"Cairo: My City, Our Revolution"
by Ahdaf Soueif

Author Background

In 2010, the call for democratic reforms reverberated throughout the Middle East and North Africa in a movement known as the Arab Spring. In Egypt, the unrest forced Hosni Mubarak’s long-ruling regime out of power. This excerpt from Ahdaf Soueif’s personal account of the revolution describes the third day of mass protests in Cairo. Soueif (b. 1950) was born in Egypt and resides in both Cairo and London. Her novel The Map of Love was a finalist for the Booker Prize for Fiction, and she contributes to the Guardian and other English and Arabic news organizations.

1. Answer the Analyzing the Text Questions (at end of reading)

   • Remember the ABCs of analyzing a text and responding to questions:

A = Have I answered ALL parts of the question?
B = Do I answer the BECAUSE and explain why?
C = Do I CITE textual evidence to support my response?

2. Turn in handwritten answers

1. Using Vocabulary Reference Sources

   • Merriam-Webster and/or their associated Learner's Dictionary (bookmark these!)

   • What do all these components mean in a dictionary entry?

2. Word Nerd Vocabulary Cards!

   • Opaque (adjective): clouded, difficult to see through.

   • Reclaim (verb): to retake possession; reform.

   • Prism (noun): transparent, light-refracting object which figuratively refers to an individual’s viewpoint.

   • Intermittent (adjective): occurring at erratic or irregular intervals.

   • Momentous (adjective): very important; fateful.

The Word Nerd vocab card activity!

First - Write the definition on your index card.

Second - Let's come up with a sentence together.

Third - Synonyms & Antonyms: What are some similar words and opposite words?

Fourth - Any connections/emotions or images come to mind?

Fifth (for 5 pts extra credit) - Get in front of the class and act it out!

Unit 1A Vocabulary Master List

Blog Post Instructions: How to add a blog post to your site

NOTE: Write your blog in a Google Doc first and then paste in. Someday, when Google releases spellcheck etc. in Google Sites, that won't be needed :)

Prompt for blog post:

(NOTE: You will post as a blog post but you will also share as a brief oral and visual report.)

In her diary, Ahdaf Soueif provides her own personal account of the Egyptian revolution of 2011. Conduct research about a specific event in the revolution. Gather information from TWO SOURCES and remember to cite them following MLA format.

1. Write two paragraphs of informative writing explaining your findings about one of the many events that occurred during the Arab Spring and be prepared to share it with the class. Be sure to include well-chosen, relevant, and credible facts and sources in your report blog, as well as an image or other piece of multimedia like a short video or audio recording.

2. In a third paragraph, evaluate and explain why you think the author Souief feels compelled to rejoin the protesters, and why you think she says she feels empowered and invigorated to become a part of the effort to reclaim her country even though she is risking her life. Cite textual evidence where appropriate to support what you think are the author's feelings on the subject.

3. In a fourth paragraph, explain what would you have done if you were in her shoes. Would you have turned back and joined? Why or why not? Explain in detail and feel free to connect to any issues in the U.S. Is there a particular issue that you would feel right about protesting against?

4. At the end, include your TWO works cited entries in a Works Cited section.

You will be graded on two separate assignments: the blog post rubric and the below rubric for the oral report portion of assignment.

Ms. Tucker will model research ideas.

1. AKA - let's test your knowledge and progress!