Writing Unit 6: Fiction

Click for Writing Rubric 6

Lesson 23: Text and Graphic Features with the Informational Text "Vaqueros: America’s First Cowboys"

The Target Skill in this lesson is Text and Graphic Features

Concept Question: How do the text and graphic features give you important information that would be difficult or impossible to communicate only using writing?

From Journeys:
Text and Graphic Features  In “Vaqueros: America’s First Cowboys,” you will see headings, captions, and other text features the author uses to organize information. You will also see graphic features, such as maps and photographs, that highlight and show relationships between important ideas. Use a graphic organizer like the one below to record information about the text and graphic features in the selection.

Informational texts such as “Vaqueros: America’s First Cowboys” often include text and graphic features. Text features, such as titles and headings, help to organize a text. They also make it easier for readers to find important information. Graphic features include photographs and illustrations, such as maps or charts. These features support or explain complex ideas in the text. Briefly looking over the text and graphic features before you begin to read can help you understand what a selection will be about.

Look back at page 698. The italicized text at the top of the page makes a connection between Christopher Columbus and the cowboys. This note helps readers to see how the events and ideas in the first sections of the text are related to those that follow.

Genre:
Informational text gives facts and details about a topic. As you read, look for:
      -text features, such as headings, that organize information and help explain the topic
      -photographs and captions
      -domain-specific words that help you better understand the topic

Nonfiction Text Features

Spelling List 20 – Unit 5 Lesson 23

Word	Verb Root	Part of Speech	Definition
dominated	dominate	v.	To have full power over someone or something  To be the most important factor in something
extending	extend	v.	To make longer
sprawling	sprawl	v.	To spread out over a large area
hostile		adj.	Showing opposition, danger, or dislike towards another; unfriendly
acknowledged	acknowledge	v.	To recognize the existence of something or the truth of something
flourished	flourish	v.	To grow in strength and population due to a healthy, nourishing environment
residents		n.	Those who live somewhere, usually for a long time
prospered	prosper	v.	To do very well with money or in gaining things
acquainted	acquaint	v.	To know someone slightly or not too well
decline		n.	A loss in strength, number, or value

Lesson 22: Theme with the Historical Fiction piece "The Birchbark House"

The Target Skill in this lesson is Theme

Concept Question: What is the central message or main idea that the author wants readers to take away from this story?

From Journeys:
Theme Every story has a theme, or message, that runs through it. The main character’s actions and responses to challenges can help you determine a story’s theme.  As you read “The Birchbark House,” use a graphic organizer like this one to record details about the main character, Omakayas. Then ask yourself what theme the text evidence suggests.

In “The Birchbark House,” Omakayas reacts quickly when she encounters the bears. How a main character responds to challenges or conflict can help you determine theme. Theme is the central message or idea of a story.

Authors may state some character traits directly. Often, however, the reader must make inferences about a character’s qualities based on descriptions of his or her appearance, thoughts, and actions. These clues help you identify and understand the story’s theme.

Look back at page 671 in “The Birchbark House.” How does Omakayas react to having her feelings hurt by her sister? Think about how her reaction—and what she does as a result—relates to the theme of the story.

Genre:
Historical fiction is set in a real time and place in the past.
As you read, look for:
      -realistic characters and events
      -details that show the story took place in the past

Spelling List 19 – Unit 5 Lesson 22

Word	Verb Root	Part of Speech	Definition
abruptly		adv.	Suddenly and unexpectedly
translucent		adj.	Allowing light through, but not distinct shapes or images
margin		n.	The edge or border of something
plunder		v.	To steal goods from a place or person, typically by force and during a time of civil unrest
astonished		adj.	Greatly surprised, impressed, or amazed
envy		v./n.	v. To desire to have a quality or possession of another person n. The feeling associated with the verb
ferocious		adj.	Savagely fierce, cruel, or violent
bared	bare	v.	To uncover and expose to view
banish		v.	To send someone out of a group or community as punishment
spared	spare	v.	To refrain from killing, hurting, or distressing