Reading Assignment: pp.48-80 in Holes
Writing Assignment: Write a paragraph or two explaining the characteristics that Charlie, Jess, and Stanley have in common, but end by saying how Stanley is different from the other two. Remember to open with a general statement and make it more specific as you go along. The general statements you wrote and read in class today were very good. See if you can fine tune them (make them even better by making little changes) and use them in your writing.
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In the three books we had read lately, the three main characters of them, Charlie, Jess and Stanley, they have many same point. For example, they are all poor. Charlie's family have only a little bad things for food. Jess's family can only eat beans during the winter. Stanley's family can only live in a small apartment. They also do not have many friends. Jess only have Leslie, Stanley only have Zero, Charlie even only have his family to talk with. They also have to deal with bullies. But Stanley have a thing the other two kids do not have: his family was under a curse. A old bad woman cursed his family, So his dad worked so hard but still poor, he also went to the Green Lake camp because the judge is not fair. So I think in the book Stanley is more mystery than the other kids.
Hi Mark, This is done exactly right with the opening describing what the three characters have in common. And I love how you made the transition to the one thing that they do not share."But Stanley have a thing the other two kids do not have: his family was under a curse." Not only is the transition perfect, but you also made correct use of the colon to emphasize and draw attention to the difference. This is really nice work!! I am very impressed.
Those three main characters from the three books, both have characteristics in commen. First, they are all poor kids which can not live happily; Secondly, they don't have friends at school, they have been regarded as outsiders. But Stanley is not quite like Charlie and Jess. Jess's family can only eat beans in winter; Charlie can't even have a chocolate a year. Although stanley is poor too, but his family has been cursed, so whether his father works so hard, they still don't have much money.
Nice use of transitions like First and Secondly Alice. And great to see you using the word "outsiders," which we discussed in class.
You are right too point out too that the curse is the big difference between Stanley and the others. You have also picked up on the right structure, which is to open generally and then provide specific details. Good work. I will send you some additional comments via e-mail.
Hello，Laraine
In the books Bridge to Terabithia, Holes and Charlie and the chocolate factory, sthere are three main character. They are Stanley, Charlie and Jess. They have many same point. They are both poor and not popular at school. Charlie's family can't even afford their food. They can only eat cabbage soup. Jess's family isn't rich. In the movie, when Jess really needs a pair of new sneakers. They don't have enough money, so they give him a pair of girl sneakers! Stanley's family had been cursed by a bad woman. even his father works very hard, he can't earn enough money for his family. They are not popular at school, too. Before Leslie come, Jess is an odd boy at school and he doesn't have any friends. Charlie is so poor, so he isn't popular at school. too. Stanley is too fat, so even he is a good boy. No one wants to be his friend.
But stanley is still different from the others. Jess and Charlie are both very lucky: Charlie only bought four chocolate and got the last Golden Ticket. Jess is lucky to have a friend like Leslie. But Stanley is under a curse. He always does right things but at a wrong time and a wrong place.
@ Cindy, That's a very nice transition you used, "Let me talk about the common(alities) first." You are really thinking like a writer there as you carefully and gracefully guide your reader's focus.
And as always, your vocabulary is impressive. Yes, indeed, they do engage in "careful calculation" (I like the repetition of the opening consonants there) and "strict budgeting." I will make some additional comments via e-mail. But you did very nice work here, Cindy. Even Taylor Swift, who also has a gift with words, would be impressed.
@ Enya,
As always, I am impressed by your understanding of the story and your ability to use details from the book to make your point. That ability is going to serve you well when you come to the States to go to school.
Great transition here: But stanley is still different from the others.
And once again, just a perfect ending, one that really sums up Stanley's lot in life:"He always does right things but at a wrong time and a wrong place."
Excellent work, Enya. See you tomorrow.
