December 9, 2013
Aim: How can we use quizlet and a vocabulary 4-square to become more familiar with the vocabulary used in Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.'s short story, "Harrison Bergeron?"
Do now # 1: Review the vocabulary words at:
http://quizlet.com/32060911/flashcards
Making Meaning Activity #1
After reviewing the words complete the following tasks on quizlet.com:
Complete a vocabulary four square for eight of the words using the following link:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2JpUPwlJEK4ZmMzZDdkNmEtNjAwNS00YWI1LWFiYmEtZWVhMjE1MWU5ZTJm/edit?hl=en&pli=1
HW: Finish whatever you weren't able to complete for homework.
Test on Monday, December 16, 2013!!!
December 11 and 12, 2013
Aim: How does Vonnegut use characterization and word choice to warn his readers of the potential drawbacks of a truly “equal” society?
Do now #2: Directions: Read the following statements. Please indicate if you Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D), or Strongly Disagree (SD) with the statement. You must have an opinion; neutrality is not an option.
Making Meaning Activity #2:
Click the following link and read the short story: "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harrison.html
Think-Pair-Share activity: Using the short story and the help of a partner answer the following text-dependent questions:
Text-dependent Questions
1. Finding examples from the text, what can you infer about the type of government that was in existence in the year 2081?
Evidence-based Answers
Example answer: One can infer that through multiple amendments to the constitution “All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution,” that society has changed dramatically. It is stated that people were “equal in every which way.” The government and the United States Handicapper General, aid in keeping the society equitable: “unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.” The statement that “everybody was finally equal” suggests that the process of creating absolute equality was a measurement of society’s progress and success. This would emphasize that having total equality in this society is a life-long achievement: the ultimate achievement.
2. What are some human qualities the author highlights as characteristics that would give one person an “unfair advantage” over someone else? What did the U.S. Handicapper General do to counter these traits in order to establish equality amongst all? Cite specific examples from the text.
3. In the first paragraph, Vonnegut uses the words “unceasing vigilance.” What do these words mean? What implications do they have in the text?
4. Indirect characterization is when an author develops the character through his actions, dialogues, thoughts, appearance, other character reactions. How does Vonnegut use indirect characterization to create sympathy for George and Hazel? Use textual support.
5. George Bergeron wears a radio that broadcasts various noises to prohibit him from developing any intellectual thoughts. Trace the increase intensity of these noises that George hears throughout the story. How do the noises parallel the escalating tragedy of George’s and Hazel’s lives?
6. How does Harrison’s rebellion reveals his value of individuation and competition in a society. Support your opinion with evidence from the text.
7. Vonnegut uses the term “neutralizing gravity.” What does “neutralizing” mean? Why does he use this term here, and how does this word choice emphasize his point?
8. Identify some figurative language in the description of the scene with Harrison and the dancing Ballerina. How does the language affect the tone of the piece, and what does it reveal about what Vonnegut values?
9. The entire narrative takes place as George and Hazel sit I front of the television. What is Vonnegut’s purpose in having the television set as the primary setting? Cite textual evidence for the significance of the television.
10. Vonnegut says, “It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor.” How does this paragraph compare to the description of the dance that comes before it? How does the shift in tone here support the theme?
11. Just after watching the televised murder of his son, George hears “the sound of a riveting gun in his head.” Why does Vonnegut reference this particular kind of tool? How might this multiple meaning word enhance the themes in the story?
12. What do you think Vonnegut might be trying to say about today’s society and the role a government can play in achieving equality among people? Use examples from the story to support your opinion.
December 13, 2013
Culminating Writing Task
The final essay is due on Monday, December 16, 2013 at the beginning of the period.
Prompt(Required)
“Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it.”
Frances Wright
The United States has often been called the land of opportunity. This suggests that individuals are free to pursue their dreams to the best of their abilities, which may differ greatly. At the same time, our Declaration of Independence states that all people are created equal. How does Vonnegut use characterization and word choice to warn his readers of the potential drawbacks of a truly “equal” society? Support your claims with valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence from the text, including direct quotes. Track the quotes and elaborate/ explain how this evidence supports ideas or argument using the following graphic organizer http://freeology.com/wp-content/files/dialecticaljournal2.pdf
Due to the December assessment the test on Harrison Bergeron will be postponed until Wednesday, December 18, 2013.
For students who finish the required assignment early:
Extension Activity (Extra- Credit): Write an essay in which you consider what all these different sources say about human microchipping. The final essay is due on Monday, December 16, 2013. What are the benefits? What are the risks? Write a short (750 words) essay in which you: Explain what’s at stake: Why does this issue matter? Develop and state your own position. Defend your position with a range of different types of evidence (interview, observations, research data, and newspaper reports, etc.) Include research that you may have conducted. Draw your own conclusions about the effects of human microchipping.
Include any three of the following resources for you evidence:
Aim: How can we use quizlet and a vocabulary 4-square to become more familiar with the vocabulary used in Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.'s short story, "Harrison Bergeron?"
Do now # 1: Review the vocabulary words at:
http://quizlet.com/32060911/flashcards
Making Meaning Activity #1
After reviewing the words complete the following tasks on quizlet.com:
- Scatter
- Learn
- Race
- Test
Complete a vocabulary four square for eight of the words using the following link:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2JpUPwlJEK4ZmMzZDdkNmEtNjAwNS00YWI1LWFiYmEtZWVhMjE1MWU5ZTJm/edit?hl=en&pli=1
HW: Finish whatever you weren't able to complete for homework.
