Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
world through the study of its literature and culture while also focusing on four
writing modes: narrative, informative, definition and argument.
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
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World Literature
(and culture)
2) Informative:
3) Definition:
4) Argument:
2) Characters:
3) Plot:
climax
4) Theme:
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1. Exposition: 2. Rising Action: 3. Climax:
Nick and Amy fall in love and marry Amy has gone missing. She is Nick works to clear his name by
despite vast differences in their believed to have been kidnapped attempting to solve the mystery of
upbringing. She is from NYC and a from her home. Based on clues she the whereabouts of his wife. He
wealthy family whereas he is from a has left behind, the police eventually believes she has framed him and thus
dysfunctional family from a small turn their attention to Nick, believing faked her death to ‘get back at him’
town in Missouri. he murdered his wife. for not loving her enough. In the
meantime, Amy returns home…she’s
(draw picture here to illustrate what alive!
has been written) (draw picture here to illustrate what
has been written) (draw picture here to illustrate what
has been written)
by, Gillian Flynn
must make it appear as if she were lifetime of deceit and trickery. Amy
truly kidnapped and not framing her tricked Nick into having a baby and he
husband. Instead, she frames wants to remain a couple for that
another man making it appear as if purpose. He presumably lives in fear
she killed him in self defense while of his wife. And she presumably
escaping his capture. knows his does not really love her.
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Let’s get writing by completing a ‘one-pager’!
Directions:
1) Please respond to the following prompt using lots of detail in no more than
one page (front and back).
2) If you are hand writing your essay and have large print, you may extend your essay
to two pages (front and back).
3) Double space your essay!
4) This is your opportunity to demonstrate what you know…how will you organize your thoughts?
How will you add interest to your essay?
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(blank page for notes)
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Let’s begin our journey!
World Classics are stories written years ago that
continue to entertain or influence today. The tales
offer exciting plots, important themes, fascinating
characters, and powerful language. They are stories to
which many people can connect. As we continue our
journey, you will be asked to evaluate classic short
stories and make connections to the real world.
How: through reading the short story, The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor from The Arabian Nights
Author: no one knows who wrote the stories or when they were first dreamed up
Background Information
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The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
Pre-reading Activity
Vocabulary
These words are used throughout the story and knowing their meaning will help with your
comprehension of the story. Study the words and meaning shown in the box. Then complete each
sentence below by writing the correct word on the line.
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The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
Pre-reading Activity
1. The hero of the story, Sindbad, is an adventurer living in a city in the ancient Middle East. These
questions will help you understand Sindbad’s time and culture.
a. “Know, O my brothers, that after I returned from my third voyage, I rejoined my friends. I
forgot all my perils and hardships in my new comfort and ease…. Soon the bad old man
within me yearned to go traveling and enjoy the sight of strange countries.”
b. “At once I began to blame myself for what I had done. I said to myself, ‘By Allah, I deserve
all that has happened to me and all that shall happen to me!’”
c. “I arrived at home with a great wealth of diamonds, money and goods. There I reunited
with my friends and relations. I presented alms (gifts to the poor) and gifts to all my
friends.”
What does the quote tell you about how Sindbad treats others?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
Post-reading Activity
8) Where does Sindbad travel after his escape from the cannibals?
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The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
Post-reading Activity
Read these story scenes. For each scene, give an example of how Sindbad is lucky. Then give an
example of how he is clever or skillful. The first scene is done for you.
To help in your response, you may need to define the following terms:
Lucky:
Clever:
Skillful:
Scene 1 (example): Sindbad is abandoned on an island paradise. But he escapes on the leg of a rukh.
(pages 4-7)
How is Sindbad lucky? He is lucky to have stumbled onto the giant bird’s nest.
How is Sindbad clever or skillful? He unwraps his turban to use as a rope. He then ties himself to the
rukh’s leg.
Scene 2: Sindbad lands in the valley of the diamonds. Huge snakes inhabit the valley. Sindbad escapes,
carried by an eagle. (pages 7-9)
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Scene 3: The merchant’s ship runs into a terrible storm. The ship is wrecked. But Sindbad is able to get
to dry land. (page 13)
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The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
Post-reading Activity
“I had left the ease of my house in my own land, where the pleasures of good meat, drink, and clothing
had been mine. I had lacked nothing, neither money nor goods. And I repented of having left Baghdad.”
(page 5)
c. Journal Writing: Describe a time when you regretted a decision or act and wished you could
return to the way things were before. Use a separate sheet of paper for your response.
