Students will be studying the sentence structure and conventions (i.e. spelling, capitalization, punctuation) of a published paragraph.
A new paragraph will be posted each Monday.
**Paragraph Tests will not be administered during term 3.**
Paragraph #17 (Mon. Feb. 26 - Fri. Mar. 2)
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Canadians and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in Canadian History. In December 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.
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(Tues. Feb. 20 - Fri. Feb. 23) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
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(Mon. Feb. 12 - Thurs. Feb. 15) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
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Paragraph #16 (Mon. Feb. 5 - Fri. Feb. 9)
Proofreading and Computer Screens
Reading text on a computer screen can be trying on to the eyes. Consequently, some writers tend to read material with less deliberation than they use with text printed on paper. In addition, text on paper has a different "look" from text on a screen, despite a print preview. When an author reads text on paper, he is more apt to concentrate and examine words and punctuation with greater care.
Paragraph #15 (Mon. Jan. 29 - Fri. Feb. 2)
Earthquakes
In the past, people didn't know what caused earthquakes. Today scientists know that the Earth's crust, its outer layer, is divided into great pieces. These pieces, called plates, are made of rock. The plates move slowly in different directions. They may move past each other, away from each other, or toward each other. Sometimes a long crack, called a fault, forms between plates. If enough stress builds up along a fault, an earthquake occurs.
Paragraph #14 (Mon. Jan. 22 - Fri. Jan. 26)
Don't Be Afraid, Speak Up!
Do you feel nervous when all eyes are upon you? At such times it may help to remember that your audience is on your side to begin with: they want to enjoy what you have to share. If remembering that doesn't help, then try this: what you're feeling is normal! Even the coolest speakers and performers have had sweaty palms! They've just learned some tricks to relax and gain confidence.
Paragraph #13 (Mon. Jan. 15 - Fri. Jan. 19)
Do a lot of reading
Reading is one of the best ways to expose yourself to correct grammar. The more you read, the more familiar you will become with good English usage, and your grammar will improve. Best of all, this knowledge will be automatic! Things will simply sound "right" or "wrong" to you. You might not know exactly why something is right or wrong, but that doesn't really matter. You will know.
Paragraph #12 (Mon. Jan. 8 - Fri. Jan. 12)
Test-Taking Tips
You're probably sick of hearing this: "Read the directions carefully." You'd be surprised how often people lower their test scores by not following that piece of advice. For some tests, following directions may not be easy. A test may be divided into many parts, with different directions applying to each part. And test directions come in many forms, too, including some tricky varieties.
Paragraph #11 (Mon. Dec.11 - Fri. Dec. 15)
Are you listening critically?
Can you tell whether the speaker is knowledgeable about the subject? Has the biologist done her research? Does the actor understand his lines? Can you separate the speaker's facts, which can be proved, from the speaker's opinions, which can't? Listening critically doesn't mean trying to find fault with everything someone says. It means evaluating what you hear before deciding what you think of it.
Paragraph #9 (Mon. Nov. 27 - Fri. Dec. 1)
Experiencing a Poem
What makes you remember a poem? Is it the poet's use of sounds, images, and rhythm? Poets choose and arrange their words very carefully. The language of poetry, or the images, metaphors, sounds, pauses, and rhythms, creates the meaning of a poem. In a way, the language of poetry is the meaning of the poem.
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(Mon. Nov. 20 - Fri. Nov. 24) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
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(Mon. Nov. 13 - Fri. Nov. 17) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
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Paragraph #8 (Mon. Nov. 6 - Fri. Nov. 10)
The Value of Proofreading Partners
The work of just about every writer - whether student or professional - benefits from the attention of an editor. Obviously, the more skilled an editor is the greater the benefits, but in most cases even student editors can help a classmate during proofreading. Because students often have trouble stepping back form their writing to view it objectively, proofreading can be difficult for them. The author may pass over small, subtle errors that others quickly recognize. A proofreading partner can help find many of the minor errors that the writer may overlook.
Paragraph #7 (Mon. Oct. 30 - Fri. Nov. 3)
The Writing Process - Editing & Proofreading
By the time you're ready for editing and proofreading, you should be more or less satisfied that you've achieved your purpose in writing. This stage is a time for tinkering with words, and for tidying up mistakes in grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation. Finally, when you're presenting your work, make sure that it looks sharp: that it's clearly laid out, and nicely bound together. In other words, give your presentation some polish!
Paragraph #6 (Mon. Oct. 23 - Fri. Oct. 27)
The Writing Process - Revising
When you're revising your draft, you need to consider three things: focus, content, and organization. Have you done what you set out to do? Is your writing style geared to the people you want to reach? Is there anything that you've missed, that you want to expand on, move somewhere else, or cut altogether? Now is the time to decide. Be brave, be ruthless, listen to your inner voice- and make those changes! Then go make yourself some hot chocolate.
