A link to the Guardian article about the 'interrobang' (?!) punctuation mark which we talked about briefly in today's lesson - very interesting!
We also had some difficulty in defining irony, even though we refer to things as being ironic all the time - a common problem! So I've also included an article on irony. Is that in itself ironic? Who knows!
Happy weekend reading everyone!
INTERROBANG?!
Isn't it ironic?
Friday 26 September 2014
Wednesday 24 September 2014
AS Language Lesson 24/09/14
Hi everyone,
Wednesday mornings will now be our computer room lesson, so this will give us a chance to do things like coursework research and type up any writing tasks.
Today we are going to be continuing with monologues, and I have 3 tasks for you to complete:
1. Finish watching 'A Bed Amongst The Lentils', and in pairs, annotate the script. Choose 3 of these points to focus on and make some notes, the rest you will do for homework and write up into a paragraph and post on your blogs:
- Read the opening stage directions. What key information do we learn about Susan?
- What does Susan?s language reveal about her age, social class and attitudes?
- Which techniques has Bennett employed to make this sound like spontaneous speech?
- Identify any moments of humour and explain what makes them funny.
- Identify any moments of pathos (sadness) and explain what is significant about them.
- How does Bennett hint or foreshadow future events in the narrative?
2. Read a monologue written by a previous student, and identify how the stylistic features of monologues we looked at the other day are being used in this piece. Annotate the piece in pairs. The Powerpoint was posted on my blog yesterday.
Link to exemplar piece
3. If you have finished both of these tasks, you may get started on your writing task for this week.
Write a monologue from Geoffrey's perspective. Try to recreate a sense of his character and voice.
Consider what he thinks of Susan's behaviour and whether he recognises her pain. Use a combination of the monologue stylistic conventions.
The first 2 tasks can be done in pairs, but this task must be done individually. This will need to be completed and posted to your blogs on Monday.
Any questions about today's work, come and see me!
Wednesday mornings will now be our computer room lesson, so this will give us a chance to do things like coursework research and type up any writing tasks.
Today we are going to be continuing with monologues, and I have 3 tasks for you to complete:
1. Finish watching 'A Bed Amongst The Lentils', and in pairs, annotate the script. Choose 3 of these points to focus on and make some notes, the rest you will do for homework and write up into a paragraph and post on your blogs:
- Read the opening stage directions. What key information do we learn about Susan?
- What does Susan?s language reveal about her age, social class and attitudes?
- Which techniques has Bennett employed to make this sound like spontaneous speech?
- Identify any moments of humour and explain what makes them funny.
- Identify any moments of pathos (sadness) and explain what is significant about them.
- How does Bennett hint or foreshadow future events in the narrative?
2. Read a monologue written by a previous student, and identify how the stylistic features of monologues we looked at the other day are being used in this piece. Annotate the piece in pairs. The Powerpoint was posted on my blog yesterday.
Link to exemplar piece
3. If you have finished both of these tasks, you may get started on your writing task for this week.
Write a monologue from Geoffrey's perspective. Try to recreate a sense of his character and voice.
Consider what he thinks of Susan's behaviour and whether he recognises her pain. Use a combination of the monologue stylistic conventions.
The first 2 tasks can be done in pairs, but this task must be done individually. This will need to be completed and posted to your blogs on Monday.
Any questions about today's work, come and see me!
Tuesday 23 September 2014
Monologues
Afternoon all,
Here is a link to both PowerPoints we have covered in class so far this week:
And here is a link to 'Bed Amongst the Lentils' by Alan Bennet; the dramatic character monologue we started watching in class. All the sections have been uploaded to Youtube, so watch them in sequence if you have time:
Next lesson we will finish off watching the monologue, and start thinking about stylistic devices and how they are used. We will also be looking at a monologue written by a previous student to demonstrate how you can create your own.
Claudia
Friday 19 September 2014
Travel Writing and this week's homework
Hi everyone,
A quick reminder that your travel writing pieces are due to be posted on your blog by Monday. This gives you all weekend to carry on with the work we have been doing in class, develop your writing and type it up. Use the work we have done in class as a guide, use the Guardian travel tips and remember all the stylistic techniques we have been looking at. I'm not expecting perfection, but I would like to see all of you giving it a good go and trying your hardest to produce a well-planned and refined piece of writing - the more practice for your coursework, the better!
Another reminder that the deadline has now passed for you to post your analysis of the Armstrong and Miller sketch on your blog, and for you to hand in your commentary and critique of your Introduction to Me piece has now passed. I have spoken to a small number of you who have posted this on their blogs, or are intending to post onto their blogs, and a reminder of what I said in class that this is due today.
