English 4-2 Assignments

English 4 Final - Film Study “In the Heights”

Step 1 - Choose a theme from In the Heights
The struggles for first-generation college students
The resilience of immigrants and their children
The importance of being bilingual
The value of hard work
The importance of having dreams (suenitos)
The injustice of gentrification
The effects of DACA

Step 2: Evaluate how this theme is represented in the play.

Consider the characters, businesses, and plot points involved.

Step 3: Write it up. You must have 150 words or more including 2 short quotes from the lyrics of one of the songs.  Feel free to share your opinion about how this theme is portrayed, and why you believe this is an important message to send. 

What effect has DACA had on this generation of students?
75 words including at least one quote from the article.

Read the article and complete the tree map.  You need to show three effects of gentrification, explain them clearly, and provide a quote from the article to support your claim. the effects can be positive or negative.

Work on ““Bilingual/Bilingüe” by Rhina P. Espaillat.”

What was life like for Abuela when her family immigrated to the U.S.? Discuss both a positive and a challenging aspect to her childhood. 

According to Maria Gianna, why is being bilingual important. Do you agree or disagree?
75 Words

If you would like 10 points excra credit, please attend the play on one night this weekend and fill out the attached form.  

Please read the short story. Then, answer the questions on the document. 

Read this quote by author Isabel Allende:

“We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity of survival and renewal is awesome.”

Use the following guiding questions to write a reflection on Allende’s words:
What do you think Allende meant?
How do her words connect to your own life or current events?
How do her words connect to the article 

How Resilience Works by Diane Coutu?
100-150 Words

In the song "Powerless", the residents of the heights face an emergency. Describe the situation they have to face. Use at least 2 short quotes from the lyrics. (50-75 words)

This assignment is due 05/11/2023. Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

1. What are three challenges first generation college students face?
2. What kind of help do you think you will need to succeed on a college campus? You can look up your college's website and see what programs they offer that you can take advantage. (100 Words)

Directions: Nina Rosario, a first generation college student, has just finished her first year at Stanford University. Now that she has returned home, she has conflicting emotions about her experience. Read the lyrics carefully. Then. fill in the graphic organizer. 

This assignment is due 05/01/2023. Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the American Dream is 

the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved. In the Heights, a play by Lin Manuel Miranda, follows several immigrants and first generation Americans as they strive for the American Dream while living in Washington Heights, New York.  Analyze the lyrics to the theme song.  How do these words represents the ideas of opportunity, aspiration, and struggle. Be sure to include 3 short quotes. (100 words)

Watch the TED Talk by Shane Koyczan. What does he say about dreams? How does he inspire his audience to persevere? 100 Words

350 words
4 or more paragraphs
4 pieces of evidence cited correctly. 

Essay Prompts
A. Gender Issues
B. Dreams v Reality
C. Class Isues
D. Race Issues
E. Alienation

If you are in class, you will complete this outline on paper with post-its.  If you are absent today and working from home, please "make a copy". Then type on the document.  

Read this quote by Trevor Noah: "You don't have to teach me a lesson twice. From that day until the day I left home, I lived like a mouse in that house" (258).



Write a paragraph in response to this quote. If you need ideas, consider the following questions:
What do you think this quote means? How would you rephrase it in your own words?
What did Abel do to create such a negative impact?
What do you think Noah hopes his readers will do or say if they find themselves in similar circumstances?


You should add 2 quotes of your own to this response. You must have 150 words for full credit. 

1
Evin
Victor F.
D’Angelou
Victor L.

2
Kevin
Tiffany
Hannah
Mia

3
Rolland
Julian
Rick
David

4
Adrian
Steven
Kenneth G.
Giovanny

5
Kenneth L.
Isaiah
Diego
Juliet

6
Xavier
Alanna
Andrew


7
Alonzo
Luis
Omar

Write a well-written paragraph that describes "the hood" in Alexandra. Include both positives and negatives. What was it like for people who grew up there? How did movies, music, and fast food restaurants changes the lives of people who lived in the hood? Be sure to cite all your quotes. (100 words).

We have new groups today.


1
Evin
Victor F.
D’Angelou
Victor L.

2
Kevin
Tiffany
Hannah
Mia

3
Rolland
Julian
Rick
David

4
Adrian
Steven
Kenneth G.
Giovanny

5
Kenneth L.
Isaiah
Diego
Juliet

6
Xavier
Alanna
Andrew


7
Alonzo
Luis
Omar

Please answer the questions in your Literature Circles.  Then, present to the class.

Please answer the questions in your Literature Circles.  Then, present to the class.

1. Read chapter 4.
2. Choose 2 questions from the handout. Number them and answer them. At least 1 answer should include a quote and citation.

