Thursday, August 30, 2012

AP READING

The Crucible by Arthur Miller because I looked into the summary and it was the one that grabbed my attention the most. It is also very likely to be seen in the AP test because it has come out more than five times.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Vocabulary #3

Accolade: any award, honor, or laudatory notice: The play received accolades from the press.

Acerbity: sourness, with roughness or astringency of taste. :It's a strange experience to read a critic best known for extreme acerbity writing about a subject he loves.

Attrition:a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength: Ourclub has had a high rate of attrition because so many membershave moved away.

Bromide: a person who is platitudinous and boring.:Some bromide about the literary life being as unfair as the normal one may have to do.

chauvinist :a person who is aggressively and blindly patriotic, especially one devoted to military glory.:The chauvinist soldier has much pride for his country.

Chronic:constant; habitual; inveterate:Rising consumer demand has already resulted in chronic widespread electricity shortages.

Expound:to set forth or state in detail:We need not expound on this doctrine in great detail, as it plainly does not apply here.

factionalism:of a faction or factions ,self-interested:Frequent internal splits have produced great factionalism.

immaculate:free from fault or flaw; free from errors:Protecting your car from the weather as much as possible will ensure it remains immaculate.

imprecation:the act of imprecating; cursing.: Then came an imprecation, and a match was struck and the study was flooded with yellow light.

ineluctable:incapable of being evaded; inescapable:And his poems were easy to memorize, with their ineluctable meters and never-failing rhymes.

mercurial:animated; lively; sprightly; quick-witted.:His yanking of funding from the production seems mercurial, even by his own fabled standards, and a bit churlish.

palliate:to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.:Medicine's goal is not only to cure or palliate disease.

protocol: the customs and regulations dealing with diplomaticformality, precedence, and etiquette.:His work led him to develop a petri-dish protocol for testing whether a substance can cause such mutations.

resplendent:shining brilliantly; gleaming; splendid:It is a precious vessel set with jewels, and so resplendent as to eclipse the lights of the hall.

stigmatize:to set some mark of disgrace or infamy upon:Establish a climate that encourages and does not stigmatize healthy eating and physical activity.

sub rosa: confidentially; secretly; privately.: I held the meeting in sub rosa.

vainglory:excessive elation or pride: In performing their funerals, they show no state or vainglory.

vestige: a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is nolonger present or in existence:It has tiny rounded ears and the mere vestige of a tail.

volition:the act of willing, choosing, or resolving:These people fail to pause, to consider the situation, options and consequences before exercising volition.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Beowulf Questions


[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (Lines 1-85, pp. 33-34)

1. Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?

Unlike Hrothgar, Shield became king because he had the ability to take down the enemies. Hrothgar became king through wealth. When Shield died the Danes buried him and his treasures in the sea. Hrothgar happens to be Shield’s grandson

[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)

1. Grendel, the monster, attached thirty warriors while they were asleep and ran home with their bodies for a couple of nights. This devastated the Danes and the sorrow soon spread overseas.

What magnificent work did Hrothgar undertake? Who attacked it, and with what result? How long did the attacks last? What was the response of the Danes?

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (Lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)


1. What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?  

When Beowulf hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel, he immediately rounded up a boat and his bravest men to go were there help was needed. (Denmark)
2. Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?

When the Geats first arrive in Denmark, the meet Hrothgar’s lieutenant who was patrolling along the cliffs. He questioned the Geats to figure out why they were there and warned them no one passes without permission or a password/sign. They then replied they were there to save the Danes from the monster.
3. They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?

Hrothgar's herald interrogates the Geats about where they've come from and what they're doing. He's impressed by their mighty appearance. Hrothgar is thrilled the men are there to help which is strange because he doesn’t know them to well yet is letting them on the land.


4. What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?

Beowulf tells Hrothgar that his men follow Higlac. (King of Geats) Hrothgar knew Beowulf’s father because he was a famous soldier known as a leader of men.

[Feast at Heorot] (Lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?

Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match and will once again have to have defeat with Grendel. Beowulf retaliates by accusing Unferth of drunkenness and describes what happen in the swimming match. This is relevant because Unferth may indeed be correct; Beowulf would have met defeat again if it wasn’t for Wiglaf.


