Instead of a blog this week, your homework will entail working on a variety of different comprehension and literacy skills.
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Compare or Contrast Characters
An important skill in reading and writing is the ability to compare and contrast characters. If you're able to demonstrate the similarities and/or differences between two people from your story, then you're showing a strong understanding of the text. Your assignment this week is to compare and contrast two characters from the book you are reading at home. 1.) Choose two characters from the book you are reading at home. 2.) Write a compare and contrast essay demonstrating the similarities and differences between these two characters. 3.) Use transition words such as "On the other hand..." or "Similarly..." (see the image below). 5.) Include the author and title For example: Two fifth graders with seemingly nothing in common. One who loves school, one who despises it. One who escapes life's problems through books, the other who can't stand reading. Despite their differences, Jessica and Jeffrey, two characters from the book, Because of Mr. Terupt, by Rob Buyea, also find common ground through their fifth grade experiences at Snow Hill School. Jessica and Jeffrey have many similarities and differences. Jessica and Jeffrey may seem like total opposites, but they actually have quite a few things in common! Both attend Snow Hill Tree Elementary School and share their beloved teacher, Mr. Terupt. We don't realize it at first, but they are both compassionate and kind kids. Jessica demonstrates her compassion when she defends her friends from the bully, Lexie. Jeffrey shows his kindness with students from the collaborate classroom. Both characters also demonstrate a great deal of strength. Jessica's parents are recently divorced and she moved to a new school. Even though she's new, she finds the strength to make friends and face her difficult family situation. Similarly, Jeffrey struggles with his family as well. He lost his brother to cancer and shows grit and courage in dealing with these difficult situations. Jessica and Jeffrey are also quite different. Jessica loves to read and appreciates school and learning. She often connects to the characters in her books, "I was finishing the book Belle Teal. I loved Belle. I wanted her to be my friend" (p.38). On the other hand, Jeffrey's attitude is not as positive. He doesn't like school and dislikes most of his teachers and assignments: "I'm no good in school. School stinks" (p. 15). Clearly, these two characters are very different, though in the end of the book, they all find a commonality--loving Mr. Terupt. Two different students with challenging family situations find common ground in Because of Mr. Terupt. From kindness and courage to very different backgrounds, clearly Jessica and Jeffrey have many similarities and differences. Practice Opinion Introductions (Lead + Thesis Statement = Intro): Due Friday, February 8, 20192/3/2019 For the last few weeks, our focus has been on writing opinion essays and learning about persuasive techniques.
For your blog this week, please come up with an opinion and write only an introduction (lead and thesis statement). You can choose anything you'd like, but it must be a new topic and not one you've written about before. :) 1. Choose a topic (see ideas below) 2. Write a strong lead (at least 3-4 sentences) 3.) Write a clear thesis statement (three reasons separated by a comma) Example: I’ll never forget the first time my dog came home. It was Christmas morning and I never thought in my life that I would get a dog. My parents pulled across a bright red and green box. It sat still in the living room, until, all-of-a-sudden, the box moved! Yes, moved. My sister and I jumped and then popped the top open! It was a puppy! Its brown eyes looked at us lovingly as the fluff ball jumped into my arms. Best Christmas ever! I’m so grateful our parents chose a dog and not a cat. Dogs are better than cats because dogs are more entertaining, they’re more lovable, and they’re cleaner. Topic Ideas (or choose your own!) School should/shouldn’t be optional. We should/shouldn’t have homework. Students should/shouldn’t have to learn a second language. All cars should/shouldn’t be painted yellow. We should/shouldn’t be allowed to chew gum in school. Our pets should/shouldn’t be allowed to come to school. We should/shouldn’t be allowed to wear hats in school. All fast food/coffee drive throughs should/shouldn’t be banned. School should/shouldn’t be shorter days without recess. We should/shouldn’t be able to sit beside our friends in class. We should/shouldn’t be able to eat in class. We should/shouldn’t have school uniforms. We should/shouldn’t have the option of doing school online. Fast food should/shouldn’t be banned. Cell phones should/shouldn’t be allowed at school. Persuade somebody to give you a job. You’re a banker, you need to persuade others to hand over their money. Persuade your friends to volunteer at a pet shelter. Which are better: hard copy books or the e-reader version? Reading books is better than watching shows. Video games are helpful or harmful. Girls should be allowed to play on boy’s teams. Students should be paid for getting great grades. |
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