In class we discussed the "Analyze the Text" questions at the bottom of p. 30 and made sure that for each answer we had textual evidence to support it.
Also, students explored further what might be Kennedy's answer to the unit question, "What does it mean to be American?" by examining what identifies as essential American values/traits in "The Immigrant Contribution." Here are some of the answers:
1. Americans are have different backgrounds. (paragraph 14)
2. Americans expect and respect that all people have equal opportunities and equal personal freedom (paragraph 16)
3. Americans are committed to personal betterment. (paragraph 15)
4. Americans expect to contribute to making America better - to the progress and future of America. (paragraphs 4-12, 17)
Then students compared Kennedy's ideas about what is means to be American to the list of what they thought were core values of Americans. Here is that list:
1. Tolerance
2. Freedom of Speech and Religion
3. Equal Opportunity
4. Fairness - Equal Treatment Under the Law
5. Acceptance of Individuals and Groups
6. Power
7. Trust
8. Honesty
9. Diversity
10. Money
11. Capitalism
12. Strength/Perseverance
Where is all this going? At the end of the unit, students will be writing an essay about what they think it is to be American and what others think it is to be American.
HOMEWORK:
p. 33 - "Conventions"
Read through the information about sentence structure. The only new definition you will be getting is for compound-complex sentences. Complete the "Read It" questions by identifying the kind of sentence of each. Complete the "Write It" exercise by writing a paragraph about any topic. This paragraph should have a simple sentence, a complex sentence, a compound sentence, and a complex-compound sentence.
ALSO, BRING YOUR INDEPENDENT READING BOOK TO CLASS TOMORROW!
