Curriculum / ELA / 12th Grade / Unit 4: Crossing Borders: Migration, Identity, and Belonging in Exit West / Lesson 9

Crossing Borders: Migration, Identity, and Belonging in Exit West

Lesson 9

ELA

Unit 4

12th Grade

Lesson 9 of 23

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Lesson Map

Analyze Shire's use of imagery, figurative language, and stylistic techniques to convey her message about the refugee experience.

“Home”

Standards

RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5RL.11-12.6

Analyze the opening of Exit West for narrative point of view, setting, characters, and mood.

Exit West pp. 3–17 — Chapter 1

Standards

RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.6

Analyze how Hamid uses characters, imagery, and tone to reveal the impact of war on daily life.

Exit West pp. 21–35 — Chapter 2

Standards

RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5

Analyze how Hamid uses characters and symbols to introduce the theme of escape in Exit West.

Exit West pp. 39–57 — Chapter 3

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5

Analyze how Hamid introduces the theme of migration in this chapter.

Exit West pp. 61–75 — Chapter 4

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4

Analyze how characters' backgrounds and experiences influence their decision to migrate, and how Hamid uses an interlude to foreshadow the effects of making that choice.

Exit West pp. 79–98 — Chapter 5

Standards

RI.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.5

Analyze how Hamid uses syntax to convey characters' emotions, and use that analysis to create a scene that recreates a literal or figurative migration.

Standards

L.11-12.3RL.11-12.4W.11-12.3.bW.11-12.3.d

Analyze how Hamid uses diction and setting to reveal the migrant experience.

Exit West pp. 101–118 — Chapter 6

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5

Examine diverse representations of migration and the refugee experience to explore its complexities, making connections to Exit West.

Refugee Data Finder
Figures at a glance
“What migrants face as they journey through the deadly Darién Gap”
“I AM A REFUGEE: Global refugees share their stories”
“Syrian Refugees Share Cherished Cellphone Snaps”
Space in Between
What Gets Lost
Perspective

Standards

RI.11-12.7SL.11-12.2

Analyze how the migration experience impacts Nadia and Saeed's relationship, examining their contrasting responses to their new environment in London.

Exit West pp. 121–141 — Chapter 7

Standards

RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4

Analyze how Hamid uses different characters' perspectives and imagery to develop the novel's theme about the impact of migration on one's sense of belonging.

Exit West pp. 145–166 — Chapter 8

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4

Analyze how Hamid uses imagery, character development, and symbolism to explore themes of belonging and home.

Exit West pp. 169–189 — Chapter 9

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4

Analyze how Hamid explores themes about migration and nativeness in this chapter.

Exit West pp. 193–209 — Chapter 10

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.5

Analyze how Hamid develops themes about migration, identity, and belonging through characters, mood, and structure at the end of the novel.

Exit West pp. 213–231 — Chapter 11–12

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5

Engage in a jigsaw discussion about essays from The Displaced.

“"Guests of the Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresa"”
“"The Parent Who Stays"”
“"Refugees and Exiles"”
“"A Refugee Again"”

Standards

RI.11-12.2RI.11-12.3SL.11-12.1SL.11-12.1.aSL.11-12.1.bSL.11-12.1.cSL.11-12.6

Performance Task

Write a compare/contrast thesis statement and outline body paragraphs that include evidence from both The Displaced essay and Exit West.

Point-by-Point Outline Graphic Organizer (G12, U4)

Standards

RI.11-12.2RL.11-12.2W.11-12.1.aW.11-12.1.bW.11-12.1.cW.11-12.4W.11-12.5

Performance Task

Draft body paragraphs for compare/contrast essay on Exit West and chosen essay from The Displaced using strong comparison/contrast transitions.

Performance Task Mentor Text (G12, U4)

Standards

W.11-12.1.aW.11-12.1.bW.11-12.1.cW.11-12.4W.11-12.5

Performance Task

Write a strong introduction and conclusion as well as a Works Cited page for the compare/contrast essay.

Performance Task Mentor Text (G12, U4)

Standards

W.11-12.1.dW.11-12.1.eW.11-12.4W.11-12.5

Performance Task

Provide peer feedback and make revisions to the compare/contrast essay.

Peer Review Worksheet (G12, U4)

Standards

W.11-12.1W.11-12.2W.11-12.4

Review the criteria of a research assignment and conduct preliminary research.

Standards

W.11-12.7W.11-12.8

Gather information on a refugee crisis, compiling findings on the causes, refugee experiences, responses to the crisis, and action steps.

Standards

W.11-12.7W.11-12.8

Synthesize research on a refugee crisis by creating a website that effectively presents the required information.

Standards

L.11-12.1L.11-12.3SL.11-12.5W.11-12.2W.11-12.6

Engage with student websites through a Gallery Walk, examining them for content, design, and effectiveness.

Standards

RI.11-12.1RI.11-12.7SL.11-12.1

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