Seeking Justice: To Kill a Mockingbird (2020)

Lesson 11
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 7

8th Grade

Lesson 11 of 35

Objective


Write two body paragraphs, providing at least two pieces of strong evidence to demonstrate Atticus’s character and clearly explaining how this evidence aligns to the Golden Rule.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee  — chapters 1-10

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

The Golden Rule, often quoted from the Bible as “Do unto others as you would have then do unto you,” is a central tenet of many cultures and world religions throughout history.

In a short essay, explain how Atticus Finch embodies this idea in words and actions in the first 10 chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Your essay must include:

  • An introductory paragraph that provides context and includes a strong thesis statement
  • Two body paragraphs, each discussing an incident demonstrating Atticus’s embodiment of this rule
  • At least two pieces of quoted textual evidence in each body paragraph
  • Analysis and explanation of how each incident demonstrates The Golden Rule

Lesson Guidance


  • Students should draw upon their notes from the previous day; this will begin to form their analysis.
  • Explain that the basic structure of a body paragraph should include an assertion (which links back directly to their thesis statement), basic context to introduce their evidence, and analysis after each piece of evidence.
  • Consider providing a show-call of almost-there evidence or analysis and have students debate whether it is the best evidence and clearly linked back to the assertion.

Homework

  • Read To Kill a Mockingbird, chapters 12 and 13.

Common Core Standards


  • W.8.1 — Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
  • W.8.1.b — Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

Next

Explain how Harper Lee uses specific words and phrases in To Kill a Mockingbird to develop tone and create meaning.

Lesson 12
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free