http://www.mrtonk.com/index.phpDaily or weekly logs of classroom lessons, plus resources, links, and downloads.entonkn@vail.k12.az.usCopyright 2006 Noah Tonk2008-12-09T15:04:59-07:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:07:22 -0700Noah TonkNoah Tonktonkn@vail.k12.az.ustonk cienega reading writing literature british englishSenior English lectures, class discussions, PowerPoints and handouts.Mr. Tonk's Senior English students (or anyone else cursed enough to subscribe to this podcast) can download audio versions of somewhat entertaining, hopefully informative, and sometimes disturbing classroom discussions and lectures for his regular Senior English class, which focuses on British Literature. Follow Mr. Tonk's adventures in his epic quest to educate today's youth - whether they like it or not. Handouts and PowerPoint presentations are also frequently posted.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usAnnouncements2008-12-09T15:04:59-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-130http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-130You will be required to respond to one of these essay questions on the day of the final exam. You will also be required to show up with a detailed research outline in ICET format.

Choose one of the following questions to answer.

1. The weird sisters made many prophecies regarding Macbeth and his actions throughout the course of the play. Were the choices and events predicted by the witches predestined by fate, or were they a result of Macbeth’s own free will? Discuss the role of fate, free will, and prophecy in the decisions made by Macbeth. Be sure to explain your answer using supporting evidence from the text.
2. At the start of the play, Macbeth was a good and noble Thane who sought only to serve the King. By the end, he has become an arrogant, paranoid murderer. In your opinion, who was more responsible for this transformation, Macbeth himself or Lady Macbeth? Be sure to explain your answer using supporting evidence from the text.
4. Some have portrayed the play Macbeth as a classic story of good and evil, with the witches and Lady Macbeth on one side, Banquo, Malcom and Macduff on the other, and Macbeth somewhere in between. Others feel that it is more complex, that there are deeper psychological themes involved beneath the initial layer of good vs. evil. Is Macbeth a story of good vs. evil, or of complex psychological issues? Be sure to explain your answer using supporting evidence from the text.

]]>tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-11-20T17:48:28-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-128http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-128
Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english writingCommon Problems, Part 2The second in a series about the most common problems in student writing for the SEP research paper.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-10-13T19:43:42-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-124http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-124
Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature shakespeareMacbeth, Act 1:i-iiiZero Hour reads Macbeth, Act 1, scenes one, two, and three.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-10-09T19:41:21-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-123http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-123
Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english writing grammarComplex sentencesComplex sentencestonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logszero hour2008-10-08T10:24:04-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-122http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-122
Podcast

Recorded during zero hour. Audio only.]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english reading literature shakespearePre-Macbeth DiscussionDiscussion of the issues of fate and free will as a pre-cursor to reading Macbeth. Recorded during zero hour.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-10-07T10:16:19-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-121http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-121Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature readingBackground for MacbethPowerPoint providing background information for Macbeth and a primer on iambic pentameter. No sound.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-10-06T10:12:58-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-120http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-120Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english writing grammarCompound sentencesCompound sentences. No sound.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logszero hour2008-09-18T15:58:07-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-118http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-118
Click here to listen to and watch this presentation from zero hour.]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english writing researchSEP Research OutlineHow to construct the biggest, craziest outline ever. Zero Hour.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usResources2008-09-17T17:26:27-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-117http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-117Click here and here to download the revision requirements for the 2nd draft!

Using the description of the Wife of Bath and the tale that she tells, would you consider Chaucer’s message to be pro-feminist or anti-feminist?
 
Keep the following issues in mind when you compose your response:

Do NOT answer each question one by one.  These questions are meant to guide your thinking processes.
 
Your response must include an outline, a first and second draft, and be five paragraphs in length, written in ICET format. It must be thoughtful, quality writing, free of errors, and show clear evidence of having read the material involved. The final draft must be submitted to Turnitin.com and brought to class as a hard copy. Students get a 10 point bonus on their scores if they do NOT have to print in class.

Click here to download the assignment directly.

]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english reading literature writingWife of Bath Essay AssignmentUsing the description of the Wife of Bath and the tale that she tells, would you consider Chaucer’s message to be pro-feminist or anti-feminist?tonkn@vail.k12.az.uszero hourSenior English Class Logs2008-09-09T09:59:51-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-116http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-116Discussion topics from today’s class for homework:

1. Women are just as capable as men
2. More pressure on women
3. Inequality & stereotypes
4. Image
5. Workplace
6. Materialism
7. Switching roles]]>tonkn@vail.k12.az.usAnnouncements2008-09-08T12:42:38-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-115http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-115Download it here.]]>tonkn@vail.k12.az.usAnnouncements2008-08-24T23:17:24-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-114http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-114Lesson plans have been updated for the next two weeks. ]]>tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-19T21:07:24-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-113http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-1131. Summary of events of Beowulf vs. Grendel’s Mother.

2. Reasons why Beowulf or Grendel’s Mother might have been offended (think back on your Anglo-Saxon culture notes).

3. Similarities and differences between Beowulf’s attack on Grendel’s Mother, Grendel’s fight with Beowulf, and Grendel’s attack on the men of Herot.

