8. THE LAST POST: An Inductive Leap too far

THIS IS THE LAST POST. . . DUE by: JUNE 15.

"Inductive Reasoning and Logic | BlazingTruth.com." Blazing Truth. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 June 2012.

Thanks to Sarah B for this image. . .

This is the most difficult post you have had to complete thus far. It will give me a sense of those of you who are ready to move into 3U, and those of you who might be better suited to the 3C pathway.

PLOT DEFINITION: The cause-and-effect working out of choices (made by characters and for characters) set in motion by conflicts and complications within the story.

Based on any novel you have read this semester, explain how an error in logic, specifically induction – an inductive leap too far – advances the plot of the novel. You will have to review your notes about induction.

How?

- Summarize the part of the novel where the inductive leap occurs. If you can use a text excerpt all the better. . . do not forget about the citations.

- Next, justify your ideas about the that this inductive leap has on the plot of the novel (Create further complications for the character? Change relationships??? - go back to your note on significance. . . ).

HERE IS A GOOD SAMPLE:

     In Who Has Seen the Wind by W.O Mitchell, the character Brian goes through a process of understanding life until he becomes a mature young adult at the end of the book. Near the beginning of the book however, Brian remains a somewhat ignorant but yet very imaginative character. This can be seen through his plans to fly using "string with pillow feathers" (Mitchell 27). Because he does not fully understand how things (ie. flight) work, his curious, imaginative mind believes making wings to fly is a brilliant idea (THIS IS THE INDUCTIVE LEAP). With his friend Forbsie they begin gathering feathers from "pillows' stummicks" (27) and tying them together with string. While they are working, "Arthur Sherry, a six year old cynic" (28) comes to ask what they are doing. This sparks what will later change Brian's mindset. When Brian explains "Making wings" (28), Arthur replies with "Anybody knows you can't make wings" (28). They continue to argue, but Arthur proves to have much stronger points than Brian , resulting in Brian's defeat. 

     The inductive leap Brian made by stating he was "going to fly" (28) set up the argument he had with Arthur, which harshly gave him the knowledge for a better understanding of the line between his own imagination and the reality around him. Although it may seem to be an unimportant event in the book, it is one of the many experiences that will later help Brian understand the world, and near the end, his father's death.

In my book, Death Cloud, many of the adults are known for being the ones to take an inductive leap too far. This proves to be true when two men are killed, and many of the adults conclude that it must be the effect of an illness such as the plague. Specifically stating, "We have to assume we're dealing with the bubonic plague and act accordingly" (Lane, 65). They assume this because the men whom were killed had been found with large boils on their faces. Meanwhile, however, the main character Sherlock Holmes isn't so quick to decide on this opinion. He sees that "the grass was a slightly different colour - more yellow than the grass elsewhere in the woods" (Lane, 69) where one of the dead men were found. Once Sherlock sees that it is a yellow powder, he isn't so quick to make the same induction.

The fact that many of the adults in this story take an inductive leap too far does much for the plot. While Sherlock believes that the cause of death wasn't an illness, there are few adults who believe him. This pushes Sherlock to move forward in the story, looking for answers on his own. It is when he goes to a professor that Sherlock is told that he had found "bee pollen" (Lane, 143). By the end of the story, Sherlock is able to prove to the adults that their inductive leap is faulty, as well as prove that the bees (as well as their pollen) were the cause of the deaths, and not the plague.

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7. Comment on Peers' blogs

Each of you should have SIX blog posts complete as of today. If you do not have this done, it needs to become a priority over the weekend to get caught up!!

________________________________________

This week, instead of creating your own blog post, you will be writing comments on three of your peers' blogs. Everyone will write one comment on each of the two most recent posts (significance of? and poetic devices) written by your classmates  (3 peers x 2 posts each = 6 comments in total).

WHOSE BLOGS?: Select the blogs that belong to the three students whose names are listed ABOVE your name on the 'BLOG ON!' list found in the sidebar to your right.

