English

 What is a reading skill strategy?

Fluency and vocabulary are both examples of reading strategy. For instance vocabulary can expand your knowledge upon knowing thehave meaning of the word. Fluency, meaning the full known definition of the word can help you express accurately about what you’re trying to say to your readers. Phonics is another great example. The use of phonics includes the sounds of spoken words or groups of letters. To demonstrate this, with the sound of letter k, it could be written as c, k ck, or ch.

Why is it important?

Reading skills are essentials to everyone, without this you might not have the full comprehension of what you’re reading. In our everyday modern lives, we read something in some form of words. It is a necessary part of human lives.

How can you benefit?

Reading fluently can help you read a text quickly and more accurately. This can also help you focus on what the text means. Vocabulary can benefit you in a lot of ways. Vocabulary can help you think deeper in the text. Through the help of phonics students can decode any familiar or unknown words by sounding them out.  

The Hunger Games

Katniss -

Strengths: Hope and love.

Katniss's hope was shown in the film from when Rue died. It showed hope because it gave people hope that she didn't die for nothing. Another example would be love. Katniss showed love a lot throughout the film. Katniss showed love when Prim got chosen to be the tribute so she did what a loving sister would do and volunteer in her place. Also shows this when Rue dies Katniss was heartbroken because she was like a sister to her. To have hope is to want an outcome that makes your life better in some ways. It is important to have hope in the real world because it can allow people to approach their problems with a mindset that will help them succeed. 

Peeta - 

Strengths: Creativity and social intelligent 

In the Hunger Games Peeta's strengths in the film were creativity and social intelligence. His creativity was shown through his art work when he camouflaged into the rocks. His social intelligent was shown when he was in the group with Cato and the others and planned on leaving to find Katniss so they both could survive.   

Rue: 

Strengths: Bravery and teamwork 

 In the hunger Games Rue shows bravery when she stole the knife from the guy. If the guy knew she did it he could've kill her right in that training room. Another strengths she showed was teamwork with Katniss. She showed teamwork by telling Katniss to cut down the tracker jacker hive so she could leave the tree otherwise she would've starved.

Hunger Games - Resume

 

What am I learning? Understand how characters are developed in a film.

How does this show my learning? Explain how characters are portrayed using specific examples from the text.

What am I wondering as a result of this learning? Nothing.   

Workshop 5 - Music

Major - Happy
Minor - Sad, lathegartic, creepy, angry
Tempo - Speed of the music- how fast/slow is the beat.
Dynamics - Volume- loud=forte, quiet= piano
Crescendo- starts off quiet and gets louder, tension, intensify.
Diminuendo - Starts loud then get quiet, can be relaxing, make focus, bring down energy.
Dietetic Sound -  Sound- sounds that occur naturally e.g. footsteps.
Non- Dietetic sound - music, or anything added to the scene.

1st song - calming, excited, happy.
2nd song - sad, slow tempo, Sombre

Reaping scene:
Major/minor: minor predominantly
Tempo- fast/slow/moderate: slow tempo
Dynamics -  starts off quiet and get louder to build tension and then dies down again.
Effect on viewers- Hopeful, anxious, scared
Directors purpose- Put us in the shoes of the children of district 12.

Rues farewell
what happens in the scene- puts Rue to rest, she died- was speared through the chest - we are not happy about this, mainly sad.
Major/minor- Minor
Tempo- slow, snails pace, dragging in places
Dynamics -  Diminuendo- starting loud and getting quieter.
Effect on viewers- Depressed, sorrowful, melancholic
Directors purpose- Because some just died., she was close with Katniss, Katniss is the main character,  Katniss cares because Rue is a child and reminds her of Prim.

In the scene where Rue dies,the technique of music is used effectively to show the theme of 'hope and rebellion'.In this scene we see Rue put to rest after she is impaled with a spear by another tribute. The music used makes the audience feel depressed, sorrowful, melancholic through the use of minor chords, a slow tempo and rising and falling dynamics.  The purpose this is to show the relation between Katniss and Rue. They are friends and Katniss sees Rue like her sister Prim. This worked well with the use of the three finger solute which is a symbol of hope from  district. This shows hope and rebellion because of district 11 start rioting against the Peace Keepers.

