April 2014 Activities and Expectations
English 11
1.
Journal Activity: This month we are continuing the daily journal activity with a few modifications. Last
semester, you were expected to copy the quote and write a specified number of words to describe your
thoughts, reflections, or data you discovered about the quote and/or its author. This month, we will be:
a. Copying the content objective (what we are expected to learn)
b. Copying the language objective (how we are expected to learn it/the product)
c. Practicing grammatical conventions in a daily writing mini lesson.
The activity will be graded by quizzes. April’s quiz will be April 30, 2014. Questions on this 100 point
assessment will address, parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and writing format.
2.
Vocabulary Activity: Two units of vocabulary will be mastered during the month of April. The sixth unit
will be assigned on April 7 and tested on April 16th. The seventh unit will be assigned on April 21 and
tested on April 30. Each vocabulary test will be valued at 100 points. Although note cards and helper 3 x
5 cards were permitted last semester, these aids will NOT be permitted this semester, not even on the
Final exam at the end of the school year. The following techniques have been proven to be effective in
improving your understanding (acquisition) of unknown terms:
a. Daily review of words/definitions on flash cards
b. Drawing and reviewing thumbnail sketches of word definitions
c. Playing word games such as “hangman” using the terms and definitions
d. Daily review of words, their synonyms and antonyms
e. Daily review of word parts including roots, prefixes and suffixes
3.
Literature: We will finish “Death of A Salesman”. The test will be held on April 18. This month we will also
read various selections from our text. We will be taking a test on the play on May 2.
4.
Essay Writing: Each week, we will be practicing writing skills which will be tested on the final exam
April 7-11> Compound Sentences
April 14-18> Transitional phrases
April 21-25> Elaborative Statements
NOTE: Each Friday (April 11 and 25), we will write a timed essay which will focus on the weekly topic plus the
writing format. The essay will be worth 100 points
.
5.
6.
Participation Grade: Each student will be assessed as to their positive contribution to a productive
learning environment. 100 points
SBAC Testing --April 15 and 16.
English 11 Vocabulary Words:
Group 6
Abhor
hate
Bigot
narrow-minded, prejudiced person
Counterfeit
fake; false
Enfranchise
give voting rights
Hamper
hinder; obstruct
Kindle
to start a fire
Noxious
harmful; poisonous; lethal
Placid
calm; peaceful
Remuneration
payment for work done
Talisman
lucky charm
abrasive
rough; coarse; harsh
Bilk
cheat; defraud
Covert
hidden; undercover
Engender
cause
Hangar
storage area (like garage) for a plane
Knotty
complex; difficult to solve
Nuance
something subtle; a fine shade of meaning
Plagiarism
taking credit for someone else's writing or ideas
Renown
fame
Tangent
going off the main subject
Group 7
Abasement
humiliation; degradation
Billowing
swelling; fluttering; waving
Cower
recoil in fear or servility; shrink away from
Enhance
improve; make better or clearer
Harangue
noisy, attacking speech
Labyrinth
a maze
Nullify
to counter; make unimportant
Plaintiff
petitioner (in court of law)
Replete
full
Tangible
can be touched
Abrogate
cancel; deny; repeal
Blasphemy
speech which offends religious sentiments
Credible
believable
Enigma
puzzle; mystery
Harbingers
indicators; bringers of warnings
Labyrinthine
complicated; highly convoluted
Nuzzle
cuddle; snuggle
Plaudit
statement giving strong praise
Reprehensible
shameful; very bad
Tardy
slow; late; overdue; delayed