English/Schwartz

LOTF Chapter 3 Close Reading & Discussion

 THE PASSAGE FOR THIS ACTIVITY IS THE OPENING OF CHAPTER 3, FROM "JACK WAS BENT DOUBLE" TO "SWEARING, HE TURNED OFF THE TRAIL AND PUSHED HIS WAY THROUGH UNTIL THE FOREST OPENED A LITTLE AND INSTEAD OF BALD TRUNKS SUPPORTING A DARK ROOF THERE WERE LIGHT GREY TRUNKS AND CROWNS OF FEATHERY PALMS."  YOU CAN GET THE HAND OUT IN CLASS! 

1.      Read the passage on the back of this handout and “talk to the text” (write down any thoughts, questions, ideas, associations, you have, terms you recognize; look closely at each little, itty-bitty word, and write down everything that passes through your mind as you read!)

2.      Write three questions inspired by the passage.  You may only have ONE Basic-Level question maximum; write at least two Text-Level or Universal-Level questions.  Here are the different levels of questions:

1)      Basic: This is like a reading-quiz question.  Examples: What does Piggy look like?  What does “effulgence” mean?

2)      Text-Level: This is a question about the text (passage, novel, story, poem, etc.) but it requires some reflection and inference in order to be answered.  Examples: How would you characterize Piggy?  What theme does this passage help to develop?  Why does Golding choose to use this exact phrase, “a black, bat-like creature,” to describe the boys?

3)      Universal: This is a question that is inspired by and relates to the text, but is more general; it does not refer to the characters, events, etc., of the book itself.  Examples: Are people civilized or savage, deep down?  What motivates people to be cruel to one another?  What makes a good leader?

3.      In your assigned group, each group member will ask his/her questions and the group will discuss possible responses.  Each group member is responsible for recording a thoughtful and complete answer to each of his/her three questions. 

4.      Your group will select the top three questions/answers from the whole group, to be ready to discuss with the whole class.

5.      After the class discussion, you will individually write a summary of the significance of this passage (on your own piece of paper).  You will note important features (including figurative language, tone, mood, etc.), interesting developments of character, symbolism, or theme, and other significant points.  Do NOT simply summarize what happens in the passage!

My Fantastic Questions (with room left for answers after group discussion):

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3)