Vocabulary #2 Definitions + Sentences

1. accoutrements: personal clothing, accessories

I told Ana that Kim wanted cute and colorful accoutrements for her birthday.

2. apogee: the highest or most distant point, climax

The apogee of “Pride and Prejudice” is when Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth.

3. apropos: fitting, at the right time

Everything was going just smoothly and apropos until Tim had to ruin it and come late.

4. bicker: to engage in a querulous argument

My parents really get angry when my siblings and I bicker about lame things.

5. coalesce: to grow together or into one body

When people get married I like to think that they become coalesce.

6. contretemps: inopportune occurrence, embarrassing moment

I have a list of contretemps, but the worst was when I accidently wore my brother’s pants.

7. convolution: coiled condition, twist

When designing the ring the jeweler had to convolute the steel.

8. cull: to choose, select, pick

Kim culled Ana to be on her soccer team.

9. disparate: distinct in kind, essentially different

Although they have disparate minds they found a way to come up with only one conclusion.

10. dogmatic: pertaining to, inflexible

Tim thought his idea was so great and dogmatic that he stared down anyone with any oppositions of any kind.

11. licentious: libertine, unrestrained

I always tend to question if licentious people have strict morals.

12. mete: to distribute, apportion

I’d rather have a teacher that metes his attention to each student than to have a teacher with favorites.

13. noxious: harmful to physical/well being

Drugs and alcohol are noxious.

14. polemic: a controversial argument, as one against some opinion

The topic of abortion has become pretty polemic throughout the years.

15. populous: heavily populated

China is a populous place.

16. probity: honesty, uprightness

In my opinion Probity is the best policy.

17. repartee: quick witty reply

Erin answered his mom with a repartee after she threatened to take his electronics if he didn’t clean his room.

18. supervene: implied event or action, to take place as something additional

The Mariachi was a big surprise and supervene at the party.

19. truncate: to shorten, cut short

Students are often looking to truncate any assignment or process.

20. unimpeachable: impeccable, impossible to discredit, entirely trustworthy

I refuse to consider the dictionary as an unimpeachable source because there is so many of them. 

Beowulf Questions/Answers

Person 1: Erica

Questions: Prologue- The fight with Grendel  (10Q)           

[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation]

1)Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?

The unusual thing about Shield’s journey to become a ruler was that he came from humble beginning. He was not wanted by is parents. Despite all of the neglect in his early years he became a ruler. For his funeral he was put on a boat in which he had many treasures and material goods. The relation between Hrothgar and Shield is that they are family.

[Heorot is Attacked]

1)What magnificent work did Hrothgar undertake? Who attacked it, and with what result? How long did the attacks last? What was the response of the Danes?

Hrothgar built the Heorot hall. Grendel the monster attacked it and attacks/kills thirty men. The attacks last for 12 years. That is also the amount of year Danes residents are in fear. 

[The Hero Comes to Heorot]

1)What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?

Beowulf decides to take action and help. He takes 14 of his toughest men and they all sail to Danes to stop Grendel from doing more harm.

2)Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?

The Geats first met a guard whom questions them about their arrival and purpose to be in that town. They respond that they come to help kill Grendel.

       3)They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?

Herald (Wiglaf) is a kind of watchman/messanger. He interrogates the Geats, and after he knows there purpose for being there he tells Hrothgar about them. Hrothgar is pleased to have them help.

4)What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?

Beowulf brags about himself and say he will be able to kill Grendel very easily. Hrothgar helps Beowulf’s dad with some issues.

[Feast at Heorot]                       

1)What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?

Unferth doubts Beowulf’s accomplishments. Beowulf says his accomplishments loud and proud. He also accuses Unferth of killing his brothers. This episode is relevant to the poem as a whole because Beowulf’s confident and honor is present. Beowulf is ready to protect his reputation through out the whole poem.

2)What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?

She is being flirty welcoming to the Geats.

