1. Finding the Truth and Figuring it Out
Unit 1, Week 2
Finding the Truth and Figuring it Out

2. Finding Truth and Figuring it Out
Unit Overview:
In this unit, students will use problem-solving skills to critically examine controversial topics, issues of credibility, and both fictional and real-life mysteries. Students will also use strategies to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words and phrases. One of the most significant aspects of “figuring it out” is to trace and evaluate writers’ differing claims on controversial issues. By studying various arguments and learning the components of argument (i.e. claim, evidence, etc.), students will conclude this unit by posing their own argument on a topic. This performance assessment should allow students to make a research based claim, provide evidence, and communicate their ideas to their peers.

3. Finding Truth and Figuring it Out
Student Learning Targets:
I can figure out the connotations and denotations of words or phrases.
I can see how a specific segment of a text impacts the overall meaning.
I can trace and evaluate an author’s argument.
I can provide evidence to support the claims I make.
I can evaluate a source for credibility and relevance.
I can look at a controversial topic and evaluate both sides’ arguments.

4. Unit 3 Vocabulary Words clarify support connotative meaning
denotative meaning
argument
claims
tone
evidence
inductive reasoning
word choice/diction
deductive reasoning
rationale
controversy
illustrate
trace
evaluate

5. Monday Activator
Warm-up: Copy the quote and answer the questions.
“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand.”
~Neil Armstrong
What does this quote mean to you?
Why does mankind desire to understand everything?
Consider the author of this quote. How is the meaning of the quote impacted when you consider who said it? (Look up Neil Armstrong on your device if needed)

6. Reading
Read the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost to yourself.
Turn and Talk with a neighbor. Discuss what you think the poem means.
Let’s Read the poem aloud.
Complete the close reading questions for stanzas 1&2 (handout)

7. Close Reading of “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. Stanzas 1 & 2
Answer questions completely. (handout)

8. Vocabulary Grammar
Diverged: to move, lie, or go in different directions from a common point; branch off.
Semicolons:

9. “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
Tuesday
Warm-up: Copy this quote and answer the question.
“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
~George Bernard Shaw
What is the main idea ( theme ) of this quote?

10. Complete the Connotation/Denotation chart for words from the poem
Complete the Connotation/Denotation chart for words from the poem. (handout)
Complete the “Decoding Chart” for Stanzas 1&2. (handout)

11. Wednesday
Warm-up: What is the tone and mood this photo. Use information from your close read questions to support your statements. Consider the colors, lighting, style.

12. Wednesday
Close Reading of “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. Stanzas 3 & 4
Answer questions completely. (handout)

13. Wednesday
Color effects on tone and mood:
Tone and Mood: /
Colons:

14. Warm-up: Copy the quote and answer the questions.
“It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
~J. K. Rowling
What does this quote mean to you?
Why is it important that we make good choices?
Consider the author of this quote. How is the meaning of the quote impacted when you consider who said it? (Look up J.K. Rowling on your device if needed)

15. Thursday Discuss Imagery (video)
Complete the Imagery Chart for “The Road Not Taken.” (handout)
Complete the Theme Analysis Chart (Handout)

16. The Road Not Taken Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

17. Friday
Warm-up: What is the tone and mood of the photo? What factors give this tone/mood? Which direction will the traveler in the photo take(left or right) ? How do you know?

18. Day 5
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Finish the Imagery Chart and Theme Analysis Chart.
Writing Prompt:
Looking back over all the things we’ve discussed about the poem “The Road Not Taken,” choose the theme you think is best represented in the poem. In an argumentative paragraph, state which theme you believe is best represented in the poem. Be sure to discuss the connotation and denotation of Frost’s word choices, imagery, and use at least three lines from the poem as your evidence!!!
Use the charts and close reading questions from this week.

19. Argumentative Paragraph
Claim Statement: The theme of “The Road Not Taken” is…
Evidence: 3 details from the poem.
Build a paragraph:
Introduction sentence
Claim statement
Evidence
Writing Prompt:
Looking back over all the things we’ve discussed about the poem “The Road Not Taken,” choose the theme you think is best represented in the poem. In an argumentative paragraph, state which theme you believe is best represented in the poem. Be sure to discuss the connotation and denotation of Frost’s word choices, imagery, and use at least three lines from the poem as your evidence!!!
Use the charts and close reading questions from this week.
When you finish:
Answer Sheet (notebook paper) in the tray.
Packet (questions and charts) in black chair. STAPLED!
KEEP THE POEM SHEET!