1. In Tuesday's paper on page A3 "Ellis Island", what do you know about Ellis Island? Would you like to visit the island? WHY or WHY NOT

I did not know anything about Ellis Island. Yes, I probably would go because I like museums.

2. In Tuesday's paper on page A7 "Thanks, Texas..." What points are the author trying to make about Texas? Do you agree or disagree with his perspective? WHY or WHY NOT

They are trying to make Texas look bad, relating to health care issues. I disagree with their perspective because they do not live here, how would they know what it is really like in Texas?

3. In Tuesday's paper on page B1 "School staff to get ...." What are your reactions to the story? Do you think the Bastrop staff should get the training? WHY or WHY NOT

I think it is awful that teachers are being racist to kids. It's unfair and they should go to training, because if they want to continue being teachers they must treat their students with respect.

4. In Wednesday's paper on page A11 "NFL not..." Do you think the concussion issue is enough to cause changes in the NFL? WHY or WHY NOT

I think that the concussion issue is enough to cause changes in the NFL because  people are getting hurt. Head injuries are a serious matter and can have serious side affects. This issue should not be taken lightly.

5.  In Thursday's paper on page A1 "Guards at lockup..." What should happen to guards at the facility?

I think that they need to fire them all and hire new ones. They need to have rules and regulations. Guards should not be allowed to do what they want to people.

6.  In Thursday's paper on page A1 "Sebelien apologizes: Obama tries..." Should the computer problems plaguing the ACA be reflective on the job the President is doing as the leader of the United States? WHY or WHY NOT

Yes, I think that these problems do reflect on the type of government we have. Also it reflects on our leader. If these problems continue to happen, they all will point to the same person. 

1. Who wrote the story?

Caroline Young

2. What is their story about?

E-Readers 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

They talked about how at first they didn't know how they felt about changing from reading an actually book, to switching to something electronic, but then learned all the advantages of having an E-Reader. 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No, they only talked about how they transformed from liking books to electronic books. They did relate though, t others who may like books more. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, they talked about how they liked E-Readers way more, they didn't talk about maybe switching back to books.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First

1. Who wrote the story?

Martin Celusniak 

2. What is their story about?

No homework days 

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

They talk about how they think that no homework days are pointless. Teachers end up giving work  during class and just assign it for home work due in two days. Everything is not going as planned and it all just makes students stressed out.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No, they talked about what they thought and only about their opinions.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, the student talked about how unfair the no homework days were, but, they did say that if teachers didn't have loop holes, then maybe this wouldn't happen.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes 

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First person

1. Who wrote the story?

Susana Rocha

2. What is their story about?

Prejudice in the way people dress

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

Think that many dress code rules are unfair and that what we wear today should not immediately put us in some sort of social group (like emo, or hipster, or snobby)

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No, they did not

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, the student stuck with the idea of dress code and prejudice against clothing and didn't waver at all

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First

1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?

You can think about things that make you angry, sad, or happy. Maybe even something you get excited about.
2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?

I used language and wording that would bring the reader in, and want to read the story.
3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.

- the hook

- connect with the world, not just yourself

- do not rant about your opinions

Opinions Writing:

Homework Load in School

School has begun, and not slowly either. Classes have jumped right into lessons. There is no easing into anything, and homework is coming, faster than expected, and way way more of it than anyone can believe. As a student, and even a freshman at Bowie High School, I can speak for all of us: the homework load has gotten out of hand.

School is meant to be a place for learning and understanding. After an hour and half of hard and complicated learning, most students are exhausted. Then, a few minutes before class ends, or even seconds before the bell, teachers decide to pile on the homework. Homework is meant to be a review of what we have done in class, not meant to take too long. It ends up, homework from each class takes at least an hour and a half to do. When all of that adds ups, that's basically and entire night of work. Students cannot handle all of that work. Teachers think that block schedule loosens up the pressure on students, but block schedule just makes it even more confusing. Students need to decide what assignment is more important to do and just get stressed out. School is meant to be a place for learning, not to make a student stressed out over a huge amount of homework. 

