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Lesson 1

We will analyze how an author’s perspective influences the purpose and ideas of a text.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I analyze how an author’s perspective influences the position, purpose, and ideas of a text?

Texts

Core

  • Unit Reader
    • “Mother Tongue,” Amy Tan, Threepenny Review, Reprinted by permission from Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency., 1990

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Write

We will reread Tan’s “Mother Tongue” and will annotate where personal experience is referenced.

Individually, reread Tan’s “Mother Tongue,” this time highlighting or underlining any time Tan includes personal experience or makes a statement that you feel only she could say.

Respond to the following questions in your Learning Log:

  1. How often does Tan make statements based on her personal experience?

  2. As her audience, do you think her writing becomes more interesting with personal experiences included? Why or why not?

Activity 2: Read – Write

We will work to determine Tan’s perspective, using the Attending to Details Tool.

Review the Attending to Details Tool. In this activity, you will be selecting details from the text that you feel help determine Tan’s perspective on her topic. You will write down your thought process and opinions of those details before extending your thinking and crafting questions that continue your exploration of the topic.

Ask any questions you might have regarding how to complete this task before you select textual evidence you feel answers the guiding question.

Under each detail in the first section, describe what you think the detail means. Put it in your own words and explain your rationale as to how this answers the guiding question.

When finished, look holistically at the evidence you have collected to answer the guiding question. In the Express your Understanding section, think about how you would answer the guiding question:

  1. What does the essay tell you about Tan’s perspective?

The connections between your response and your details should be clear; if there is a disconnect, you will need to go back and select alternate details.

Activity 3: Read – Write

We will determine how Tan’s perspective influences her position, purpose, and claims.

Next, review Tan’s essay, keeping the following question in mind:

  • What claims or arguments does she make throughout?

List her claims in your Learning Log.

Then, explain how her perspective challenges or supports those claims by answering the following questions:

  1. Does her perspective make those claims more valid?

  2. Does she appear to be credible?

  3. What claims, if any, could have been made to better support the larger argument in the essay?

Activity 4: Write

We will reflect on our ability to analyze perspective after completing the exercise.

How prepared do you now feel to attend to details and determine perspective in new texts? Consider the following questions and write down your responses on the back of your Attending to Details Tool:

  1. Can you better show your ability to use this skill?

  2. Do you still need assistance?

  3. Could you help a peer with this skill?

  4. What additional support is needed to aid in your mastery of this skill?