“Know, O my brothers, that after I returned from my third voyage, I rejoined my friends. I forgot all my
perils and hardships in my new comfort and ease.” (page 12)
b. Why do you think “comfort and ease” make Sindbad forget the dangers of his last adventure?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Let’s Review!
The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
Characters: Setting:
1.Sindbad 1.Middle East
Title:
The Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
Author:
unknown
Plot: Theme(s):
Exposition (background info)- 1.Fate cannot be predicted or
escaped.
Rising action- 2. Cleverness can help a person
to survive.
Climax- 3. A successful person takes
advantage of every opportunity.
Falling action- 4. A traveler longs for home,
while a person at home longs to
Outcome- travel.
5. The world is full of marvels
and horrors.
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Throughout his journeys, Sindbad proved to be clever and successful. His journeys proved
that nothing can be predicted and that it is up to the person experiencing the journey to find
a way to survive.
Make a connection with at least one of the themes listed on the previous page, or to a theme
of your own by completing the following task.
To do:
You will be expected to turn in your article and your summary which contains the connection
made to our story read in class.
You will be graded on the connection you have made between Sindbad and the person
highlighted in your presentation as well as on the quality of your summary.
Optional:
1) You may show a short video (fewer than 2 minutes) depicting your story to add interest to your
presentation. Your video may be shown after you make your oral presentation. Your video
must be preapproved by your teacher prior to the day of your presentation!
(An example has been provided for you on the next page…let’s take a look!)
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Need to see an example?
□ Identify a theme to which you can connect. (three are included for this example)
□ Think of a story in the news in which the person involved has proved to be like Sindbad.
Aron Ralston
□ Find a short article about the person you have selected that depicts his/her story.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/0830_040830_aronralston.html
Aron Ralston loves adventure. An avid hiker and climber, he became stuck in a canyon in
Utah when a boulder slipped, pinning his hand between the boulder and the canyon
wall. For six days he struggled, hoping another hiker would find him. While waiting for
rescue, he fought against hunger, hypothermia, and dehydration. However, he knew he
hadn’t followed the simple ‘rules’ every climber/hiker should follow on this journey. He
decided to climb alone and did not leave a copy of his itinerary including the location of
his climb and the location of his parked car with anyone at home. Because of this, he felt
certain that help would not arrive. Ultimately, he made the decision to save himself by
cutting off his hand and a portion of his lower arm using the only tool he had, a simple
multi-tool. Before doing so, he videotaped his thoughts to let his family know of his story
and also to tell them how much he loved them. In the end, Ralston was successful in
escaping the canyon. He continues to climb today with the use of a specialized
prosthetic limb. Ralston is very much like Sindbad in that he would never have predicted
this would have happened to him given his experience as a climber. When Sindbad left
for a journey, he never planned on being left behind or having danger find him as it did
time and time again. Ralston was able to use his cleverness and intelligence to survive
his ordeal, just as Sindbad found ways to escape dangerous or undesirable situations
such as escaping the cave where he was buried with his deceased wife. Ralston took
advantage of the knowledge and tools he had available to remove himself from the cave
and was successful. Today, he uses a prosthetic limb so that he can continue to climb.
Sindbad also assesses each situation he finds himself, taking advantage of every
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opportunity such as taking the jewels of others for money upon his escape from the cave.
Because they sought the advantages presented to them, they both made it home.
□ Share the story with the class in a presentation that is no longer than 10 minutes in
length.
Share the following 5 minute video after sharing the summary with the class.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=aron+ralston&mid=E212CC1C8C41E2D96395E2
12CC1C8C41E2D96395&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1
www.huffingtonpost.com
www.cnn.com
abcnews.go.com
www.foxnews.com
www.nbcnews.com
www.nytimes.com
www.phillyburbs.com/
www.bbc.co.uk/news
www.usatoday.com
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(blank page)
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Evaluating Themes
A theme of a book or story is an idea or message that stretches through the entire story. It
may show up as a pattern throughout the story such as ‘there is beauty in simplicity’. Or it
may be the result of a buildup such as ‘tragedy of war’. Often, it is a lesson that we learn
about life or people.
Directions:
1) Below are several themes of our next short story. Read through each idea listed.
2) Think of a story you have recently heard or read about in the news that contains a
similar message to one of those listed.
3) Underline the theme from the list below that you have paired with a current news topic.
4) Find an article about the story you have chosen.
