Twelve Angry Men (2020)

Lesson 7
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ELA

Unit 9

8th Grade

Lesson 7 of 11

Objective


Analyze the playwright’s deliberate choices of character actions and words. 

Analyze the irony at the end of Act I.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose  pp. 40 – 48

  • Article: “Scientists Trace Memories of Things That Never Happened” by James Gorman (optional) 

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Why does Juror 8 call Juror 3 a sadist on p. 47? 

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Sample Response

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Which piece of evidence supports the answer to Part A?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

At the end of Act I, a juror shouts something extremely ironic and unexpected. What does he shout and why is it ironic? Why did Reginald Rose choose to end Act I this way, and what does it prove? 

Key Questions


  • p. 42 – Why does Juror 7 say “You’re sitting here pulling stories outta thin air” to Juror 8? IDIOM ALERT
  • p. 46 – List all the evidence that has been called into question so far by the jurors. 
  • p. 47 – Describe what Juror 8 proves through his demonstration with the diagram of the apartment.
  • p. 47 – Use context clues to infer the meaning of “sanctimonious” on p. 47. How do you know?
  • p. 48 - What is ironic about the end of Act I? Why does Rose end the act this way?
  • p. 48 – Identify a specific conflict that occurred in Act I. Who were the jurors involved? What was the conflict? Who do you side with (agree with), and why?
  • Text to Self: As of right now, do you think the defendant is guilty or innocent? You MUST provide evidence from the play to support your answer. 

Notes


Make sure to watch the movie clip so students can observe how the filmmaker builds tension between the characters.

Common Core Standards


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

Next

Connect the symbolism of the hot weather and the rising tension.

Explain how the stage directions help to create the mood in the jury room.

Lesson 8
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