Test on Monday, December 16, 2013!!!
December 11 and 12, 2013
Aim: How does Vonnegut use characterization and word choice to warn his readers of the potential drawbacks of a truly “equal” society?
Do now #2: Directions: Read the following statements. Please indicate if you Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D), or Strongly Disagree (SD) with the statement. You must have an opinion; neutrality is not an option.
- For members of a community or group to be true equals, everyone must be exactly the same.
- It is okay for community leaders to use violence or force to stop people who are disrupting community life.
- In an ideal society everyone is equal.
- It is better to be ignorant and happy than to be aware and upset.
- The government knows what is best for us.
- Rules exist to help us live our lives properly.
- You shouldn't have to be around people you don't agree with.
- Everyone should earn the same amount of money no matter how hard they work.
- If you know you are right you should follow your ideals, even if others disagree.
Making Meaning Activity #2:
Click the following link and read the short story: "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harrison.html
Think-Pair-Share activity: Using the short story and the help of a partner answer the following text-dependent questions:
Text-dependent Questions
1. Finding examples from the text, what can you infer about the type of government that was in existence in the year 2081?
Evidence-based Answers
Example answer: One can infer that through multiple amendments to the constitution “All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution,” that society has changed dramatically. It is stated that people were “equal in every which way.” The government and the United States Handicapper General, aid in keeping the society equitable: “unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.” The statement that “everybody was finally equal” suggests that the process of creating absolute equality was a measurement of society’s progress and success. This would emphasize that having total equality in this society is a life-long achievement: the ultimate achievement.
2. What are some human qualities the author highlights as characteristics that would give one person an “unfair advantage” over someone else? What did the U.S. Handicapper General do to counter these traits in order to establish equality amongst all? Cite specific examples from the text.
3. In the first paragraph, Vonnegut uses the words “unceasing vigilance.” What do these words mean? What implications do they have in the text?
4. Indirect characterization is when an author develops the character through his actions, dialogues, thoughts, appearance, other character reactions. How does Vonnegut use indirect characterization to create sympathy for George and Hazel? Use textual support.
5. George Bergeron wears a radio that broadcasts various noises to prohibit him from developing any intellectual thoughts. Trace the increase intensity of these noises that George hears throughout the story. How do the noises parallel the escalating tragedy of George’s and Hazel’s lives?
6. How does Harrison’s rebellion reveals his value of individuation and competition in a society. Support your opinion with evidence from the text.
7. Vonnegut uses the term “neutralizing gravity.” What does “neutralizing” mean? Why does he use this term here, and how does this word choice emphasize his point?
8. Identify some figurative language in the description of the scene with Harrison and the dancing Ballerina. How does the language affect the tone of the piece, and what does it reveal about what Vonnegut values?
9. The entire narrative takes place as George and Hazel sit I front of the television. What is Vonnegut’s purpose in having the television set as the primary setting? Cite textual evidence for the significance of the television.
10. Vonnegut says, “It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor.” How does this paragraph compare to the description of the dance that comes before it? How does the shift in tone here support the theme?
11. Just after watching the televised murder of his son, George hears “the sound of a riveting gun in his head.” Why does Vonnegut reference this particular kind of tool? How might this multiple meaning word enhance the themes in the story?
12. What do you think Vonnegut might be trying to say about today’s society and the role a government can play in achieving equality among people? Use examples from the story to support your opinion.
December 13, 2013
Culminating Writing Task
The final essay is due on Monday, December 16, 2013 at the beginning of the period.
Prompt(Required)
“Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it.”
Frances Wright
The United States has often been called the land of opportunity. This suggests that individuals are free to pursue their dreams to the best of their abilities, which may differ greatly. At the same time, our Declaration of Independence states that all people are created equal. How does Vonnegut use characterization and word choice to warn his readers of the potential drawbacks of a truly “equal” society? Support your claims with valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence from the text, including direct quotes. Track the quotes and elaborate/ explain how this evidence supports ideas or argument using the following graphic organizer http://freeology.com/wp-content/files/dialecticaljournal2.pdf
Due to the December assessment the test on Harrison Bergeron will be postponed until Wednesday, December 18, 2013.
For students who finish the required assignment early:
Extension Activity (Extra- Credit): Write an essay in which you consider what all these different sources say about human microchipping. The final essay is due on Monday, December 16, 2013. What are the benefits? What are the risks? Write a short (750 words) essay in which you: Explain what’s at stake: Why does this issue matter? Develop and state your own position. Defend your position with a range of different types of evidence (interview, observations, research data, and newspaper reports, etc.) Include research that you may have conducted. Draw your own conclusions about the effects of human microchipping.
Include any three of the following resources for you evidence:
- EMPLOYEES GET MICROCHIP IMPLANTS
- A Company Requires Employees to Have RFID Chip Implanted Under Skin
- Ethical Questions Raised over Implantable Chips
- Body-Tech Exploring the Implications of Human Microchip Implants lesson plan
- High Tech, Under the Skin
- “In Texas, 28,000 Students Test an Electronic Eye”
- The RFID Journal
- Spychips.com
