Primary Blog Post: 20-point Quiz Grade
The following is a quote from "Four" in Jason Reynolds' novel-in-verse, Long Way Down. In this passage, Reynolds chooses to have Will's father use nearly the exact same wording that Will uses in the beginning of the novel when explaining why and whom he was going to shoot in revenge for his older brother's murder:

I didn't know
he wasn't the right guy,

Pop said,
a tremble in
his throat.

I was sure that was Mark's killer.

Had
to
be.

Why does Reynolds choose to use this same wording? How does this develop the storyline? What do we know that Will might not yet realize )dramatic irony)?

Respond to it in a brief paragraph that:

• answers the question using examples from the text.
• minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
• is at least 80 words long.
• Use your Pen Name!

Rubric:
1. Topic sentence answers the prompt-5 points
​2. Evidence supports the topic sentence (at least two pieces)-5 points
3. Explanation shows how the evidence supports the topic sentence-5 points
4. Closing sentence wraps up the paragraph-5 points
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Finish by the END of the period Monday!

​Secondary Blog Responses (on Monday):100-point Practice Assignment
Select 2 responses and respond to each with a brief paragraph that continues the conversation:

• Agree/Disagree? Explain why.
• Extend the response by offering your added ideas.
• Offer an alternative view of the event.
• Connect to another novel, film, or real life event.

Each Secondary Blog Response should:

• respond the OP's ideas in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
• minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
• is at least 50 words long.
• Use your Pen Name!

Finish by the END of the period on Tuesday!

Primary Blog Post: 20-point Quiz Grade
What doe the quote, "[...]that's never the end" suggest about fate and cyclical violence in Long Way Down? How does the imagery of the smoke in the elevator in "Floor Five: reinforce the idea that violence and its consequences continue beyond a single moment or action?

Respond to it in a brief paragraph that:

• answers the question using examples from the text.
• minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
• is at least 80 words long.
• Use your Pen Name!

Rubric:
1. Topic sentence answers the prompt-5 points
​2. Evidence supports the topic sentence (at least two pieces)-5 points
3. Explanation shows how the evidence supports the topic sentence-5 points
4. Closing sentence wraps up the paragraph-5 points
​
Finish by the END of the period Monday!

​Secondary Blog Responses (on Monday):100-point Practice Assignment
Select 2 responses and respond to each with a brief paragraph that continues the conversation:

• Agree/Disagree? Explain why.
• Extend the response by offering your added ideas.
• Offer an alternative view of the event.
• Connect to another novel, film, or real life event.

Each Secondary Blog Response should:

• respond the OP's ideas in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
• minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
• is at least 50 words long.
• Use your Pen Name!

Finish by the END of the period on Tuesday!

Primary Blog Post:
Select ONE of the following Discussion Questions. Respond to it in a brief paragraph that:

• answers the question using examples from the text.
• minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
• is at least 80 words long.
• Label your Primary Blog Post with the NUMBER of your Question.
• Use your Pen Name!

Rubric:
1. Topic sentence answers the prompt-25 %
​2. Evidence supports the topic sentence (at least two pieces)-25%
3. Explanation shows how the evidence supports the topic sentence-25%
4. Closing sentence wraps up the paragraph-25%

1. How does the presence of the gun in the elevator symbolize the potential consequences of Will's decision to seek revenge?
2. In what ways do the interactions with the girl in the elevator challenge Will's perception of reality and his understanding of the situation?
3. How does the concept of mentorship and the passing down of behaviors influence Will's actions and decisions in the elevator?
4. ​What does Dani's presence in the elevator reveal about Will's emotional state and his struggle with the Rules?
5. How does the interaction between Will and Dani highlight the internal conflict Will faces regarding his desire for revenge and the potential consequences?

Finish by the END of the period TODAY!

​Secondary Blog Responses:
Select 2 responses that answered a question different than your own. Respond to each with a brief paragraph that continues the conversation:

• Agree/Disagree? Explain why.
• Extend the response by offering your added ideas.
• Offer an alternative view of the event.
• Connect to another novel, film, or real life event.

Each Secondary Blog Response should:

• respond the OP's ideas in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
• minimal errors in grammar and punctuation.
• is at least 50 words long.
• Use your Pen Name!

Finish by 11:59 PM on the second night!

Day One-PRIMARY BLOG ENTRY-After actively listening to the linked video interview with Jason Reynolds, please consider these three topics. Select ONE of these three topics to respond to in your Primary blog entry. In this Primary blog entry:

• Label your entry with its topic.
• Answer the aligned questions in a soild narrative paragraph (word count below).
  

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​1. The Power of Storytelling: Jason Reynolds talks about the importance of storytelling and who gets to tell stories. Why do you think stories, especially those about real-life experiences, matter? How can storytelling create change?
2. Writing for Young People: Reynolds often says he writes for young people because their voices are powerful. Why do you think he focuses on writing for teens? How does Long Way Down connect with issues that young people face today?
3. Breaking the Cycle of Violence: In Long Way Down, Will has to decide whether to follow "The Rules" or make a different choice. Based on what Jason Reynolds says in the video, why is it important to question traditions or expectations? How does this connect to real-life situations?
​
Day Two-SECONDARY BLOG ENTRIES-Scan through all of the Primary Blog Entries and pick TWO (ONE form each of the OTHER two topics). For EACH Secondary Blog Entry you may respond with your choice of the following types of responses:

• Agree? Disagree? Why?
• Continue the discussion.
• Add additional thoughts.

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 75-100 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm TONIGHT!

Secondary Blog Response Expectations (read everyone's primary responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 75-100 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. In these replies, you can contribute, agree, disagree, support, elaborate, challenge, clarify, and/or connect. Please use the PEN NAME that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm on Friday night!