Longing to Belong: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 1

7th Grade

Lesson 2 of 25

Objective


Analyze figurative language to reveal character perspective and motivation. 

Readings and Materials


  • Short Story: “Popularity” by Adam Bagdasarian 

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

How does the author use figurative language to reveal the narrator's perspective and motivations? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • What does the reader learn about the narrator in the first two paragraphs of the story? How are the narrator's experiences universal?

  • How does Adam Bagdasharian use figurative language to develop the narrator's perspective on page 2?

  • How does Adam Bagdasharian use an extended metaphor to reveal the narrator's motivations?

  • How does Adam Bagdasharian share his commentary on popularity through the narrator's experience? 

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

figurative language

language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words and phrases and is used with the intention of creating an image, feeling, or deeper understanding for the reader

hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

extended metaphor

a comparison of two unlike things that continues and is developed over the course of a poem or text

Text-based

trepidation

n.

(p. 3)

A feeling of fear or hesitation about something that might happen or is about to happen

admiration

n.

(p. 2)

A feeling of respect and appreciation for someone or something

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Who is Diane Wu and who is Gwyn? 

  • Describe Gwyn. Provide examples to support your answer. 

  • What does Gwyn want to learn how to do?

  • Describe what happens when Gwyn goes to the skate park. 

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.3 — Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
  • 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.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RL.7.1
RL.7.2
RL.7.6
RL.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.4
W.7.9
W.7.9.b
W.7.10

Next

Analyze how the podcast and the delivery of the lines adds a layered meaning to the words in the transcript. 

Lesson 3
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Lesson Map

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