Found a forum for IB students. Note: Requires registration.

http://www.ibsurvival.com/


Haven't personally made an account yet, but they have a lot of subjects set up already, so it might be worth checking out!

-Matt

List of Tones (Helpful for Commentaries/Timed Writes)

(found here: http://www.mshogue.com/AP/tone.htm)

Stuck on tones during a timed write? Try learning some of these!

1.        accusatory-charging of wrong doing

2.        apathetic-indifferent due to lack of energy or concern

3.        awe-solemn wonder

4.        bitter-exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain or grief

5.        cynical-questions the basic sincerity and goodness of people

6.        condescension; condescending-a feeling of superiority

7.        callous-unfeeling, insensitive to feelings of others

8.        contemplative-studying, thinking, reflecting on an issue

9.        critical-finding fault

10.     choleric-hot-tempered, easily angered

11.     contemptuous-showing or feeling that something is worthless or lacks respect

12.     caustic-intense use of sarcasm; stinging, biting

13.     conventional-lacking spontaneity, originality, and individuality

14.     disdainful-scornful

15.     didactic-author attempts to educate or instruct the reader

16.     derisive-ridiculing, mocking

17.     earnest-intense, a sincere state of mind

18.     erudite-learned, polished, scholarly

19.     fanciful-using the imagination

20.     forthright-directly frank without hesitation

21.     gloomy-darkness, sadness, rejection

22.     haughty-proud and vain to the point of arrogance

23.     indignant-marked by anger aroused by injustice

24.     intimate-very familiar

25.     judgmental-authoritative and often having critical opinions

26.     jovial-happy

27.     lyrical-expressing a poet’s inner feelings; emotional; full of images; song-like

28.     matter-of-fact--accepting of conditions; not fanciful or emotional

29.     mocking-treating with contempt or ridicule

30.     morose-gloomy, sullen, surly, despondent

31.     malicious-purposely hurtful

32.     objective-an unbiased view-able to leave personal judgments aside

33.     optimistic-hopeful, cheerful

34.     obsequious-polite and obedient in order to gain something

35.     patronizing-air of condescension

36.     pessimistic-seeing the worst side of things; no hope

37.     quizzical-odd, eccentric, amusing

38.     ribald-offensive in speech or gesture

39.     reverent-treating a subject with honor and respect

40.     ridiculing-slightly contemptuous banter; making fun of

41.     reflective-illustrating innermost thoughts and emotions

42.     sarcastic-sneering, caustic

43.     sardonic-scornfully and bitterly sarcastic

44.     satiric-ridiculing to show weakness in order to make a point, teach

45.     sincere-without deceit or pretense; genuine

46.     solemn-deeply earnest, tending toward sad reflection

47.     sanguineous -optimistic, cheerful

48.     whimsical-odd, strange, fantastic; fun

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

-Matt

List of Themes in Persepolis

List gathered on 11/15/11.

1. The suppression of women through Islamic fundamentalism
2. Endurance of the human spirit
3. The fragility of faith during crises
4. Influence of socialist ideas

And here's an unabridged list of the guy's themes (some are repetitive/were rejected):

1. Marjorie's glorification of her personal beliefs
2. The effects of oppression on individuality
3. The deleterious effects on family structure
4. The impact of suppression on the social milieu
5. The suppression of women in a patriarchal society
6. The conflict of fundamentalist vs. Western ideals
7. Loss of faith
8. Degradation of morale through difficult times
9. The power of conformity (vague)
10. Loss of innocence (vague)
11. The effects of a cultural revolution on the youth generation (weirdly worded)
12. The manipulation of the majority by the media (weirdly worded)
13. The use of euphemism to protect the innocence of children (weirdly worded)
14. The loss of freedom in a totalitarian society
15. The impressionable nature of children (vague)
16. Glorification of leaders (vague)
17. The struggle between traditional and modern ideals (repeated)
18. Man vs. Society
19. The importance of family through crises (repeated)
20. The oppressive power of the government (repeated)
21. Man's dependence on a higher being/entity
22. The manipulation of government (vague)