About Our Texts
What is the main character's name in "Golden Glass"?
Ted!
What does "theme" mean?
The theme is the message of the story about life that the author wants the reader to know.
What is a thesis statement?
A sentence in the introduction that explains what your essay will be about
What does "harnessed" mean?
Tied down or restricted
What are the names of both of your English teachers this summer?
(Bonus: Do you know either of their first names?)
Mr. Boldt and Ms. Wiersma!
What is the name of the poem we read about the way that a grandfather was driving?
(Bonus: Who wrote that poem?)
"Hard on the Gas" by Janet Wong
What is tone?
The author's attitude about the topic
What is a "hook" in writing? Where can you find a hook?
A sentence to get the reader's attention at the beginning of the essay, in the introduction.
What is an abyss?
A deep, dark place.
One of your English teachers is from Miami. Which one?
(Bonus: Where is the other teacher from?)
Mr. Boldt is from Miami.
Ms. Wiersma is from Montana
Which one of our texts was your favorite one this summer and why?
[Many responses possible.]
What does "point of view" mean in literature?
Many answers are possible, but it describes which person is telling the story and what they believe.
In a body paragraph: what is the name of the sentence that EXPLAINS your evidence and why it's important or what it proves? (Hint: This goes right after the evidence)
Elaboration!
What does "undemanding" mean?
Easy, chill, relaxed, or not requiring lots of work.
Both! Mr. Boldt & Ms. Wiersma both know Spanish :)
What are the two things being compared in "Identity"? Describe what each thing is like.
Flowers, which are looked after and safe but harnessed to a pot of dirt
and
Weeds, which are independent and go to wild, exciting places
Give an example of a sentence that has a gloomy or sad tone.
[Many answers are possible.]
What are the four parts of a body paragraph?
Topic Sentence, Evidence, Elaboration, Conclusion
What does "wavering" mean? What is an example of something that can waver?
To move or wave in the air, like a kite, a bird, or a leaf.
Do your English teachers have any pets?
What kind?
Mr. Boldt has a dog, and Ms. Wiersma has a cat!
Give the theme of TWO of our three texts.
Many answers are possible, but here are some common ones:
Golden Glass: A person can be independent without isolating themselves
Identity: A person doesn't need to be like everyone else to be happy
Hard on the Gas: Life has lots of challenges, but we can learn how to navigate them.
Give an example of a sentence written in first person point of view
[Many answers are possible]
What are the three parts of an introduction?
Hook, background information, and thesis statement
What does "coast" mean in the sentence below:
The bike coasted down the street.
Moving without using power
One of your teachers studied English when they were in college. Which one?
(Bonus: What did the other teacher study?)
Ms. Wiersma studied English!
Mr. Boldt studied Biology :)