1. 7th Grade Language Arts 2017/18
  2. Assignments

7th Grade Language Arts 2017/18 Assignments

Instructors
Term
2017-18 School Year
Department
English
Description
Welcome to 7th grade and your Odyssey English classroom!  Our new literature book, Collections, includes a web-based component.  We will work with both the hard copy of the literature book as well as work in our e-notebooks on the my.hrw.com website.  During this year, we will explore many genres of literature and practice a variety of writing styles.  By the end of 7th grade, you will be equipped with the skills you will need to excel at the next level of your academic endeavors.  I look forward to working with each and every one of you!  Go team Odyssey!

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Past Assignments

Due:

Assignment

"Big Rocks' Balancing Acts" Annotation and Text Connection Frame
Read the article "Big Rocks' Balancing Acts" on page 157. In My.HRW.com, go to the student e-book and to page 157. Annotate each section by highlighting sections of the text and clicking "Take a Note." The notes box will open and you should type a sentence or two summarizing that section. For each note you make, click on "My Notebook" at the bottom of the page and then click "Save." This will save the notes you took in your notebook. You should have at least 8 notes for this article. I can then check your notebook for the notes and thus give you credit for the annotation portion of the assignment. Then complete the Text Connection and Vocabulary Summary sheet for the article.
To log in to My.HRW do the following: Username: type your school email Password: * initials 6 digit birthday
( *db060994)
 
Due:  Odd - 5/24  Even - 5/25

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"Allied With Green" Literary Argument on Theme Final Draft
After working with your group to edit and revise your rough draft, in Google Classroom, type a final draft of the entire essay.   It should be typed.  The essay needs the following: 
  • 12 font - Times or equivalent
  • a creative title.
  • double spaced from your name, period, date, title and in and between paragraphs.
  • Be sure to edit and revise your essay for errors, sentence structure and word choice. 
  • turn it in to Google Classroom and print out a copy.
  • Be sure to attach your rough draft (graphic organizers) to the back of your final typed essay before you turn it in.
 
Due:  Odd - 5/22   Even - 5/23

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Assignment

Literary Argument Rough Draft "Allied With Green" Body Paragraphs 2 and 3
Complete the graphic organizer made and started in class, for the second and third body paragraphs of the literary argument essay for the story "Allied With Green." They essay will be based on the theme of the story. The graphic organizer pages are the rough draft and will be edited and revised in class. Final draft of the essay will be due after each component of the rough draft is completed. Use your notes from class to complete the graphic organizer.
 
Students will work in groups in class and any work not finished is homework.
 
Due:  Odd - 5/16   Even - 5/17

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Literary Argument Essay "Allied With Green"
Complete the graphic organizer started in class, for the introductory and first body paragraphs of the literary argument essay for the story "Allied With Green." They essay will be based on the theme of the story. The graphic organizer pages are the rough draft and will be edited and revised in class. Final draft of the essay will be due after each component of the rough draft is completed. Use your notes from class to complete the graphic organizer.
 
Due:  odd - 5/14   Even - 5/15

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No Red Ink - Identifying Fragments
 
Log into Google Classroom and click on the link for the No Red Ink assignment.  Complete all the lessons and practice activities. When you complete the assignment, be sure to click "Complete" in Google Classroom.  Students will work on this in class as others are finishing their CAASP Testing.
 
Due: Odd - 8/10   Even - 8/11 

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Read "Allied With Green" pg. 149
Answer "Collaborative Discussion" question pg. 152
On page 153 read "Determine Theme" and answer the following questions:
  • Does the title contain a significant idea and what is it?
  • How do the characters change through their words and actions?
  • Does the setting have special meaning to the main character? Explain.
  • What are three important statements made by the narrator or the main character?
  • What is a theme for this story?
Read "Determine the Meanings of Words and Phrases"
Answer the following question:  How would you describe the style in which "Allied With Green" is written?
On page 154, answer the "Analyzing the Text" questions 1-8
Students who are not finishing state testing will have all class period to work on the assignment.
 
Due:  Odd - 5/8  Even - 5/9

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Hoot Novel Work
 
Hoot Chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16
Read chapters 13-16 in the novel Hoot. Complete the vocabulary, questions and skills packet as it applies to each chapter. The packet is homework, and the entire packet needs to be complete on the due date.
 
