Theme: Reading Closely to Analyze Big Ideas

The purpose of this unit is to teach students how to read closely in order to analyze theme by using literary and informational texts that present multiple themes and complex ideas or situations. I will know when students are able to read closely in order to analyze theme when they cite textual evidence that supports a theme, embed evidence from the text in writing when explaining a texts theme and refer to textual evidence when speaking about a texts theme or main idea.

Goals for the unit (Standards noted):

RL; RI 1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to draw explicit and implicit meaning from text. RL 2 Determine/analyze a theme or central idea; summarize text. RI 2 Determine/analyze a central idea; summarize text. RL 3 Analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text and advance the plot or develop the theme. W 2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information W 2b Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples SL 1 Initiate/ participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. SL 1a Come to discussions prepared, having read/ researched material; explicitly draw on evidence from texts and other research to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas. SL 1c Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.

Common Assessment Scoring Notes 4 3+ 3 32+ 2 21 0 We had questions here; we did not give students a complex text, though they are looking at a fresh text and applying knowledge of theme independently ; need to work on for next time Uses direct quotes in the evidence paragraph correctly. On track; theme is correct and evidence is too. Theme is off (statement might be misworded or oddly phrased); evidence is on track. Theme correct; evidence is shallow Theme is okay; evidence is summarized (difficulty shows in evidence) Close but not quite; incorrect Theme is off; evidence is summary or plot points versus analysis Misunderstands theme or evidence; may note a subject rather than theme or central idea -

Reading Closely for Theme: Rate Your Understanding: Scale

I can go beyond what has been taught in class and can apply my knowledge of reading closely to analyze theme to new situations and or complex text.

Insightful 4 Flier

If given a new higher level text, I could analyze theme or main idea and articulate how specific evidence from the text support the theme or main idea. With the text discussed and used in class, I understand how to read closely in order to examine and analyze themes or central ideas are. I can analyze them by citing textual evidence during discussions or in writing. o Identify themes or central ideas (color coding, chunking, annotating) o Find evidence in the text that supports the theme(s) or central idea(s) o Embed evidence into writing or conversation (direct quotations) o Properly cite evidence when writing or speaking (parenthetical references) I understand how to analyze theme and am able to explain how a writer conveys themes through characters actions or events of the plot. I understand how to analyze central ideas in informational texts and am able to explain how writers use language to convey central ideas.. I would feel comfortable writing an expository essay analyzing a texts theme (for literature) or central idea (for informational text).

Proficient 3 Branchling

Limited 2 Fledgling

I understand the basics of reading closely for theme or central ideas:

o o Identify themes or central ideas (color coding, chunking, annotating) Find evidence in the text that supports the theme(s) or central idea(s)

Dependent 1 Nestling

However, I may not be able to analyze themes in writing or conversation; I would not be comfortable writing my own analysis essay using the texts discussed as evidence. With teacher help, I understand what reading closely for theme or central ideas is. I can name examples of themes or central ideas, but I may have difficulty finding evidence in the text that supports my interpretation of the theme or central idea.

I would not be able to write an analysis essay on my own using evidence from the texts weve discussed in class. Misunderstand Even with help, I do not understand reading closely for theme or central ideas or why one would do it. 0 Hatchling I am not able to read closely in order theme or central ideas nor would I be able to write my own analysis essay using the texts weve discussed in class. I think I am (because)

My personal goal for this unit is to be able to