[The Fight with Grendel]

1)Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel?

Beowulf is actually very nervous before the battle yet he refuses to wear armor.

2)What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind?

When Grendel enters Heorot the hall shakes and rings. Beowulf and Grendal fight in the hall. They battle across the floor and in every direction. When Grendal tries to escape he is powerless. He manages to escape wounded, and expected to die soon. Grendal leaves his arm, claw and shoulder behind.

Beowulf Comp. Question Team Work

*Only the work assigned to that person will be posted on their blog

Person 1: Erica Marquez

Questions: Prologue- The fight with Grendel  (10Q)           

Person 2: Marisol Duarte

Questions: Celebration at Heorot- Another attack

Do question 6 from Beowulf’s funeral  (10Q)

Person 3: Maria Luna

Questions: Beowulf Fights Grendel’s mother- Further Celebration at Heorot (11Q)

Person 4: Elisia Estrada

Questions: Beowulf returns home- The dragon wakes up to question 5 (10Q)

Person 5: Vanessa Vargas

Questions: The dragon wakes question 6 –Beowulf’s funeral up to question 5 (11Q)

MY OPINION ISN'T (A) RIGHT

Notes:

*During class:

-Interdependence: dependent of others and society
-Limbic: part if your brain that governs feelings
-schema: routines or structure we use to make sense of the world

- "Fiction is the lie that tells the truth."

*Before discussion/on my own time:

-inquiry: asking for info.
-legal action: one party vs the other
-delusion: firm impression that is contradicted
-presumptuous: failing to observe limits on what is permitted
-preempt: prevent, to stall
-epistemic:referring to knowledge
-egregious: remarkably good, shocking
-Zionist Conspiracy: controversy between Jews and others about Jerusalem the promise land.

Questions to think about:

-Why can't opinions be respected and simply be left alone?

-"The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights" article 19 states that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." What is it that the united nations mean by this? How is it similar or different to what the article states?

Reflections On Week 1

1. Are there any factors that you think are going to affect your participation or experience in this class? Access to a computer?  Mobile/smart phone?  Transportation?  Friends/family? Schedule?

*Fortunately there are no factors that I could think of that will affect my learning experience in this class.

2. Think of an awesome best ever learning experience that changed you. What did you learn? Where were you? What happened? Who else was there? Did it teach you anything about how you learn (or pay attention... or remember, or think?) How did you know what was happening? 

*This summer I got to participate in a seminar called YCS (Youth Citizenship Seminar) at Pepperdine University with two hundred and forty nine other students. It was an awesome experience because after the five day completion I was truly in awe. I learned to believe in myself once more, to count myself as one of the “smart” kids and not be intimidated by others intelligence, but to feed off of it instead. All of the speakers at the Seminar really made me appreciate the country I live in and the family I have. I learned so much about myself and others. I learned that I learn better when I am collaborating and sharing ideas with others. Two brains are better than one. I knew I was learning because everything that came out of a speakers mouth made me think. It made me think, deeply and thoroughly about what they were saying.

3. What are you most [excited/concerned] about in this class? What do you look forward to in learning?  How do you think it can/will make a practical difference in your life?

*I am most exited about academically interacting with my peers. I am looking forward to feeding off of my peers’ knowledge and to gain more myself. I know this class will make a difference in my life because it is like any other. In this class the student takes responsibility for speaking up and voicing their opinion, which is what learning is all about. If anything I am definitely going to be exercising my brain in this class.

Voc. #1

1. Adumbrate: to foreshadow vaguely

Most novels do not give you the whole picture in one page, but adumbrate throughout it.

2. Apotheosis: elevation to divine status

In Mushu’s family his younger sister Ari is seen as the apotheosis of the family.

3. Ascetic: severe self-discipline

In order to accomplish anything in life a person must have an ascetic point of view.

4. Bauble: something of no importance or worth

Mrs. Reed told me that all of the subjects in school were bauble except for art.

