American History and Literature
Essay questions on John Adams

Tuesday class: answer one of the questions given in class.

Wednesday and Thursday classes: Answer one of the following questions in a well-written, 500-word essay.

1) Throughout his long life John Adams faced many difficulties, both personal and public. In terms of character, what was his greatest strength during these trials? His greatest weakness? Be specific in your use of evidence.

2)Many presidents have found themselves made stronger by their wives. In what ways did Abigail Adams give strength and courage to her husband? Be specific in your evidence.

3) John Adams clearly influenced American history. What do you think he considered his greatest accomplishments? Pick two or three, and defend your choice in a well-written essay (Keep in mind that the question asks what Adams considered his greatest accomplishments, not those touted by his biographers).

Monday 3Rs students: Several of you wrote asking for clarification on the essay question. The question essentially asks you to find examples of historical evidence in the Book of Mark that help to show the authenticty of the book. As we said in class, you could write about places in Mark (cities, rivers, mountains), people (kings, the fact that we have other accounts of people in other books), the customs of the time (they are specifically mentioned), and so on.

A sample introduction might run as follows (you may use this introduction if you like):

The New Testament's Book of Mark records the life of Jesus Christ. In this gospel narrative the writer places Christ in history in specific ways. Two of these ways are Mark's use of place-names and of customs.

(The italics are mine. Please use regular fonts). After that introduction, you would then have a paragraph about Mark using real places for his narrative and another paragraph discussing customs, followed by a conclusion.

I hope this information helps.

Below is the Latin homework due during the week of September 8--11 (Monday Latin I class excepted):

Latin I
Finish Exercise 11.
Complete Exercise 13. Translate. Write down the Latin sentences as well as your English translations.
Memorize pages 5--6 in Grammar.
Bring notecards to class.

Latin II
Test on pages 217--220, Purple book.
Test on pages 44--47, 56--59 Grammar.
Bring note cards.

Latin III
Finish translating Lesson IV. Translate Lesson V. Vocab. quiz 1--5. Notecards.

Latin IV
Lines 91--141.
Wkbk. 16--19.
Test on vocab. pullout sheet.
Order your AP Latin book.
Remind Mr. Minick to cover essay format for the AP.