2. What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?

At the feast she offers drinks to all the men present. She distributes food and drink, and also strives for goodwill and peace.

[The Fight with Grendel] (Lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)

1. Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel?

Beowulf prepares for battle differently than any other heroic poetry scene. He doesn’t do much preparing. He is more anxious to get rid of the monster. He was prepared however to fight without a sword.


2. What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind?

When Grendel enters Heorot, he became furious searching for the warriors until he found them and kills one Geat. While fighting the monster, Beowulf uses his bare hands. Grendel does escape, however; he somehow managed to leave behind his arm.


[Celebration at Heorot] (Lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60)

1.When the Danes and Geats return from following Grendel's tracks to the mere, someone sings in Beowulf's presence, comparing him to Sigemund and saying that he was not like Heremod (lines 883-914). How is Beowulf like Sigemund? How is he not like Heremod? (Be alert for inserted stories such as this one. Beowulf contains many of them, most much more complex that this one.)

Beowulf is similar to Sigemund because when the theminstrel sings he relates how Sigemund killed a dragon, took all his treasure, andwas a great and famous hero throughout the land like Beowulf. Beowulf is notlike Heremod because Heremod didn’t protect his people and fails them was afool.
2. How does Hrothgar respond to Beowulf's deed? What does he offer to do for him? What does Unferth have to say now?

Hrothgar like a proper king praises Beowulfs actions andgives a speech to God about how great he is. After he honors and rewardsBeowulf with many things such as gold, weapons, armor, treasure, horses, andmore for what brave actions he has done.
3. The singer sings of Finn during the feasting (lines 1070-1158). The exact details of the Finn story are not clear, but in general, what happens? What does it suggest about the wisdom of using a woman as bride to heal enmity between tribes?

Finn was the king of the Frisians and went to war withthe Danes. Eventually the Frisians and Danes come to an agreement and sign atreaty. Over time, the Danes attack again and kill Finn
4. When the feasting resumes, what does Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to do?

Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to make a fool of himself and to reward Beowulf richly.
5. Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a large, broad necklace. What later happens to it? What does Wealhtheow ask Beowulf to do?

Later Beowulf gives it to another king and he tragically dies in war. The necklace is a foreshadow of death.
6. Why do so many men remain in the beer hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake?

Many men sleep in the beer hall because they are all drunk and lazy. It is a mistake because Grendels mother is outside and eventually kills the kings advisor.


BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER (lines 1251-2199, pp. 60-79)

[Another Attack] (lines 1251-1382, pp. 60-62)

 



1.Why has Grendel's mother come to Heorot? Is it the same reason Grendel had?

Grendel’s mother comes to Heorot to seek revenge and take her sons claw back.
2. What is Hrothgar's response? Whom has Grendel's mother killed?

Hrothgar was thankful that the Danes grief ended and the arm hanging was proof of victory. He hoped that Beowulf can stop Grendel’s mother from destructing his town again. Grendel’s mother killed Hrothgar’s closest friend
3.What sort of place is the mere?

The mere is was under the water. It was full of mud, water, and dark.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother] (Lines 1383-1650, pp. 63-68)


1. How does Beowulf tell Hrothgar to respond?

Beowulf agrees to fight again for the Danes. He feels it is an honor and the last battle made him a bit more confident to do it.
2. What happens at the mere before Beowulf enters it?

Before Beowulf enters the mere, he sinks for hours going down in the water.
3. How does Beowulf prepare for the battle? What sword does he take with him?

Beowulf prepared for battle by telling Hrothgar what his wishes are if he may die. Beowulf took his ring-marked blade.
4. What happens when Beowulf enters the mere? What is surprising about where Grendel and his mother live in the mere?

When he finally lands, Grendel’s mother grabs him, but his armor protects him. To me its not surprising that the monsters live in a dark place, however; it is surprising that it takes half a day to get down there.

5. What happens to the sword Beowulf borrowed from Unferth?

Beowulf strikes at Grendel’s mother with the borrowed sword, Hrunting, but the blade has no effect and breaks
6. At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape?

Beowulf escapes Grendel’s mother by having the strength and faith to defeat her and using his strength to get off the ground.
7. How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What weapon does he use? What happens when she dies? What does Beowulf take with him from her home? What happens to the sword he used to kill her?

