1. Humor Unit Spring Board Level 3
Embedded Assessment 1
Humor Unit
Spring Board Level 3

2. Assignment You will be given a copy of a humorous story.
Write a critical analysis of the assigned text,
explaining how the author uses humor to communicate a universal truth,
and evaluating his or her effectiveness.
Possible Story Choices: Charles (Red PH p 345 & W&M Autobiography), Thank You M’am (Red PH p 356), Dentistry (Copper Level PH p495), All American Slurp (Copper Level PH p 518), Stolen Day (PH – purple book p 484) , The Celebrated Jumping Frog (printable), White Washing (Persuasion), Mark Twain Addresses Congress (clothing)

3. Prewriting
As you read the text, take notes on the author’s use of humor.
Identify the levels of comedy and at least 2 elements of humor.
Make connections, analyze important passages, and note the intended comedic effect on the reader.
Use a prewriting strategy to explore, focus, and organize your ideas.

4. Drafting
Write an introduction that contains a hook, background information, and a thesis statement.
Move into the body of the essay. Identify and analyze the level(s) of comedy and at least two elements of humor. Be sure to include examples from the text to support your ideas and commentary to explain the author’s intended effect. Use humorous vocabulary words in your analysis.
Finish your draft with a conclusion that discusses the universal truth revealed through the text and evaluates the effectiveness of the author’s use of humor to communicate this truth.

5. Revision through Self-Assessment
Review the revision skills studied in Unit 3. Pay close attention to the coherence of your essay and revise your text accordingly.
Read through your draft and look for places to include appropriate words from the unit to enhance your critical analysis.
Consult the Scoring Guide (rubric) to ensure you have met specific criteria.

6. Editing for Publication
Proofread and edit your draft carefully. Look for errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Prepare your final draft in the format specified by your teacher.