The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2020)

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 8

7th Grade

Lesson 2 of 23

Objective


Identify the humorous, matter-of-fact tone in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and what it reveals about Junior’s identity.

Annotate a narrative text looking for character, setting and tension while also using abbreviations and summaries in the margins.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie  pp. 1 – 15

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which definition best captures the meaning of tone?

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Sample Response

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How does the author develop Junior’s humorous and matter-of-fact tone? Select two answers.

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Sample Response

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Which piece of evidence best supports the answer to Part B?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

What does the tone reveal about the protagonist?  Use 1-2 details in your answer.

Key Questions


  • p. 7 - What is the effect of using informal (casual, daily) language such as curse words? Why doesn't the author just write more formally? How does it affect the tone?
  • What is the difference between Junior's tone in the drawings versus in the text?
  • p. 12 - What is the effect of using pictures? If students are stuck, why does the author use comics?
  • Why does the narrator use so much humor?
  • What are some obstacles Junior faces?

Notes


  • Make sure you define tone and that students write down the definition.
  • The tone is important because it reveals how Arnold copes with the poverty and hopelessness that surround him. Arnold uses humor and honesty to confront hopelessness and to escape the poor conditions of the reservation.

Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.10 — By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
  • RL.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

Next

Identify and analyze Junior’s tone when he finds his mother’s name in his textbook.

Lesson 3
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