Beowulf drew a sword he seen hanging on her wall to cut right through her neck and break all her bones.  After her death the light shone very bright. Beowulf beheaded Grendel and took it with him and half of what was left of the sword. (The other half was in Grendel’s mother)
8. What happens when Beowulf returns to the surface? Did his men expect him to return?

When Beowulf returns from the surface nobody is there. They all had suspected that Grendel’s mother had killed him.

[Further Celebration at Heorot]  (Lines 1651-1798, pp. 68-71)

1. What does Beowulf give to Hrothgar?

Beowulf gives Hrothgar the sword of the giants, the one he used to defeat the beasts.

 


2. What message does Hrothgar have for Beowulf? What and why does he tell us about Heremod? Why and how did Heremod die? What lesson does Hrothgar teach with the Heremod example?

-Hrothgar tells Beowolf to seek virtue since Heremod was opposite in personality and became too proud. He died because he didn't see the signs the Gods were giving him. Hrothgar's lesson teaches to keep your pride in check or else things will fail and the person will fall as a result of it.


3. What does Beowulf give to Unferth as he leaves?

 

[Beowulf Returns Home] (lines 1799-2199, pp. 71-79)

1.What future does Hrothgar predict for Beowulf?

-A good future since he's strong in both body and mind.


2.Who is Hygd and why is she not like Modthryth?

-Hygd is Hygelac's wife, she isn't like Modthryth mainly because Modthyrth would have any man killed for looking at her in the face and that's not how the queen now acts.


3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or are we seeing a new side of him?

- He expects for the wedding to go bad since there's a possibility that someone might remember about the old feud and revive the violence. I would expect something like this coming from Beowulf since he has seen and been through a lot. The fact that he's gained knowledge about others and their ways doesn't surprise this comment coming from him.

4.How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?

-How I remember it, it does seem pretty accurate. Maybe he exaggerated on some parts but that's only because the story is being repeated and not everything is going to be exact.


5.What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give him?

-Beowulf offers his treasures to his Lord as a form of respect, but also gives other treasures away to other people. Hygelac gives the most glorious sword of the Geats to Beowulf, some land and a huge house.


BEOWULF AND THE DRAGON (lines 2200-3182, pp. 79-99)

[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-


1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile? What danger now exists?

-It was fifty years later and sadly King Hygelac and King Heardred have died. A dragon now causes danger among Beowulf's land.

2.Why is the dragon angry? Why did the man take a cup? How did the treasure come to be there in the first place? (The speech of the lone survivor, the one who put the gold in the barrow, is in a typically Old English elegiac tone.

-The dragon's angry because someone stole its treasure though the man only took the cup because he was startled by the dragon and ran. The treasure was left there by an ancient Lord who had lost everything (companions) but

3.What did the dragon destroy that evening?

-He destroyed everything in sight as he searched for the thief.

4.Why does Beowulf think his home was burnt? Why does he order a new shield? How will he fight this battle? What will happen to him?

-Beowulf thinks that the Gods were punishing the treasure itself.him for something he had done. He orders a new shield because he has decided to go up against the dragon but fight with only a few men by his side.

5.How did Hygelac die? (The description in lines 2354-2379 begins one of several versions of Geatish history and Hygelac's death we will get.) What did Beowulf do after Hygelac's death? What happened when he returned home? Did he accept Hygd's offer to become king?

-Hygelac died going up against a monster and after Beowulf swam through the sea wearing 30 sets of armor. Queen Hygd offered Beowulf to become king but instead he assisted and advised Heardred.

6. What happened to Hygelac's son Heardred? (That's the story in lines 2380-2390.) How did Beowulf plan to revenge Heardred's death (lines 2391-2396)?

-Hearded was killed in battle after the Sweds came looking for the exciles, but he avenged Heardred by killing Onela.

7.How many men accompany Beowulf as he goes to meet the dragon?

8.What happened to Hygelac's oldest brother Herebeald? Who killed him? What did this do to his father King Hrethel? (This passage, lines 2425-2509, is the second account of Geatish history and of the death of Hygelac.) What happened between the Swedes and Geats after Hrethel's death? What happened to Haethcyn? How did Beowulf revenge Hygelac's death?

