What is a predicament?

Write down one NEW (not from class) example of a predicament

DO NOW!

INDEPENDENT READING

Diffusing, Theme,

MetaphorOctober 23, 2014

7th Grade Language Arts

With this strategy, you use context clues to help find the meaning of unknown words.

When diffusing, underline words that are unfamiliar.

Diffusing:

Diffusing:

Think of two possible substitutions (synonyms), and confirm your definition.

You can confirm your definition by checking reference sources such as a dictionary or thesaurus

A theme is the central idea, message, or purpose of a literary work

Think of a message the author is trying to tell you

A universal lesson everyone can learn from

Theme:

What does Theme mean in Literature?

Theme IS … Theme is NOT…The author’s message about life to the reader.

A universal idea that can apply to a lot of different people and many different circumstances.

The plot, characters, or mood of the story.

A one word topic (love, forgiveness, etc.)

A cliché (Don’t judge a book by its cover).

YAY!

BOO.

Which of the following could be Literary THEMES? How do you know?

Yes No

Love is the strongest force in the world

Anger

Being greedy can lead to bad consequences

Golden rule

Cowboys vs. Aliens

Everyone will face obstacles that they must overcome

A penny saved is a penny earned

There are MANY different ways to find the theme of a work of literature!

1. Identify the “big world” universal topic of the work. Then ask yourself, “What point is the author trying to make about the topic?”

2. Find the main conflict and its resolution. Ask yourself what the author wants you to learn from the problems and resolutions in the story.

3. Pay attention to lessons that characters learn. Sometimes, these lessons are the theme!

A comparison between two unlike things in which one thing is spoken of as if it were another.

Metaphor:

The snow is a white blanket. 

He is a night owl.

The sun is a golden ball.

On Your Own:Write down 2 NEW

Metaphors

A comparison between two unlike things in which one thing is spoken of as if it were

another.

TOGETHERLet’s Read the

Story of Daedalus &

Icarus

Springboard Pages 59 - 62

Small Group Work:Springboard Page 62 Page 62: Discuss and Have 1 Person Record

Answers1. What does this dialogue illustrate about the

character of Icarus? How could this relate to the story’s theme?

2. What might this story be saying about relationships between parents and children? What might it be saying about how we learn?

3. What is this story saying about the benefits and dangers of taking risks?

4. Explain how this story might illustrate the idea of the dangers of technology and scientific progress.

HomeworkRead Chapters 11 & 12 of Tupac

Answer Question: How can the chapters be read as a Metaphor?