January / February

During the months of January and February, various topics were addressed: Figurative Language:

• Metaphors
• Onomatopoeia
• Simile
• Hyperbole
• Personification
• Alliteration
• Imagery
• Idioms

Figurative Quotes: Students were given various quotes and asked to interpret their meanings.

• "It raining cats and dogs"

- It is raining really hard.

• "Good students burn the midnight oil"

- In order to achieve educational goals, a dedicated students asserts extra energy. Students were assigned to write their own quotes that are familiar in their cultures and share it with the class. Assignment:

• Using specific quotes or figurative language quote, compose a motto / goal for your life.

Comprehension: Poem "Corner" by Ralph Pomeroy Read the poem and answer the questions that follow:

"Corner" by Ralph Pomeroy

Directions: Underline all examples of similes, metaphors and personification and label them.

The cop slumps alertly at his motorcycle, supported by one leg like a leather stork. His glance accuses me of loitering*. I can see his eyes moving like a fish in the green depths of his green goggles. His ease is fake. I can tell. My ease is fake. And he can tell. The fingers armoured by his gloves Splay* and clench, itching to change something. As if he were my enemy or my death, I just stand there watching. I spit out my gum which has gone stale. I knock out my new cigarette -- Which is my bravery. It is all imperceptible*: The way I shift my weight, The way he creaks in the saddle. The traffic is specific though constant. The sun surrounds me, divides the street between us. His crash helmet is whiter in the shade. It is like a bullring as they say it is just before the fighting. I cannot back down. I am there. Everything holds me back. I am in danger of disappearing into the sunny dust, My levis bake and my T-shirt sweats. My cigarette makes my eyes burn. But I don't dare drop it. Who made him my enemy? Prince of coolness. King of fear. Why do I lean here waiting? Why does he lounge there watching? I am becoming sunlight. My hair is on fire. My boots run like tar. I am hung-up by the bright air. Something breaks through all of a sudden. And he blasts off, quick as a craver, Snug in his power; watching me watch.

* loitering (v): moving around or waiting suspiciously in a public place

*splay (v): to spread out, expand, or extend

* imperceptible (adj): Impossible or difficult to see or sense

Analysis Questions for “Corner”

• Copy two lines from the poem that are examples of metaphors.

• Copy two lines from the poem that are examples of similes.

• Copy two lines from the poem that are examples of personification.

• Why do you think the author compares the cop’s eyes to a fish’s eyes?

• Why does he compare his cigarette to “bravery?”

• Why do you think the speaker stays in the heat of the sun rather than moving into the shade?

• How would you answer the speaker’s question, “Who made him my enemy?”

Author's Purpose:

• In your group, peruse the given article. Establish the author's purpose and give a brief synopsis of the article in your response.

Individual Assignment:

• Research and locate an article of your choice. Read carefully, establishing the Author's Purpose. Mount the article on construction paper, explain briefly the main idea, stating how easy it was to figure out the Author's Purpose.

Black History Month:

• On a personal basis, describe what does awareness of Black History mean to you. How aware are you informed, entertain, and/or persuade.

• In your groups, identify an African American or Hispanic inventor whether in science / medicine, entertain, music, civil rights etc. any feat of great importance. Document your findings on construction paper, poster board, chart or any form of display easily seen. Type all information. High grades will be awarded for top presentation, neatness, legibility and accuracy of information.