HOW DO I DO THIS?: You need to comment on what the person has said in the blog post you have selected. Read the rules below before proceeding......


DO NOT . . . 

`Do not be rude.

`Do not be sarcastic.

`Do not just tell the blogger they are awesome or that it is the best blog post you have ever read. 

`Do not make an inside joke.

`Do not insult or otherwise demean the writer.

`Do not leave an empty comment (I really liked your picture; I enjoyed this post; I think I might read this book too - these can be better through added detail)



DO. . .

`Genuinely look at what they have said about their books and respond accordingly.

`Make an intelligent comment on the book, the topic or the ideas presented by the blogger.

`Extend the blogger's thinking by linking their ideas to something else (another text, your personal experiences or the world).

`Ask the blogger a question about what they have read or what they have said.

`Offer a suggestion for another book they might like based on what they have read and the themes and ideas presented in the blog post.

`Give the blogger tips for improvement based upon the expectations for each post (including correct citations for their novels; using quotations with proper in-text citations; checking for punctuation, spelling or sentence structure; adding length through further detail, description or support from the text; organization of elements on the blog).

`You may also comment on the style or form of the blog itself (the design of it; the visual elements: colour, organization, font style and size; use of gadgets; readability; title and description etc.).

NOTE:  ****As a blogger, you should read these comments and respond accordingly to what your peers have posted. Fix what they have suggested, start a dialogue.

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There are some samples of peer comments below:

BAD
you are awesome i luv the shoes u r wearing lol :}

GOOD
You were very descriptive about the two elements you wrote about. I am now really interested in reading Modelland, would you recommend it?

Good post. You chose great literary elements to describe and had good support from the novel for both of them. For next time I would start by saying what book you are reading to make the post easier to understand.

Very well written Laura!! Just to make it a bit better maybe you need to add more visual components to your blog. maybe add more colour or the book cover in each post :)

BETTER

This was interesting, however it lead me to a a question: Who was it that brushed aside Tookie? If it was her family then it would be a long hard journey for Tookie to gain confidence considering she grew up thinking she was always second to her sister. If Tookie stepped outside of her comfort zone she would gain confidence and fir into the stereo-typical world you talked about( how beauty is everything), because confidence is beauty.

I like how you used such specific elements to the book and had solid support to your answers. I understood what you were talking about because I've read this book but anyone who hasn't read it might find it hard to understand. Like Lynne and Nathan already mentioned, you could introduce your book at the beginning of the post to help those who haven't read it. Maybe add a bit of a summary about key information to lead up to your quotation to give your reader a sense of what has gone on so far.


BEST
Foreshadowing is for sure an important quality for a book to have, and by reading your description of Uglies, the author seems to do an excellent job at including it. Great post, very descriptive. You were even able to talk about the significance of the device to the story when you said: "The foreshadowing used in Uglies allows you to uncover more about the characters. For instance, as the reader, we barely know Peris. But when Tally flashes back to memories with Peris, you start to discover certain things about him. In all of Tally's flashbacks, she went to Peris for advice, and from that I got that he was a good friend to talk to, and that he has good advice." I might consider reading this book sometime!

6. Poetic Devices used in Narration

This week I want you to look specifically at the POETIC STYLE of your novel.

1. Identify and define ONE poetic device used within your narration to add interest to the writing. You will have to consult your poetic devices hand out to do this.

2. Then, include the text excerpt that contains the poetic device and include a properly formatted in-text citation (Author, Title Page).

3. Finally, explain the purpose of this device to the plot,  character, setting or theme of the novel. (This AGAIN is directly related to significance). You may choose to add an image here as well. (Be sure to include the MLA style citation for its source).

____________

For example: (NOTE: spoiler alert!!!)