Due: Odd - 03/20  Even - 03/21

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Hoot Chapters 9-12 Reading and Literature Packet:
 
Read chapters 9-12 in the novel Hoot. Complete the vocabulary, questions and skills packet as it applies to each chapter. The packet is homework, and the entire packet needs to be complete on the due date.
 
Due: Odd - 3/12 Even - 3/13

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In Class Work:  Group Argument Essay - Should people be allowed to own land on other planets?
 
In class we have been working in groups in our Performance Assessment workbooks to set up and create arguments.  Over the next few periods, students will work together to assemble an argument for or against the above topic and then type an essay using the work they have created.
 
Using the graphic organizer you filled out with your group members, you will type a 5 paragraph argumentative essay in which you argue for or against citizens of Earth being allowed to own property on other planets. Make sure to open a Google document from this Google Classroom assignment. After you have revised and edited your work, make sure to turn in and print out the essay.

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Hoot Reading and Novel Work
 
Read chapters 5-8 in the novel Hoot. (We will read chapter 5 in class) Complete the vocabulary, questions and skills packet as it applies to each chapter.
 
Due: Odd - 3/02 Even - 3/05

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Assignment

Class Debate:  Mariana Trench Exploration and Research Assignment
 
Philippe Cousteau begins by mentioning the 1960 exploration of the Mariana Trench. Would further exploration of this deep-sea region be worthwhile? Research the Mariana Trench and prepare to informally debate that question in class.
In an informal debate, speakers from each side take turns presenting and supporting valid claims and countering opposing claims. 
• First, research the Mariana Trench and any attempts to explore it in recent years.
• Investigate the potential for benefits in exploring the region.
• Identify the potential risks involved. Find out if any issues or problems have been reported.
• Listen well to any opponent’s points to help you prepare your responses.
 
Document at least 5 facts about the trench.
Prepare 3 benefits to the exploration.
Prepare 3 drawbacks against exploring the trench.
Use the library database and Sweetsearch to do your research. 
Be sure to cite each fact with the author, title, and website title.
You will have time in class after completing your test to begin working.
 
Due:  Odd- 02/12   Even - 02/13

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Collection 4 Argument Unit Test

Unit Test - Study for test on Thursday the 8th for odd classes and Friday the 9th for even classes.
Topics on the test will include the following:
  • elements of argument
  • active/passive voice
  • capitalization
  • questions related to the literature we have read
Study the notes you have taken in class, No Red Ink,  as well as the questions at the end of each piece of literature.
 
Test Date: Odd - 2/8   Even - 2/9

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Literature Book:  Read the article "Living in the Dark" on page 201. Using the RACE method, answer the "Collaborative Discussion" question on page 208 and the "Analyze the Text" questions 1-6 on page 210. Be sure to cite textual evidence in your responses.

RACE explained - R (Restate the question in the answer) A (answer the question) C (cite evidence to support your answer) E (explain the evidence and how it supports the answer)
 
Due:  Odd - 2/06   Even - 2/07

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Close Reader: "Stinging Tentacles Offer Hint of Oceans' Decline" pg. 67
Read the article in the Close Reader on page 67. Define the vocabulary. Annotate and answer the blue margin questions 1-9. Answer the green "Short Response" question using the RACE method. Be sure to reference the title in your response.

Due: Odd - 2/2 Even - 2/1

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Why Exploring the Ocean is Mankind's Next Giant Leap Questions
 
Using the RACE method, answer the Collaborative Discussion question on page 196 and the Analyzing the Text questions 1-6 on page 198. Be sure to answer all parts of the questions and include textual evidence.

Due: Odd - 1/29 Even - 1/30

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No Red Ink:  Work on “Identifying Claims and Evidence.” Click "Done" in Google Classroom when you finish.
 
 
Due:  Odd - 1/25  Even - 1/26

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NoRedInk!
Work on “Active/Passive Voice Lessons and Practice.” After completing the assignment, be sure to click on "done" in Google Classroom, so that I know you completed it on time.
 
 
Due: Odd - 1/23  Even - 1/24

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Close Reader:  Read the article "Is Exploration Worth the Cost" pg 63
Complete the Vocabulary words
Annotate and answer the blue questions 1-6
Answer the green "Short Response" including the title of the piece.
Use the RACE method to answer all questions.
 
