A Quilt of a Country | Diction & Tone/Begin Comparative Essay Outline

Objective: Jedis will be able to identify precise adjectives and strong verbs (vivid language) and explain how word choice serves to make informational writing more interesting and convincing.

Agenda:
1. Jedi Meditation & Journal: Write a thank you letter to your mind and/or body.
2. Write down homework:

• Read 30 (Week 8)
• Study For North America Retakes-- if you pass it at lunch this week, you do not have to attend mandatory tutoring next week!
• Page 33-35 (Pre-write for essay on worksheet and type up Essay Outline-- see below for instructions)

2. Lecture Pg 21 | Diction --> Word Choice/Vivid Language

** There are more choices of diction than "good" or "bad." Vivid word choice contributes to the different types of diction an author may choose. This webpage can also help break down different types of diction.

3. Partner Practice | Read it

• Read the passages from "A Quilt of a Country" and with your partner identify precise adjectives and strong verbs from the passages selected in the chart. Then, in the second column, rewrite the sentence replacing the vivid words with ordinary (elementary/middle school level) ones. In column three, explain how the author's original word choices contribute to the accuracy and liveliness of her writing.

4. Independent Practice | Write It

• Revise each sentence by replacing verbs or adjectives with stronger, more vivid word choice.

5. Homework:

• Read 30 (Week 8)
• Study For North America Retakes-- if you pass it at lunch this week, you do not have to attend mandatory tutoring next week!
• Page 33-35 (Pre-write for essay on worksheet and type up Essay Outline-- see below for instructions)
• Pg 34 Analyze the "The Immigrant Contribution" & ""A Quilt of a Country". Choose two passages from each one that you think use especially interesting language. In the chart first colum, write each passage with MLA citation. Then identify the type(s) of diction the author used in that passage. The section called "Writing to compare" on pg 34 has possible choices. This webpage can also help break down different types of diction. Not that writes may use more than one type of diction.
• Pg 35 Prewriting Essay|   on worksheet and then type up an outline for the following essay prompt:
• The essays by Quindlen and Kennedy are similar in topic, but very different in diction and tone. Write an essay in which you consider how diction and tone reflect each author's purpose, audience, and message.

• Advice:
• Use your pre-writing notes to identify passages to use as examples in your comparative essay. You are comparing JFK's diction and tone in "The Immigrant Contribution" to Quindlen's diction and tone in "A Quilt of a Country." 
• Identify and cite each passage you will use and make a note of which type(s) of diction you see they have in common/ verse different.
• Write a one sentence thesis in which you state your claim regarding the similarities and differences of these two texts. Make sure to include the words diction and tone (as they are key words in the essay prompt).
• Make a copy of this comparative essay outline template, complete it, and then print it out. We will peer grade it.
• Use the pre-write worksheets to help you with your outline, but be aware, not everything you wrote in the pre-write will be worthy of your essay, choose the passages that work best for this essay.