In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, there is a good use of symbol. A symbol is an object or item that represents something more than its physical state. In the Hunger Games, Rue's flowers symbolize much more than Katniss' sadness at the loss of a friend. After the death of her ally Rue, Katniss covers the body of the young girl with flowers as a symbol of Rue's humanity and a tribute to her short life. 'Rue's song' indicates the symbolic nature of her actions with the flowers when Katniss sings, " Here it is safe, here it is warm / Here the daisies guard you from every harm. " ("The Hunger Games") after Rue dies, Katniss uses the daisies to guard her, but the flowers represent more than that. By calling attention to the sacrifice that Rue made during the Hunger Games, Katniss challenges the idea that Hunger Games – and the people who play them – are mere entertainment for the audiences back in the Capitol. To Katniss, Rue isn't simply a character on a television show. She is a human being who is worthy of respect, admiration, and mourning. As Katniss says: "I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do that there is a part of every tribute they can't own. That Rue was more than a piece in their Games. And so am I." (Collins, The Hunger Games 145). Covering Rue with flowers is an intense act of rebellion against the Capitol. The experience of witnessing Rue's death inspires Katniss to go on and win the Games – and to prove to the Capitol that they can't strip the tributes of their humanity, however they might try; the symbolism of the flowers is not lost on the Capitol.

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic, 2008. Print.
"PHOTOS: Stills from The Hunger Games." My Hunger Games. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012.

"The Hunger Games." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. 

5. Significance of???

Let's begin with a review of the expectations set out at the beginning of the year for each blog post:
For blog posts #1-4 did you. . .

1. Properly identify the novel you wrote about (you can do this through an image; at the least provide the title and author; an MLA style citation is preferred)?

2. Check that you used proper language conventions (punctuation, spelling, grammar, sentence structure) after you posted each comment?

3. Organize your response into a coherent paragraph by writing a topic sentence, developing the details fully in the body with support, and concluding with a closing sentence rather than a list of items?

4. Use the text as support for your ideas by providing a direct quotation from the novel (with proper MLA style citations in brackets following the quotation) ?

5. Make sure that you gave short responses (between 60-100 wds) and answered each of the tasks you were required?

If you did not say yes to all of these go back and edit your first blog posts and only then proceed with this week's assignment described below.

Here is a sample of a post that contains all of the required elements:

This student included a picture of the cover of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins as well as a proper MLA style bibliographic entry at the top of her blog post.

This novel uses suspense by creating scenes in the story where I question what is going to happen. The main character, Katniss, makes decisions based on instinct and heart by the author making her like this it creates suspense. The author uses suspense with many of the decisions that Katniss makes. "From behind door 3908 comes a sound. Just a tiny whimper. Like something a cowed dog might make to avoid being struck, only too familiar. My eyes meet Gale's for just a moment, but it's long enough for two people who operate the way we do." (Collins, Mockingjay 46). This line in the novel creates suspense by wondering what or who those sounds are coming from and also wondering what Katniss and Gale are going to do.

THIS WEEK:

This week I want you to identify two significant elements from the book you are currently reading. You may choose an element of setting, a character, an event, a quotation or really anything you feel has been 'important' in the text thus far.

Go back to your handout on significance for support.


Use a direct quotation (with a proper citation) to first identify the existence of this element in the book. Then, after you have consulted your significance list, describe how the element you picked is significant, making specific connections to other elements of fiction.

Here is a level 3+ sample: All this student needs to add is a direct quotation to each paragraph.

The Communist's Daughter- Dennis Bock

Significant Elements:
1. The War
2. Bethune's Daughter

The war helps create or maintain the atmosphere of a place, contribute meaningfully to the plot, create conflict or a complication for the main character, establish the theme of the text, establishes setting, and contribute to the visual appeal of the text. It creates a sad atmosphere, it helps the plot and creates conflict or complication because it stops him from being able to see his daughter making him write these series of envelopes to her. It's theme is the constant battles Bethune goes through the war is one of the many. Since our common sense is that the war was a terrible muddy dark dreadful thing it helps us get a visual appeal of the text. Since the war happened we've learned where it was and helps us know time period this book is placed in and also props.

