Graduation Speech 2011

You are graduating in a few weeks. Here is your opportunity to talk to your class about your thoughts on the past, present and future. Construct a speech to present to our last English 12 class. If you’re not sure where to begin, the links below provide both examples and tips on how to write a graduation speech. These may be some of the last words you share with me and your classmates, and it is always important to be memorable, so keep that in mind as you write.

You will be graded according to 5 focuses on a 10 point scale (10=perfect, 8=mostly accurate, 6=somewhat inaccurate, 3=inaccurate/inappropriate).

1. Length (300 or more words)

2. Meaning (fits the intention of a graduation speech)

3. Organization (uses paragraphs effectively to create a unified, logical speech)

4. Grammar/Spelling (does not contain errors)

5. Language Usage (effectively uses words to achieve desired effect)

Examples of speeches:

http://whatkidscando.org/archives/intheirownwords/Gradspeeches03.html (many samples to choose from)

http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_write_a_graduation_speech (tips on how to write a speech)

http://www.dominik.net/thoughts/valedictorian-speech.php3 (another sample)

Graduation Speech 2010

You are graduating in a few weeks. Here is your opportunity to talk to your class about your thoughts on the past, present and future. Construct a speech to present to our last English 12 class. If you’re not sure where to begin, the links below provide both examples and tips on how to write a graduation speech. These may be some of the last words you share with me and your classmates, and it is always important to be memorable, so keep that in mind as you write.

You will be graded according to 5 focuses on a 20 point scale (20=perfect, 15=mostly accurate, 10=somewhat inaccurate, 5=inaccurate/inappropriate).

1. Length (300 or more words)

2. Meaning (fits the intention of a graduation speech)

3. Organization (uses paragraphs effectively to create a unified, logical speech)

4. Grammar/Spelling (does not contain errors)

5. Language Usage (effectively uses words to achieve desired effect)

Examples of speeches:

http://whatkidscando.org/archives/intheirownwords/Gradspeeches03.html (many samples to choose from)

http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_write_a_graduation_speech (tips on how to write a speech)

http://www.dominik.net/thoughts/valedictorian-speech.php3 (another sample)

AP Grammar Review Quizzes

Practice Grammar (below is a link for over 100 quizzes):

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/quiz_list.htm

Grammar is important to academic writing. If you have a chance, start going through these lessons. At the very least, you can take some of these quizzes, and start to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

AP Summer Assignment

If you have any issue or topic concerning the summer assignment that you would like to bring up to the entire class, use this as your forum.

AP Literature and Composition

To the student:
Welcome to AP English. You will find this class both rewarding and challenging. The requirements of the class include reading and writing about British and American literature from the 1500s to the present. You are required to complete a practice AP exam, which may require you to read one work, and will choose another work (Lord of the Flies or A Separate Peace) from which to complete a written assignment. I am providing background information and essay direction sheets for the two possible works. It is your responsibility to complete the assignments and deliver them to my mailbox by Wednesday, August 19th. Your willingness to complete this summer work confirms your commitment to the course and allows you to enhance your literary background with two works that are included on the AP recommended reading list.

Format:

-Insert your work on your practice exam, plus your additional essay, in a pocket folder and deliver it to my school mailbox.

-Your essay should include a title page with title of novel centered on page, and name, class, and date in the lower right hand corner.

-Essays should be typed using Times New Roman size 12 font and double spaced.

-The novel essay should include specific page references for support that you noted as you read.

If you have questions about the assignment, contact my school email (pmuldowney@gananda.org) and I will respond to you. (I do not expect questions the night before the essays are due. Manage your time so that you can thoroughly read each work and allow time to revise the essay before you turn it in.) I will also set up a summer blog at muldowney.edublogs.org, in case you want to post any questions or discussion topics based on the assignment.

Looking for Alaska by John Green (Eng 9 2BD – 2009)

9th Grade Book Project
IF WORKING WITH A PARTNER
Divide book into 5 sections. Come up with 5 questions and answers for each section. Partners should rotate (every other section) between who is providing the questions and answers.

IF READING ALONE
Divide book into 5 sections. Create a blog discussing each section of the book.

Due Dates
4/1 – Setting/Plot
4/8 – Characterization/Conflict
4/21 – Symbolism/Irony
4/27 – Theme
5/1 – Reaction/Recommendation

**You will also be creating a presentation for class. We will be scheduling them to begin in class the first week in May.**

Link to the Blog: https://muldowney.edublogs.org

Bleachers by John Grisham (Eng 9 – 2009)

9th Grade Book Project
IF WORKING WITH A PARTNER
Divide book into 5 sections. Come up with 5 questions and answers for each section. Partners should rotate (every other section) between who is providing the questions and answers.

IF READING ALONE
Divide book into 5 sections. Create a blog discussing each section of the book.

Due Dates
4/1 – Setting/Plot
4/8 – Characterization/Conflict
4/21 – Symbolism/Irony
4/27 – Theme
5/1 – Reaction/Recommendation

**You will also be creating a presentation for class. We will be scheduling them to begin in class the first week in May.**

Link to the Blog: https://muldowney.edublogs.org

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger (Eng 9 – 2009)

9th Grade Book Project
IF WORKING WITH A PARTNER
Divide book into 5 sections. Come up with 5 questions and answers for each section. Partners should rotate (every other section) between who is providing the questions and answers.

IF READING ALONE
Divide book into 5 sections. Create a blog discussing each section of the book.

Due Dates
4/1 – Setting/Plot
4/8 – Characterization/Conflict
4/21 – Symbolism/Irony
4/27 – Theme
5/1 – Reaction/Recommendation

**You will also be creating a presentation for class. We will be scheduling them to begin in class the first week in May.**

Link to the Blog: https://muldowney.edublogs.org