Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 1: Defining America: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories / Lesson 4
ELA
Unit 1
7th Grade
Lesson 4 of 25
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Identify examples of figurative language used in “America and I,” and explain the impact of these on meaning.
Essay: “America and I” by Anzia Yezierska — Paragraphs 1-49
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
How has Yezierska's perspective of America changed from the beginning of the text? How does her use of figurative language communicate this changed perspective? Provide evidence from paragraphs 2-3 and paragraph 45 to support your answer.
An example response to the Target Task at the level of detail expected of the students.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
How does Yezierska describe her life in Russia? How does she use figurative language to communicate her thoughts and feelings? Select two examples from paragraphs 3-6 and explain the meaning and impact of this figurative language.
How does Yezierska imagine life in America will be before she arrives? How does she use figurative language to communicate her thoughts and feelings? Select two examples from paragraphs 2-7 and explain the meaning and impact of this figurative language.
How does Yezierska feel after learning that her first employers will not be paying her? How does she use figurative language to communicate her feelings? Select two examples from paragraphs 36-40 and explain the meaning and impact of this figurative language.
Yezierska asks herself aloud, “Where is America? Is there an America?” What does she mean by this? Support your answer with specific evidence from the text.
Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.
Literary terms, text-based vocabulary, idioms and word parts to be taught with the text
metaphor
n.
the comparison of two unlike things in order to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of one of those things.
simile
the comparison of two unlike things using “like” or “as” to indicate what is being compared in order to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of one of those things.
idealized
adj.
seen as perfect or much better than reality
disillusioned
disappointed that something is not as good as previously believed
Reading and/or task to be completed at home in preparation for the next lesson.
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.
Essay: “America and I” by Anzia Yezierska — paragraph 50-end
While reading, answer the following questions.
Where does Yezierska begin working? What are the benefits and downsides of this new job?
What does Yezierska's English teacher suggest that she do?
Is the vocational worker helpful to Yezierska? Why or why not?
Does Yezierska feel that her life has changed since learning English?
Who does Yezierska begin to read about at the end of the essay?
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L.7.5 — Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.7.5.a — Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
RI.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
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.
Standards that are practiced daily but are not priority standards of the unit
L.7.5.b — Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.
L.7.5.c — Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
L.7.6 — Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
RI.7.1 — Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.7.3 — Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).
RI.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.
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.
SL.7.6 — Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
W.7.1 — Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.7.1.a — Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
W.7.1.b — Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
W.7.1.c — Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
W.7.4 — Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.7.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.7.9.a — Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history").
W.7.10 — Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Lesson 3
Lesson 5
Identify recurring themes/words/concepts and definitions of what it means to be American.
L.7.6 RI.7.2
Briefly summarize historical trends in migration, and explain the meaning of words and phrases related to immigration to the United States.
L.7.4 L.7.4.a L.7.4.c L.7.4.d RI.7.2 RI.7.4
Determine the impact of specific words, phrases, and literary devices on meaning in the poem, “New Colossus.”
L.7.5 RL.7.2 RL.7.4
L.7.5 L.7.5.a RI.7.4 RL.7.4
Explain how setting and specific experiences shape Yezierska's perspective and beliefs about America.
RI.7.3 RI.7.6
Writing
Unpack a prompt, study a mentor text, and gather evidence in preparation for writing a paragraph response.
RI.7.3 W.7.1 W.7.5
Outline and draft a paragraph response, including a strong claim statement, quoted textual evidence, and a concluding statement.
RI.7.3 W.7.1 W.7.1.a W.7.1.b W.7.1.e W.7.5
Draft and revise a paragraph response, focusing on writing strong analysis.
L.7.1 L.7.1.a RI.7.3 W.7.1 W.7.1.c
Compare and contrast stories presented in different forms of media, and explain how these stories illustrate aspects of the immigrant experience in America.
RI.7.2 RI.7.7
Explain the meaning and impact of specific words and phrases in the essay, “An Iraqi Immigrant’s Unexpected Role,” and reflect on what the essay reveals about the immigrant experience.
RI.7.3 RI.7.4
Explain how setting and specific experiences shape the writer's sense of his identity in the essay, "Hello, My Name Is _______."
RI.7.3 W.7.1.c
Explain how poet Adrienne Su uses word choice to develop the speaker's perspective on being the child of immigrants.
RL.7.3 RL.7.4 W.7.1.c
Explain how the author develops the speaker’s point of view in the short story, “Who’s Irish,” and contrasts it with other characters in the text.
RL.7.6
Explain how the structural choices in the poem, “Where You From?” help to develop meaning.
RL.7.4 RL.7.5
Gather and synthesize information on DACA and DREAMers from diverse sources in preparation for creating an informational poster.
W.7.7 W.7.8
Work collaboratively to create a poster that educates others on the topic of DACA and the DREAM Act, and effectively present their poster to the class.
SL.7.5 W.7.7 W.7.8
Explain how beliefs and environment shape the behavior of individuals in "Call Me American."
RI.7.3
Plan and draft a paragraph response to a prompt, drawing strong evidence from a source text.
W.7.1 W.7.1.a W.7.1.b W.7.5
Draft and revise paragraph responses.
L.7.1 L.7.1.b W.7.1 W.7.1.c
Socratic Seminar
Take a clear position on a question and share evidence to support that point of view in a Socratic dialogue.
SL.7.1 SL.7.1.a SL.7.1.b SL.7.4
Unpack the expectations of a Writing Task, study a Mentor Text, and begin to plan a personal narrative.
W.7.3 W.7.5
Draft a body paragraph that includes descriptive, sensory details about a specific food.
W.7.3 W.7.3.b W.7.3.d
Draft an engaging introductory paragraph and experiment with narrative pacing while writing body paragraphs.
W.7.3 W.7.3.a W.7.3.b
Write strong conclusions, differentiate between sentence types, and engage in peer feedback.
L.7.1 L.7.1.b W.7.3 W.7.3.e W.7.5
Assessment – 2 days
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