1. Romeo & Juliet in Bosnia Reading Comprehension

2. Write each word and predict its meaning: desensitized mundane sanguine primal dilemma

3. Background Information: Southeast Europe 1990s Yugoslavia begins to disintegrate, causing civil wars Brutal violence among ethnic groups Serbian forces conducted “ethnic cleansing” among non-Serb groups (Catholic Croatians / Bosniak Muslims) Siege of Sarajevo (mainly 1992-1993) blockade snipers 90% of war crimes committed by Serbs The couple in Herbert’s article became a worldwide symbol of the suffering in this city

4. Questions to ask while you read: Why did the author write this article? What seems to be the theme? What techniques does the author use to develop this theme? In what ways is Herbert’s article similar to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?

5. Independent Reading: Read the article Use context clues to check vocabulary predictions Revise predictions Highlight a single sentence in the article that best captures the author’s thesis statement Find text support for your choice

6. Small Groups: Share vocabulary predictions Revise again as needed Stop for whole-class check Share highlighted thesis statements Share text support for your choice Come to a consensus on one thesis statement

7. Look at author’s techniques: Number paragraphs 1-14 Describe what the author does in each paragraph EXAMPLES: FlashbackComparisons ForeshadowingPersonal story/opinion Loaded wordsExamples Figurative LanguageStatistics Shift in attitude/perspective Shift from general to specific Shift from specific to general

8. Look at author’s techniques: EXAMPLES: Paragraph 1 – Describes an ordinary couple in love EXCEPT they die. “hellish” is a loaded word that suggests this is more than just any old bridge. Paragraph 6 – Personal feelings of grandmother. Paragraph 11 - The snipers overlooking the bridge create suspense.

9. Individual Short Answer Response Explain how Herbert’s article is similar to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Use textual evidence to support your answer.