Hunger Games TImeline

What am I learning: Understand the importance of setting to a film. 

How does this work show my learning: Explain the importance of setting using different examples from text.

What wondering as a result of this learning: Nothing.

Workshop 4 - Lighting and Colour

Define keywords - Atmosphere, Mood, Location
Atmosphere - The mood of the place.
Mood-  Feeling
Location - A particular place

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In the film the Hunger Games by Gary Ross lighting is used effectively to show the difference between district 12 and the Capitol.  In district 12 we mainly see brown, green, grey these are natural colours. In the Capitol we see artificial, vibrant colours. This makes us understand that the Capitol has the privilege of technological lightning. The director did this to show the theme Rich vs Poor. The power of the Capitol, over District 12 is shown through the use of futuristic technology. The lack of opportunity in district 12 is highlighted by their lack of modern technology.  Lightning in each location can be compared to the possibility of hope and rebellion in each setting.

The Hunger Games - Freytag Pyramid

English - The Hunger Games

Link

Picture 1 - Reaping scene in District 12
What is happening? - The people of District 12 are waiting to find out who will be reaped.
Describe - Faded from repeated washing, Old, dark colours so the coal doesn't damage the light colour, at reaping they are in their best clothes,   They are in their best because they are being watched by the Capitol and the other districts, don't want to look as poor as they are. boys outfit- button-up shirts, suspenders, trousers/shorts. Girls - dresses or skirts, length at knees but not longer. Hair is tidy. NO accessories- can't afford, not practical.
Effect of viewers-  they are poor, not enough money for more than the basics. They want to be seen as equals, respectable not as dirty as coal miners. 
Directors Purpose - To show the difference between the Capitol and the other districts, Capitol has wealth- Privilege - their clothing is nicer,  the more available and can get clothes that fit them probably.
Techniques -  Camera angle - a wide shot which shows a lot of people crammed in, high angle shot which makes the subjects seem weak and vulnerable- shot the power of the Capitol over districts

In the reaping scene, costumes are used effectively to show the theme 'rich vs poor'. In this case, 'rich vs poor' means the privileges afforded to people in Panam based on their district. This is demonstrated by the clothing worn by the residents of District 1 during the annual reaping. The clothing is uniform like, well worn and bland colours. The boys wear button-up collar shirts and shorts whilst the girls wear shirts or dresses. These are examples of their best clothing which tells us that they are poor and limited to what they can access. This makes the audience think that although they are poor and can only afford the basics, they want to be seen as respectable by the Capitol and other districts, not just as coal miners. This was done to show the difference between the Capitol and other districts- the Capitol has wealth and privilege whilst the people in the districts have to make to.  This worked well with the use of camera angles. In this shot, a high angle wide shot is used to show the people of district 12 are weaker and more vulnerable under the power of those in the Capitol. This can be juxtaposed to the use of costume in the Capitol where we see rich vs poor through the extravagance and luxuries of the citizen's costumes.

Picture 2- Arrival in the Capitol
What is happening- The Capitol residents are waiting for tributes to arrive.
Describe- Colourful, accumulate, exotic, co-ordinated, variety, Woman - dresses, different style but on same bright colour palette, Men - Suit skirts, accessories- dyed dogs, headwear/had, handbags, gloves, earring, makeup,  accessories aren't limited to one gender e.g men have long eyelashes.
Effect on the viewer- That they are wealthy - not poor, they have privilege- born into wealth and don't have to worry about reaping/working.
Directors Purpose - To highlight the luxuriousness of the Capitol.
Techniques - Setting- light, modern architect, stone, metal, steel, fresh, new, futuristic.

In the Capitol, costumes are used effectively to show the theme ' rich vs poor'. We see this when Katniss and Peeta arrived at the Capitol.  The clothing they wore had bright colours, exotic and colourful.

English - The Hunger Games

English - The Hunger Games

Brainstorm  - Lower angle - make subject look bigger or more powerful, dutch tilt - to show Katniss emotional feeling - dizzy, somethings not right- have been selected for the reaping, mid-shot- to show facial expressions, body language, and background.

