Rory's English Blog

 Prompt: A conversation that changed me is when a talk I had with my old coach. He kept everything honest and told me exactly what I needed to do if I want to play college ball. It was really eye opening because nobody had really talked to me like that before. I find it as a very important conversation that I needed to have to realize all the work I need to put in to make it to that level. I am very appreciative that he felt that it was necessary to talk me in that sense and keep everything very upfront and honest. Summary: Today we did a worksheet creating our own claims and opposing claims. We also supported them with evidence and explained it. Reflection: I learned how to pull evidence from a text and connect it to my claim effectively.

 Prompt: As a kid I used to think cracks in the sidewalk were dangerous. My parents joked that stepping on them could break my mom’s back and I believed it. Every walk home from school felt like a challenge I couldn’t mess up. I would jump, stretch my steps, and change my path just to avoid touching a single line. By the time I reached the front door, it felt like I had saved her all over again. It would always be such a relief for me. My parents eventually told me that it wasn't true and I felt very lied to. Summary: Today we watched some commercials and analyzed them and did a new vocabulary assignment. Reflection: I learned about how politicians can use Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in their ads to try and convince voters to vote for them.

 Prompt: A fear I have overcome is my fear of the dark. I used to keep a light on in my room every night because I was convinced the shadows were hiding something scary. One night, the power went out and I was forced to face complete darkness for the first time. I realized the noises I heard were harmless and the shadows were just ordinary objects. From then on, I grew braver, and now I can sleep peacefully without a light. Summary: Today we did a worksheet about claims and opposing claims. Reflection: I learned how to find claims in a text and find opposing claims.

 Prompt: One topic I think that I'll have to stand up and debate is politics. Just based on what I see in the news and other stuff it seems that will be a major topic later in life. I already see some of my family members argue about it sometimes. It is a topic I think nobody will avoid in life unless they are the most neutral person there is. I also think that it will further be a topic because of the growing divide between the two political parties. Summary: We took more notes and did an activity. Reflection: I learned the different ways to create a claim.

 Prompt: A truth I was afraid to accept was the fact that all people will die one day. I realized this when my grandma died when I was a kid. It was something I am glad I learned young, but was very afraid to accept it. I think that for some people it will take them a long time to learn this truth. I would like to think that they would also be afraid to accept that truth.  Summary: We took notes about arguments. Reflection: I learned about different parts of an arugmentative essay.

 Prompt: One time I felt judged was when I had to give a presentation in front of my class. As soon as I started speaking, I noticed a few people whispering and laughing which made me think they were criticizing me. Even though I had prepared a lot, their faces made me feel nervous and unsure of myself. Later, I realized they might not have even been talking about me but in the moment it felt like all eyes were focused on my mistakes. That experience taught me how powerful judgment could be. Summary: We did a commonlit in class. Reflection: I learned the different ways you could view fear.

 Prompt: I would really curious to see how it all originated. Between the food they originally grew in that area and how they blended it all together. Also I would like to find out what relgions that they have there. That would help me understand their traditions a lot better. I also would like to try all of the foods they have because I enjoy all that I have had already and would like to enjoy more. Summary: Today we took notes on how to write different thesis statements. Reflection: I learned that thesis statements can be easy to write if you have a good strategy.