5. Beguile: to lead by deception

Many Catholics believe that the devil beguiles people into doing wrong.

6. Burgeon: to send forth new growth/bloom/sprout

Other peoples ideas really allow my mind to wander and burgeon.

7. Complement: something that fills up, completes

Peanut butter and jelly are what complements bread.

8. Contumacious: stubbornly disobedient, rebellious

Teens are always the first to act contumacious against anybody who questions their power.

9. Curmudgeon: miser

I tried to be nice to the old man, but he was just so curmudgeon that it seemed impossible.

10. Didactic: designed or intended to teach

Today in child development we participated in a quick didactic, using pictures and the text to try to understand the material better.

11. Disingenuous: lacking candor, frankness. False appearance

I really like the class, but I have a hard time coping with Mr. Wing’s disingenuous personality.

12. Exculpate: to clear from fault

John was exculpated when he apologized to Timmy for pushing him down the slide.

13. Faux pas: blunder

It really bugs me when I make a faux pas on an arithmetic problem.

14. Fulminate: express protest

If I get angry at something do not expect me to sit still with out trying to fumigate a debate first.

15. Fustian: strong cotton durable cloth

All of the laundry detergents promise their buyers fustian clothes, but I refuse to believe them.

16. Hauteur: arrogance, haughtiness  

Based on the way she acted today I would say she is quite the hauteur person.

17. Inhibit: restrain

If it was possible I would have inhibited him from smoking at all.

18. Jeremiad: long mournful complain

I hate it when I am having a good day and some one ruins it by having a big jeremiad.

19. Opportunist: person who takes advantage of all his opportunities

Opportunist are probably the most successful people due to the fact that they waste no time in taking advantage of things.

20. Unconscionable: unreasonable, not controlled by conscience

There are some diseases  that are unconscionable, but many have a scientific background tied to them. 

1987 AP Exam Notes/My Answers

The exam was very difficult primarily because of the range of vocabulary and the diction in the questions and/or Literature. It was very difficult to choose when I was stuck on two answers for a question. That really frustrated me. The essays really gave me a headache especially prompt #1. I was so confused on what was being asked.

1.e
2.b
3.c
4.e
5.a
6.d
7.a
8.a
9.b
10.c
11.d
12.b
13.a
14.e
15.e
16.a
17.b
18.e
19.a
20.b
21.a
22.c
23.a
24.e
25.b
26.e
27.d
28.c
29.a
30.a
31.c
32.d
47.b
48.b
49.e
50.e
51.b
52.a
53.e
54.b
55.d
56.b
57.d
58.a
59.e
60.d
61.a

1987 AP Exam Prompt 2

                                              "Advocating change through literature"

   Change is can either be advocated loud and proudly or silently and effectively. In the novel “The Poison Wood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver, Kingsolver introduces the reader to the Belgium Congo of the 1960’s. The unique way in which she introduces the reader to the Congo is what makes the reader visualize and critique the setting of the novel and the people surrounding it. Kingsolver’s main technique in the novel is symbolism. Many if not all of the main characters symbolize something. Each one inputs the will for change.

    To begin with Nathan Price symbolizes pride and ignorance of those (at the time) who wanted to change the Congo people’s ways. It is impossible to move to a place and want to run the place as if it were your own. Change can sometimes be good, but in the case of Mr. Price there not be change. I think what Kingsolver is trying to tell the reader is that people need to change the way think and consider other’s differences. What is good for one may not be good for another.

     Rachel, the oldest Price symbolized indifference for the Congo people and ignorance toward the whole situation. This attitude may have been the one of many at the time. After all it can be difficult to truly care and sympathize with someone else when your life is perfect, and that is exactly how Rachel thought. On the other hand we had Ruth May who was what Kingsolver meant by change. She wanted people to be accepting and understanding like Ruth May. Unfortunately not all wishes come true.