1. Who wrote the story?

Dispatch Staff

2. What is their story about?

FIT- the positive things and the negative things

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

They have an interesting opinion, they don't seem to be taking sides, rather, they are seeing things both ways.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

They talked about everyone's perspective one FIT and how they like it and dislike it.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

Yes, they talk about "This being resolved..." and talk about how it could be improved.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

Third

1. Who wrote the story?

Maryam Hussain

2. What is their story about?

Stress in school (mainly as a junior)

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The direct opinion was about the stress of school, mainly junior year, they talked about how worried they were about school and how they talked about it to counselors and realized it wasn't all that bad.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No, this story was mainly about the author.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, they stayed on the topic of stress and their opinion of it the entire time.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First

OPINIONS WRITING

1. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.

- the writer can write what they think
- the writer does not have to worry about over exaggerating
- opinions can be included, it doesn't always have to be just facts

2. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page?

There aren't many photos on this page because since the writing is opinionated, there shouldn't be examples of what the student is arguing about

3. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?

- using phones in class
- homework load
- lunch lines!!!!!!!

1. Who wrote the story?

Meagan Prehn

2. What is their story about?

 The Senior life

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

Their opinion is that the stereotype of seniors is completely wrong. Seniors do not just hang out and not care about school, nor do they all enjoy tormenting freshmen. They actually care and worry about their futures.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

They talked about how the freshmen may think about the first day of school in the beginning of the story.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, this writer stuck with her idea, and even made it into three separate parts to show her true feeling about the subject.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

 No quotes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

First

1. Who wrote the story?

Ashlee Thomason

2. What is their story about?

The effect of social media on teens

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

The writer thinks that "Life would be less complex without social media." and that social media has taken an ugly toll on teens today

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No, they only talked about what they thought of the situation.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

Throughout the story the writer sticks with the idea that social media is bad news, they don't change their opinion. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

Third

Finally, in a new blog called opinions writing - answer the following questions:

1. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.

- can say what they want

- don't have to stick with facts

- can speak with assurance about what they think

2. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page?

The author cannot use real people or photos on how bad social media is. 

3. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?-

- the effect of texting

- how communication has changed today

- what people now do in their free time

 

 

1. Who wrote the story?

Elyas Levens

2. What is their story about?

Dress Code

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

This student is talking about how fashion now has had a bad affect on students. They think that students want to be different and act different to get attention from other students. 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes they said that students are "rowdy" and don't want to follow "silly" rules. 

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.

No, the person stood with their opinion and didn't vary at all. They said that students wanted more attention and stayed with that topic throughout the article.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

There are no quotes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?

Third

Finally, in a new blog called opinions writing - answer the following questions:

1. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.

- the writer can write what they think
- the writer does not have to worry about over exaggerating
- opinions can be included, it doesn't always have to be just facts

2. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page?

There aren't many photos on this page because since the writing is opinionated, there shouldn't be examples of what the student is arguing about

3. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?

- using phones in class
- homework load
- lunch lines!!!!!!!

1. In Monday's paper the lead story on the front page was about bond supporting affordable housing. Why do you think that the city should or should not pass an additional bond this year to help build more affordable housing?

I think that they should pass an additional bond because houses would be more affordable. Then people could afford to buy houses. The economy would probably suffer. 

2. In Monday's paper the top story in the Life and Arts section is called "It's back to the basics". Why would or would you not like to participate in an adventure race like the ones described in the story?

I would not want to participate in an adventure race like the ones described in the story because I don't like physical activities. 

3. In Monday's paper, on the second page of the Life and Arts section is a regular column called "Like a Local". The main part of the story is about a woman who wrote a book. The story goes on with a list of Becky Murphy's favorite places to go in Austin. Write a short paragraph in that same style about a favorite place you like to go.

4. In Tuesday's paper, on page A8 there is a story about two Utah men who pushed an ancient rock formation off its foundation. Do you think the men should be prosecuted? WHY OR WHY NOT.

I think that they should be prosecuted because the rock was ancient and part of nature. It was basically a historical marker and we probably could have learned a lot from the history of the rock. 

5. In Tuesday's paper in the Business section on page B7, there is a story titled "Report: 15% of younger Americans idle. In a paragraph tell me your reactions to that story.

I find it shocking that so many young people are ruining their chances at a future. It really makes a big affect in the U.S. when young people don't have a very good education. Since the salaries that people are getting are much smaller it is not good for the environment.