What is happening in the shot- Katniss has volunteered as tribute in the Hunger Games where most probably die. She volunteered because her sister was picked and she didn't want her to die.

Themes - Struggle for power - it shows that Katniss and Primrose and helpless against the reaping, that the district children are going to be killed.  

Rich vs Poor - Clothing - Effie Trinket is dressed nicely while Katniss is in a cheap run-down, well-worn clothing. Effie is immune to the reaping because she is from the Capitol whilst Katniss and the children of the District are scared of it. Show privilege because those in the Capitol don't have to be reaped for the games. 

Hope and rebellion - Seen through the 3 finger solute when Katniss has finished speaking - becomes a symbol of rebellion later in the story but is the first time we see it, used almost mourning. Also, Katniss is becoming a figure of Hope for the people in D12. 

How do we feel- dizzy - put in Katniss shoes, sad for Katniss, worried because she has a low chance of winning, admire her for taking her sister's place.

Why did the director do this?- Till this point we know she can hunt and support her family, she can use a bow. Volunteers to save her sister, tells us that she cares about her family- selfless. Knowing that she can already hunt- she might not die in the games. As an audience we start to understand her and care about her.

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In the reaping scene, camera angles and shots are used effectively to show the theme 'Rich Vs Poor'. In this scene Katniss volunteers as tribute, in place of her sister, to fight in the Hunger Games. A low angle, dutch tilt is used to show Katniss and Effie standing on the stage after Katniss volunteers. This is used to make the viewer feel dizzy like Katniss who has just risked her life for her family. The low angle shot makes the viewer feel weak and vulnerable like the children watching from District 12. The director did this to help the audience form a bond with Katniss and understand why she will make the choices she does further in the film. It also shows the theme of 'Rich vs Poor' because the people of the districts have to struggle with the realities of being reaped for the games, whilst Capitol citizens like Effie are immune and see it as honer and entertainment. Combined with this is the use of costumes. We see the privilege of Capitol citizens in the bright, exotic, and colourful clothing worn by Effie which contrasts with the worn and faded outfits of those in District 12. Overall, the reaping scene shows us 'Rich vs Poor' because it emphasizes the privileges of the Capitol and the power they have over the Districts.

English - The Hunger Games

Workshop 1 - Themes and Ideas

Rich vs Poor
Poor - Poverty, no power, no money, less opportunities, disadvantages
Rich - privilege, more opportunities, lots of money, 

Definition: Theme of 'Rich vs Poor'
It is more than just money, it is about who has more opportunities, power and privilege.
Rich:
- Prescient Snow, District 1, Caesar, capitol.
- Capitol- Don't get reaped for the Hunger Games, Food-Plenty, excessive, variety, Clothing is cleaner, brighter, designer, new outfit every day, the privilege of choice, to co-ordinate what they wear, they have a choice. Buildings-bigger, different material, not worn down, architecture is modern, an example of power and privilege. technology - more advanced, they have airships, trains, they have tracking technology, medical technology, blood scanner, healing balms. Children- Get presents, get to play, don't work, don't worry.

Poor
- District 12, District 11,
- District 12 - building - broken, not very secure, holes, in roofs, made out of wood, smaller, don't have access to materials to make anything better, don't have power.
- District 12 - bland, worn out, raggedy, not a lot of variety, old-style, boy best outfit-broken shirts, button-up trousers/shorts/suspenders, shows us that their clothes don't always fit properly, hand me down, girls best clothes-dresses, shirts/skirts, not good fits. Coal miners- black, grey, dark colours don't show as much dirt.
Technology- medicine, we don't see any, we do see sick people, shows the privilege of being healthy, transport- walking, the electric fence doesn't work- not enough energy to run it.
Food- not enough, scarce, hunting for it, rations, put your name into the reaping for extra food. Children - have to work, no time to play- can play but pushing sticks in the mud, scared of being reaped in the Hunger Games, not a lot of choices of future jobs- most will be coal miners.

