Alternative Assignments

Instructions for Alternative Assignments:

"Banning Brave New World" (alternative assignment to "Banned Book Preliminary Hearing")

  1. Construct an argument for why the book Brave New World should be banned. The structure of your paper should look like:
    • Introduction (hook, short description of book, thesis argument)
    • At least three body paragraphs that describe three pieces of evidence, two of which must be from the book. The third piece of evidence should either come from an online source or a Supreme Court case.
    • Counter Argument (how would someone argue against you and how would you respond?)
    • Conclusion (restate your main arguments and provide overall concluding statement)
  2. Proofread your writing for spelling and grammar. Have a friend review your work to help you.
  3. Submit to hsimmons@euhsd.net in PDF form for evaluation.

"Reading Reflection" (alternative assignment to "Banned Book Reading Blogs")

  1. Choose to write a reflection on one of the books we read in class last semester. Construct a 1-page response in which you answer the following questions:
    • In your own words, what is the book about? Be sure to include information about the setting, characters, plot developments, etc.
    • Choose a quote from the book that signifies a pivotal moment in the book. Explain that moment and why it is so significant.
  2. Proofread your writing for spelling and grammar. Have a friend review your work to help you.
  3. Submit to hsimmons@euhsd.net in PDF form for evaluation.

"Hero's Journey Revamp" (alternative assignment to "Hero's Journey Presentation")

  1. Choose to explain the seven steps of the hero's journey through the scope of one of the books we read this semester. For each step, find a quote that demonstrates that step and provide your own commentary on why the quote is significant. In case you forgot the steps of the hero's journey, here they are again:
    1. Call to adventure; the hero is given his/her quest
    2. Helpers; the hero meets the people or things that are going to help him/her achieve his goal
    3. Crossing the threshold; the hero begins his/her journey
    4. Trials; the obstacles that the hero must overcome (YOU MUST FIND MORE THAN ONE TRIAL FOR YOUR RESPONSE)
    5. Achieve the goal; the hero is successful in accomplishing his/her goal
    6. Reconciliation; the hero must make amends with and apologize to the people he/she neglected along his/her journey
    7. Return home; the hero goes home
  2. Proofread your writing for spelling and grammar. Have a friend review your work to help you.
  3. Submit to hsimmons@euhsd.net in PDF form for evaluation.

"Article of Interest" (alternative assignment to "Article and Summary")

  1. Meet with Mr. Simmons to find a topic that is interesting to you. Give Mr. Simmons time to find two articles based on your interest.
  2. Read each article and annotate carefully.
  3. Create an academic summary for EACH article.
  4. Write a page long reflection about which article made better arguments and provide quotes to support your reasoning.
  5. Proofread your writing for spelling and grammar. Have a friend review your work to help you.
  6. Submit to hsimmons@euhsd.net in PDF form for evaluation.