5) Be prepared to share with the class how one of the ideas listed below connects with
your story.
You never know how much you have until you lose it.
Words spoken in the heat of the moment can drastically change your entire life.
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Just in case you need a push to get started…here’s
another example:
□ Below are several themes of our next short story. Read through each idea listed.
□ Think of a story you have recently heard or read about in the news that contains a
similar message to one of those listed.
□ Underline the theme from the list below that you have paired with a current news topic.
□ Find an article about the story you have chosen.
□ Be prepared to share with the class how one of the ideas listed below connects with
your story.
You never know how much you have until you lose it.
Words spoken in the heat of the moment can drastically change your entire life.
As we read our next story, reflect back to your article. Are the two stories similar in any way?
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Continuing our Journey…
Background Information
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The Bet
Pre-reading Activity
Vocabulary
These words are used throughout the story and knowing their meaning will help with your
comprehension of the story. Study the words and meaning shown in the box. Then complete each
sentence below by writing the correct word on the line.
1. Marcia read every current book on apes and then wrote an _____________________ report on
gorilla behavior.
2. Manny used to raise only goldfish, but now his fish tank is full of _______________________
types of sea creatures.
3. She was so ________________________, you could count all her ribs.
4. The “no smoking” rule at the chemical factory was ____________________________ enforced
after the fire.
5. Jose ______________________________ for the teacher that every student was present by
calling roll.
6. The biologist will ________________________ samples of pond water to check for bacteria.
7. So far the _____________________________ of Tara’s art career has been winning a
scholarship to art school.
8. The glassware from Denmark arrived at Dan’s house ___________________________ - not a
single piece was broken.
9. If you ______________________________ the speed limit, you may get a ticket.
10. The biplane is an _________________________________ aircraft that is rarely seen today.
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The Bet
Pre-reading Activity
1. A main character in this story – a lawyer – is imprisoned for a number of years. This lawyer does
not go outside of his cell for any reason or talk to anyone.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
b. How do you think you might change if you were confined in one room for several years?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
c. Can you think of a person in history who has spent many years of his or her life confined?
What do you know about the reasons for their confinement?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. This story concerns a character who spends years gaining knowledge. Answer these questions
about knowledge.
a. How might having knowledge of people, history, and the world make a person bitter?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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b. How might having this knowledge make a person hopeful?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
c. Do you think people with knowledge have any duties to others? Explain why or why not.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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The Bet
Post-reading Activity
4) Why does the banker think the lawyer made the bet?
6) How does the lawyer spend most of his time over the years?
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(blank page)
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The Bet
Post-reading Activity
Conflict results when characters or forces oppose each other. There are five main kinds of conflict.
o character vs. character – a character opposes one or more characters
o character vs. self – a character battles with conscience or emotions
o character vs. society – a character opposes a part of society (government, law, etc.)
o character vs. nature – a character has a problem with a force of nature (cold, storm, etc.)
o character vs. fate – the character has a problem with fate, luck or God
The Bet contains several conflicts which help move the plot along. Describe the conflicts listed below by
jotting down details on the lines. Try to name the general type of conflict in each situation (from the list
above).
1. What is conflict at the party between the lawyer and the banker? (page 34)
2. What is a conflict the banker has with himself before the lawyer is jailed? (page 35)
The banker tells the lawyer: But the banker asks himself:
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3. What is a conflict the lawyer has with himself while he is in prison? (pages 36-37 and 40-41)
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The Bet
Post-reading Activity
1. “’If I have the courage to carry out my plan,’ thought the old man, ‘they’ll suspect the watchman
first.” (page 38)
c. Journal Writing: Describe what you would have done if you were in the banker’s situation.
Explain why you would have reacted that way.
2. “Never before – not even when he lost a fortune on the stock market – had he [the banker]
scorned himself so much.” (page 41)
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Let’s Review!
The Bet
Characters: Setting:
1.lawyer 1.Russia
2. banker
Title:
The Bet
Author:
Anton Chekhov
Plot: Theme(s):
Exposition (background info)- 1.Greed can stain a person’s
soul.
Rising action- 2. Knowledge can lead a person
to freedom or despair.
Climax- 3. Great expectations may turn
into great disappointments.
Falling action- 4. You never know how much
you have until you lose it.
Outcome- 5. Words spoken in the heat of
the moment can drastically
change your entire life.