6. In Wednesday's paper on the front page, there is a story title "Officer in shooting abruptly retires". Should the officer have been able to retire, and receive a full pension after the incident (please note he was able to buy additional years to get his full pension)? WHY OR WHY NOT.

I think that the officer should not have been able to retire, he shot a man, therefore he needs to pay the consequences. As a man of the law, he should know that no matter who you are, or what your job may be, you always need to follow the law.

7. In Wednesday's paper in the Metro and State section, the lead story is about a stolen laptop. Do you worry about your private information getting out to the public? WHY OR WHY NOT.

Yes I do worry about my private information getting out to the public because I don't want people to know everything about my life. I don't necessarily have bad things to hide, it's just my personal information.

1.

WHO: bowie students

WHAT: Bulldogs and Hotdogs

WHERE: Bowie Campus

WHEN:

HOW:

WHY:


2.

There was an unexpected rain at Bowie High School. This however did not stop Bulldogs and Hotdogs from happening. The fundraiser was very successful.

3.

Stephen Kane: direct quote

Noe Barrios: direct quote

Ehtan Berdofe: direct quote

Michelle Shadwick: direct quote


4.

no opinions


5.
Yes, the title talks how the fundraiser was still fun even though it had been raining


6.

Yes

1.

WHO: Bowie students

WHAT: dress code and cell phone policies

WHERE: Bowie High School

WHEN: all year

HOW: taking up phones

WHY: to get rid of the distraction

2.

Dress code at Bowie High School is now being more enforced than other years. Cell phone policies have been enforced as well, even though, there may be possible ways to use phones for educational purposes.

3.

Jacob Blacklock: direct quote

Dana Stiles: direct quote

Denise Sanders: direct quote

Katy Jacobs: direct quote

Karla Boone: direct quote

Erin Crowley: direct quote


4.

no opinions

5.

The article talks about dress code and cell phones, that can be found in the title too

6.

No photo or piece of art

1.

WHO: social medias

WHAT: popularity of social medias

WHERE: everywhere

WHEN: now

HOW:

WHY:

2.

Social medias have started to become much more popular then before. Students have different reactions than others and opinions and what they think of these medias.

3.

Alexa Boone: direct quote

Karla Castro: direct quote

Ramiro Huerta: direct quote

4.

no opinions

5.

The title needs to talk about how the article will be about opinions o social media

6.

No photo or piece of art.

1.

WHO: Debate team

WHAT: becoming more popular

WHERE:

WHEN:

HOW:

WHY:

2.

Debate team is a team that has started to become more well known and popular. Though things have changed, it is still a close-knit club, with its members as close as ever.

3.

Miguel Lozano: direct quote

Jamie Goodwin: direct quote

Hoban: direct quote

4.

no opinions

5.

The title talks about a win which is the main focus in the article.

6.

no photo or piece of art.

1.


WHO: Bowie band

WHAT: outdoor ensemble win

WHERE: Central Texas

WHEN: Sept. 28

HOW:

WHY:


2.

Even though there were extreme thunderstorms and rain, JBHSOPE still won first place in regionals. They were competing against the finest bands in the state, but still managed to get first prize.

3.

Madeline McBride: direct quote

Jordan Sanchez: direct quote

Moody Schoolar: direct quote

Stephen Howard: direct quote

Franco Palomo: direct quote


4.

No opinions

5.

The title does describe the article, the main point of the article is the huge win, and that is said in the title.

6.

Yes.

1.

WHO: JD

WHAT: a fundraiser

WHERE:

WHEN:

HOW: special events

WHY: to raise money

2.

JD is a teenager who has suffered from HAI from an accident in 2008. through these hard times though, the family has seen much improvement and have had a fundraiser to help with the medical costs.

3.

John Hartman: direct quote

Beth Hartman: direct quote

4.

no opinions

5.

Readers expect to read about the JD event, it has more of JD's past then the actual event itself.


6.

Yes

1.

WHO: Jill Harding

WHAT: Groundwater Stewardship Award

WHERE: Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District

WHEN: Sept. 26th

HOW: Coordinated restoration efforts for the on-campus cave

WHY: to make it safer for students

2.

Jill Harding won the Groundwater Stewardship Award for her act in the community. She has recently started to help excavate the Bowie Cave and wants to make it safer for students.