Paragraph #5 (Mon. Oct. 16 - Fri. Oct. 20)
Reading Critically
When you hear the term critical reader, do you picture a person frowning and finding fault with every word? Being critical can mean finding faults, but being a critical reader means something else entirely. It means that you think about what you read. You analyse the content by looking at how it is written and what it is actually saying. You use your knowledge and skill to judge the truth and value of what is in print.
Paragraph #4 (Mon. Oct. 2 - Fri. Oct. 6)
An excerpt from, "The Hunger Games"
The rules of the Hunger Games are simple. In punishment for the uprising, each of the twelve districts must provide one girl and one boy, called tributes, to participate. The twenty-four tributes will be imprisoned in a vast outdoor arena that could hold anything from a burning desert to a frozen wasteland. Over a period of several weeks, the competitors must fight to the death. The last tribute standing wins.
Paragraph #3 (Mon. Sept. 25 - Fri. Sept. 29)
An excerpt from, "The Outsiders" by S. E. Hinton
"I know", I said, but the ground began to blur and I felt hot tears running down my cheeks. I brushed them away impatiently. "I'm just a little spooked, that's all." I drew a quivering breath and quit crying. You just don't cry in front of Darry. Not unless you're hurt like Johnny had been that day we found him in the vacant lot. Compared to Johnny I wasn't hurt at all.
Paragraph #2 (Mon. Sept. 18 - Fri. Sept. 22)
An excerpt from, "The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis
First she gathered up all the little items they were trying to sell - dishes, pillow cases, household ornaments that had survived the bombings. Like many Afghans, they sold what they could. Mother and Nooria regularly went through what was left of the family's belongings to see what they could spare. There were so many people selling things in Kabul, Parvana marveled that there was anyone left to buy them.
Paragraph #1 (Mon. Sept. 11 - Fri. Sept. 15)
Paragraph Unity
As a writer you must be careful not to make the same kind of mistake. Always check to make sure that all of the sentences in your paragraph are about one main idea. Look at each sentence carefully. Ask yourself the question, "Does this sentence stick to the main idea in the topic sentence"? When all of the sentences in a paragraph are about one main idea, we say that the paragraph has unity.
A new paragraph will be posted each Monday.
**Paragraph Tests will not be administered during term 3.**
Paragraph #17 (Mon. Feb. 26 - Fri. Mar. 2)
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Canadians and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in Canadian History. In December 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.
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(Tues. Feb. 20 - Fri. Feb. 23) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
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(Mon. Feb. 12 - Thurs. Feb. 15) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
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Paragraph #16 (Mon. Feb. 5 - Fri. Feb. 9)
Proofreading and Computer Screens
Reading text on a computer screen can be trying on to the eyes. Consequently, some writers tend to read material with less deliberation than they use with text printed on paper. In addition, text on paper has a different "look" from text on a screen, despite a print preview. When an author reads text on paper, he is more apt to concentrate and examine words and punctuation with greater care.
Paragraph #15 (Mon. Jan. 29 - Fri. Feb. 2)
Earthquakes
In the past, people didn't know what caused earthquakes. Today scientists know that the Earth's crust, its outer layer, is divided into great pieces. These pieces, called plates, are made of rock. The plates move slowly in different directions. They may move past each other, away from each other, or toward each other. Sometimes a long crack, called a fault, forms between plates. If enough stress builds up along a fault, an earthquake occurs.
Paragraph #14 (Mon. Jan. 22 - Fri. Jan. 26)
Don't Be Afraid, Speak Up!
Do you feel nervous when all eyes are upon you? At such times it may help to remember that your audience is on your side to begin with: they want to enjoy what you have to share. If remembering that doesn't help, then try this: what you're feeling is normal! Even the coolest speakers and performers have had sweaty palms! They've just learned some tricks to relax and gain confidence.
Paragraph #13 (Mon. Jan. 15 - Fri. Jan. 19)
Do a lot of reading
Reading is one of the best ways to expose yourself to correct grammar. The more you read, the more familiar you will become with good English usage, and your grammar will improve. Best of all, this knowledge will be automatic! Things will simply sound "right" or "wrong" to you. You might not know exactly why something is right or wrong, but that doesn't really matter. You will know.
Paragraph #12 (Mon. Jan. 8 - Fri. Jan. 12)
Test-Taking Tips
You're probably sick of hearing this: "Read the directions carefully." You'd be surprised how often people lower their test scores by not following that piece of advice. For some tests, following directions may not be easy. A test may be divided into many parts, with different directions applying to each part. And test directions come in many forms, too, including some tricky varieties.