We will read chapter 3 and then break into literature circles to complete the slides. 
Literature Circle Rules
All students must contribute.
All students must present at the end (2 minutes per slide).
If any person deletes or changes another group’s slide, they will stay for embedded support and earn a zero for that day. 
Presentation Rules
When other groups are presenting, please take notes on your handouts.

We will read chapter 2 and then break into literature circles to complete the slides. 
Literature Circle Rules
All students must contribute.
All students must present at the end (2 minutes per slide).
If any person deletes or changes another group’s slide, they will stay for embedded support and earn a zero for that day. 
Presentation Rules
When other groups are presenting, please take notes on your handouts.

We will read chapter 1 and then break into literature circles to complete the slides. 
Literature Circle Rules
All students must contribute.
All students must present at the end (2 minutes per slide).
If any person deletes or changes another group’s slide, they will stay for embedded support and earn a zero for that day. 
Presentation Rules
When other groups are presenting, please take notes on your handouts.

This assignment is due 02/22/2023. Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Implicit bias is often a result of images we see when we are children. On slide two, find 10 pictures of childhood heroes from comics and cartoons.  On slide 3, find 10 pictures of childhood villains from comics and cartoons. On slide 4, explain what you noticed about these images. You may work in partners. Be sure both names are on the slide. 

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Watch the video. Then answer this question: What do you think can be done to combat racial biases in the justice system to ensure that juvenile offenders are tried and sentenced fairly? A complete answer will be 75 words or more. Due at 10:20 today. Late work will not be graded.

Complete the double-bubble map on paper. Then consider if it is reasonable to try juveniles (people under the age of 18) as adults. Be sure to list at least 2 benefits and one counter-argument to support your claim. Cite any sources using the author's last name in parenthesis. FYI - The plagiarism check is on.

This assignment is due 02/09/2023. Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

This assignment is due 02/05/2023. Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

You will record your Mock interview with a partner.  Use Screencastify (same as Senior Project). Your interviewer will begin by introducing themselves.  You will shake hands. Then, you will answer four interview questions. You may not use notes for your answers.  You will be graded on these five categories: Preparation, Speech. Professionalism, Attitude, Content of Responses.  For maximum points, the interview must last at least 2.5 minutes. You may re-record if you are not happy with the first video. However, the recording must be submitted by 9:30 for full credit.  

1. List three benefits of apprenticeships.
2. What is one challenge or difficulty related to apprenticeships?

3. Would you consider an apprenticeship? Why or why not?

Back to the Future Industries


Job Details
Salary $25 to $33 an hour

Job Type
Part-time customer service

Qualifications
High School Graduate
Good computer skills
Self-motivated
Punctual
Good organization
Customer service experience preferred
Bilingual preferred

Full Job Description
Are you looking for a great place to work? We are a successful Time-machine manufacturer and sales company seeking an individual to join our team. You will be servicing and selling various types of time machines. We are proactively looking for a bright, talented, and motivated individual who enjoys helping people and is excited to be a part of this amazing breakthrough industry.

Possible Interview Questions1. Why do you want to work for us?2. Tell me about your time management skills.3. Tell me about yourself.4. Where do you see yourself in five years?5. Tell me about a time when you provided excellent customer service.6. What are your greatest strengths?7. What is your biggest weakness?8. What are you like handling criticism?9. How would you deal with conflict with another team member?10. Tell me about your education.

We will do this LIVE in class. Do not do it early.  Thanks. 

Watch the Prezi "Creating a Cover Letter" and take notes. Then, write a cover letter to pair with your resume.

This assignment is due 01/19/2023. Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Create a resume for a future job. Use the worksheet passed out in class to help you structure the document.  For your address, please write:
1000 Street Name, then the city and zip code.

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Read the article carefully. Then, answer the four questions.
Analysis Questions
1. Do you agree that “New Year's resolutions are a valuable opportunity to make a positive change”? Explain your answer.
2. The author states, “Strategies like setting ambitious goals and temptation-bundling can increase the likelihood of creating a good habit.” Give an example of an ambiguous goal.
3. The author believes “the perfect goal to set for yourself is probably a tough one but with the explicit allowance for a mulligan or two so you won't be discouraged by the occasional slip-up.” A mulligan is a second chance to meet your goal after the first chance went bad. Why do you believe most people need to give themselves a mulligan when it comes to keeping a New Year’s resolution?
4. Find a quote in this article that supports the idea that it is possible to create new, positive habits.

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Use the Google Slides to carefully evaluate your progress in this class this semester.

