Beginnings

We read the newspaper article “Yeti-like Monster Gives Staid Town in Illinois a Fright.” It’s time for your opinion. What exactly do you believe was seen by Christian Baril, Randy Creath, Cheryl Ray, and all the other observers mentioned? What evidence from this story is the basis for your opinion? Please leave a comment that states your opinion AND the reason why (use evidence from the story). If other students have already left a comment, read them, and you can mention their ideas. For example, you may say, “I agree with Cheyenne because…” or “I disagree with Melissa because…”

For further reading, there is an article on the internet  called “The Murphysboro Mud Monster.”

Here’s a quiz to help you study for your test!

You can also try this website for more practice:

To practice these terms, go to Kuddu and log in. (teresa.ilgunas + server password and 1)

Our next job is to learn about plot.

Here are some definitions you’ll need.

Plot: The series of related events that make up a story.

Basic situation: We learn who the characters are, what they want, what the setting is, and what the conflict is.

Conflict: The problem in the story.

There are two kinds of conflict:

Internal = INside the main character’s head. (Should I? Should I not?)

External=A person or force OUTside of the main character.

There are two kinds of EXTERNAL conflicts:

• A conflict against an antagonist…a person who the character struggles with
• An external force…something the main character struggles against…a machine? a storm?

Series of events: The events that take place in the story, leading to the climax.

Foreshadowing: The author hints or gives clues about future events or actions.

Complications: Problems that arise as characters take steps to resolve the conflict. They make the conflict more intense by adding more problems to the conflict.

Climax: The most emotional or suspenseful part of the story.

Resolution: The loose ends are tied up; the problems are solved; the story ends.

Test practice:

To practice these terms, go to Kuddu and log in. (teresa.ilgunas + server password and 1)

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Image: ‘Words‘

We are studying 3 kinds of informational materials.

It is really important to read ANY kind of informational materials carefully, so you don’t miss important instructions.

1) Public Documents

Definition: Announcements and information that citizens may want to know or need to know.

Types we read about:

1. announcements
2. articles (found on the Internet or in the newspaper)
3. applications

These kind of documents can come from:

1. government
2. schools
3. libraries
4. courts
5. fire or police departments
   
6. companies

2) Workplace Documents

Definition: Documents an employee must understand or agree to that are found at a workplace (job).

Types we read about:

1. a business letter
2. workplace instructions
   
3. an e-mail

Other types of workplace documents:

1. employment contract
2. application
3. insurance form
4. Social Security number
5. work permit
6. tax form
7. employee manual
8. memos (short for memorandums)

3) Consumer Documents

Definition: Important information about products or services that a consumer purchases.

Consumer document examples:

• instruction manuals (for TVs, ovens, games, DVD players, etc.)
• food labels
• maps
• clothing labels
• metro directions
• bus maps & instructions
• warranties

Images from: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/527554, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/865021, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/34533

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Take this quiz to see how you are doing.

Hello 7th Graders! Welcome to the 2009-10 school year. This is our class blog, and I look forward to you using this website as we tackle 7th grade Language Arts together. We are ready to begin!!

Click here to begin the Multiple Intelligences survey.