Content Area: English Language Arts
Unit Title: Types of Nonfiction: Essays, Articles, and Speeches
Grade Level: Ninth Grade
Unit Summary:
This unit will revisit the genre of nonfiction with an emphasis on the reading of essays, articles, and speeches. The unit will reinforce the premise that the concepts and evidence presented by writers of nonfiction are factual, even though the writer may include anecdotes that are fictional, ideas that are personal, or language that is poetic. As the students read the samples of nonfiction included in this unit, they will become more proficient in recognizing the techniques of narrative, reflective, and persuasive writing.
Primary Interdisciplinary Connections:
Social Studies
Science
Technology
21st Century Themes:
Standard 9.1 – 21st Century Life & Career Skills: All students will demonstrate the creative, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to function successfully as both global citizens and workers in diverse ethnic and organizational cultures.
A. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
The ability to recognize a problem and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve the problem is a lifelong skill that develops over time.
B. Creativity and Innovation
Gathering and evaluating knowledge and information from a variety of sources, including global perspectives, fosters creativity and innovative thinking.
D. Cross-Cultural Understanding and Interpersonal Communication
Effective communication skills convey intended meaning to others and assist in preventing misunderstandings.
Unit Rationale:
In order to become global thinkers with an astute awareness of the world around them, ninth grade students must be provided with the tools for reading nonfiction with comprehension and fluency. Teachers should still model active reading strategies in the high school classroom in order to assist the students in meaningful reading