Students read and analyze multiple literary texts representing at least two literary genres: prose, poetry or drama. While studying the literary texts, students examine each for various aspects of the author’s craft: characterization, setting,  plot structure and development, use of figurative language, connections to historical context, and themes. 

While reading texts, students also learn about the characteristics and writing conventions associated with writing literary texts.  The writing focus for the unit is the development and production of a narrative piece in which students demonstrate an understanding of the defining characteristics of literary texts or personal narratives  as defined by the literary text standards.

Additionally, students respond to text dependent questions for the literary texts read to practice citing evidence and providing commentary.  

This unit guides students to implement effective reading strategies for informational texts.  Informational texts may include news articles, non-fiction narratives, instructional manuals, commentaries, op-ed essays, letters, and more.  Each of these genres produce texts that are relatively short, allowing for multiple reads and extensive analysis.

As a part of this unit, students conduct a research study and present those findings through informational writing and oral presentations.  Additionally, students produce text-dependent analysis essays for several of the informational texts read.

This unit guides students to implement effective reading strategies for informational texts.   Informational texts may include news articles, non-fiction narratives, instructional manuals, commentaries, op-ed essays, letters, and more.  Each of these genres produce texts that are relatively short, allowing for multiple reads and extensive analysis.

As a part of this unit, students conduct a research study and present those findings in the form of an argument essay.  Prior to writing the argument essay, students participate in collaborative discussions and debates around a common topic.  

Additionally, students produce text-dependent analysis essays for several of the informational texts read to practice citing evidence in support of a TDA prompt, the state’s writing assessment genre.

Because fiction is often a reflection of human nature and our conflicts, it can help us understand the world around us. For example, historical fiction provides a lens to understand the perspectives of those who struggled with the issues happening in the world at that time. Fiction with modern settings can reveal different points of view about an issue or help us understand the problems we have today. Even problems set in the future reflect human nature and can relate to the problems we currently have as well as allow us to see how the choices we make today may impact the future.

Students read and analyze multiple literary texts representing at least two literary genres: prose, poetry, or drama. While studying the literary texts, students examine each for various aspects of the author’s craft: characterization, setting,  plot structure and development, use of figurative language, connections to historical context, and themes. Students also examine what the texts reveal about human nature and our conflicts.

Written products include a combination of formal and informal writing, text-dependent analysis essays for literary texts read, and literary arguments.