There are still some pieces I haven't received hand-written, and there are no sign of on your blog. I need to stress the importance of homework pieces such as this. Whilst they are not formally marked pieces, it is still vital for you to receive feedback on your writing as you progress, and if I don't see your writing, I am unable to guide you effectively and offer you advice on how to improve. With your coursework approaching fast, this is essential!
Please remember to manage your time efficiently, and keep up to date with homework deadlines - the homework set is always designed so you can progress and improve!
On a lighter note, I hope everyone has a nice weekend. Have a break from your work, but do remember to post your pieces before Monday. Have fun with it and get creative!
A quick reminder that your travel writing pieces are due to be posted on your blog by Monday. This gives you all weekend to carry on with the work we have been doing in class, develop your writing and type it up. Use the work we have done in class as a guide, use the Guardian travel tips and remember all the stylistic techniques we have been looking at. I'm not expecting perfection, but I would like to see all of you giving it a good go and trying your hardest to produce a well-planned and refined piece of writing - the more practice for your coursework, the better!
Another reminder that the deadline has now passed for you to post your analysis of the Armstrong and Miller sketch on your blog, and for you to hand in your commentary and critique of your Introduction to Me piece has now passed. I have spoken to a small number of you who have posted this on their blogs, or are intending to post onto their blogs, and a reminder of what I said in class that this is due today.
There are still some pieces I haven't received hand-written, and there are no sign of on your blog. I need to stress the importance of homework pieces such as this. Whilst they are not formally marked pieces, it is still vital for you to receive feedback on your writing as you progress, and if I don't see your writing, I am unable to guide you effectively and offer you advice on how to improve. With your coursework approaching fast, this is essential!
Please remember to manage your time efficiently, and keep up to date with homework deadlines - the homework set is always designed so you can progress and improve!
On a lighter note, I hope everyone has a nice weekend. Have a break from your work, but do remember to post your pieces before Monday. Have fun with it and get creative!
Thursday 18 September 2014
Travel Writing Tips
Morning everyone!
Today we are going to be continuing our work on travel writing and you are going to start developing your own pieces ready to post to your blogs on Monday.
Here is a very useful Guardian article which features tips on how to produce great travel writing. I'll be handing this out in class, but here's the link:
Travel Writing - Expert Advice
Happy writing!
Today we are going to be continuing our work on travel writing and you are going to start developing your own pieces ready to post to your blogs on Monday.
Here is a very useful Guardian article which features tips on how to produce great travel writing. I'll be handing this out in class, but here's the link:
Travel Writing - Expert Advice
Happy writing!
Wednesday 17 September 2014
Genre and Analysis of Style Models - PowerPoint
Here is a link to the Powerpoint we looked at in class, which features the extra information on lexis and semantics for you to look back over.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmyRS10SkJDOEJKRlk/edit
It also has details of the two homework tasks for this week, which are also posted on my blog. Good luck with the tasks, some great analysis so far!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmyRS10SkJDOEJKRlk/edit
It also has details of the two homework tasks for this week, which are also posted on my blog. Good luck with the tasks, some great analysis so far!
Grammar Bytes!
Hi everyone,
We have done a lot of work in a short space of time on grammar and frameworks. Some of you might feel by now that you have the hang of it, which is great! And so far what I've seen of your analysis and explanations it's starting to be a little bit clearer, so well done.
If you're not feeling so confident, (and even if you are, this is still useful!) this website is a great little resource to help you to revise grammar, so try and have a look through in your spare time because it's really handy!
It's got lots of interactive activities (but bear in mind that it is American!) for you to try so it's great to dip in and out of. 'Grammar Girl' is also an excellent resource.
If you find any other good sites or resources, let me know by commenting.
Grammar Bytes
http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm
Grammar Girl
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl
We have done a lot of work in a short space of time on grammar and frameworks. Some of you might feel by now that you have the hang of it, which is great! And so far what I've seen of your analysis and explanations it's starting to be a little bit clearer, so well done.
If you're not feeling so confident, (and even if you are, this is still useful!) this website is a great little resource to help you to revise grammar, so try and have a look through in your spare time because it's really handy!
It's got lots of interactive activities (but bear in mind that it is American!) for you to try so it's great to dip in and out of. 'Grammar Girl' is also an excellent resource.
If you find any other good sites or resources, let me know by commenting.
