Theme: Reading Closely to Analyze Big Ideas

The purpose of this unit is to teach students how to read closely in order to analyze theme by using literary and
informational texts that present multiple themes and complex ideas or situations. I will know when students are able to
read closely in order to analyze theme when they cite textual evidence that supports a theme, embed evidence from the
text in writing when explaining a texts theme and refer to textual evidence when speaking about a texts theme or main
idea.
Goals for the unit (Standards noted):
RL;RI1Citestrongandthoroughtextualevidencetodrawexplicitandimplicitmeaningfromtext.
RL2Determine/analyzeathemeorcentralidea;summarizetext.
RI2Determine/analyzeacentralidea;summarizetext.
RL3Analyzehowcomplexcharactersdevelopoverthecourseofatextandadvancetheplotordevelopthe
theme.
W2Writeinformative/explanatorytextstoexamineandconveycomplexideas,concepts,andinformation
W2bDevelopthetopicwithwellchosen,relevant,andsufficientfacts,extendeddefinitions,concretedetails,
quotations,orotherinformationandexamples
SL1Initiate/participateeffectivelyinarangeofcollaborativediscussionsbuildingonothersideasand
expressingtheirownclearlyandpersuasively.
SL1aCometodiscussionsprepared,havingread/researchedmaterial;explicitlydrawonevidencefromtexts
andotherresearchtostimulateathoughtful,wellreasonedexchangeofideas.
SL1cPropelconversationsbyposingandrespondingtoquestions;activelyincorporateothersintothe
discussion;andclarify,verify,orchallengeideasandconclusions.


Common Assessment Scoring Notes
4 - We had questions here; we did not give students a complex text, though they are looking at a fresh
text and applying knowledge of theme independently ; need to work on for next time
3+ Uses direct quotes in the evidence paragraph correctly.
3 On track; theme is correct and evidence is too.
3- Theme is off (statement might be misworded or oddly phrased); evidence is on track.
2+ Theme correct; evidence is shallow
2 Theme is okay; evidence is summarized (difficulty shows in evidence)
2- Close but not quite; incorrect
1 Theme is off; evidence is summary or plot points versus analysis
0 Misunderstands theme or evidence; may note a subject rather than theme or central idea

Reading Closely for Theme: Rate Your Understanding: Scale


Insightful
4
Flier
I can go beyond what has been taught in class and can apply my knowledge of reading
closely to analyze theme to new situations and or complex text.

If given a new higher level text, I could analyze theme or main idea and articulate how
specific evidence from the text support the theme or main idea.




Proficient
3
Branchling
With the text discussed and used in class, I understand how to read closely in order to
examine and analyze themes or central ideas are. I can analyze them by citing textual evidence
during discussions or in writing.
o Identify themes or central ideas (color coding, chunking, annotating)
o Find evidence in the text that supports the theme(s) or central idea(s)
o Embed evidence into writing or conversation (direct quotations)
o Properly cite evidence when writing or speaking (parenthetical references)

I understand how to analyze theme and am able to explain how a writer conveys themes
through characters actions or events of the plot. I understand how to analyze central ideas in
informational texts and am able to explain how writers use language to convey central ideas..
I would feel comfortable writing an expository essay analyzing a texts theme (for literature)
or central idea (for informational text).

Limited
2
Fledgling
I understand the basics of reading closely for theme or central ideas:
o Identify themes or central ideas (color coding, chunking, annotating)
o Find evidence in the text that supports the theme(s) or central idea(s)

However, I may not be able to analyze themes in writing or conversation; I would not
be comfortable writing my own analysis essay using the texts discussed as evidence.
Dependent
1
Nestling
With teacher help, I understand what reading closely for theme or central ideas is. I
can name examples of themes or central ideas, but I may have difficulty finding
evidence in the text that supports my interpretation of the theme or central idea.

I would not be able to write an analysis essay on my own using evidence from the
texts weve discussed in class.
Misunderstand
0
Hatchling
Even with help, I do not understand reading closely for theme or central ideas or
why one would do it.

I am not able to read closely in order theme or central ideas nor would I be able to
write my own analysis essay using the texts weve discussed in class.

I think I am (because)


My personal goal for this unit is to be able to