Due:  Odd - 1/19    Even - 1/22

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Compare and Contrast:  Listen to the JFK speech on page 185 in the student e-book book on MyHRW.com.  The speech can also be accessed at the following website:  https://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKWHA-243-003.aspx
Using the attached worksheet, compare the written form of the speech to the spoke form.  Note in the worksheet evidence in the speech where JFK uses changes in tone, emphasis, and pace to persuade the audience to agree with him.
This assignment was done in class, in groups.  We listened as a whole group and then students had 30 minutes to discuss and work in their groups.  Those students who did not finish, need to complete as homework.
 
Due:  Odd - 1/17  Even - 1/18

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Research One-pager:  Using the library resources and database, research the launches of Sputnik 1 and 2.  What were they?  What country was responsible for the launches? What were the controversies surrounding the launches?  What was going on at the time that would have been a reason for the controversy?  What was the United State's response?  What efforts were started in the U.S. as a result of the Sputnik program?
 
Homework if not finished in class.
  • Use library resources first.  (Passwords are needed from home and can be found on my website, or the sheet you were given in the library)
  • Should be at least a paragraph in length.
  • Cite your facts in the body of your writing. (Where did you get the info?)
  • Can be typed or neatly handwritten.
Due:  Odd - 1/12   Even - 1/16

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Read: "Remarks at the Dedication of the Aerospace medical Health Center" pgs. 185-188
*Complete Expository Article "Text Connection Frame and Vocabulary/Summary Sheet" if not 
 finished in class.
*Complete guided questions for "Remarks at the Dedication..."  
 
 
Due:  Odd - 1/10  Even - 1/11

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Natural Disaster Visual and Oral Presentation:
 
With a partner (either the same natural disaster or two that compliment each other) you will create a presentation on Google Slides. One person should open a Slides presentation and share it with the other person. You will turn it in to Google Classroom, so that we can easily open it in class. The presentations should have a minimum of 5 slides: Title page (name of disaster(s), name(s) of creator(s), causes slide, impacts slide, event in history slide and a works cited slide. Those presentations with two different disasters will have two of each slide to represent the different disasters. Presentations should be visually appealing. Use bullet points (not paragraphs) to guide the oral presentation. Each information slide should have pictures on it. Use transitions to move the slides and the information along. You can also have graphs, charts, videos (no longer than a minute or two) and music. Be creative! You should have the information on your slides somewhat memorized so that you are not reading your slides to us during the presentation. Your presentation will be graded on the following criteria:

Slides (bullet points, pictures, grammar and spelling)
--Title Page             5 points
--Causes                 5 points
--Impacts                 5 points
--Historical Event     5 points
--Works Cited          5 points
Oral Presentation
--Voice                     5 points
--Eye Contact          5 points
Total: 35 points
 
Due Odd - 12/12 Even - 12/13

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Assignment

Natural Disaster Rough Draft Essay - Introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion and works cited page
 
Using the Natural Disaster Template, finish typing your concluding paragraph. Concluding paragraph should follow the notes we took in class: Sentence one should be a restatement of the thesis statement in different words. Sentences 2,3,and 4 should be summary sentences of the main points - causes, impacts, and one historical event. Sentence 5 should discuss what scientists are doing to try to predict such an event. Sentence 6 should discuss how one should be prepared for such a disaster and why it is important to do so. Cite sources if you are adding information that is not commonly known.
For the works cited page, follow the instructions and layout on the attached sample works cited.
The essay should be cut and pasted on a separate Google doc. so that it flows. It needs to be printed out for class.
It needs a title
12 font
Times or equivilant
double spaced from your name to the last line of the essay (no double double spacing between paragraphs)
Works cited should be on a separate page and stapled to the back of the essay
PRINT OUT A HARD COPY FOR CLASS!
 
Due:  Odd - 11/28  Even: 11/29

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Natural Disaster Body Paragraphs
 
Using the Natural Disaster template on Google Classroom complete the three body paragraphs for Causes, Impacts, and a Historical event.  For each body paragraph you must have a topic sentence that includes the main idea (your disaster) and one subtopic, three cited facts, one to two sentences of elaboration for each fact and a concluding sentence that wraps up the paragraph and leads into the next subtopic. Type your paragraphs on the template, remove the blue guides, put them in paragraph form and print out a copy for class.  Use the notes we took in class to guide your writing.
 
