Facing Calamity: Climate Change Facts and Fictions

Lesson 1
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ELA

Unit 5

8th Grade

Lesson 1 of 23

Objective


Explain how specific words, phrases, and structural choices develop tone in Greta Thunberg’s speeches, and how tone impacts meaning.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What is the tone of Greta’s "Challenge to the World Economic Forum"? What specific words and phrases are most significant in establishing this tone? Provide at least two examples from the text.

How does Greta’s tone help support her message about climate change?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • What is Greta Thunberg’s central message in her speech to the UN?

  • What tone does Greta establish in this speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit? What specific words and phrases are most important for establishing this tone?

  • Where does Thunberg use repetition in this speech? What is the impact of this repetition?

  • What is the impact of Thunberg’s use of the second person in this speech? Carefully explain your thinking.

Discussion Questions

  • In her speech to the World Economic Forum, Greta says, "Because if everyone is guilty then no one is to blame." What does this mean? Whom does Greta blame for the climate crisis? What impact do her words have on you?

Exit Ticket

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

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

tone

n.

an author/speaker’s attitude toward a topic or an audience, which is often conveyed through word choice and/or literary devices

Academic

connotation

n.

the social, cultural, and emotional associations words have, beyond the dictionary definition (denotation).

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.

  • Book: An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power by Al Gore  pp. 10 – 18 — end after "the future of civilization itself is at dire risk"

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What are the three questions that Gore intends to address in this text?

  • What does Gore say about the danger of despair?

  • What are four things that Gore says have changed already as a result of climate change?

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Common Core Standards


  • RI.8.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

Supporting Standards

L.8.5
L.8.5.c
L.8.6
RI.8.1
RI.8.2
RI.8.7
RI.8.10
SL.8.1
SL.8.6
W.8.1
W.8.1.a
W.8.1.b
W.8.4
W.8.9
W.8.9.b
W.8.10

Next

Identify the key ideas Gore uses to support his claims about climate change and assess whether the evidence he provides is relevant and sufficient.

Lesson 2
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