Plus the reading notes in the traditional reading notes format.....]]>tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-05T17:37:48-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-112http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-112
Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english reading literatureBeowulf: Anglo-Saxon Culture & LiteraturePowerPoint presentation on Anglo-Saxon culture and literature that badly needs to be revised. Presented as a lead-in to Beowulf.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-12T17:34:49-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-111http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-111
Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english writing grammarGrammar: PrepositionsPresentation on prepositions. Video of student holding chair "over" his head not included.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-07-25T17:31:52-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-110http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-110
Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega writing grammar englishGrammar: PronounsPresentation on pronouns.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-11T17:28:54-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-109http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-109
Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature grammar writing readingGrammar: Conjunctions & InterjectionsPresentation given in 4th hour on 8/7 and in zero hour on 8/11.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-12T17:24:06-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-108http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-108Simple presentation on the basics of Christian & Pagan thought. Use this information to analyze the text and determine whether or not Beowulf was originally a Christian or Pagan text.

Notes

Begin looking for images and attitudes that reflect Christian or Pagan values. Your thesis for your essay evaluating your mastery of concepts in Beowulf and preparation for the Senior Exit Project research paper will be a response to the following thesis question:

Is Beowulf primarily a Christian or Pagan text?

Your response will be graded not on your answer, but on how well you use evidence cited from Beowulf to support your thesis.]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature anglo-saxonBeowulf: Christian or Pagan Origins?Simple presentation on the basics of Christian & Pagan thought. Use this information to analyze the text and determine whether or not Beowulf was originally a Christian or Pagan text.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-07-23T08:53:25-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-107http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-107
Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature reading writingGrammar: NounsPowerPoint on nounstonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-06T08:51:26-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-106http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-106
Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english writing grammarGrammar: AdverbsGrammar: Adverbstonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-07-29T08:48:12-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-105http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-105
Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature grammarGrammar: AdjectivesAdjectives presentation for Senior Englishtonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-12T07:06:37-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-104http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-104Bellwork:
Write a summary of the events of Part 3 of our Beowulf reading, found at http://www.lnstar.com/literature/beowulf/beowulf3.htm.

15 lines.]]>tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-08-05T08:43:00-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-103http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-103Beowulf translations can be found at the First Quarter Materials page. Scan through the list of resources and explore your options for modern translations of Beowulf. Read the easier ones if you need to, but remember to use the more difficult versions for your Assigned Reading Focus.

Today’s Assigned Reading Focus is to list as many examples of allusions, alliteration, kennings, personification, and elements of Anglo-Saxon culture as you can, in the portion of Beowulf that deals with Grendel’s attack on Herot.

Notes]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega grammar english literature verbs reading writingGrammar: VerbsA not-so-funny presentation on verbs (action & linking) along with a brief discussion of why Spanish is easier than English.tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class LogsGrammar2008-07-22T14:04:43-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-102http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-102Today’s lesson plan changed a bit (you might get used to that now; this blog was set up for that very reason!).

Bellwork:
What are your expectations for this course? What are your expectations for me? What are your expectations for yourself?

Nouns PowerPoint presentation

Brief tour of MrTonk.com

Students got into groups and each group was assigned a literary term. Groups created posters that contained only an image - text was only allowed in order to understand the image. Each image must help explain each literary term - or, as I told 4th hour, the picture IS your definition of the term. 4th hour was required to write three examples.

Zero hour put their posters on the wall; 4th hour was required to find the zero hour poster corresponding to their own groups’ posters and put their posters up next to zero hour’s posters.

Homework assigned:
Read “The Seafarer”. Take two-page reading notes using this format, where the squiggly line represents the center of the notebook when you have a page on the left and a page on the right. Assigned reading focus: examples of literary terms (from the previous day’s list) found in “The Seafarer.”
]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature reading writing grammarNounsNounstonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-07-21T08:51:16-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-101http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-101See the 4th hour summary, below. You can also click on “Podcast” in this entry to hear and view today’s presentation.


Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature reading writingSenior English Introductions (Zero Hour, with audio)Senior English Introductions (Zero Hour, with audio)tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-07-18T12:53:10-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-100http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-100Lots of information here if you poke around a bit. Hover your mouse over “Senior English” on the left and explore what you find there. In addition, check out what is available on the Notes from the Classroom menu and the File Cabinet.

Don’t forget: Literary terms definitions in your own words due Tuesday!

Metaphor
Symbol
Personification
Simile
Allusion
Tone
Satire
Narrative
Alliteration
Irony

In addition: join Turnitin.com using the information in your syllabus, find a book to read, and join the Google email group. For more information, click the link below or visit the lesson plan page. Speaking of the lesson plan page, if you read it for Jul 18, no, we didn’t do the Cornell Notes. Everything was so rushed that it just didn’t really work out. Sue me. :-)

Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english literature reading writingWelcome to Senior English!Welcome to Senior English!tonkn@vail.k12.az.usSenior English Class Logs2008-11-18T07:15:21-07:00http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-127http://www.mrtonk.com/english12/english12.php#unique-entry-id-127
Podcast]]>Noah Tonktonk cienega english writingCommon Problems in SEP Research PapersUse this PowerPoint to find and eliminate common problems in your papers.