Take notes on your handout.
Then, answer the following question:
What does "freedom of speech" mean in the United States? Use evidence from today's lesson to support your answer. (75-100 words)

Senior Project Questions

1. Why should people care about this topic?
2. How will you incorporate what you have learned in the future? (college class or major, career choice, voting, volunteering?)
3. What is the most interesting thing you discovered during your research?
4. What personal or academic strengths did you discover while working on this project?
5. What are you most proud of?
6. If you were to do your senior project differently, what would you change?
7. Write the first question and answer that someone in your committee will ask you about your content.
8. Write the second question and answer that someone in your committee will ask you about your content.

Stance - How should you stand during your presentation? Why?
Pace - How can you avoid speaking too quickly?
Notes - Using your notes is good, but reading from your notes without making eye contact is bad. How can you use your notes more effectively and remind yourself to look up?
Vocal Projection - How can you trick yourself into speaking more loudly?

1. Which of the "rules" do you believe you are best at? Explain.
2. Which of the "rules" do you need a little more practice with? Explain.
3. Which of the "rules" do you need a lot of help/practice with? Explain.

Please watch the video on how to use Screencastify. You will present your senior project using Screencastify and submit it to Google Classroom by Friday at the end of class. If you miss this deadline, you will return to complete it at lunch on Friday. 


You will be graded on the following criteria:
Content - slides have accurate information
Time - 5-7 minutes
Volume and Clarity - your words are loud and clear enough to hear.

1. Choose a theme on Google Slides or import a theme that fits your topic from "slidestogo".
2. Choose consistent fonts (25+ for headings/ 20+ for textboxes). 
3. Add information in an outline format (limit complete sentences).
4. Add one picture per slide. Be sure the picture enhances the information on that slide.
5. Add transitions. 

Students with GREAT computer skills - you may do your presentation on Prezi if you want to challenge yourself.

SP CHECKPOINTS:2022-2023

CHECKPOINT#1: 
PROPOSAL FORM
DUE. 9/16



CHECKPOINT#2:
ROUGH DRAFT
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#3:
TURN IT IN (FOR PLAGIARISM)
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#4:
THE FINAL DRAFT
DUE. 10/28



CHECKPOINT#5:
THE PRESENTATIONS
DUE. 12/5-12/9



* THE PRESENTATION DATES ARE A WEEK BEFORE OUR LAST FULL WEEK OF THE SEMESTER.

Please attach your final draft and works cited in one document.  You will no longer be allowed to edit, so be sure it is the best you can do. Any final drafts not posted by midnight tonight lose 35 points. Extensions will only be granted with a medical excuse. The "check plagiarism" feature is on.  You will not receive credit if the paper contains more than 15% plagiarism.

SP CHECKPOINTS:2022-2023

CHECKPOINT#1: 
PROPOSAL FORM
DUE. 9/16



CHECKPOINT#2:
ROUGH DRAFT
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#3:
TURN IT IN (FOR PLAGIARISM)
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#4:
THE FINAL DRAFT
DUE. 10/28



CHECKPOINT#5:
THE PRESENTATIONS
DUE. 12/5-12/9



* THE PRESENTATION DATES ARE A WEEK BEFORE OUR LAST FULL WEEK OF THE SEMESTER.

Create a citation for every source and place it in a document.

Alphabetize the sources.
Create hanging indents.

Work on “NRI: Commas for Clarity.”

https://illuminate.online?access_code=EX5VN6G


You will have eight questions to choose from. However, you have already answered, "What would you say is your biggest talent or skill?". My advice is that you revise, edit, and submit this answer to the district. 

Work on “NRI: Transitions (SWABI and THAMOS).”

*600 words by 9/29
*1200 words by 10/11
*1200 + words must be printed by 10/17 with a digital receipt from Turnitin.com. This is the one that goes in the grade book.

SP CHECKPOINTS:2022-2023

CHECKPOINT#1: 
PROPOSAL FORM
DUE. 9/16



CHECKPOINT#2:
ROUGH DRAFT
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#3:
TURN IT IN (FOR PLAGIARISM)
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#4:
THE FINAL DRAFT
DUE. 10/28



CHECKPOINT#5:
THE PRESENTATIONS
DUE. 12/5-12/9



* THE PRESENTATION DATES ARE A WEEK BEFORE OUR LAST FULL WEEK OF THE SEMESTER.

Write a strong counter-argument that addresses the opposing views to your thesis.

Topic Sentence
(Although ___/ Even though ___/ However, ) opponents of ___ suggest/claim/believe/argue ____.

*Be sure to have at least 2 reasons in your counter-argument.

Work on “NRI: Presenting Opposing Arguments.”

Work on “NRI: Evaluating for Plagiarism.”