Bethune's daughter (whom he has never met) helps reveal character traits about the main character, helps the audience undersand the character's motivations, create a plausible character in the mind of the reader, provide insight into the character's feelings or emotions. It shows that Bethune cares for his daughter or else he wouldn't be writing his life story to her. It helps the reader understand that he didn't just get up and leave his daughter that he still loves and misses her and he's motivated to live through the war and not leave her life empty not knowing what happened to her mother and father. This makes Bethune seem like a plausible character because he loves and cares for his daughter like any other loving father. It shows how he feels towards her, that he truly does miss her.

4. Connect to character attributes

As always, begin your blog post by identifying the novel you are currently reading. Do this correctly using the MLA format for citations. You can use  easybib.com - which is a great tool for creating correct MLA bibliographic entries.


We have been reading stories in class that have given us a certain perspective of characters and their ability to face adversity with courage and virtue. 

This week I want you to select a CHARACTER ATTRIBUTE from the AMDSB list and apply it to the reading you have done on your own. Select an attribute relates specifically to the novel you are currently reading (the characters and/or the plot). 

1. First, select an attribute from the list above that relates to your novel in some way. 

2. Find a quotation on line that tells you about the attribute you have selected. The quotation should reflect your feelings or ideas about the characteristic you have selected. Record (in proper MLA style) a complete citation of the quotation's original source. Post the quotation and the citation at the top of your post.

3. Below the quotation, define the attribute as you understand it and as it is found in your quotation, then describe how ('there is a way. . .' ) it has been revealed in ONE text (short film, poetry or a short story) we have studied IN CLASS ("Bread", "Ten Minutes", "Justice", "Two Men", "Just Lather, That's All", "Dancer"). Certainly a direct quotation would help you SHOW that this attribute exists.

4. Finally, find and incorporate a direct quotation from your novel to help you provide evidence of this attribute in your independent reading.  Finish your post by explaining  what you believe the character , plot, conflict or setting you selected to describe has TOLD you about your attribute.  Be sure to include a page reference for your quotation. 

3. Define and Describe

Before you begin this week's post do the following:
(Answer the poll on the right hand side of the blog)

1. If you do not have the class blog listed on your reading list on your dashboard do this: Go to your dashboard (click on the blogger icon on the top left of your screen) and add the class blog address : mcceng2d.blogspot.com to your READING LIST. 

HOW ? There is a way!! What is that way????
While on your dashboard, scroll down to the bottom half where you will see 'READING LIST' Look for the button that says ADD - click on it and follow the instructions (once you have done this, it will be that much easier to access the instructions on the class blog, as you will only need to go to your own dashboard to get to the class blog.)

2. If your name is NOT listed on the class blog list to the right of this post, come and tell me what your blog address is (www. ?????.blogspot.com) and I will link it to the class blog.

3. Finish your first two posts.....you are WAYYYYY behind now.
                                    ___________________________

NOW THIS WEEK's POST. . . .

This week in class we have been defining words - the connotation and the denotation and describing what effect the words have had on us and our perceptions of the characters we have been introduced to. This week you will be defining and describing. 


As always, begin your blog post by identifying the novel you are currently reading. Do this correctly using the MLA format for citations. You can use  easybib.com - which is a great tool for creating correct MLA bibliographic entries.

See another example of a properly formatted MLA citation below:

Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. New York: Scholastic, 2010. Print.
(You may also choose to add a visual for the novel using the 'Add Image' icon found on your NEW POST toolbar. Be sure to include a citation for your borrowed image.)

Remember too that when you include a DIRECT quotation from your novel, be sure to you include an 'in text citation' identifying its source. 
SEE BELOW:

(Collins, Mockingjay 15) 

This week I want you to write about the theme of justice, revolution, rebellion or courage as it applies to your novel. Below are instructions for a three paragraph response.