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Connections with the Real World
(Argument Writing)
Conflict occurs when two or more parties disagree. The reasons for disagreeing may
vary…there may be a misunderstanding, individual needs may vary, or each may hold different
interests. One thing holds true…the parties disagree because one or both of the parties may
feel threatened (physically, emotionally, power, status, etc). To resolve conflict, it is often
helpful to gain understanding of both ‘sides’, even though you may still hold a strong opinion of
your own on the topic.
Below are two situations that present conflict in society. Choose one to research and form an
opinion of your own. Express your opinion on one of the topics in a well thought out and
organized multi-paragraph essay.
1) Read about capital punishment. Where and in what cases is it still used? What are
some problems with using capital punishment? What are some benefits to using capital
punishment?
Capital punishment is _______________________________________________.
2) Do some reading about solitary confinement. How does being alone affect a person’s
behavior, emotions, and outlook?
Solitary confinement is ______________________________________________.
Use the following links to help in your research or you may find your own…as long as they are
reliable!
www.huffingtonpost.com www.phillyburbs.com/
www.cnn.com www.bbc.co.uk/news
abcnews.go.com www.usatoday.com
www.foxnews.com www.cbsnews.com
www.nbcnews.com www.theguardian.com
www.nytimes.com www.motherjones.com
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(blank page)
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And so, we move on…
How: through reading the short story, God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Background Information
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God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Pre-reading Activity
Vocabulary
These words are used throughout the story and knowing their meaning will help with your
comprehension of the story. Study the words and meaning shown in the box. Then complete each
sentence below by writing the correct word on the line.
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God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Pre-reading Activity
1. Ivan, the main character, is accused of something he did not do. But all the evidence is against
him. In fact, the case seems so solid that even his wife doubts him.
Think of a time you were accused unjustly. Answer the questions about your experience.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. Ivan goes to prison and suffers for many long years. This must have been difficult for him since
he was an innocent man.
Now think of a time when you “kept your cool” in a tough situation. Answer these questions
about your experience.
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God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Post-reading Activity
1) What does Ivan’s wife say to him before he leaves for the fair?
3) While conducting a search, what does the policeman find in Ivan’s bag?
5) What does Ivan learn about his wife that makes him cry?
7) What does Makar, the new prisoner, say that makes Ivan suspicious?
10) What happens to Ivan by the time the release order is received?
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God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Post-reading Activity
Example
Stage 1: from the time Ivan marries to the time he goes to Nizhny Fair (pages 63-64)
Evidence:
a. Ivan laughs when his wife tells him her nightmare.
b. Ivan promises to bring gifts from the fair.
1)
Stage 2: from the time the police officer begins questioning Ivan to the moment Ivan is accused
of murder (pages 64-66)
Evidence:
a. ________________________________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________________________________
2)
Stage 3: from the time Ivan’s wife leaves the prison to the time Ivan is sent to Siberia (page 67)
Evidence:
a. _________________________________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________________________________
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God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Post-reading Activity
1. “ ‘That dream about your hair turning grey meant something after all. Do you remember? You
should not have left that day.’” (page 67)
2. “ ‘It seems that only God knows the truth. We must petition God alone. Only from Him can we
expect mercy.’ ” (page 67)
b. What is mercy? (You may need to look it up in a dictionary.) Why do you think Ivan expects
mercy only from God?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Let’s Review!
God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Characters: Setting:
1.Ivan 1.Russia (Siberia)
Title:
God Sees the Truth, But Waits
Author:
Leo Tolstoy
Plot: Theme(s):
Exposition (background info)- 1.Innocence does not protect
you from harm.
Rising action- 2. Facing problems can make a
person morally stronger.
Climax- 3. Vengeance is self-defeating
and destructive.
Falling action- 4. The truth is not always
immediately apparent.
Outcome- 5. Faith can help a person face
hardships.
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(blank page)
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Definition Essay
A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. Some terms have definite, concrete
meanings, such as glass, book, or tree. Terms such as honesty, honor, or love are abstract and
depend more on a person's point of view.
Choosing a Definition
Choosing a definition is a key step in writing a definition essay. You need to understand the term
before you can define it for others. Read the dictionary, but don't just copy the definition. Explain the
term briefly in your own words. Also, it's important to limit your term before you start defining it. For
example, you could write forever on the term "love." To limit it, you would write about either
"romantic love," "platonic love," or "first love."
The thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a brief, basic definition.
1. Create a definition. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few options.
Define by analysis. Compare the term to other members of its class and then
illustrate the differences. These differences are special characteristics that
make the term stand out. For example, compare a Siberian husky to other
dogs, such as lap dogs, mutts, or sporting dogs.
