Man vs. Nature in "TBF"

After reading "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, answer the following question by writing a paragraph that begins with a topic-sentence:

What does "To Build a Fire" by Jack London teach us about the faults of humanity? 

Your response needs to be one paragraph long, start with a topic sentence, and include at least one quote for evidence.

Reason for Reason & Instinct

As we've discussed in class, "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell illuminates the animal nature of the human psyche. General Zaroff, Rainsford, and Whitney each represent separate balances of "reason" and "instinct." Post a paragraph-long comment below that answers the following question by using an example or two from the text to support your thinking:

Does "MDG" show its readers that reason is always better than animal instinct?
(Source + ans. question + "because" + why)

The Case for Hunting

     Today, the issue of hunting is a hot-button issue. The passion and controversy over the "sport" of hunting is especially pronounced in Colorado because vast expanses of wilderness and open areas meet densely populated urban areas like Denver. The growing trends of vegetarianism, animal-rights activism, and the rise of supermarket chains all make hunting seem far less necessary than it did when the state was founded in 1876.
     Because most people that hunt don't absolutely have to in order to eat food, many residents of Denver consider hunting to be "murder." What do you think?
     In a paragraph that begins with a response TS, address this question in a comment below: Is the hunting of animals today the same as murder? 

NPR's "Flipping the Bird" (Sum/Res Practice 2)

After reading/listening to the article "Flipping 'The Bird'" by NPR, write the following in the comments section of this blog:

1. A Summary Paragraph (4 sentences) that begins with a Summary TS (Source Info. + Strong Verb + Main Idea)

2. A Response Paragraph (6-8 sentences) that begins with a Response TS (Source Info. + Response to a Hotspot + Because + Reason Why)

*Please include both the summary and the response paragraphs in one comment. 
*Feel free to read your classmates' comments and revise your own, to ensure that it is correct

Paddy Cats (Sum/Res Practice)

After viewing the video "Paddy Cats," write 1 paragraph (about 4 sentences) that summarizes what you saw and 1 paragraph (about 4 sentences) that responds to what you saw.

Post both paragraphs in one comment below this post.

*If you are confused by the terms "summary" and "response," don't fret--do your best and we'll talk about these terms in a few minutes.

My Adjectival Summer

In this first blog post, you will write 1 solid paragraph (6-8 sentences) explaining how words or actions changed you this summer. You will begin your paragraph with this sentence:

"I have never felt more _____________________(strong adjective) because of something that happened this summer."

After writing this sentence and filling in the blank with a strong adjective, you will explain what actions or words caused you to feel this way this summer.

For example, I might write, "I have never felt more energized because of something that happened this summer. This summer, I went camping nearly every weekend...." (In my next sentences, I would go on to explain how the experience of camping this summer has made me feel energized).

*Remember, blog posts are posted on "school property." Anything you post must be school-appropriate--something that you wouldn't mind Mrs. Pramenko or your parents reading.