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

Lesson 21
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ELA

Unit 8

7th Grade

Lesson 21 of 23

Objective


Identify and analyze hyperboles.

Debate whether it is possible to be yourself and part of a group—even if you don’t identify with parts of that group. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie  pp. 199 – 214

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Reread the passage on page 209:

“It was more like I was in this small room, the smallest room in the world. I could reach out and touch the walls, which were made out of greasy glass. I could see shadows but I couldn’t see details, you know?

And I was cold.

Just freezing.

Like there was a snowstorm blowing inside my chest.”

What is one example of a hyperbole in the passage above?

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Sample Response

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How do the hyperboles in this passage contribute to the tone of the chapter?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

Is it possible to be yourself and part of a group—even if you don’t identify with parts of that group? Explain using 1-2 details from the text.

Key Questions


  • Why does the author include the hyperboles below?
      p. 199: "After my grandmother died, I felt like crawling into the coffin" (199). What does Junior literally mean here? p. 203: "I was the most vulnerable kid in the US. Miss Warren was obviously trying to win the Captain Obvious award." p. 204: "I felt like I might die of laughing."
  • p. 199: "After my grandmother died, I felt like crawling into the coffin" (199). What does Junior literally mean here?
  • p. 203: "I was the most vulnerable kid in the US. Miss Warren was obviously trying to win the Captain Obvious award."
  • p. 204: "I felt like I might die of laughing."
  • On page 214, what is the tone when Junior says, "HEY, LET'S GET DRUNK"? How do you know?
  • Explain Junior's resistance to his identity as an Indian after his sister's death and what this reveals about how his character has changed from the beginning of the novel.
  • p. 199: "After my grandmother died, I felt like crawling into the coffin" (199). What does Junior literally mean here?
  • p. 203: "I was the most vulnerable kid in the US. Miss Warren was obviously trying to win the Captain Obvious award."
  • p. 204: "I felt like I might die of laughing."

Notes


  • This lesson is connected to an essential question: Is it possible to be yourself and part of a group - even if you don't identify with parts of that group?
  • The teacher may want to include a Mini Lesson on hyperbole during this lesson. Suggested information to include in the Mini Lesson is below.
    • Hyperbole: an exaggeration for emphasis or comic effect

Common Core Standards


  • 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.
  • SL.7.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Next

Explain why Junior’s reconciliation with Rowdy is the resolution of the novel and what this reveals about the text’s theme.

Lesson 22
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