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(term) (precise definition)
Ex: A Siberian husky is a dog reputed for its ability to tolerate cold, its
distinctive features, and its keen strength and stamina.
Define by what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes clarify
a definition and help a reader to better understand it.
Remember: A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. When writing a definition
essay, remember to tell readers what term is being defined, to present a clear and basic definition,
and to use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand.
Each of the terms below are connected to our story “God Sees The Truth, But Waits”. Choose
one term from the list to further define in a multi-paragraph essay. In this essay, you will
define the term (using your own words) and provide support as to why you believe this to be
an appropriate and accurate definition of the term. You may use ideas from the story to
support your definition as well facts or examples from life.
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Continuing our journey…
Background Information
43
The Nightingale
Pre-reading Activity
Vocabulary
These words are used throughout the story and knowing their meaning will help with your
comprehension of the story. Study the words and meaning shown in the box. Then complete each
sentence below by writing the correct word on the line.
1. The wind _____________________________ the mass of clouds, and soon the sun was shining.
2. Ivan took a breath-taking picture of a rare, ________________________________ butterfly
darting among flowers.
3. The ________________________________ on the gravestone read “Rest in peace.”
4. Two lion statues grandly guarded the gateway of the huge, ____________________________
mansion.
5. The mechanic agreed to a ___________________________ price before he began work on Mr.
Garcia’s car.
6. In the center of the crown was _________________________________ a huge ruby.
7. The President will ________________________________ his guests tonight with a huge dinner
and fine concert.
8. The newspaper __________________________________ the mayor for allowing the price of
subway tickets to soar.
9. Though he wore sunglasses and a low hat, fans recognized the __________________________
rock star.
10. I enjoy wrestling, and my father enjoys opera, so he says I have __________________________
tastes in entertainment.
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The Nightingale
Pre-reading Activity
1. The main character in this story, the Emperor, becomes very ill and is in danger of dying. But
something happens to life his spirits, and he begins to feel better.
Remember a time when you made someone feel better or you lifted someone’s spirits (do not
name this person). Answer the following questions.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. The nightingale in this story sings very beautifully for the Emperor. Yet she is replaced by a
mechanical bird that also sings sweetly.
a. List two reasons a real bird might be preferred over a mechanical one.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
c. List two reasons a mechanical bird might be preferred over a real bird.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
*As you read the story, compare your reactions to those of the characters in the story.
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The Nightingale
Post-reading Activity
2) What does the Emperor do when he learns that a nightingale lives nearby?
10) What does the nightingale value most about the Emperor?
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The Nightingale
Post-reading Activity
Example
Theme: The greatest kind of beauty is beauty of the soul.
Example: “…the poor fisherman who had heard the real nightingale said, ‘It [artificial bird] does
sound quite nice-it’s almost like the real bird. But there’s something missing. I don’t know
what.’” (page 54)
1)
Theme: A bad deed is sometimes repaid with a good one.
Example:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2)
Theme: A real artist creates not for gain but to please others.
Example:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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The Nightingale
Post-reading Activity
1) “ ‘Your Imperial Majesty must not believe all that is written. Books are just inventions, even
though they can’t really be called black magic.’” (page 49)
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Let’s Review!
The Nightingale
Characters: Setting:
1.The Emperor 1.China
Title:
The Nightingale
Author:
Hans Christian Andersen
Plot: Theme(s):
Exposition (background info)- 1. The greatest kind of beauty is
beauty of the soul.
Rising action- 2. A bad deed is sometimes
repaid with a good one.
Climax- 3. A real artist creates not for
gain but to please others.
Falling action- 4. Music brings joy to the heart.
5. Many people value
Outcome- appearance over substance.
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(blank page)
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Informative Writing
When working on an informative essay, you are the expert on the topic. Avoid stating your
opinion…only state the facts. An informative essay can define a difficult topic, share new
information on something, compare and contrast ideas, explain a cause and effect relationship
or explain something to the reader.
In your informative essay, educate the reader on your understanding of the writing process,
your personal strengths and weaknesses regarding writing, and identify the improvements you
have made over the course of the semester. Support your ideas with facts from the work you
have produced over the semester…this will serve as the research component necessary for
proper informative writing.
Identify the improvements you have made this semester. List facts to support
these ideas…in other words, where is the proof that you have made the
improvements you have listed?
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