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Essay Unit → Terms & Examples for Practice → Questions, Journals, and Assignments for Essays Studied in Class
Journal: How do you think you would react if you found a body like Helmut did? What would you have done?
Questions: Compare the first two paragraphs with the 3rd paragraph. What different styles of writing does the author use? Should scientists be allowed to disturb this man’s final resting place? Or the remains of any prehistoric peoples? Is the excavation of the graves of ancient peoples a violation of their sacred remains? If the frozen man thawed out and came to life, how would he react to our society today?
Assignment: Make a poster illustrating and describing each age of pre-history.
Hunt for the Lost American, Page 28 Journal: Imagine living 3000 years ago. Tell what a day in the life of a prehistoric teenager would be like.
Questions: What was the major find by Jerry Dawson proving life existed 10,000 years ago? What was the item used for? What is Pleistocene? Compare how prehistoric man is portrayed on TV, in movies and in book with the reality of prehistoric life. Why do you think that scientists refer to these prehistoric peoples as Folsom Man instead of Folsom Peoples. Make a list of the character traits that Hillerman attributes to Folsom Man. What evidence supports Hillerman’s conclusions. What do the following mean? wind erosion blowouts kill sites geological strata
Secret of the Oak Island Money Pit, Page 39 Journal: What would you do if you discovered buried treasure?
Questions: Examine = which statements in the article are fact or opinion. FACT NOT A FACT (OPINION Do you think there really is pirates treasure buried on Oak Island? Why or Why not? Why do you think that people keep searching for the treasure at such a high cost? How does this selection reflect the theme of “Mystery and Wonder”? Do you think the $10 million dollar investment will be worth it? Who should have a claim on the treasure?
Science - Crime Solving Scientists, Page 6 Questions: Come up with a list of ways that scientists use technology to solve crimes and track down criminals. What if experts had determined that Zachery Taylor had been poisoned? What questions would historians want to be answered? (Who and Why) Do you think that history would have changed if Taylor had been poisoned and it was discovered at the time? How or Why? What type of essay is Crime-Solving Scientists?
Cultures - Peterborough’s Petroglyphs, Page 45 Questions: In what ways does society mark the transition from childhood to adulthood. How does the author begin the article. Why do you think the author begins the article this way?
Process Writing Pretend that it is the year 3005 and you have just discovered some artifacts from the 21st Century. Draft an article/essay that tells about your discoveries and what you learned about the “past” culture.
Journal: Do you think that discoveries are the result of people being naturally observant, or are they the result of happy accidents? Why? OR Which important inventions or discoveries have had an important impact on your life? Why?
Assignment: Draw an illustration of the typical “Mad Scientist” and Create your own invention - give it a name and a purpose. Make an advertisement for it? Price, where it can be purchased, etc…..
Questions: What is the specific configuration that allows the deadly vapors to gather in the cave? What type of essay is “Cave of Doom”? What audience is this essay written for? Make a list of terms used in the article. If the audience were grade fours, what terms could be used so that they could understand this essay.
Journal Write a descriptive paragraph or poem of what the inside of the cave looks like, beyond the steel door.
Questions: List specific examples of animals behaving like people. What effect does the physical detail about chimps create? Why does Goodall tell readers her names for the chimps and describe them as “handsome” and having a “splendid physique”? Did the article change your feelings about chimpanzees? Which of Goodall’s observations surprised you most? Why might it be important for people to know more about chimpanzees? Do you think this kind of research is worth the money and effort?
Journal: Write about an experience you have had or can imagine having while training a pet.
Questions: What type of essay is used? When is the best time to start training dogs? Why? What types of commands are common for a dog to learn? How long should a person spend in training each command? How did the aide dog help Ann? Try to think of at least four technologies or devices that assist people with disabilities?
Questions: What are some of the roles of the main flight team? What type of essay is used? Is any one job more important than the other in aerospace travel? If you worked at NASA, which job do you think you would enjoy the most? Explain.
Journal Entry Why is recycling important? Discuss environmental projects that can be done to take care of the environment?
Questions: What projects could be done A) home B) school C) community What type of essay is used?
Assignment: Make a poster to promote environmental awareness - message you want to express - engaging title & catchy slogan - colors - focal point
What’s Your Group Personality, Page 32 Journal: What roles are most typical of you and why? What might influence your behavior? What other roles would you like to assume and how might you do so?
Activity Place the eight behaviors on a sheet of paper. Cut out. Fold. Each group member should pick one. Plan a class activity to go on a school outing to anywhere. Each member is to perform the role on the slip of paper he/she has drawn. Plan the activity in this role. At the end, guess who played each role.
Youth Assisting Youth, Page 24 Predictions: From the title predict what the essay is about? How can youths assist others? What things have students themselves done to help others?
Questions: Think of ten problems that you might have to solve if you were a YAY volunteer? - Discuss ways to solve the problems. - Present two problems and a set of solutions. What type of essay is used? What is the tone of the essay? What qualities do you have that make you a good role model for others?
Assignment: Create a poster based on one of the ten problems discussed in class. Come up with a title, slogan, information and location of organization.
Journal: Discuss your thoughts about playing competitive sports. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Why is winning so important in sports? Do students participate for fun, or to win, or both, or neither?
Questions: What type of essay is used? Which game did you find to be the best? Why?
Assignment: Writing Process Write an assignment on a how-to topic. Some examples: babysitting, finding the best clothing, making a special recipe, playing a sport, etc. You may choose one of these or create your own.
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