Grammar Bytes
http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm
Grammar Girl
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl
Monday 15 September 2014
The Guardian Language Section
Hi everyone,
I have now added a section to the right hand side of my blog which will display all the Guardian articles which relate to language and language change.
This is great resource to keep up to date with, especially when we come to look at article writing. Occasionally I'll be asking you to look at a particular article and respond with your comments, so it's really important to keep checking the blog to see if I've posted any new tasks.
Happy reading!
Claudia
I have now added a section to the right hand side of my blog which will display all the Guardian articles which relate to language and language change.
This is great resource to keep up to date with, especially when we come to look at article writing. Occasionally I'll be asking you to look at a particular article and respond with your comments, so it's really important to keep checking the blog to see if I've posted any new tasks.
Happy reading!
Claudia
AS Homework Tasks
Hello linguists!
In class this week we are focusing on travel writing, and before next Monday's lesson (for D block, 22nd Sept.) and next Tuesday's lesson (B block, 23rd Sept.) I would like you to finalise your pieces of travel writing we will be developing in class, and post to your blogs.
Your homework tasks are all to do with using terminology and analysing language. As mentioned in class, you have 2 homework tasks to do this week!
Task 1:
- Re-watch the Armstrong & Miller sketch of the WWI RAF pilots we watched in class.
- Write a commentary (using quotes and terminology) about how the writer of the sketch plays with language (2-3 paragraphs please).
- What about this makes it so funny?
- Decide what is interesting, decide what terminology you can use to describe it and use this to write the commentary and post to your blog.
Please post this to your blogs by Wednesday (for block D) and Thursday (for block B)
Armstrong & Miller RAF pilots - 'Chalky's A Spy'. Note how the characters use lexis which is commonly associated with teenagers, specifically teenage girls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqiabZqPmpU
Task 2:
Look back at the text you wrote about yourself. Just as you will need to do in your coursework, write a commentary which discusses and explains the techniques used in your piece and why. As you did with the analysis of the Armstrong & Miller sketch, think about what is interesting and significant, and then select 2 frameworks to analyse in relation to your piece. Please handwrite this and hand it in on Thursday (for block D) and Friday (for block B).
This week you have lots of work to do, so do try and manage your time as effectively as possible! However as always, if you are struggling please do come and see me or email me to let me know.
Good luck! I am looking forward to seeing your writing!
Claudia
In class this week we are focusing on travel writing, and before next Monday's lesson (for D block, 22nd Sept.) and next Tuesday's lesson (B block, 23rd Sept.) I would like you to finalise your pieces of travel writing we will be developing in class, and post to your blogs.
Your homework tasks are all to do with using terminology and analysing language. As mentioned in class, you have 2 homework tasks to do this week!
Task 1:
- Re-watch the Armstrong & Miller sketch of the WWI RAF pilots we watched in class.
- Write a commentary (using quotes and terminology) about how the writer of the sketch plays with language (2-3 paragraphs please).
- What about this makes it so funny?
- Decide what is interesting, decide what terminology you can use to describe it and use this to write the commentary and post to your blog.
Please post this to your blogs by Wednesday (for block D) and Thursday (for block B)
Armstrong & Miller RAF pilots - 'Chalky's A Spy'. Note how the characters use lexis which is commonly associated with teenagers, specifically teenage girls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqiabZqPmpU
Task 2:
Look back at the text you wrote about yourself. Just as you will need to do in your coursework, write a commentary which discusses and explains the techniques used in your piece and why. As you did with the analysis of the Armstrong & Miller sketch, think about what is interesting and significant, and then select 2 frameworks to analyse in relation to your piece. Please handwrite this and hand it in on Thursday (for block D) and Friday (for block B).
This week you have lots of work to do, so do try and manage your time as effectively as possible! However as always, if you are struggling please do come and see me or email me to let me know.
Good luck! I am looking forward to seeing your writing!
Claudia
Friday 12 September 2014
Grammar Frameworks Powerpoints
Hi everyone!
Here are the links to the Grammar Framework and Re-cap PowerPoints we looked at this week, Please look over these to help you get to grips with the frameworks:
Grammar Frameworks
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmydVlvUnJ6d0c1ZTA/edit
Re-cap
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmyQi0wSGxWd0piYXc/edit
Also, a reminder:
Group B - your analytical paragraphs are due on Tuesday 15th and your About Me pieces are due today.
Group D - you should have already completed your analysis and uploaded it, along with your About Me pieces.
