1. Grade 9 2nd Quarter Close Reading Lesson

2. from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow”
(Q1) Create a list of words that describes the town as it originally existed. Discuss your list with a partner.
In two or three sentences, describe the town using one word from your list and find three details to support your description.

3. from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow”
(Q2) What is the purpose of Carson beginning the fable with a contrasting image?
Compose an answer which includes details from beginning and the end.

4. from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow”
(Q3) How does the tone of the essay change in the last paragraph?
In two to three sentences, using tone words and details from the passage, explain your answer.

5. from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow”
(Q4) Explain the symbolism of the book title Silent Spring, which includes “A Fable for Tomorrow.”
Choose details from the text for support.

6. from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …”
(Q5) What evidence supports the idea that Marvin is not on Earth?
Find at least two details and write them
on your paper.

7. from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …”
(Q6) Why would the story of Earth before its destruction seem like a fairy tale to Marvin?
In a short paragraph support your answer with details from the text.

8. from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …”
(Q7) Choose a word or two that describes how the exiled survivors feel.
Use details from the story to justify your answer.

9. from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …”
(Q8) Explain why it is important that each generation make the pilgrimage to view the remains of Earth?
Use specific details from the text for support.

10. “Fire and Ice”
(Q9) In two or three sentences, summarize the meaning of the poem.
Discuss your summary with a partner. Be prepared to share with the class.

11. “Fire and Ice”
(Q10) What does the use of the word suffice suggest about man’s ability to destroy the world?

12. Culminating Writing Activity
Write a two- to three-paragraph essay responding to the following question concerning the common thread that runs through the three selections:
How do the three selections work together to persuade the reader that man needs to take care of, not destroy, the world?
Use evidence from all three pieces for support.