-His brother, Heathcyn, accidently killed Herebeald with an arrow which was a bad scene for their father since he couldn't avenge the death. Then many wars started between the Swedes and Geats and Haethcyn was killed in combat. Beowulf fought by his side and was always in the front.

 

[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] (Lines 2510-2820, pp. 86-92)

1. What does Beowulf tell his companions to do?

Beowulf tells his companions to stay on top of the barrow in safety, observing the fight rather than participating in it.
2. What happens the first time Beowulf and the dragon fight? What do his companions do? How is Wiglaf different? What does he tell the others? What does he then do?

The first time Beowulf fights the dragon his “brave” companions flee the scene. With the exception of Wiglaf. He reminded the men they should have all repaid Beowulf then ran off to go help kill the dragon
3. What happens the second time Beowulf meets the dragon? What happens to Beowulf? Who kills the dragon?

Beowulf’s sword fails and makes him humiliated/ afraid for his life. The dragon hits Beowulf with another blast of fire. Beowulf took the final swing but both men, Beowulf and Wiglaf, killed the dragon.
4. What does the dying Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do? What happens when Beowulf sees the gold? How does Beowulf want to be buried?

Beowulf asks Wiglaf to get him the treasure so he may see it. Then Beowulf thanks God for getting rid of the dragon. He asks to be burned at the coastal headland and it be known as Beowulf’s Barrow.



[Beowulf's Funeral] (Lines 2821-3182, pp. 92-99)


1. What happens when the companions return? What does Wiglaf say to him? What does he expect will happen in the future?

Wiglaf tells them that they will now lead a shameful life, t would be better if they had died.
2. What does the messenger tell the city? (This passage, lines 2900-3027, is the third account of the history of the Geats and the death of Hygelac. These are the enemies that will attack the Geats when they learn of Beowulf's death.) What happened overnight in Ravenswood after Ongentheow killed Haethcyn? What happened the next morning? What happened to Ongentheow? What does the messenger say to do with the gold? What is the final image (animal) of the messenger's speech?

The messenger tells them of Beowulf’s death and warns them that the hostile Frank and the Frisians will most certainly attack them


3. What does Wiglaf tell the crowd that comes to see the dragon and Beowulf?
4. What happens to the dragon?

The dragon got dragged to the precipice, and when it fell into the gray sea far, far below, a loud shout went up from a hundred throats as it slipped to the lonely waves.


5. What happens during and after the funeral celebration?

The people were following Beowulf body where it was going to be buried. They had music playing. Wiglaf was the one that set the body on fire. The people were sad. His wife was the one that sang.


6. What did the Geats say about Beowulf in the last three lines of the poem? Are these the terms one would expect to be used to describe a military hero?

They said that he was all the world’s kings, the gentlest of men, and the most gracious, the kindest to his people, the keenest for fame. In some way this would be terms to describe a military hero. Beowulf and a soldier can be consider heroes because both of them risked their lives in battle. They both care about others safety instead of theirs.




 

Peer Feedback #1

        
QUESTION 1 :ESSAY

  Over time things change depending on different evernt in life. Through out the years the conception of leisure has changed. In a selection by George Eliot, the conception of leisure lost its place in the society of her own time. Through out the selection the "old leisure" is compared to the "new leisure".
 
             In the selection George Eliot shows the importance of the "old leisure" and how through out the time things changed. The "old leisure" is when everyone had a good time, people never worried about anything. In the selection it says "he only read one newspaper,innocent of leaders, and free from that periodicity of sensations which we call post-time".This shows the stree free life that people use to live.
 
         In the other hand the "new leisure"was when everyone worried and had doubts about themselves. People from the "new leisure" no longer had time to enjoy themselves, free time did not exsist for them. The new leisure is basicly a stressful world that no one should want to be part of.

QUESTION 2: ESSAY


Many things and aspects of life advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions. Many novels show this quality and power, The Grapes of Wrath is one of many novels that show the change in attitudes of the readers. The novel was written during the great depression; therefore it has a strong and powerful message. The novel talks about the devastating loss and struggles that people had to face during the great depression. This novel also presents the theme of inhumanity and the author strongly disagrees with the way people were treated. The authors style of writing helps give out his strong message and point of view to all the readers, changing the attitudes of many.

