Homework: 12/10

Please read the next 6 pages of the book this evening. Continue to isolate passages of particular interest/relevance/significance. Tomorrow we will spend the first part of the class allowing Tanya, Marcia, and Jeffery to present their group analysis of the text. They have decided to do a close reading of the first part of the book. They will discuss Conrad's use of language to convey larger ideas and provide some insight into the meaning of the words. Please come prepared to contribute to the presentation having read and taken notes on the readings so far.

Two Comments. I must say that I was happy with some of the paragraphs I read today in class. I noticed a definite improvement in structure and organization of your ideas. The key to good writing - at least on school-based assignments - is clarity and organization. A clear thesis leads to solid topic sentences, which in turn leads to well-structured and well-organized essays. Let's continue to work toward that end.

Lastly, there is still too much talking during our writing assignments. Writing is a key component to AP Literature and COMPOSITION, and therefore should be taken seriously. It is very difficult to write effectively and organize one's thoughts without absolute quiet. Please do not force me to become the teacher I do want to be. I am asking you all to self-govern and show academic respect and maturity. I know that many of you are legitimately discussing the text, but an individually assigned writing task is not the time to do so. I have a lot of respect for all of you and I ask that you respect the class and your classmates. I want to avoid classroom confrontation as that only serves to weaken a class and creates a negative tone. I can handle a little talking, but please pick appropriate times. I am confident that this will be all that is necessary to solve this minor issue.