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In the 'Hunger Games', Setting is used effectively to show the theme 'Rich vs Poor' is more then just money it is about who has power privilege and opportunities. For instance, we can see the idea of privilege reflected in the physical environments of District 12 and the Capitol. n district 12 the buildings are broken down and not secure whereas the building in the capitol show modern design, variation in materials and are built on a grand scale. This makes the audience think about the differences in wealth and power between the two locations. District 12 has nothing whilst people in the Capitol are safe and secure in their advanced buildings. The purpose of this was to show that Katniss Everdeen has come from a place of less privilege and power so her success in the games is very unlikely. Coinciding with this is the use of colour. In District 12 are lots of browns and greens whilst in the Capitol we see a futuristic palette of metallic, greys, blacks and silvers. The use of settings and colour effectively show us the imbalance of privilege between those living in places like District 12 and the Capitol.

English - Hunger Games

What is D12 like?
D12 is a place where people could only survive on limited food and things. The clothes they were all dirty and old which shows how poor they were compared to the people in the Capitol. The children would put sticks in the mud to play which was their only entertainment. The D12 clothes were all either one colour or just all dark. The houses had broken windows and were dirty. The D12 music was soft and urban. Didn't have a chance to win the hunger games.

How did D12 get extra food?
People in D12 get extra food by shooting animals illegally or putting their names in the draw multiple times which will increase their chances of getting picked.

What does tribute mean?
An act to show gratitude or respect.

What is the Capitol like?
In the capitol is a place where people wore colourful clothes. They didn't have to worry about food and drinks. They also were lots of makeup and accessories. Everyone is very wealthy there. It was very crowded with people everywhere. The Capitol's music sounded very futuristic. They have all the latest technology. A very clean place.

Reaping Scene
On the Reaping day at D12 the people were all wearing clothes that were a similar colour like, grey, white, blue and etc. Everyone was worried and scared that they might get chosen. There were lots of close up and extreme close up scenes. The colour of the place was very gloomy and grey. Effie Trinket pulled out the paper slowly so it gave people watching a lot of suspense to see who it was. Medium and long wide shots.

How are the tributes treated when they are selected?
When the tributes got chosen they were treated with all the food and drinks they could possibly want and also the clothing. They got treated this way because they were all chosen to be part of the Hunger Games.

English - Camera Techniques

1) What am I learning? To identify types of sound and visual techniques.
2) How does this work show my learning? I define the camera techniques to understand them better.
3) What am I wondering as a result of this learning? How many more camera techniques there are all together. 

English - Film Language

Body Language - Movement and posture used to communicate or show what someones saying without saying anything.
Costume - Clothes made for roles that the actors are playing.
Hairstyle - Hair made for roles that the actors are playing.
Lighting - Show the mood of the scene.
Props - To make specifically for the role.
Setting - Where the scene is.
Dialogue - Conversation between people.
Sound Effect - That are put in the scene to make it more interesting.
Music - Make it more interesting.
Silence - Give more suspense.
Symbol - An object to represent something.
Special FX - An illusion to make it more interesting. 

What am I learning? Define the language of film using visual and sound technique.
How does this show my learning? To get more of an understanding.
What am I wondering as a result of this learning?  Nothing.

Unwind - Part 5

Part 5

1. Which job in the graveyard does Risa get assigned to? How does this come about? P201

She was originally assigned to dishwasher duty but then a boy came along with a bloody nose and she quickly helps him.

2. Why doesn't Connor volunteer for "work"? P205 

He think that the admiral is using them for slavery.

3. How does Roland unsettle Connor? P206-207 

He agrees with Conner about how the admiral is using them. Roland thinks that the admiral sends the people to harvest camps. 

4. P208-209 details Lev's arrival, and Connor's reaction. Make sure you fill in your character profiles for both characters. 

Conner has mixed feelings towards seeing Lev because he snitched on them but is happy to see him not unwound. From what Conner and Risa remembered Lev by has changed when they saw each other. Lev was wearing torn jeans, messy hair and a dirty red shirt.

5. P214-215 Connor learns the truth about the Admiral here. How does the Admiral gain Connor's trust?  The admiral gained Conners trust by telling him about his dentures thinking that it was from an unwounds teeth.

6. What, according to the Admiral, is it that Connor is becoming famous for in the Graveyard?p212 He became more famous because he got into lots of fights even if he loses or wins the problem is resolved. 

