This unit focuses on analyzing an author's choices in developing elements of stories such as setting, characterization, and plot sequence. Students will analyze short stories and plays to understand how these elements are used and how they impact the overall work. Assessment tools include analyzing character charts, determining an author's purpose, and weekly writing assignments reflecting on news articles. The goal is for students to understand the purpose behind an author's choices in constructing their narratives.
1. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.3:Analyzetheimpactoftheauthorschoicesregardinghowtodevelopandrelateelementsofastoryordrama(e.g.,whereastoryisset,howthe
actionisordered,howthecharactersareintroducedanddeveloped).
English 11: RL.11-12.3 (Analyze Impact of Author's Choices: Setting, Characterization, & Order of Events)
Unit Description: This unit focuses on the impact of an authors choices regarding setting, characterization,
and order of events. To begin, students will be asked to analyze the basic elements of a
story. Further, students will analyze the character and motivation of complex characters.
Students will then analyze the authors choices surrounding the development of
characters throughout the text. Students will also be asked to consider the authors
choices regarding setting and plot sequence. Additionally, students will be working on their
weekly article of the week assignment in order to display evidence of routine writing.
Standard(s) Addressed: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.3: Analyze the impact of the authors choices regarding how to
develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action
is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.10: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,
reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a
range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Essential Question(s): What is the purpose behind the authors choices for characterization, setting, and plot?
Targets Student Tasks to Reach
Targets
Assessments (Formative &
Summative)
Resources
1. Analyze basic elements
of a story
A. Determine setting,
characters, plot,
conflict, theme, and
tone
B. Understand elements
of plot
C. Analyze the
relationship between
story elements
D. Know how plot
supports theme
Analyze Story Elements Google 際際滷s
Presentation: Introduction
to RL.11-12.3
Collaborative Terms:
RL.11-12.3
The Crucible: Act 1, Scene 1
(Arthur Miller)
The Crucible: Act 1, Scene 2
(Arthur Miller)
The Crucible: Act 2(Arthur
Miller)
2. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.3:Analyzetheimpactoftheauthorschoicesregardinghowtodevelopandrelateelementsofastoryordrama(e.g.,whereastoryisset,howthe
actionisordered,howthecharactersareintroducedanddeveloped).
The Crucible: Act 3(Arthur
Miller)
2. Determine and analyze
character personality
and motivation
A. Define direct
characterization vs.
indirect
characterization
Character Analysis Chart Direct vs. Indirect
Characterization
3. Analyze the impact of
the authors choices
regarding character
development
throughout the story
A. Compare and contrast
characters in the story
B. Determine character
traits
C. Find textual evidence
to support claims
regarding character
traits
D. Determine character
motivation
Authors Purpose Chart
RL.11-12.3 Assessment
Authors Purpose Chart:
Mean Girls
4. Analyze the impact of
the authors choices
regarding the setting
A. Determine the setting
of a story
B. Identify how setting
impacts tone
Analyze Setting
Analyze Story & Author
Context
(See resources above)