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Lesson 6

We will write multiparagraph responses that analyze key scenes from the novel and then discuss their presentation, development, meaning, and significance. The responses should be organized by a thesis about the significance of the scene chosen and developed through a series of evidence-based claims that present and explain an analysis of the scene.

Lesson Goals

Reading and Knowledge

  • Evaluate Effects: How well do I evaluate the effects of literary devices in a key scene from The Great Gatsby?
  • Analyze Perspective: How well do I analyze the ways in which the narrator’s perspective impacts the reader’s interpretations of a key scene?
  • Compare and Connect: How well do I recognize points of connection among narrative scenes, textual elements, literary devices, and themes to make logical, objective comparisons?
  • Gather and Organize Evidence: How well do I gather and organize relevant and sufficient evidence to demonstrate an understanding of Chapters 5–7 and respond to questions, support claims, and develop ideas?

Writing

  • Form Claims: How well do I develop and clearly communicate meaningful and defensible claims that represent valid, evidence-based analysis of Chapters 5–7?
  • Organize Ideas: How well do I sequence and group sentences and paragraphs and use devices, techniques, descriptions, reasoning and evidence to establish coherent, logical, and well-developed analyses, explanations, and arguments?
  • Use Conventions to Produce Clear Writing: How well do I apply correct and effective syntax, usage, mechanics, and spelling to communicate my analysis, ideas, and claims?
  • Reflect Critically: How well do I think about and evaluate personal and group development?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Scribner, 1925

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Write

We will use our questions, notes, claims, and tools to write the Section Diagnostic essay.

Use your notes, tools, and planning materials from this section to write a multiparagraph response that analyzes a key scene from the novel, focusing on its presentation, development, meaning, and significance. The response should be organized by a thesis about the significance of the scene and developed through a series of evidence-based claims that present and explain your analysis of the scene. You should include specific references to the text and demonstrate that you can integrate quotations that support your analysis. Keep in mind the questions and directions on your Section 3 Diagnostic Checklist.

Activity 2: Write

We will revise our work to make sure we fully support and develop our ideas based on the needs of the task, purpose, and audience. This will help us develop work that is clear and coherent.

Read through your response and make any final revisions or corrections. Keep in mind the issues you have worked to improve following your Section 1 and 2 Diagnostics as well as the goals for this section and task.

Activity 3: Write – Discuss

We will reflect on our individual progress and the knowledge and skills that we have developed in preparation for the Culminating Task at the end of the unit.

Step 1

Choose at least three of the questions below about the Section Diagnostic and respond to them in your Learning Log:

  1. How well did you take the necessary actions to prepare for the task?

  2. What went well for you during the completion of this task?

  3. With what did you struggle during the completion of this task? How did you push through those struggles?

  4. How well did you actively focus your attention during this independent task?

  5. How well did you develop and use an effective and efficient process to maintain workflow?

  6. What would you do differently during the next Section Diagnostic?

Review your Culminating Task Progress Tracker. Think about all you have learned and done during this section of the unit. Evaluate your skills and knowledge to determine how prepared you are for the Culminating Task.

  • Add or refine any skills and content knowledge required for the Culminating Task.

  • Evaluate how well you are mastering skills and knowledge required for the Culminating Task.

Step 2

Review the Central Question of the unit:

How do perceptions, illusions, and dreams influence our lives?

Use the following questions to guide a discussion with a partner or small group:

  1. What new knowledge do you have in relation to the Central Question?

  2. What are you still curious about in relation to the Central Question?

  3. What is the relationship between the question and the texts you have read so far? How do the texts shed light on the question? How does the question help you understand the texts?

  4. How has your response to the question evolved, deepened, or changed?

In your Learning Log, write your response to Question 4. You will return to this response in later lessons to examine how your understanding of the Central Question has evolved.

Activity 4: Read

For homework, we will read chapter 8.

For homework, read Chapter 8 of The Great Gatsby to discover what happens to the characters and whether your predicted resolution of the story comes true. Be prepared to discuss your reactions to the events presented in this chapter and your understanding of their meaning. Write a paragraph in your Learning Log that communicates your understanding and reactions.

As always, be sure to write down new or interesting words you encounter in your Vocabulary Journal.