K/H: Gerunds and Infinitives

This is the tutorial video we watched in class on 2/27/15.

Here is a link to some short PPT notes on gerunds and infinitives.

Gerunds:

• always end in "-ing"
• function as a noun, and therefore can function as everything a noun can do (be the subject of a sentence, a direct or indirect object, the object of a prepositional phrase - - - notice that a verb can't do any of those things.)
• because gerunds function as a noun, they're easy to spot and "test" for. Just replace the ING-word in question with another noun - like the word "corn" - and see if the sentence still makes sense. If it does, then the word is functioning as a noun, and YES - it is a gerund.

I like going to the park.

Wait. Is "going" a gerund? Replace it with another noun - corn. Cross off the prepositional phrase at the end - "to the park" is extra info. 

I like corn. 

Yes. That's a gerund.

Students waved banners and protested against smoking on campus. 

Is "smoking" a gerund? Cross off the prepositional phrase.

Students waved banners and protested against corn. 

Yep. That's a gerund.

The smoking hot engine had to cool down before the car could be towed.
Is "smoking" a gerund? No. The subject of the sentence is the word "engine" - "smoking" and "hot" act as modifiers for the word "engine." In this case, the word "smoking" is a descriptor - AKA an adjective. Ergo, not a noun - not a gerund. Also, "The corn hot engine had to cool down..." makes no sense. "Smoking" is not being used as a noun, clearly. 

Infinitives:

• always function as a verb
• an infinitive is the unconjugated version of a verb, with or without the "to"

Some extra practice:

http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/gerunds.htm

http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/gerunds-and-infinitives/

There are also numerous other tutorial videos on YouTube, as well. 

K/H: Interview with Ray Bradbury

In case you missed it in class today. In class, we stopped at minute 14. Please feel free to watch the rest on your own time.

K/H Example of Project

Here is an example of how your project could begin - please review the previous post with all of the requirements. This example does not contain all of the required pieces. 
Source credit: Ms. Adams wrote this sample.

An Example of the Project

K/H: Raisin in the Sun Project (Major Grade)

Directions:   To extend your understanding of the elements of drama, you will take a hands on approach as a playwright and write a scene of your own play. Like Hansberry, your play will focus on a moral dilemma.   Your scene must reflect at least one well-developed symbol and include meaningful stage directions. You are required to include dialogue from at least one character’s point of view.  You must determine how you will incorporate the symbol associated with your character into your scene.  Remember, a scene takes place in one location (setting) and one "moment" in time, so think about how you will create and resolve a conflict for the character in this limited time frame.

Requirements:

• Times New Roman 12” font
• Focus on a moral dilemma
• Establish a clear setting (time and place)
• Make your symbol an important part of your scene and use it to further develop the character or reveal changes in your character
• Include a paragraph at the end of the play that explains the symbol
• Include a Cast of Characters if there are more than one character
• Incorporate "scene-setting” stage directions in italics at the beginning of the scene that include a description of the setting, important background information, and character actions. Write the speaker's name for each line of dialogue in capital letters  
• Include stage directions in parentheses and italics that reveal information for the reader about the character's movement, tone, emotion, etc.    
• Submit to turnitin.com by Sunday, February 15, 2015, at 11:59 PM.  Bring a printed copy to class Tuesday, February 17.

For Monday: Satire & AILD

Review the definition for satire. Review how to write a theme statement.

Some topics discussed regarding satire in AILD include but are not limited to:

• death [several characters -yes, several characters]
• certain occupations (farmers, medical professionals) [several characters]
• religion(s) [several characters]
• classes [several characters/income levels/rural and urban]
• relationships [several characters/relationships]
• good Samaritans/being helpful