Topic Sentence
Evidence
Commentary
Evidence
Commentary

Topic Sentence
Evidence
Commentary
Evidence
Commentary

Work on “NRI: Embedding Evidence.”

Topic Sentence
Evidence
Commentary
Evidence
Commentary

*175 words - remember your comments should be twice as long as your quotes.

Claim
Evidence
Comments
Evidence
Comments

Work on “NRI: Topic Sentences (On Topic).”

View the slide show. Then, write the introduction to your senior project.

Work on “NRI: Hook.”

Watch the instructional video. Then, create an outline for your senior project that follows your line of reasoning in your proposal.

SP CHECKPOINTS:2022-2023

CHECKPOINT#1: 
PROPOSAL FORM
DUE. 9/16



CHECKPOINT#2:
ROUGH DRAFT
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#3:
TURN IT IN (FOR PLAGIARISM)
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#4:
THE FINAL DRAFT
DUE. 10/28



CHECKPOINT#5:
THE PRESENTATIONS
DUE. 12/5-12/9



* THE PRESENTATION DATES ARE A WEEK BEFORE OUR LAST FULL WEEK OF THE SEMESTER.

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Watch the video and take some notes. Then answer both questions.

a. What is one helpful tip from the video?
b. What is one question you still have?

FYI - no one's answers should be the same!!!

Please fill out the form below.

SP CHECKPOINTS:2022-2023

CHECKPOINT#1: 
PROPOSAL FORM
DUE. 9/16



CHECKPOINT#2:
ROUGH DRAFT
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#3:
TURN IT IN (FOR PLAGIARISM)
DUE. 10/7



CHECKPOINT#4:
THE FINAL DRAFT
DUE. 10/28



CHECKPOINT#5:
THE PRESENTATIONS
DUE. 12/5-12/9



* THE PRESENTATION DATES ARE A WEEK BEFORE OUR LAST FULL WEEK OF THE SEMESTER.

Work on “NRI: Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning Quiz.” This is a quiz, not a practice lesson. Therefore, you do not get multiple chances to get a question correct. So please take your time. 

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (300-350 Words)

Rubric
Formatting
5 (300+ words) 4 (250-299 words) 3 (200-249 words)

Responds to topic
5(Clearly) 4(Adaquetly) 3(Needs more details)

Evidence and Support
5 (Multiple examples of developing the talent or skills) 4 (Two examples of developing the talent or skill) 3 (1 example of developing the talent or skill)

Language
5 (Sophisticated academic language) 4 (Clear and easy to understand language) 3 (Needs revision)

Editing
5 (Carefully proofread) 2 (Needs some editing)

Work on “NRI: Identifying Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning.”

View the tutorial. Then, complete the practice. 

Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

Read the article in the "Life After High School" Unit. Then, analyze and respond on the attached document. 

A dream board or vision board is a collage of images, pictures, and affirmations of one's dreams and desires, designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, and to use the law of attraction to attain goals. Create a vision board for your life 5-10 years from now.  Include things such as the education you want to receive, the skills you want to develop, places you want to travel to, and ways you want to help the community. You can include memes, quotes, or even bible verses you want to live by. Make sure it projects the kind of attitude you want to develop as you leave high school and take charge of your life. 

This assignment is due 08/26/2022. Click the attached link to access the assignment; on the CommonLit login page, click Log In With Google.

* You must join the Commonlit class first. The code is QBB84WD

Sign up for No Red Ink. Class code is good boat 86. Then, view the tutorial. Finally, complete the assigned practice. 

Read and annotate the article carefully. Then, answer the analysis questions on the document.

Work on “A Relationship You Can Count On.”
75 words

Preview the Text
The following are claims that the speaker makes in this TED Talk. Read the claims. Decide if you agree or disagree. Then, explain why.


1. We're constantly told to lean into work, to push harder, and achieve more. We're given the impression that these are the things that we need to go after in order to have a good life.

2. Social connections are really good for us, and that loneliness kills us.

3. What we'd really like is a quick fix, something we can get that'll make our lives good and keep them that way.
Analyze the text
1. What is one thing that you agree with? Explain.

2. What is one thing that surprised you? Explain.

Please enroll in Membean and take the beginning of the year assessment. Then "mark as done". 

Questions:
1. What is one thing that researchers discovered about learning?
2. Why is mindset important?
3. What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?
4. What is dangerous about labeling people “dumb”?

Take the quiz. Then answer the questions below.
1. What was your total score?
2. What do these results mean to you? Explain in 50-75 words.

Get into groups and introduce yourselves.
Search for something you all did this summer.
Begin by asking each other questions such as: Where did you go? What did you do?
When you are finished share this on Google Classroom.

Create a biographical slide to help me get to know you better. Use the first slide as your template. The second slide is an example.