Paragraph #11 (Mon. Dec.11 - Fri. Dec. 15)
Are you listening critically?
Can you tell whether the speaker is knowledgeable about the subject? Has the biologist done her research? Does the actor understand his lines? Can you separate the speaker's facts, which can be proved, from the speaker's opinions, which can't? Listening critically doesn't mean trying to find fault with everything someone says. It means evaluating what you hear before deciding what you think of it.
Paragraph #9 (Mon. Nov. 27 - Fri. Dec. 1)
Experiencing a Poem
What makes you remember a poem? Is it the poet's use of sounds, images, and rhythm? Poets choose and arrange their words very carefully. The language of poetry, or the images, metaphors, sounds, pauses, and rhythms, creates the meaning of a poem. In a way, the language of poetry is the meaning of the poem.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(Mon. Nov. 20 - Fri. Nov. 24) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(Mon. Nov. 13 - Fri. Nov. 17) - NO PARAGRAPH TEST
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Paragraph #8 (Mon. Nov. 6 - Fri. Nov. 10)
The Value of Proofreading Partners
The work of just about every writer - whether student or professional - benefits from the attention of an editor. Obviously, the more skilled an editor is the greater the benefits, but in most cases even student editors can help a classmate during proofreading. Because students often have trouble stepping back form their writing to view it objectively, proofreading can be difficult for them. The author may pass over small, subtle errors that others quickly recognize. A proofreading partner can help find many of the minor errors that the writer may overlook.
Paragraph #7 (Mon. Oct. 30 - Fri. Nov. 3)
The Writing Process - Editing & Proofreading
By the time you're ready for editing and proofreading, you should be more or less satisfied that you've achieved your purpose in writing. This stage is a time for tinkering with words, and for tidying up mistakes in grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation. Finally, when you're presenting your work, make sure that it looks sharp: that it's clearly laid out, and nicely bound together. In other words, give your presentation some polish!
Paragraph #6 (Mon. Oct. 23 - Fri. Oct. 27)
The Writing Process - Revising
When you're revising your draft, you need to consider three things: focus, content, and organization. Have you done what you set out to do? Is your writing style geared to the people you want to reach? Is there anything that you've missed, that you want to expand on, move somewhere else, or cut altogether? Now is the time to decide. Be brave, be ruthless, listen to your inner voice- and make those changes! Then go make yourself some hot chocolate.
Paragraph #5 (Mon. Oct. 16 - Fri. Oct. 20)
Reading Critically
When you hear the term critical reader, do you picture a person frowning and finding fault with every word? Being critical can mean finding faults, but being a critical reader means something else entirely. It means that you think about what you read. You analyse the content by looking at how it is written and what it is actually saying. You use your knowledge and skill to judge the truth and value of what is in print.
Paragraph #4 (Mon. Oct. 2 - Fri. Oct. 6)
An excerpt from, "The Hunger Games"
The rules of the Hunger Games are simple. In punishment for the uprising, each of the twelve districts must provide one girl and one boy, called tributes, to participate. The twenty-four tributes will be imprisoned in a vast outdoor arena that could hold anything from a burning desert to a frozen wasteland. Over a period of several weeks, the competitors must fight to the death. The last tribute standing wins.
Paragraph #3 (Mon. Sept. 25 - Fri. Sept. 29)
An excerpt from, "The Outsiders" by S. E. Hinton
"I know", I said, but the ground began to blur and I felt hot tears running down my cheeks. I brushed them away impatiently. "I'm just a little spooked, that's all." I drew a quivering breath and quit crying. You just don't cry in front of Darry. Not unless you're hurt like Johnny had been that day we found him in the vacant lot. Compared to Johnny I wasn't hurt at all.
Paragraph #2 (Mon. Sept. 18 - Fri. Sept. 22)
An excerpt from, "The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis
First she gathered up all the little items they were trying to sell - dishes, pillow cases, household ornaments that had survived the bombings. Like many Afghans, they sold what they could. Mother and Nooria regularly went through what was left of the family's belongings to see what they could spare. There were so many people selling things in Kabul, Parvana marveled that there was anyone left to buy them.
Paragraph #1 (Mon. Sept. 11 - Fri. Sept. 15)
Paragraph Unity
As a writer you must be careful not to make the same kind of mistake. Always check to make sure that all of the sentences in your paragraph are about one main idea. Look at each sentence carefully. Ask yourself the question, "Does this sentence stick to the main idea in the topic sentence"? When all of the sentences in a paragraph are about one main idea, we say that the paragraph has unity.