     Kingsolver tells the truth through her fiction novel. She advocates change silently by introducing her reader to a historical event that raised a lot of questions and chaos. Symbolism is her most eye opening tool. It allows the reader to really analyze the problem and what Kingsolver would like it to be changed to. 

1987 AP Exam Prompt #1

                                                                  "Categorized free time"

    In the selection George Eliot’s conception of old leisure is exactly that, things that were once done and are long. Eliot begins her work of literature by helping the reader visualize how far old leisure is. Old leisure in her eyes is a passive action, nothing compared to the eagerness and rush of today’s Leisure. Eliot uses the devices of personification and hyperbole to get across her message of old leisure.

    In the selection leisure is given a persona/character. Old leisure goes from and it to a he. He has the characteristics of a gentle human being. As described he (old leisure) enjoyed things that the new could not understand. He liked the scent of apricots, liked reading newspaper and being a gentlemen. This was the old and peaceful leisure. Old leisure is now gone like packhorses and slow waggons and pedlars. New leisure is a total rush, wreck less and nothing like the old leisure.

     Not only does Eliot convey her views through personification, but also through hyperbole. The whole selection is a hyperbole. The exaggeration made about old leisure and how it is a rush is absurd. The fact that Eliot gave free time a character and categorized it is what makes it a hyperbole.

    Eliot’s selection conveyed her opinion and experience with old leisure using the devices of hyperbole and personification. Personification because of the leisure’s character and hyperbole because of the big deal that was made about leisure itself. 

Austen/Montaigne Essay

    “The Broad and Structured”

    There is a broad spectrum of ideas that are unable to be seen as concrete. There are drawn to scale, but never quite completed or understood. David Foster Wallace said in his quote “What goes inside is just too fast and huge and all interconnected for words to do more than barely sketch the outlines of at most one tiny little part of it at any given instant.” Montaigne’s techniques and topics contradict with Foster’s notion while Austen’s style supports it.

    Montaigne has such a complex and insightful way of thinking that he confuses his reader. What goes on in his mind is so fast and huge that it makes his philosophies hard to digest. Montaigne’s essays contradict Foster’s notion because he lacks simplicity and privacy in his thoughts. In every excerpt of Montaigne’s essay the reader is inside of Montaigne’s head, viewing his thoughts and feelings about his topics on liars, speech, fear, cowardice and others. It is impossible to take it all in, therefore the reader is forced to sketch an idea of his idea.

    Montaigne’s most evident literary device is Stream of consciousness. His style throughout his essays is an uninterrupted collection of thoughts. Because of Stream of consciousness the reader is able to read Montaigne’s thoughts as he thought them for the first time. This river of flowing thoughts really enabled the reader to get to view Montaigne not just as an author, but also as a human being with strong opinions.

    The novel “Pride and Prejudice” is well organized with characters and a plot, theme and setting. In the novel Austen’s opinion is not required, because each character has their own. Austen is trying to get the reader to understand how life in the 1800’s was and how important marriage and social classes were. Also how love can triumph in any obstacle. Unlike Montaigne, Austen did not have to come up with any evidence for why she wrote what she wrote.

    Austen’s style of writing is much more structured than Montaigne’s due to the fact that her opinions were not published as clear as were Montaigne’s. The point of view was in third person making the novel much more relaxed and not personal. The novel consisted of characters and their thoughts and feeling which is really what differed the two literature works.

    Both works of literature have different styles. Referring to Foster’s notion, Montaigne’s essays contradicted it while Austen’s supported it. The stream of consciousness of Montaigne was too huge for the reader to wrap their head around while Austen’s structure was  complete and comprehensive.

Poetry Assignment #1

1.                 1. The poem in this commercial is “The Laughing Heart” by Charles Bukowski

2. The use of the poem is inappropriate for a corporation to use because corporations only offer you what they want you to see. They keep you ignorant and in the dark about their corporation secrets and how they run things. For all they care is that the you (the consumer) buys their products. We are unaware of the wages and conditions the employees are under. We must find that light and not so much be influenced my society, but be the influence and find some light.

