ENGLISH 11A
JOURNAL PROMPTS
TRIMESTER 1
2012-2013
JOURNAL REQUIREMENTS
& EXPECTATIONS
3. Use a concluding sentence to wrap up your journal
entry.
*Journals are expected to be a minimum of ½ page.
If shorter, you probably have not explained
yourself fully using an example(s) to show your
idea(s).
4. Take the time to PROOF READ your journals before
you turn them in.
-Check for correct spelling
-Check for complete sentences
-Make sure you have answered
ALL parts of the prompt.
11A
JOURNAL #1-Modern Dialogue
Sep. 7
 Using the vocabulary words for Oedipus Rex
on page 202, write a dialogue between an
authority figure and a subordinate (boss &
worker,child & parent, teacher & student,
etc.). Make sure you HIGHLIGHT your
vocabulary words and UNDERLINE your
context clues. Change the form of the word
as needed. (ex. venerate or veneration)
11A
JOURNAL #2: It’s A
Tragedy
 Define human tragedy.
 What emotions does tragedy evoke in the
witnesses (hear, see, read, etc.)?
 What would make the same terrible incident
a “tragedy” in one situation but not in
another? Explain and provide an example.
11A
Journal #3: Advice
 The last lines of the play are “advice” for
audience members/readers.
 Read lines 1472-1475 on page 262. What is
Oedipus saying here? Do you agree with
him? Explain why or why not.
11A
Journal #4: The Good, Bad
and the Ugly
 Identify three pros and three cons of
Oedipus’ character/personality. Use
examples/quotes from the play to show what
you mean.
11A
Journal #5:
Who’s to Blame?
 In a thoughtful 5-7 sentence paragraph, tell
whether you think the tragedy that happened
in Oedipus Rex was Oedipus’ fault (free will)
or out of his control (fate). Give specific
reasons and examples as to why you think
what you think.
 Write using complete sentences with details
and clear explanations.
11A
JOURNAL #6A: TAOISM
 Taoism is defined as: “joyful acceptance of
life and a willingness to yield to the natural
world, becoming one with it” (412)
 Put this into your own words. Explain with
an example what this might be like in life.
11A
JOURNAL #6B: TAOIST #2
 Read Taoist writing #8 on page 414.
 Write a paraphrase (not a summary) of Taoist
writing #8. Should be equal in length
 Write your reaction, thoughts to the selection.
(Like/dislike, agree/disagree) and why.
 What real life situations could you see these
beliefs applying or not applying to?
11A
JOURNAL #7: A CRIME
 Correctly using the vocabulary words from
page 547, write a newspaper report about a
crime.
 It should be in narrative form and be sure to
use the words in the correct part of speech
(form). (example-invoking versus invoked)
11A
JOURNAL #8: “A Problem”
 Define honor. Consider how honor is viewed
differently among different cultures.
 Do people today seem to care about “family
honor”? How about “personal honor”? Explain.
 Read & take notes pages 813-814 Chekhov & story
background-be prepared to discuss both the journal and
notes
11A
JOURNAL #9: A Secret
 Define secret. Explore in a minimum of ½
page the concept of a secret. What purpose
does it serve? When is it ok to keep a
secret? When should you not keep a
secret? Does the type of relationship relate
to the value of a secret? Etc.
 Review page 882 Dynamic v. Static character
11A