In response to today’s class, below are some analyses for you to consider. “We came from our own country” There is a nostalgic, regretful TONE to the line which is created by the past tense. It implies that the writer is no longer in her own country – she is now displaced. “As though this were a church and he a priest preparing to … Continue reading Carol Ann Duffy – Analyses
Notes from class: Close Reading – The Five Mark Question – Handcuffed to a Maniac Continue reading Five Mark Question
Notes from class: Imagery Questions Continue reading Imagery Questions
In the winter term, we will be studying a drama text. Before selecting the text, I would like you to know a little about the plays under consideration, and to state a preference. Over the next couple of weeks, I will try to find time for the class to use computers so that you can do a little research into each before coming to an … Continue reading Higher Drama Texts
“Tess of the d’Urbervilles” Choose a novel in which the main character is seen to grow or mature in the course of the story. Show how the novelist engages your interest in the character and his or her development. “The Crucible” Choose from a play a scene in which tension builds to a climax. Explain how the dramatist creates and develops this tension, and discuss … Continue reading Higher – Timed Essays
From today’s class. Close Reading – The Five Mark Question – Handcuffed to a Maniac Continue reading Close Reading – Five Mark Question
Below is the link to the close reading paper designed by our Higher class. Higher – Close Reading – Handcuffed to a Maniac – Dear Remoaners – Pupil Paper Continue reading Brexit – Pupil-Assembled Close Reading
Below is the link to the comparison questions we were looking at in class. Remember, try to structure your points: The first article… whereas the second article… For example, in the first article the writer says… In the second article, the writer says… close-reading-final-question-comparison-superheroes-rowling-fantastic-beasts Continue reading Close Reading – The Comparison Question
The powerpoint from today’s class… rhetorical-devices-in-persuasive-writing Continue reading Rhetorical Techniques for Persuasive Writing
Close Reading Sentence Structure Questions Due 31st October Close Reading Writer’s Language Questions Due 7th November Close Reading Tone Questions Due 14th November Friday 4th November – in class – timed essay. Choose a novel or short story in which the writer’s use of setting in time and/or place has a significant part to play in your appreciation of the text as … Continue reading Upcoming Higher Deadlines
Notes from today’s class… Hyperbole Exaggeration in order to make a point. A Mars bar can save your life. Tricolon A series of three points, clauses or sentences. A Mars bar is sweet, chocolatey and full of vitamins! Climax The highest point of tension in a text/ paragraph/ sentence. Anaphora Repetition at the start of sentences or clauses. Mars bars are the tastiest! Mars … Continue reading Rhetoric
Higher – Context Questions from Mister Connor Continue reading Context Questions – Higher – N5
As suggested in class… After the plane crash, how can we tackle ISIS? What is the best way to tackle the Syrian Refugees crisis? After the stabbing in Aberdeen is it time for airport security in schools? After Pistorius’s early release, are celebrity criminals treated more leniently than common citizens? Should refugees ever be deported? Are we paying too much for our music? Is illegal-downloading … Continue reading Recent news-stories for discursive essays
· Arriving home hungover · Losing an item belonging to your grandmother · Breaking a family heirloom · Failing a key exam · Performing in public · Moving to a new place · Coping with envy as a child · A first heart-break · Breaking someone else’s heart · A loved one is hospitalised · Dealing with parental pressure Continue reading Reflective Writing – Possible Topics
A journalist discovers a politician is having an affair, but is conflicted as he/she learns the affair is with his/ her wife. A doctor examines a patient and discovers a mouth behind their knee. A policeman interviewing a murderer discovers that he is talking to himself. A waitress serving a former boss takes revenge. A teacher discovers the speaking face of God in a text … Continue reading Higher – Short Story
Choose a novel in which an incident reveals a flaw in a central character. Explain how the incident reveals this flaw and go on to discuss the importance of the flaw in your understanding of the character. Intro: – Focus on Tess – Fault is acquiescence – Developed through whole novel – Key to her character Para 1: – Acquiescence on the Chase – … Continue reading Tess of the d’Urbervilles – Practice Plan
From today’s class: Practice plans Identify thrust Identify four possible topics/ chart progression Thrust = Shame Proctor’s shame about affair w Abigail His shame that he has wronged his wife Shame that his reputation is in pieces Shame that he is ruining his family’s name (future, children) Thrust = A life changing experience Change – encapsulated in moment of waking with son Change – poet’s … Continue reading Higher/Int2 – Revision Notes
Short Story Prompts and Guidance from Mister Connor Continue reading Higher – Creative Writing