7. What happens to the Goldens?p217 The goldens were all found dead inside the crate from suffocation. 
8. How does Roland begin to assert his power in the Graveyard? (you'll need to look throughout the section).

He thinks he has power because he makes people believe that he is good by poisoning foods to make people think the admiral did it. 

9. P222-226 give us an insight into how the Unwinding Bill was passed into law. Summarise what happened, then explain whether or not you think it is plausible. 

There was a war with three sides called the Life army, the choice brigade and American military. There was an argument between the Life army and the brigade and the American military was there to try and stop them from killing each other. One side was killing abortion doctors and the other side were people getting pregants just to sell their fetal tissue. They came up with an idea that all started unwinding which was a joke but was intended to be serious. A scientist who perfected neurografting which is a technique that allowed every part of a donor to be used in transplant. They proposed the idea of unwinding and both sides agreed to terminate unwanted without actually killing them. They signed the bill of life and the war was over but the winding went into effect.  

10. The Admiral was there when the Bill of Life was signed - do you think this detracts from the believability of the commonplace nature of Unwinding? In your opinion, do you think the book should have a few more generations between those who signed the Bill, and the present state in the novel? 

I think there should be a few more generations to show what unwinding had been to what is becoming.

11. What job does Lev volunteer to do? P236 

Lev volunteered to work on an oil pipeline.

12. Which part of Harlan Dunfree does Emby have? P240 

His lungs

13. Chapter 39 is from Roland's point of view. Why do you think Shusterman changes the narrative here? What do we learn in this short chapter? 

This shows how Roland would do anything to not get unwound.

14. By the end of this section, things at the Graveyard have deteriorated, with the unwinds turning on the Admiral, and tearing the place apart. Which character is beaten to death on p250? 

The person who was beaten to death was Cleaver.

15. What does the Admiral refuse on p255? What is the doctor's reaction to this?

The doctors were all shocked and said that it’s against the religion but they agreed and did it even though the chance of surviving is low.

16. Why does Roland have the Juvey-Cops called? P259 Why doesn't his plan happen? P260-1 

His plans didn't work because the juvey cops already knew about the unwounds living in the graveyard and that the admiral was in charge but was okay because none of them got in the way of things until the admiral had to go to the hospital. 

Unwind - Part 4

 Part 4

1. This section opens with Lev in a pawnbroker's. What does this tell you about how his character is changing? Lev starts to change and become more violent because he’s now fighting for his life and doing what he needs to do in order to not get caught. 

2. While being transported to possible safety, some of the kids on the run wonder, "Would it be better to die or be unwound?" If given the choice, which would you choose? Why? This response requires more than one or two sentences! Put forward at least three reasons why you think what you do. I would rather be unwound even though you have a chance to die you also have a chance to live and try escape. If you escape you have a chance to live a better life. Even when they use your body parts and give it to someone else it can be a good thing because it can be put to good use. 

3. Another question the kids in the book discuss is, "If every part of you is still alive but inside someone else, are you alive or are you dead?" They also wonder if consciousness can exist even if it's spread out, and if the soul remains intact. What do you think? Read Thomas Hobbes' Ship of Theseus puzzle to help you make a decision. Be sure to reference it in your answer!
4. I think that your body parts are alive but mentally you're dead. 
5. http://metaphysicist.com/puzzles/ship_theseus/ 

6. This section of the novel sees Lev and Cy-Fi finally make it to Joplin. As they get closer, Cy-Fi's behaviour becomes increasingly erratic. What are some of the things he does, or things he likes, that are not his own behaviours or memories? Cy-Fi knows that Tyler's favourite ice cream flavour is pumpkin but Cy-Fi doesn’t. Also when they’re walking through the streets Cy-Fi acts like he knows the place and where his house is. 

7. What was Cy-Ty hiding in his backyard? Pg 185-194 

He had a briefcase full of jewelry inside.

8. The section ends with Cy-Ty reaching his destination. What do you think of his parents' behaviour? What does Lev's support show you about his character? 

Lev shows support by sticking up for Cy-Ty by becoming more violent. His parents were confused and scared because they thought that Cyrus/ Tyler would hurt them.

