Theme Presentation

With a partner students will present one theme for two poems. Students will also memorize their poems (one poem per partner.) Below is the presentation rubric and an example of a theme explanation. Students will be graded individually.

A	B	C
Speaks with a loud, clear voice and uses meaningful eye contact. All memorized.	Speaks with a loud, clear voice, but uses little eye contact. Half memorized.	Did not memorize a poem. Speaks quietly or mumbling. Uses little eye contact.
Articulates thoughts in complete sentences and descriptive vocabulary.	Articulates thoughts in complete sentences and generic vocabulary.	Speaks in fragments. Uses minimal or confusing vocabulary.
Answers the prompt concisely. Supports response with two literary devices.	Supports response with one literary device.	Supports response with zero literary devices.

Ms. Avery’s presentation:

You will notice in “Fable” and “If” a theme about personality. The squirrel in “Fable” describes different personalities in this example of imagery, “all sorts of things and weather…make up a year and a sphere.” In the poem “If” the father encourages his son to “walk with Kings.” This is a metaphor comparing the son’s personality to great leaders.

Figurative Language Notes

A.K.A. Literary Devices

Imagery is language that appeals to the senses.

Ex: He loves the scent of blossoming flowers and the twittering of birds.

A simile is a description that compares two unlike things using like or as.

Ex: The rain seemed like an old friend who had finally found us.

A metaphor is a direct comparison (not using like or as.)

Ex: He was a library of information about baseball.

Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration.

Ex: I was so hungry that I ate the plate!

Look at the poems on pages 131-134, and fill in the chart with at least one example from each poem.

Imagery	Simile	Metaphor	Hyperbole

Unit 3 Vocabulary

These are complex sentences, and the unit three roots are underlined. Study for the quiz on Friday.

You look great in these pictures because you are photogenic.

If I had X-ray vision, I could see through walls.

Even though he turned up the thermostat, the room was still cold.

We call areas where buildings are built construction sites.

The people who go to a concert make up the audience.

Theme Notes

The thesis is specific and communicates your perspective about the topic.

Writing Assignment #1: Choose a summer movie and describe the story to Ms. Avery.

Thesis: Many fans will agree with me that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows is the most thrilling adventure story.

Writing Assignment #2: Who do you admire most? Explain.

Thesis: Of all the humans on the planet, my mom wins the prize for best person.

Writing Assignment #6: Compare two characters and explain their relationship to the elements of mystery.

Thesis: A mystery writer includes details about characters that make us slightly uncomfortable.

Introducing Theme

---Same root as thesis

---Greek tithenai “to put” or “to place”

---As if you are saying, “Here is my idea about…”

What are some common themes?

---Defend what you love.

---True friendship stands the test of loyalty.

Unit 4 Vocabulary

That ringtone means my mom is contacting me.

This statue commemorates the veterans of World War II.

Put the old newspaper in the recycling bin.

Nowadays, actors must also sing and dance.

A chart or table in book is a graphic element.