Lesson 19: Author's Purpose with the Realistic Fiction piece "Darnell Rock Reporting"

The Target Skill in this lesson is Author's Purpose

Concept Question: What does the author of this piece want me to know or understand after reading the text?

From Journeys:
Author’s Purpose  In “Darnell Rock Reporting,” two characters present arguments about the best use for a piece of land near their school. As you read the story, use a graphic organizer like the one below to record details about how both arguments are presented and about how the story turns out. Then use this text evidence to identify the author’s purpose, or reason for writing the story.

The author of “Darnell Rock Reporting” has a purpose, or reason, for writing his story. He wants to convey to his readers a particular theme, or message about life. The author creates a contrast between two characters, Darnell and Linda, to reveal his message.

As you reread the story, note details about Darnell’s relationship with the homeless man, his article in the newspaper, his speech before the city council, and his feelings. Also look for text evidence related to Linda’s argument, her speech, and her character. Finally, note how the story ends. Why does the author focus more on Darnell’s argument than on Linda’s? How does this focus help you identify the theme and the author’s purpose for writing?

Genre:
Realistic Fiction
Realistic fiction has characters and events that are like people and events in real life. As you read,
look for:
    -realistic characters and events
    -details that help the reader picture the setting
    -challenges and problems that might happen in real life

Spelling List 16 – Unit 4 Lesson 19

Word	Verb Root	Part of Speech	Definition
clerk		n.	A person who works at a business or bank whose job it is to keep records, accounts, and perform administrative jobs.
postpone		v.	To reschedule something for a later time.  To put off until later.
ordinance		n.	A city law or order by a city government.
violation		n.	The act of breaking a law or ordinance.
granted	grant	v.	To give permission; allow.
crowd		n.	A large group of people usually gathered for the same purpose.
snooty		adj.	Showing disapproval towards others, especially if the others are seen as belonging to a lower, less important group.
blurted	blurt	v.	To say something suddenly without thinking beforehand.
agenda		n.	A list of things to be discussed at a meeting; a formal plan or list of goals.
urge		v.	To strongly recommend something or attempt to persuade.

Lesson 18: Fact and Opinion with the Autobiography "The Dog Newspaper"

The Target Skill in this lesson is Fact and Opinion

Concept Question: Can this statement be proved to be true or false, or is it someone's belief or feeling?

Lesson 18 Slides

Lesson 18 Grab-And-Go Resources

From Journeys:
Fact and Opinion  “The Dog Newspaper” contains both facts and opinions. Facts are statements that can be proven true or false. Opinions express someone’s thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. They often begin with phrases such as I think or It seems.  As you read the selection, use this graphic organizer to record quotes and details from the text that include important facts and opinions.

Authors of autobiographies use both facts and opinions to tell the stories of their lives. Facts are pieces of information that can be proved true or false. For example, the statement “That dog is a  miniature schnauzer” is a fact. A veterinarian or a dog breeder could tell you whether the statement is accurate. Opinions are statements that tell thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. Someone might have the opinion that miniature schnauzers are great pets. Another person might say they are too fierce. 

In “The Dog Newspaper,” look for facts about the author’s life and also about her dog B.J. Find reasons and evidence that support the author’s opinions and key points. Record details and accurate quotes from the text as you identify facts and opinions. 

Autobiography

An autobiography is a person’s account of his or her own life. As you read, look for:

  -first-person point of view

  - the author’s personal thoughts and feelings

  -information about the author’s life 

Fact and Opinion Game

Spelling List 15 – Unit 4 Lesson 18

Word	Verb Root	Part of Speech	Definition
career		n.	A job someone does for a significant part of their life with opportunities for progress or promotion.
publication		n.	The preparation and issuing of a book, journal, or piece of music for public sale.
background		n.	The experiences or events that made a current situation possible.
household		n.	A house and the people who live there.
insights		n.	The ability to gain a deep and accurate understanding of something.
required		adj.	Needed for a particular purpose.
uneventful		adj.	Not having any interesting or exciting events.
edition		n.	One form or version of a published work.
formula		n.	A method, procedure, or way to achieve something.
destruction		n.	The action of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired.