This I Believe Podcasts

Without any further ado, I present your This I Believe podcasts. Enjoy!

Bye, Bye Beatty!

Describe Beatty’s death. Make an argument that Beatty’s death was a suicide rather than a murder. DId he provoke Montag? Did he want to die? Explore this idea...

Reality TV

Consider the recent popularity of “reality TV shows.” Describe a few reality shows that you have either watched or heard about. Why do you think modern audiences are so fascinated by these shows? To what extent are they “real”? To what extent are they fictionalized? Describe how the media in Fahrenheit 451 fictionalizes the ending of Montag’s chase (pg. 148). Why doesn’t the news tell the truth? Do you think our news is ever fictionalized?

To Ban or Not To Ban???

Please give thoughtful consideration to one of the following questions posted here.

Is it okay to have books on making bombs in the school library?
Will banning books keep people from reading them?
Television shows are censored, so are song lyrics—what makes books different?

Macbeth's Insecurities

1. Describe places, people, or events that make you feel insecure or uncertain. How do you tend to act when you’re feeling insecure?

2. Macbeth is also plagued by his insecurities. Why do you think he is haunted by the ghost of Banquo, but NOT by the ghost of Duncan? Think of at least two reasons.

3. Before deciding to murder both Duncan and Banquo, Macbeth delivers two long monologues. Reread the last few lines of each monologue (51, 87).

Why do you think Macbeth is so concerned with whether or not they will go to heaven or hell?

Phoney Faces

Think of a person you know who acts one way when he or she is with a group of people, but acts very differently when you’re with him or her in private. Describe how this person acts in public or private, and explain why you think he or she wears such a mask sometimes-why not be yourself at all times?

To Bring to Class Monday: Act one contains many quotes that address the idea of false appearances. Find two quotes, put them into your own words, and explain how they relate to the theme of appearance v. reality.

Impressive...but Let's Dig Deeper.

I am really impressed with the discussion that is happening. Let's continue our discussion and let's ponder this:

There is an emerging sense of evil on the island. Where do you think it is most prevalent? How can we relate this to Macbeth?

Help, help! Our plane has crashed!

What is your initial reaction to Lord of the Flies? What do you expect will happen to the characters you've been introduced to? Ralph, Piggy, Simon, Jack? As you read, consider what each character could represent.

Class Expectations

Welcome to Mrs. Moritz's 9th Honors English class blog.
Please answer all of the following questions and respond to what your classmates post.

What are qualities of good teachers?
What are qualities of good students?
What expectations do you have of this class?
What expectations do you have of me as your teacher?