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Lesson 11

Using In the Time of the Butterflies, we will learn how to write sentences with stylistic effect through the use of the em dash.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I write sentences with an em-dash for stylistic effect?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2010

Materials

Tools

Activity 1: Discuss

We will discuss the different uses of em dashes.

Answer the first question on the Section 4 Mentor Sentence Handout as a class.

Activity 2: Write – Discuss

We will examine how the em dash can be used to create a stylistic effect in writing.

You might have noticed an em dash (—) was used in the sentences you examined. The em dash is longer than both the hyphen and the en dash.

Take notes in your Learning Log as you discuss the following questions as a class:

  1. How the em dashes are being used in the mentor sentences?

  2. What is the function of an em dash?

  3. What is the stylistic effect of using em dashes? Why do em dashes make sentences more interesting to read?

Activity 3: Write – Discuss

We will examine how the em dash can be used stylistically in writing to interrupt, amplify, explain, or digress from the main thought.

An em dash is used to set off or introduce additional clauses, phrases, or lists. The additional clause, phrase, or list often explains, amplifies, interrupts, or digresses from the writer’s main idea.

Take notes in your Learning Log. Each of the mentor sentences uses em dashes. For each sentence, discuss and determine the purpose of the words inside the em dash:

  1. Does the em dash form an interruption in the main idea of the sentence to provide different but related information?

  2. Does the em dash provide a way for the writer to amplify their main idea?

  3. Does the em dash introduce an explanation of the sentence’s main idea?

  4. Does them em dash digress from the main idea?

Discuss whether each sentence on the Section 4 Mentor Sentence Handout uses an em dash as an interrupter, amplifier, explainer, or digressor.

Activity 4: Read – Discuss

We will find examples of em dashes in In the Time of the Butterflies.

Step 1

With a partner, skim In the Time of the Butterflies and find two examples of em dashes.

Once you have found an example, discuss the following question with a partner:

  1. What is the function of the em dash in this sentence?

Step 2

Share one of your favorite sentences with the entire class. As you share, explain why the sentence is your favorite.

Activity 5: Discuss – Write

We will collaboratively write a sentence with an em dash for stylistic effect.

As a class, co-construct a sentence.

In the sentence you wrote, find a place that you would like to explain more, amplify, digress from, or interrupt with your thoughts.

Add in a second clause or phrase, set off by em dashes.

Activity 6: Discuss – Write

We will create a complex sentence similar in structure to Julia Alvarez’s that contains phrasal adjectives.

Working alone or in pairs, choose one of the example sentences on the Section 4 Mentor Sentence Handout and write a sentence similar in structure to Alvarez’s.