Both groups: If you have not yet emailed me your blog URL please could you do so ASAP at cal@stbrn.ac.uk
See you next week when we will be doing more work on style models!
Claudia
Here are the links to the Grammar Framework and Re-cap PowerPoints we looked at this week, Please look over these to help you get to grips with the frameworks:
Grammar Frameworks
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmydVlvUnJ6d0c1ZTA/edit
Re-cap
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmyQi0wSGxWd0piYXc/edit
Also, a reminder:
Group B - your analytical paragraphs are due on Tuesday 15th and your About Me pieces are due today.
Group D - you should have already completed your analysis and uploaded it, along with your About Me pieces.
Both groups: If you have not yet emailed me your blog URL please could you do so ASAP at cal@stbrn.ac.uk
See you next week when we will be doing more work on style models!
Claudia
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Useful PowerPoints
Hi everyone,
Here is the link to the PowerPoint used in class this week which covers the 8 word classes:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmyVExtRmpPOTYtWFk/edit
In our next lessons we will start looking at grammar frameworks which will help you to effectively analyse texts, (and I will add the next PowerPoint we cover in class to the blog after the lesson) and we are going to start looking at some more style models in preparation for your coursework. I'll be asking you to update your blogs regularly with different style models you come across and find interesting, and tasks that will be set in class.
I am now available to contact via email, so could you please all email me your language blog URL's (e.g. claudialanguageblog.blogspot.com) to the following email address:
cal@stbrn.ac.uk
Also a reminder, your 'About Me' pieces are due this Friday! Please write, refine and post to your blogs.
Great work so far everyone!
Claudia
Here is the link to the PowerPoint used in class this week which covers the 8 word classes:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5valqQRNMmyVExtRmpPOTYtWFk/edit
In our next lessons we will start looking at grammar frameworks which will help you to effectively analyse texts, (and I will add the next PowerPoint we cover in class to the blog after the lesson) and we are going to start looking at some more style models in preparation for your coursework. I'll be asking you to update your blogs regularly with different style models you come across and find interesting, and tasks that will be set in class.
I am now available to contact via email, so could you please all email me your language blog URL's (e.g. claudialanguageblog.blogspot.com) to the following email address:
cal@stbrn.ac.uk
Also a reminder, your 'About Me' pieces are due this Friday! Please write, refine and post to your blogs.
Great work so far everyone!
Claudia
Monday 8 September 2014
Wednesday 3 September 2014
AS Language Task - An Introduction to Me
Hi everyone!
We started work on your first language task in class, which is a short piece about you entitled 'An Introduction to Me' which can be wirtten in the genre and purpose of your choosing.
For example you may choose to write a poem about yourself, a magazine article recapping an event in your life, a monologue in character, a short autobiographical account of a memory, a leaflet etc.. some great ideas were thrown around in class so get creative!
For this task I would like to see accuracy with a clear form and structure, a good demonstration of your creativity and also would like to see some of your personality coming through in your writing.
Post to your new blogs when you are finished!
Claudia
We started work on your first language task in class, which is a short piece about you entitled 'An Introduction to Me' which can be wirtten in the genre and purpose of your choosing.
For example you may choose to write a poem about yourself, a magazine article recapping an event in your life, a monologue in character, a short autobiographical account of a memory, a leaflet etc.. some great ideas were thrown around in class so get creative!
For this task I would like to see accuracy with a clear form and structure, a good demonstration of your creativity and also would like to see some of your personality coming through in your writing.
Post to your new blogs when you are finished!
Claudia
New Dictionary Words for 2014
Hi everyone!
This is the article with the list of new words added to the dictionary which we discussed in class.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28783088
Have a read through the article, and think about how you feel about these words being added to the dictionary. You may want to consider the following:
Do you think that it is necessary for these words to be added, and that it is a reflection of our ever changing society?
Or do you think this is all a little bit ridiculous?
We had a good discussion in class, so I'd like you to post some of your opinions below please!
Claudia
This is the article with the list of new words added to the dictionary which we discussed in class.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28783088
Have a read through the article, and think about how you feel about these words being added to the dictionary. You may want to consider the following:
Do you think that it is necessary for these words to be added, and that it is a reflection of our ever changing society?
Or do you think this is all a little bit ridiculous?
We had a good discussion in class, so I'd like you to post some of your opinions below please!
Claudia
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Welcome!
Welcome to my English Language Blog! I will update this blog frequently with interesting articles and resources which will help your study of this amazing subject. I will be asking you to update your blogs too, and will provide commentary and feedback for the work you post. Let's get writing!
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