11 th Grade AMERICAN LITERATURE

PG 2—Thinking Critically Finish the activity we were working with on Friday. Get the answers for all 6 questions from your peers and write it down on page 2 of your writer’s notebook. You have 5-10 minutes.

Exit Slip for PAGE 2 How did we think critically using famous paintings and poetry?

Title: American DreamPg Aim: What is the American Dream and how was it composed? Do Now: Take out your HW assignment. Share what you wrote with the person next to you. You have 5-10 minutes Also I will come around and check for supplies and collect the contracts.

Page 3—American Dream Brainstorm: What is the difference between the American dream in the 1800s, the 1930s and in the present day.

What is the American Dream? “an idea that suggests that anyone in the US can succeed through hard work and has the potential to lead a happy, successful life.” The American Dream was first publicly defined in 1931 by James Truslow Adams in Epic of America. Adam's often-repeated quote is, "The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement."

The American Dream

Turn and Talk! Is the American Dream draining?

Turn and Discuss: Do you need money to achieve the A. Dream?

“America and Americans” Take out your highlighter Read “America and Americans” by John Steinbeck Highlight SOAPS and Main Ideas

Exit Slip and HW Exit Slip: Highlight SOAPS and Main Ideas for article (Finish for HW if you didn’t do so) HW: On a separate sheet in your notebook (no page number) Answer the questions in the box titled “A Closer Look” on the “America and Americans” sheet

Title: Argument 8/27/14PG 4 Aim: How can we identify an author’s stance on a particular viewpoint and whether the context of the argument is communicated efficiently? Do Now: Skim through the reading of the excerpt “America and Americans” by John Steinbeck and identify the writer’s attitude toward America and Americans. Is he critical or accepting of the inherent nature of Americans? Find two significant passages where he uses irony or paradox to convey his attitude towards this nation, and discuss how the irony makes his point.

Definitions Paradox-a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. Irony-an unexpected event or situation

Finish Group Activity: Write your answer in your WNB & write the group answers on loose-leaf Each member should be in charge of one task! Find and define 4 vocabulary words that are new to you; write down the definition and the sentence in which they appear. Summarize Steinbeck’s position or argument in his essay (Steinbeck asserts that…Steinbeck considers…Steinbeck argues that….Steinbeck reveals that… Steinbeck ponders why….) Select two statements about Americans that you feel are true today and explain the paradoxical point of view he reveals providing some current examples. Select two statements that provoke a strong response in you either positive or negative and explain what he means and why his statements elicit such a strong response.

Take out your HW Share your answers with the person next to you. Did you agree that Americans are paradoxical people?

Exit Slip Exit Slip: What was Steinbeck’s main argument and could it be justified? Why or why not?

Title: RhetoricPage Aim: How do authors use rhetoric to persuade the reading audience? Do Now: Are there any faults (with our people/country/mentality/gov’t) that you believe we should address as a country? What are they? Which strengths make you most proud? (It may be some that Steinbeck has mentioned or your own)

Rhetorical Devices Rhetoric: Persuasive Language Ethos: Appealing to the author’s identity and character Pathos: Appealing to the reader’s emotions Logos: The author uses logic and reasoning to persuade the reader/audience

Ethos, Pathos, Logos Re-read “America and Americans” Underline and label example of rhetoric. Try to find at least 2 examples of each (ethos, pathos, and logos)

GOUP WORK: SEEID Is the American Dream possible according to John Steinbeck? S: State your answer E: Elaborate on why you believe that E: Exemplify by giving an example from the article that supports your answer (rhetorical appeals/devices) I: Illustrate or interpret (how does the rhetorical devices enhance his argument?) D: Differentiate by explaining the opposition’s point of view

Exit Slip and HW Exit Slip: In what ways does the author use rhetoric to persuade the reader. HW: Finish SEEID

PSA Assessment Take out a pencil or pen and clear your desk.