Narrative Texts
Unit description: In this unit, students will read a variety of texts to make logical inferences, as well as identify and track the development of a theme across multiple works of fiction. Students will also utilize close reading skills to determine how certain sections of a text contribute to the development of the plot, theme, and other elements and techniques. Students will respond using various methods (verbally, in writing, etc.) to express their learning of the units’ texts, as well as draft their own narratives utilizing the tools learned within the unit.
Download the complete Grade 7 ELA Unit 2 framework to customize for your own planning.
Essential Outcomes
Reading
- 7R2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; summarize a text.
- 7R3: In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed
- 7R6: In literary texts, analyze how an author develops and contrasts the point of view and the perspectives of different characters or narrators. In informational texts, analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
Language
- 7L5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings
Writing
- 7W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
- 7W3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, descriptive details and clear sequencing.
Speaking and Listening
- 7SL2: Analyze the central ideas and supporting details presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how the ideas clarify and/or contribute to a topic, text, or issue under study.
All Standards Addressed in this Unit
- R1, R2, R3, R4, R6
- L5,
- W1, W3,
- SL2
Essential Questions and Big Ideas
- How are stories told effectively?
- Authors utilize many different techniques to captivate their readers
- The narrative form is one way of telling stories
- Authors choose to utilize different techniques to reach a certain effect- it’s up to readers to determine if this is effective or not
- How do themes impact the outcome of a text?
- Authors use themes to highlight a central message/ moral for a reader
- There are many different ways themes can develop, and it’s our job as readers to track them
- Themes impact the resolution of a text
- How do I create my own narrative?
- Good writers appropriate techniques and styles to craft their own writing
- Playing with techniques allows good writers to craft their own style
- Utilizing literary techniques and developing a clear theme through a sequence of events can produce a quality narrative
Prerequisite Skills
- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
- Cite explicit and implicit evidence in a text
- Determine a theme or central idea and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize a text.
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to respond and support analysis, reflection, and research
- Create a poem, story, play, artwork, or other response to a text, author, theme, or personal experience.
Download the complete Grade 7 ELA Unit 2 framework to customize for your own planning.