3.

No quotes

4.

no opinions

5.

Yes, because reader's see that there has been a person who was honored a reward and they learn more about it in the article.

6.

No picture or piece of art.

1.

WHO: Jason Landers

WHAT: fund raiser

WHERE: Bowie High School

WHEN: October 26th

HOW: run/ walk miles

WHY: help pay for liver cancer


2.

At Bowie there will be a fundraiser for Coach Landers' liver cancer. People will come dressed as their favorite superhero and then run or walk a few miles to help raise money.


3.

No quotes

4.

no opinions

5.

Yes, because you expect to read an article on raising money for cancer, and that is located in the article.

6.

There is no photo or art piece.

Mentoring program creates mixed feelings on campus

1.

WHO: students

WHAT: FIT time

WHERE: Bowie High School

WHEN: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

HOW: extra time for studying

WHY: for colleges and future years


2.

FIT is a brand new method that is now being used at Bowie High School. It is a study time meant for students to work on subjects thy are studying to prepare them for the college life. Some students enjoy FIT, others think rather differently.


3.

Robert Deckard: direct

Stephen Kane: direct

Madison Cooper: direct

Scott Mayo: direct

Meagan Hudson: direct

Joseph Lewright: direct



4.

I feel like none of the sentences are opinionated and that they are simply factual and down to
the point.


5.

Yes, because when you read the title you expect to read something along the lines of how
FIT is affecting everyone, and when you read the article you realize that all of that is located
in the article


6.

Yes

1. How many days has the government shut down been going?

11 days

2. What school had a new sidewalk opened to help students get to school safer?

Leander

3. Who is Texas playing in football this weekend? OR What is the rivalry called?

Sooners

4. What very small cars are people starting to "Pimp out", just give me one example?

Smart cars

5. A fairly important person died yesterday, his name was Scott Carpenter, what is he famous for?

Being an astronaut (2nd man to go out into space)

Answer the questions below, please write at least a paragraph (3-5 sentences):

1. It seems the government shut down is about to come to a close. Have you kept up with what is happening? Explain as best you can what you know about the past 11 days, tell me what has happened as the President and the Congress have been working through their difficulties. Maybe you have heard your parents talking about it, or maybe even in social studies class you have discussed it. Tell me what you know.

I don't know very much about it honestly. But, it seems like people are getting more and more

angry because their jobs are on the line. Also, medication has seemed to become a large 

problem in this time. 

Earthquake Story:

Who: victims in San Francisco

What: earthquake killed 2 hurt 6

Where:  McHenry’s Auto supply at 2342 Plum St.

When: 8:12 a.m. Monday Morning

How: building collapsed

Why: it was a “strong one.” 6.4 on Richter scale

Monday morning at 8;12 a.m., an earthquake in San Francisco killed two people and injured six at McHenry’s Auto Supply.

Because of the intensity of the earthquake, a 6.4 magnitude on the Rhicter scale, McHenry’s Auto Supply shop at 2342 Plum Street, collapsed killing two and harming six people. Twenty-one fire fighters quickly came to the scene and stabilized the auto shop, trying to avoid making the collapse even worse then it already was. They also capped a gas line after detecting a gas leak. At the site, twelve policemen and five American Red Cross workers responded to the collapse of the building, with some even arriving within four minutes of the earthquake.

Mike Beamer, a resident who lives in an apartment complex just across from McHenry’s, felt the motion of the earthquake, and said that it lasted about thirty seconds, and stopped after a huge jolt.

“I was eating my breakfast when the room started rolling. I dove under the table just as I heard an explosion outside and a chunk of cement flew through my kitchen window. That’ when the screaming start across the street.” Beamer said.

The epicenter of the earthquake was under Hayward Hills and had a magnitude of 6.4 on the Rhicter scale.

“It was a strong one, and occurred on the Hayward fault, which runs under the hills.” Said Penny Gertz, a scientist from the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo park.

Three of the six people who had been injured in the collapse were hurt rather seriously and were transported to Hayward General Hospital for hospitalization. Thankfully, no other serious injuries had been reported in Hayward besides those three.

The intensity of this earthquake was rather large, people as far as Los Angeles and as far north as Redding felt the quake according to Gertz.