My delicious 5th Year,

Here is your homework.  It is to be done by Monday 5th December 2012. It shouldn’t take long. All I want you to do is to read this article and then consider how it can link to The Handmaid’s Tale. You will need to have at least one idea on it ready to come to class with on Monday morning.

The article is very difficult, so don’t get your knickers in a twist if you don’t completely get it – try to work out something. The whole process should take no longer than 15 minutes – unless you want it to.

Here’s a clue: contrast how the Aunts say they are trying to protect women with the ways in which characters , such as Offred’s mum and friend Moira, tried to protect women in the pre-Gilead period. What is the difference?

By the way – please bring in the essay plans you produced using the “Ms. H. Method” on Monday as well. You are good!

We begin a new two week writing block on Monday. This is so you can have another go at your Writing NAB, if you need to, and/or complete a second piece for your Writing Folio. You’ll be working on producing a persuasive essay, in which you will have to give your views on an issue of your choice. If you want to get ahead of the game and, perhaps, choose a topic before Monday, have a look at the various Topic Guides here on a site called Debating Matters.

Oh, and well done those of you who completed your essays on Friday. I was really pleased with the level of analysis and understanding you managed to produce in your work.  I’m like a proud father!

Good luck,
Mr K.