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 16: Author's Purpose with the Realistic Fiction piece "Lunch Money"

The Target Skill in this lesson is Author's Purpose

Concept Question: Is the Author's Purpose supported by the Characters, Setting, and Plot of the story?

Lesson 16 Slides

Lesson 16 Grab-And-Go Resources

From Journeys:
Author’s Purpose In “Lunch Money,” details about the main character, the setting, and the plot help reveal the author’s purpose, or reason, for writing. As you read, record text quotes and details in a graphic organizer like the one below. Then use text evidence in the organizer to help you infer, or figure out, the author’s purpose.

Authors of fiction have different purposes, or reasons, for writing. They may want to share a theme, create realistic characters and plots, or simply entertain their readers. To achieve their purpose, they develop the appropriate characters, events, settings, and other elements in their writing. By looking closely at the details in a work of fiction, you can understand the author’s purpose.To determine the author’s purpose in “Lunch Money,” examine the author’s description of the main character, the setting, and the plot events. What overall impression do these elements create? What is revealed through the details and story elements about the author’s reason for writing the story?A graphic organizer like the one below can help you use details and elements in the story to determine the author’s purpose.

Introduction to Reading Skills: Author's Purpose

Introduction to Reading Skills: Author's Purpose 2

Realistic Fiction
Realistic fiction includes characters and events that are like people and events in real life. As you read, look for: challenges and conflicts that might happen in real life and characters’ feelings that seem believable.

Spelling List 13 – Unit 4 Lesson 16

Word	Verb Root	Part of Speech	Definition
prehistoric		adj.	From or of a time before recorded history.
sludge		n.	A thick, wet, squishy substance that is often dirty or unsafe.
featured	feature	v.	To have as a main, important, or noteworthy part.
publishing	publish	v.	To prepare and produce a piece of writing for public consumption.
doodling	doodle	v.	Informal drawing without planning.
record		n.	A piece of evidence of past events OR the best or most of something ever seen.
villain		n.	A character in a story whose actions or motives are important in the story’s conflict.
tribe		n.	A distinct community in a traditional society, often linked by a common language, religion, and traditions.
mental		adj.	Having to do with the mind.
collectable		adj./n.	adj. Able to be collected.  n. A rare or valuable item that is suitable for a collection.