1. Identify and then define the theme as you understand it. 

2. Then describe how (there is a way. . . ) it is presented in your novel (relate your description specifically to character, plot, conflict, setting etc.). Use a direct quotation to help you provide evidence of the existence of the theme you selected.  

3. Finish your post by explaining  what you believe the character , plot, conflict or setting you selected to describe has TOLD you about your theme. 

There is a student sample of the second part of your required response below: (note - this response is missing a description of the context of the excerpt and the definition of justice which weakens it). 

_

Sanderson, Brandon, Isaac Stewart, Ben McSweeney, and Greg Call. The Way of Kings. New York: Tor, 2010. Print.

“I understood in a moment of stillness. Those candle flames were like the lives of men. So fragile. So deadly. Left alone, they lit and warmed. Let run rampant, they would destroy the very things they were meant to illuminate. Embryonic bonfires, each bearing a seed of destruction so potent it could tumble cities and dash kings to their knees.” (Sanderson, The Way of Kings 122)

This is a part in the novel called The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, where the main character Kaladin becomes enlightened. He realizes that humans, like the flame of a candle, can be fragile but can also be deadly if there is no justice and law holding them back. The highlighted part of this excerpt is the revelation that he comes to. What we take from this excerpt is that all men are as fragile as glass; the only thing holding them back from harming themselves and others, is the presence of a box to confine them which is metaphorically the presence of justice. This excerpt tells me that the presence of justice is the only thing that prohibits men from destroying each other. Men when “left alone, [would light] and warm” (122)  but when me are “let run rampant” (122) without the law or justice, they would destroy everything.

2. Identify and sort

First, make sure you are done your first post. 
If you are not - go back to the instructions found in the blog archive to the right and finish it. You always have one week (Friday to Friday) to complete your blogging for the week.

This week, begin your post by identifying the book or books you would like to address for today's post. Use the MLA format taught last week to create a properly formatted MLA citation. You may also choose to include an image of the book cover to add further visual interest to your blog (use the 'add image' icon found on the tool bar at the top of your 'new post' page).

Today you will be identifying and sorting.

1. First, identify five main elements of your novel. Use your note "Elements of the Short Story" as a reference. (NOTE: Because this hand out is talking about good fiction - we can transfer our understanding of short fiction to longer pieces like novels.)

2. Then, sort these elements according to their importance for your engagement in your reading. Put the most important element to you at the beginning of your sorting list.

3. Once you have identified the most important element for your enjoyment, describe how this element has been used (or is lacking) in your novel.

4. Use a direct quotation from a section of your book as evidence. Be sure to include a properly formatted MLA style citation following your direct quotation. Do not leave the quotation standing on its own - make sure that you explain its significance to the element you have selected as your top engagement feature. 

AS A REMINDER USE THIS MLA STYLE IN TEXT CITATION: (Author, Title page)

A sample student entry of the third and fourth activity for this week is below:

Imagery

     This element is used quite often in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Imagery is the use of visual, auditory or tactile descriptions to help you understand a place better while using your senses. I think imagery is the most important element in this book because it projects a vivid impression of what is being described: a hollow within which lies a flesh-eating soulless creature. The imagery helps the reader to really imagine themselves in the scene with the characters: "A vast, lunar bog stretched away into the mist from either side of the path, just brown grass and tea-colored water as far as I could see, featureless but for the occasional mount of piled-up stones. It ended abruptly at a forest of skeletal trees, branches spindling up like the tips of wet paintbrushes, and for a while the path became so lost beneath fallen trunks and carpets of ivy that navigating it was a matter of faith." (Riggs, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children  78). Even if I didn't want to imagine this bog, I couldn't help it after reading this excerpt. This is one of the less gag-inducing parts that I could have chosen. But it's true, sometimes you are happy to imagine a place of beauty and peace. But you might be forced to imagine a dreary bog, or a spine tingling creature. That's the best part about imagery, it's like real life because you can't choose what you want to see or how long that image lasts in your mind.

Riggs, Ransom, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk, 2011. Print.