Central Idea of a Text and Analyzing its development “rituals of Memory” by Kimberly Blaeser

“My memories entangle themselves oddly among the roots of several cultures.” -Kimberly Blaeser

Why this Text? Analyze for Central Idea Memory is a universal human experience that is shaped by individual and community events and by culture. This autobiographical essay explores how the ceremonies and stories from Kimberly Blaeser’s dual cultural heritage shaped her memories and her identify.

Academic Vocabulary Innate Foremost Immerse Nullify Tangibles Due Wednesday Innate Foremost Immerse Nullify Tangibles Part of speech Definition Exemplar sentence

READING NOTES SHOULD BE KEPT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK As you read Annotate the Text: Write questions that come up during reading. Pay attention to visual aids and graphics included with the text. Summarize chunks of the text that cover similar ideas. Use the following TEXT FOCUS slides to guide you through the text. READING NOTES SHOULD BE KEPT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK

Text focus Lines 1-16 (910.RI.2.4, 910.RI.2.6) Metaphor: Type of figurative language in which an author compares two things without using the word like or as. Cite textual evidence: Reread lines 1-16, identify where Blaeser uses the term metaphor, and explain what she is comparing. Reread lines 9-16, based on the metaphor, what is the central idea in the opening two paragraphs?

Text focus Lines 17-24 (910.RI.1.1, 910.RI.1.2) The central idea is the most important point of the text. It helps to identify the main idea of each paragraph to identify the Main Idea of the story. Cite textual evidence: Reread lines 17-24, identify where the author defines what “Rituals of Memory” is defined as. Restate the main idea In your own words.

Text focus Lines 29-45 (910.RI.1.1, 910.RI.2.6) Rhetoric, persuasive writing, is the effective use of language that allows an author to advance his/her purpose. Cite textual evidence: Reread lines 29-45, Infer Blaeser’s purpose in lines 29-45.

Text focus Lines 56-63 (910.RI.2.4, 910.RI.2.6) Authors use language to convey their point of view by creating imagery that appeals to reader’s senses and make abstract ideas concrete. Cite textual evidence: Reread lines 56-63, give examples of Blaeser’s language that creates imagery. Cite evidence to explain what Blaeser means by “we stood together in a great ceremonial loop of our humanity.”

Text focus Lines 75-79 (910.RI.1.1, 910.RI.1.2) An author shapes a central idea by adding specific details over the course of a text. Cite textual evidence: Reread lines 75-79, explain how Blaeser develops a central idea from the beginning of the story.

Text focus Lines 97-103 (910.RI.2.6) Cite textual evidence: Metaphor: Type of figurative language in which an author compares two things without using the word like or as. Cite textual evidence: Reread lines 97-103, identify two examples of metaphors the author uses to help portray the central idea in the story.

Group practice Determine Central Idea (910.RI.1.2) Identify the topic of each paragraph. Examine specific details the author uses. Review the message the details convey about the topic Write a sentence that states the main idea in your own words.

Performance Task In her essay, Blaeser lists a few mementoes that are linked to memorable events in her life. What connectsions can you make between objects and memories? 1. Collect one or two keepsakes/mementoes that represent meaningful events in your life. (That you want to share in class) 2.Make notes on how these objects serve as reminders and why the events are important to you.