Due:  Odd - 11/20  Even 11/21

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Natural Disaster Essay Introductory Paragraph:  Open the template and type your introduction. Use one of the three thesis statement samples for your last sentence in your introductory paragraph. Print a copy for class.

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E-Notes for Natural Disaster Essay
This template is to be used for all of your electronic sources for the research essay. Use your notecards for the hard copy books that you use. The template has an example done for you, so that you know what to do. Once you view the example, you may delete that information so that you can insert your own information. Make a copy of the template first. Next, when you locate a source on the database, cut and paste notes in the appropriate subheadings. Those are as follows: Causes or how it forms, human and or environmental impacts, information about a past occurrence of your natural disaster, and information about predicting and preparing for your particular disaster. Make sure to cut and paste the MLA Citation information that goes with the notes you have taken.  The template is attached or on Google Classroom.
 
You will need at least three sources for notes.  One must be a book or e-book, and one must be a database source.  The third can be book, database or internet, but all sources need to be found from the library sources on the school website.  You will need 3-5 facts per subtopic.
 
Due  Odd - 11/14   Even - 11/15

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Assignment

Collections Literature Book - Read "Another Place Another Time" pg. 93.  Complete the Collaborative Response question and the Analyze the Text Questions on page 108.
 
Students had the majority of the class period to do this assignment.
 
 
Due Odd: 11/9  Even 11/13

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Work on “NoRedInk Diagnostic: Grades 7-9.”
 
 
 
Due:  Odd - 11/7   Even - 11/8

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Close Reader:  Read the article "Saving the Lost" pg. 31.  Annotate and or answer  the blue questions 1-6 and the green short response question.  Define all vocabulary words in the margins.
 
Due:  Odd - 11/3  Even 11/6

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Literature Book: Read "Sorry Wrong Number" pg.111  Complete the "Collaborative Discussion" question on pg. 124 and the "Analyze the Text" questions 1-5 on page 126.  Incorporate the question into your answer and provide textual evidence from the play.
 
Due:  Odd - 11/01  Even - 11/02

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Collections literature book:  Read "The People Could Fly" pg. 63.  Following the notes taken in class, and the information on page 68, "Summarize Text" write a summary of the story using the given sentence in the "Summarize Text" section as your first sentence of the summary (add the author's name).
Complete the "Collaborative Discussion" question on page 67 and the analyzing the text questions 1-6 on page 68.  These will be started in class, but are homework if not finished.
 
Due:  Odd - 10/26  Even - 10/27

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Expository Article Summary: Summary and Text Frame Worksheet for the article "Hurricane Irma Strikes Florida" Directions:  Complete the Text Frame and Essential Vocabulary worksheets then, using the graphic organizer attached to the article, write a summary of the article.

Due: Odd - 10/24 Even - 10/25

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Close Reader:  Read "Heartbeat"  Annotate and answer blue questions 1-6 and green "Short Response" question using the RACE method.
 
Due:  Odd - 10/20   Even 10/23

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In the literature book: Read "Icarus's Flight" pg. 40. On a separate sheet of paper, write or type, answers to the "Collaborative Discussion" question pg. 40 and the "Analyzing the Text" questions 1-6 on page 42. Please use the RACE method of answering the questions.

Due: Odd - 10/16 Even - 10/17

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Blog Posts:  These will be done in class, but if not completed, will need to be finished at home, or before school, advisory and or brunch.
Students need to respond to two other group's blogs and then respond to two students in their own group blog for a total of four responses.  Blog responses need to be a paragraph, specific, and include evidence to support the point.  Responses should also be respectful.
Group blog sites can be accessed on Google Classroom.
 
Due: Odd - 10/6   Even - 10/9

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Close Reader:  "Arachne" pg. 17
Read the Greek Myth "Arachne."  Annotate the story via the blue questions 1-6, define the vocabulary words, and answer the green Short Response question using the RACE method.
 
 
Due:  Odd - 10/6  Even - 10/09

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Since students are still working in their puzzle groups to formulate arguments for their blogs and then create their blogs, there will be no homework over the Fall Break.