This may be of some use to both Higher and Intermediate pupils who are looking for a bullet-point, checklist-style approach to answering question. It’s downloadable from Slideshare if you want your own copy. Higher – Close Reading Formulas from Mister Connor Continue reading Higher/ Intermediate Close Reading Formulae
This programme may be of use to the Highers looking at poems by Blake, Byron and Clare. It’s interesting enough for everyone to watch, of course, as the Romantic movement is one of the most powerful cultural forces to have occurred in our history. Continue reading Higher – The Romantics
I have recorded audio versions of the ten poems we read in class. Each is downloadable if you such a thing would be useful when it comes to revising/ memorising them. You can find them here. In the coming week I’ll also be posting analyses of each of these. Continue reading Poetry – Higher
Homework for the Highers – due 10th September.Write a minimum of 200 words on two of the following subjects. Make sure that across your group of three you cover all six subjects.You may bullet point your work or write in paragraphs.Try to find facts which are unexpected and likely to pique a reader’s interest. 1. Religion and the influence of Darwin’s theory of evolution 2. … Continue reading Tess of the d’Urbervilles – Social Context
Spellings from today’s class… 1. Necessary 2. Embarrass 3. Benefited 4. Committed 5. Narrative 6. Emphasise 7. Literature 8. Definite 9. Privilege 10. Intimidating 11. Sentence 12. Circumstances 13. Relevant 14. Occurring 15. Disapproval 16. Irrelevant 17. Humorous 18. Immediately 19. Argument 20. Possession 21. Skilful 22. Tragedy 23. Emphasis 24. Exciting 25. Beginning Why is this funny? Because it’s humerus. Continue reading Higher Spellings
http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=higherclosereading-sentencestructurequestions-120227095043-phpapp01&stripped_title=higher-close-reading-sentence-structure-questions&userName=bluejorj View more presentations from Mister Connor. Continue reading Higher – Close Reading – Sentence Structure
Answers to questions on poetry should address relevantly the central concern(s)/theme(s) of the text(s) and be supported by reference to appropriate poetic techniques such as: imagery, verse form, structure, mood, tone, sound, rhythm, rhyme, characterisation, contrast, setting, symbolism, word choice . . . 1. Choose a poem in which the poet blends narration and reflection. Show how the poet blends these two aspects in such … Continue reading Higher – Poetry Essay 1 – Choices
There is some confusion over deadlines, most of which are now past. So, by January 9th, I want the following pieces finished. You have had several weeks to complete them so far. I will not accept excuses for non-submission of these essays on this date as you have already had ample time to finish them. 1. Crucible essay 2: Choose from a play a scene … Continue reading Higher essays/ deadlines. IMPORTANT.
Four areas for arranging ideas: 1. State the status quo2. State the arguments against your own point of view3. Knock these ideas down, one by one4. Sum up and conclude by stating the rightness of your own views Continue reading Higher Persuasive Writing
Answer ONE of these two questions. Hand in on Thursday 17th November. 1. Choose a play set in a society whose values conflict with those of a central character or characters. Describe this difference in values and discuss how effectively the opposition of values enhances your appreciation of the play as a whole. 2. Choose a play which has a theme of revenge or betrayal … Continue reading The Crucible – Essay Questions
This is a working document – it won’t be finished until after the October break. The original is available from Glasgow City Council (Shawlands Academy, and others.) Nonetheless, it may be worth a read in its current form. http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/doc_player.swf?doc=closereadingforhigherenglish3-110918130310-phpapp02&stripped_title=higher-english-close-reading&userName=bluejorj Continue reading Higher English Close Reading Booklet
For any pupils who are trying to expand their vocabulary, especially for those tricky TONE questions. This is a handy reference sheet. Tone Wordshttp://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/doc_player.swf?doc=intermediate2-tonewords2-100925140115-phpapp02&stripped_title=tone-words&userName=bluejorj View more documents from Mr Connor. Continue reading Tone Words
Below is a summary of the work we did today. If you’re interested in Freud, there is plenty to read here. 1) Death of Piggy and Destruction of Conch: Failure or breakdown of society on the island.2) Plane Crash: Failure or breakdown of society in the world outside; spread of corrupting ideas.3) Forest Scar: This path of destruction through the forest, caused by the crashing … Continue reading Lord of the Flies – Symbolism
“Lord of the Flies”Chapter One – The Sound of the Shell 1) The boys are in a serious situation due to the imperfect nature of society which Golding wants to analyse.How have the boys landed in this situation? Find at least SIX pieces of evidence. 2) In the first chapter alone, much is revealed about the main characters.Write a brief character sketch for each of … Continue reading Lord of the Flies – Q&As #1