3. Bukowski’s had his fair share of difficult times in his life. His difficulties/obstacles lead him to be known as a “hard-drinking, womanizing, tough-talking man.” Bukowski’s character and reputation are well present in the poem, because he talks about being in the dark and accepting his dull life. Throughout the poem he constantly encourages others to not give up hope because there is light out there for everyone. He is putting this advice forth from his past experiences.

4. I found the answer to #1 by typing in the first two lines of the poem on  Google. (http://thebestamericanpoetry.typepad.com/the_best_american_poetry/2008/11/the-laughing-he.html)

To answer #3 I searched up “Charles Bukowski” on Google and found a timeline on his life. I also searched his name up on eNotes which gave me more information on the kind of author he was.

( http://bukowski.net/timeline/ )  ( http://www.enotes.com/charles-bukowski-essays/bukowski-charles )

            

Essay Assignment #1

“A place to call home”           

            It does not surprise me that the word home and house are synonyms, some might even say there is no difference between the two words. Indeed there is a difference; a home is a place in which you feel comfortable, happy, protected, and safe enough to be yourself. A house is simply a place in which a family resides. In the novel “The Poisonwood Bible” Orleanna Price considered her home to be in Georgia where her family was safe of certain diseases, educated, and comfortable. Moving to the Belgian Congo was an unhealable rift Orleanna Price had to endure.

            To begin with, Orleanna Price was first taken away from her home when she married Nathan Price. She was said to be a very loving, free spirited, and strong until marriage with Nathan came along. The new chapter of marriage really allowed her to experience a life away from what she knew. She no longer had a warm home, but a cold house. Her behavior changed from being young and confident to obedient and fearful. Her home was fumigated by Nathan’s stubborn opinions.

            The home of Orleanna Price did not only consist of the person she was when she was in it, but of its location as well. Being taken away from her home in which she had been raised and was raising her children was no easy task. Moving from Georgia to the Congo was just what Orleanna needed to break into pieces. It almost seemed like she had no home at all for she never felt comfort or safety in the Congo. The home that always stayed with her was her four daughters. This home is what enriched her life and allowed her to keep moving each day. The alienation that she felt every day was nothing, but a secret to the reader; a dark, dark secret.            

            There is only so much that can be taken before all is gone. The “home” of Orleanna Price was constantly being taken from and quickly disappeared from her life.  After Ruth May’s death her home is completely vanished from her sight. All of these experiences allowed the character to enrich herself with self-confidence and bravery. The solemn and secret way in which she dealt with her loss was what   made her experience illuminate the novel. It made the reader feel a certain degree of pity for the family and an unlikable feeling towards Nathan Price.

            The exile of the Price family really stripped Orleanna from her belongings and most of all a place she called home. Fortunately she was able to recover some of that warm home she once owned by returning to her hometown Georgia. The rift she went through brought heart ache, but also renewed a part of her home.

            

Introducing me

1. My name is Erica Marquez


2. I would like to improve my writing skills, improve my critical thinking skills, and collaborate with young Intelligent people. 
 

3. I hope to be more open minded and confident about my ideas/thoughts.


4. What really makes me anxious and exited is the whole college application and scholarship process. 


5. In my life the thing i really care about enough is helping/serving others in any way possible. This passion is what pushes me to do my best in school because i know that with an education i will be able to reach more people than without one. 


6. If anything i know this course will help me open my eyes to things i may have never considered or thought of. I also know it will make me a better writer. I am exited yet frightened for this new opportunity to give my input and thoughts in this distinct classroom setting.

My BIQ QUESTION

Why is it that people in society are intensely interested in pleasing others and/or fitting in to the "perfect" world society has drawn for us? Why the desire to live in that world?