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Close Reader:  Read "Finding Your Everest" pg. 13
  • Annotate/answer all blue questions and the green "Short Response" question
  • Include evidence in your written responses using the RACE method
  • Define all vocabulary words in the margins.
Due: odd - 9/22    Even - 9/25

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Sentence Variety Paragraph:  Think about a fun activity that you recently did.  Write a paragraph or more about it.  The paragraph must include at least one of each of the following sentence types:
  • simple
  • compound
  • complex
  • compound-complex 
Due:  Odd - 9/18  Even - 9/19

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Homework:  There is no homework tonight, as we took our test on Elements of Plot.
 
 
Odd - 9/18      Even - 9/19

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Sentence Structure Practice: After taking Cornell notes on sentence structure in class, students will use their notes to formulate a variety of sentences. Students are to create five sentences each of the following structures: Simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
The assignment may be typed or handwritten.

Due: period 3 - 9/14 periods 2,4,6,5 - 9/15

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Assignment

Read:  "Big Things Come in Small Packages" pg. 3 of your Close Reader.
 
Annotate and Answer and Define:  All blue questions 1-8 and the vocabulary words. Green question 9 "Short Response."  Be sure to include evidence in your response.
 
Due: Odd - 9/8   Even - 9/11

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PLOT DIAGRAM.gif

Assignment

In Class Assignment:  Homework if not completed.  With your partner, complete the plot-map for the story "Rogue Wave" using the worksheet handed out in class.
 If you cannot open the plot attachment, see me at school to get a copy.
 
Due: Odd - 9/6   Even - 9/7

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In Class Assignment:
Cornell Notes: Sentence Structure pg. 18 in Collections Literature Book
Take notes on the words Clause, complete subject, complete predicate, simple sentence and compound sentence.
Practice and Apply:
On a separate sheet of paper, complete the practice and apply sentences 1-5 pg. 18
Read: "Parents of Rescued Teenage Sailor" pg. 20 and "Ship of Fools" pg. 24
Analyzing the Media Questions pgs. 23 (1-2), 27 (1-5)
Complete the Analyzing the Media questions on pages 23 and 27 making sure to include evidence in your answers.  Put your answers on the same page as the practice and apply questions.
 
Due: Odd - 9/1   Even - 9/5  (It is homework if it is not completed in class)

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Research , using the library database and the internet, and take notes on rogue waves. Type a one page informational essay about rogue waves using your notes. Cite your sources.  
 
Type in Google Classroom, turn in and then print a hard copy for class.
12 font Times New or equivalent
double space
title - Rogue Waves
 
**See Attached Rubric For Instructions
 
Due:  Odd - 8/30     Even - 8/31

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 Bold Actions Personal Narrative Final Draft
 
Final draft should be typed in Google Classroom, 12 font, double spaced.  Revise and edit before you turn it in.  Click on "Turn-in" and then print a hard copy of the final draft.  Turn in all classwork and peer edited rough draft separately. 
 
Due:  Odd - 8/28   Even - 8/29

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 Bold Actions Personal Narrative
 
In our work with the collection opener, we have discussed bold actions and people who take risks.  To wrap up our work, you will write a three or more paragraph personal narrative in which you address the following questions:
Write about a time when you carried out a bold action.
  • Explain the situation.
  • What led up to your decision?
  • What were the benefits?
  • What were the costs?
  • Would you do it again if you had it to do over?
  • What did you learn?
Due:  Odd: 8/24    Even: 8/25
 

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 Rogue Wave Vocabulary
Words:  desolate, galley, swell, squadron, submerge, vertical, maneuvering, hull, hatch, mantra
 
Assignment must include the following: 
  • Word and part of speech
  • The sentence from the story where the word occurs
  • The dictionary definition
  • Your own sentence using the word
Skip lines between parts.  Can be handwritten on lined paper or typed.
 
Due - Odd: 8/22    Even: 8/23
 
 

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 "I Am" Poem and Self-Portrait
 
 
Due Odd: 8/18     Even: 8/21

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 Read Rogue Wave on page 3 of the literature book.  
Complete the "Analyze the Text questions 1-7 on page 16
  • Restate the question
  • Answer the question
  • Cite evidence
  • Explain your answer 
You may write out or type your assignment
 
Due: Odd - 8/16   Even: 8/17