        
          Throughout the novel the author talks about the hard times many families had to face and the inequality that many characters had to face. The author always points out the fact that the rich are the reason for the inhumanity. Through the author’s diction and symbolism he shows and gives examples of human brutality and injustice towards the poor and respect for the rich. Through the literary elements the author shows his disagreement towards the inequality, he wished for a perfect world. He didn't like how the poor were treated and he saw this through history, the rich being more superior to them. The author also uses his writing techniques to give the readers a sense of reality of what was happening during the great depression. He uses imagery to paint pictures in the readers mind, so that the reader can get a different understanding of the great depression, and maybe even change their attitudes towards it.
            The author thought me different values of life, such as the importance of equality and the importance of being grateful for my blessing. He did this all through his diction, imagery, and symbolism. The author did not only change my attitudes towards life, but he also changed many other people in the world that read his novel.

Monday, August 20, 2012

"Reflections on Week 1"

1. I don't think that there are much factors that will affect my participation or experience in this class because I have all the resources needed such as a computer. If anything TIME will affect my success in this class because I recently started working, I am still playing basketball, and to top it of I am more involved this year in school clubs. I also think that my lack of knowledge in technology may be a factor that will affect my experience and participation in the class room.
2. I think the best learing experience, would be being in Mr.Alvarez history class because he had an amazing way of teaching us the material, yet maintaining it as fun as possible. Sometimes in his class we would be going over some notes, but it felt more like we were just talking to each other in a conversation instead of a lecture. I was learning without even realizing. In that class I learned that i learn better with discussions instead of book work.
3. I am most excited to learn more about life in general and what it has to offer me. I think I am most concern about the time management. I think I am most excited to learn about life lessons because it will benefit me a lot in my future success.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

1987 AP Exam

Section I

1.c
2.a
3.c
4.d
5.d
6.d
7.c
8.c
9.a
10.c
11.d
12.b
13.b
15.a
16.b
17.c
18.d
19.d
20.a
21.b
22.a
23.b
24.a
25.c
26.c
27.d
28.c
29.a
30.c
31.d
32.b
33.b
34.a
35.d
36.e
37.b
38.a
39.b
40.b
41.d
42.a
43.b
44.e
45.a
46.d
47.c
48.a
49.c
50.b
51.b
52.e
53.b'
54.c
55.c
56.a
57.a
58.e
59.e
61.a
*I need to work on vocabulary and test taking skills. I feel that if I would be taking the AP exam I would fail right now. I also feel like I take to long to read the passages and then I rush through the questions.

Feedback On In Class Essay

Honestly, as soon as I left the classroom I was too happy that the essay was over that I tried to forget it ever happened. So really, nothing occurred to me after I left. I know for a fact that my conclusion and introduction were not the best so if I would had had more time I would have put more thought into it and maybe been more creative. I feel like that day we should had had less time on the journal and more on the essay. But overall essays are always stressful for me because I don't feel like I am a good writer.
Surprisingly, I don't think I did too badly for only having about thirthy minutes  to write a whole essay. I didn't like the time crunch because I tend to not work well under pressure, but I feel like it wasn't too bad. I feel that if I had had the time to write my essay with more thought, I would have written more examples of Montaigne's life lessons. I would have mentioned that Montaigne gives sarcastic advice to the reader. I forgot about that aspect of his writing, which could have been contrasted to Austen's absence of sly humor and use of direct advice. Her way of presenting themes is by indirectly incorporating them into her plot lines and hoping the reader picks up on her messages.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

1st assignment: The Orientation

The reason I chose to take this course was because an AP course is made to prepare the students for college as well as to challenge the students. Every day I come closer and closer to going to college and moving out of my house, which is why I was willing to take this course. I want to be challenge to be the best that I can be, in all aspects of life and signing up for this course was a perfect way to start.
I am most excited to have Dr.Preston as a teacher again because his way of teaching is not like any other teachers. Dr.Preston uses a method of teaching which not only prepares us for academic success,but also for life success. I am also excited to improve my writing and vocabulary skills. As excited as I am to be in this class, I am most nervous about the work load that comes with this course because I have heard a lot about all the peoms we have to memorize.
My goal for this class is to improve my writing skills as well as to gain knowledge about life in general. I expect that my knowledge and thinking will improve because the whole year in this class I will be thinking outside the box and pushing myself  towards success.