide a valid interpretation of the statement, agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it, and support your opinion using specific references to appropriate literary elements from the two works. Use sophisticated language that respects your audience and follow the rules of standard English. Refer to the ELA Rubric and visit www.nysedregents.org                  
 Due November 30           (2 pts)
 
5.    Write a 3-page MLA formatted essay that compares and contrasts Gilgamesh and Enkidu of the epic poem Gilgamesh with Lennie and George of the novella Of Mice and Men. Identify key differences, similarities between characters, setting, themes and narrative structure.   Due November 30 (2 pts)
 
6.    Complete a typed, 3-page literary essay of a book you have read independently. You will discuss the book using the following literary terms: plot, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, conflict, theme, characterization, irony, dialogue and symbols. Use of vocabulary from class is essential.  Due November 30 (2 pts.)
 
7.    Complete a typed, 2-page book review of a book you have read independently. Imagine your review will be published for a wide audience to read. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the characters and the book. What could have made the book a better read? Would you recommend it to anyone? Why or why not? You can choose from a book in our library with my approval.     Due November 30 (2 pts.)
 

     8.  Build a diorama for a key scene from any work of literature we have read in class. The diorama must be 3-Dimensional, self-supporting and self-explanatory.   Include a 2-paragraph explanation of why this scene is important to the story.                                 Due November 30 (2 pts.)

     9. Deliver a monologue of more than 25 lines from a character in a work of literature we have read in class or from a famous speech of more than 30 lines.

Due November 30 (2 pts.)

    10. Compose a series of songs, raps or poems that are inspired by a work of literature read in class and then read or perform them. Use of authentic dialogue as                related to the text as well as depth of thought in the assignment is required.                                                       Due November 30 (2 pts.)