grades 9-10 determine and analyze a theme and how it develops over the course of a text

by Chauncey Bashirian 4 min read

What is the theme of the text?

The theme in a piece of writing is the important life lesson expressed by the writer. Discover how to analyze theme development in a text and how theme relates to the characters, setting, and plot. Updated: 10/21/2021

What is theme development in a text?

Discover how to analyze theme development in a text and how theme relates to the characters, setting, and plot. Updated: 10/21/2021 So, you probably already know what a theme is; it's an important idea about life that the author is trying to express. And, you're also most likely familiar with characters, who are the people in the story.

How do you analyze the development of a text?

Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

How do you find the theme of a story?

Consider the theme of a novel or short story in which the protagonist, or main character, makes some kind of foundational change before the end of the narrative. In order to make such a change, that character must necessarily have some life-changing experiences, whether positive or negative.

Standard Alignments

RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

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What is the effect of the author turning the story around towards the end?

Often, but not always, the story brings the reader to some low point. When the author turns the story around towards the end, that sudden turn creates impact, and that impact is what makes the theme memorable.

How to make a change in a story?

1. Consider the theme of a novel or short story in which the protagonist, or main character, makes some kind of foundational change before the end of the narrative. In order to make such a change, that character must necessarily have some life-changing experiences, whether positive or negative.

What is a hammering theme?

Hammering a Theme. So, you probably already know what a theme is; it's an important idea about life that the author is trying to express. And, you're also most likely familiar with characters, who are the people in the story. If I quizzed you about plot, you'd be ready to tell me that it's the sequence of events that happen in a story, and, ...

How to write a letter to a minor character?

1. Write a letter or journal entry from the point of view of a minor character in a narrative, maybe one who is more of an observer than participant. The format can be a short story, a novel, a graphic novel, or a film. Make sure the letter you write reflects the main theme you see portrayed in the story. 2.

Common CORE Standards

  • Reading Literature RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific...
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Description of Unit

  • This Grades 9-10 unit titled “Words Matter” is cited on collegeready.gatesfoundation.org as part of the Common Assignment Study. The unit was developed by integrating the Understanding by Design framework with a Literacy Design Collaborative module to help scaffold and support the development of students’ content literacy. It has an approximate ELA/Literacy instructional time …
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Cautions

  • Connecticut teachers should be cautioned that due to the sensitive nature of the topic and the impact that it might have on individual students, it is important to introduce the topic of bullying and related classroom guidelines before beginning the unit. The teacher notes and preparation materials are extensive and will require familiarity to be used effectively. While most of the stud…
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Rationale For Selection

  • This unit is an exemplary example of a progression of learning where concepts and skills advance and deepen over time. Using gradual release, lessons provide all students with multiple opportunities to engage with text of appropriate complexity for the grade level. Scaffolding helps students directly experience the complexity of the text. Students are routinely expected to draw …
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