English

1. In the course of the book, Connor and Risa get separated from Lev, who travels for a time with another character. Why do you think Shusterman chose to split the narrative into two distinct threads? What do you think this achieves? How does this affect the evolution of the characters? To see different viewpoints. This allows Lev to get more time in the book when he’s with Cy-Fi and to also see his character change throughout the novel instead of being with Risa and Conner.

2. On p125 & 129  the novel touches on same-sex relationships. Has the attitude toward same-sex couples changed (for better or worse) in this futuristic society? Explain your response.  When Cy-Fi was talking about his family he mentioned his dads and when Lev heard that he was so surprised.

3. P130 begins our journey into understanding a little more about Cy-Fi. Through his character, what do you learn about the effects of unwinding on both the donor and receiver?  When Cy-Fi had a part of someone else's brain it would make him want to steal things. He wouldn’t do it himself but the part of the brain which wasn’t his he would steal things. He was also able to see things about the kid from the memory. 

4. What is the real reason Cy-Fi needs to get to Joplin, Mo? Pg 131 He wanted to try and find his birth mother. 

5. What is the significance of Connor holding in his anger around Roland? Pg 147  Risa told Conner to not try to get angry because if he did then him and Roland would likely fight till one of them dies. 

6. Connor's anger and lack of impulse control is often a problem for him, until he learns to control and channel his emotions. Do you ever feel like your impulses are stronger than your will? What strategies do you use to control your feelings? Do they work? Most of the time try to think of something positive to get your mind off it and get fresh air.

6. Define: fatigue & Kleptomaniac

Fatigue means overly tired.

Kleptomaniac means addicted to stealing.

Unwind Questions

1. Risa overhears two nurses debating law and human nature. Which argument do you think is stronger? Why do you think this? Write a paragraph explaining your thoughts on law and human nature. I think that human nature is more stronger because humans are what makes that laws so what our opinion is will affect what the laws will turn out to be.

2. This section opens with a mother abandoning her newborn infant on the doorstep of a house in a good neighbourhood. As she leaves, she thinks "How wonderful it is that she can get a second chance. How wonderful it is that she can dismiss her responsibility so easily."
3. In your opinion, by allowing new mothers to give up their children so readily, does it take away from the value of a child?  No, I think that the child should have value even if the mother gave up on them.  It was never the child's fault.

4. What is the role of a mother? Do you think the title of mother is something that should be earned, or a natural right of the woman who gave birth?  Natural rights

5. What skills or attributes do Connor and Risa have that work well together?  The determination to not get caught by police.

6. Connor and Lev have very different experiences with storking. How has this helped shape each of their attitudes toward the society they live in? Conner is familiar with storking because his family got storked a lot.

7. Connor is concerned the baby won't be loved, and ultimately will die, so he takes it. What does this show us about him as a person?  That he has sympathy for other people and because he knows what it’s like. 

8. What makes Lev realise he doesn't want to be unwound? P79 Pastor Dan was trying to help him even though they both knew it was dangerous.

9. Each of the other characters on the run has a tragic background story. Why were Hayden, Roland and Mai set to be unwound? Which, do you think, is the most tragic? Explain your response. I think Rolands is more tragic because all he was trying to do was protect his mum from his step father beating his mum up.

10. What tattoo does Roland have? A tiger shark

English

Connection One - The baby box
The baby box was a way to get rid a a baby in medieval Europe. Supporters say a heated box monitored by nurses is better than abandoning a baby on the streets. The UN says it violates the rights of the child. The sign pointing through the trees say "babyweige". The end of the path is where there's are stainless steel hatch with a handle. Inside there would be a folded blanket for the child. There's also a letter with a number on there in case you change your mind.

Connection Two -  The underground railroad
The underground railway was a place where people would offer to help and try to make slaves escape. Harriet Tubman was famous for guiding people to freedom using the underground railroad. Some hiding places were private homes, churches, schoolhouses and etc. These places were known as stations, depots and safe houses.

Connection Three - Suicide bombers
Suicide bombers are people who carry bomb attacks to make the biggest damage possible and kill themselves in the process. Clappers are very effective because no one really knows what it stands for. Once they clap their hands it detonates it killing everyone around them as well as themselves.