Grade 9 ELA course activities

This list contains the Reading and Writing activities for our Grade 9 English Language Arts course. 

Type Lesson Reading Title Author Category Subcategory
Texts Introduction to Mythology “The Beginnings of the Maasai” Retold by Edgenuity Fiction Mythology
Texts Compare and Contrast: Myths and Cultures “The Raven and the First Men: The Beginnings of the Haida” Retold by Edgenuity Fiction Mythology
Texts Compare and Contrast: Myths and Cultures “The Māori: Genealogies and Origins in New Zealand” Retold by Edgenuity Fiction Mythology
Texts Compare and Contrast: Myths and Cultures (Continued) “The Raven and the First Men: The Beginnings of the Haida” Retold by Edgenuity Fiction Mythology
Texts Compare and Contrast: Myths and Cultures (Continued) “The Māori: Genealogies and Origins in New Zealand” Retold by Edgenuity Fiction Mythology
Texts Heroic Characteristics in "Perseus" "Perseus" Edith Hamilton Fiction Mythology
Texts Suspense in "The Cruel Tribute" "The Cruel Tribute" James Baldwin Fiction Mythology
Texts The Odyssey and Epic Poetry: An Introduction, Part 1 The Odyssey Homer; translated by Robert Fitzgerald Fiction Epic Poetry/Mythology
Texts The Odyssey: Central Ideas and Character Motivation, Part 2 The Odyssey Homer; translated by Robert Fitzgerald Fiction Epic Poetry/Mythology
Texts The Odyssey: Writing a Character Analysis, Part 3 The Odyssey Homer; translated by Robert Fitzgerald Fiction Epic Poetry/Mythology
Texts The Odyssey: Conflict and Theme, Part 4 The Odyssey Homer; translated by Robert Fitzgerald Fiction Epic Poetry/Mythology
Texts The Odyssey: Symbolism and Making Predictions, Part 5 The Odyssey Homer; translated by Robert Fitzgerald Fiction Epic Poetry/Mythology
Texts The Odyssey: Theme Development, Part 6 The Odyssey Homer; translated by Robert Fitzgerald Fiction Epic Poetry/Mythology
Texts Introduction to Individuality and Conformity: "Initiation" "Initiation" Sylvia Plath Fiction Short Story
Texts Imagery and Symbolism in "The Scarlet Ibis" "The Scarlet Ibis" James Hurst Fiction Short Story
Texts Characters, Conflict, and Idioms in "Daughter of Invention" by Julia Alvarez "The Daughter of Invention from How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" Julia Alvarez Fiction Short Story
Texts Writing about Mood in Art “Portrait of Dr. Gachet” Vincent van Gogh Art Work Impressionism
Texts Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou "Caged Bird" Maya Angelou Fiction Poem
Texts Viewpoint in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou Nonfiction Memoir
Texts Introducing a Text in Wheels of Change, Part 1 Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) Sue Macy foreword written by Leah Missbach Day Nonfiction Social Studies/Historical Text
Texts Text Structures in Wheels of Change, Part 2 Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) Sue Macy Nonfiction Social Studies/Historical Text
Texts Word Choice and Evidence in Wheels of Change, Part 3 Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) Sue Macy Nonfiction Social Studies/Historical Text
Texts Cause and Effect in Wheels of Change, Part 4 Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) Sue Macy Nonfiction Social Studies/Historical Text
Texts Developing Central Ideas in Wheels of Change, Part 5 Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) Sue Macy Nonfiction Social Studies/Historical Text
Texts Organization and Historical Context in Wheels of Change, Part 6 Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) Sue Macy Nonfiction Social Studies/Historical Text
Texts Making Inferences about a Time Period in "A Century Ride" "A Century Ride" Grace E. Denison Fiction Short Story
Texts Comparing Poetry: Poetic Devices "Sea Fever" John Masefield Fiction Poetry
Texts Comparing Poetry: Poetic Devices "The Bells" Edgar Allen Poe Fiction Poetry
Texts Summarizing Central Ideas and Purpose: The Hot Zone from The Hot Zone Richard Preston Nonfiction Informational
Texts Comparing Argumentative Texts: Silent Spring and "A Case for Waawaatesi" from Silent Spring Rachel Carson Nonfiction Science/Essay/Informational
Texts Introduction to Making a Difference: It's Our World, Too! from It's Our World, Too!: Young People Who Are Making a Difference Phillip M. Hoose Nonfiction Informational/Social Action
Texts Descriptive Language and Character: Iqbal from Iqbal Francesco D'Adamo Fiction Novel
Texts Comparing Accounts of Iqbal’s Story from Free the Children: A Young Man Fights against Child Labor and Proves That Children Can Change the World Craig Kielburger with Kevin Major Nonfiction Memoir
Texts Comparing Accounts of Iqbal’s Story IBQAL: The Little Carpet Boy Magnus Bergmar Fiction Graphic Biography
Texts Word Choice and Author’s Purpose in Warriors Don’t Cry from Warriors Don’t Cry Melba Patillo Beals Nonfiction Memoir
Texts Characterization, Theme, and Irony in "The Gift of the Magi" “The Gift of the Magi” O. Henry Fiction Short Story
Texts Poetic Form in "I Am Offering This Poem to You" “I Am Offering This Poem to You” Jimmy Santiago Baca Fiction Poetry
Texts Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm in a Sonnet by William Shakespeare Sonnet 18 William Shakespeare Fiction Poetry
Texts Narrative Elements in “Pyramus and Thisbe”, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses “Pyramus and Thisbe”, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses Ovid Fiction Narrative Poetry
Texts An Introduction to Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 from Shakespeare: The World as Stage Bill Bryson Nonfiction Informational/Historical
Texts An Introduction to Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Setting the Scene of Romeo and Juliet, Part 2 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Characters and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet, Part 3 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Soliloquy and Figures of Speech in Romeo and Juliet, Part 4 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Literary Devices in Romeo and Juliet, Part 5 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Conflict Development in Romeo and Juliet, Part 6 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Suspense in Romeo and Juliet, Part 7 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Themes and Resolution in Romeo and Juliet, Part 8 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Fiction Drama
Texts Introduction to Mystery and Suspense: "The Raven" "The Raven" Edgar Allen Poe Fiction Poetry
Texts Character and Point of View in “The Most Dangerous Game,” Part 1 "The Most Dangerous Game" Richard Connell Fiction Short Story
Texts Making Predictions and Visualizing with “The Most Dangerous Game,” Part 2 "The Most Dangerous Game" Richard Connell Fiction Short Story
Texts Writing an Argument Based on “The Most Dangerous Game,” Part 3 "The Most Dangerous Game" Richard Connell Fiction Short Story
Texts Mood and Narrative Techniques in "Lather and Nothing Else” "Lather and Nothing Else" Hernando Tellez Fiction Poetry
Texts The Art of Creating Suspense: Central Ideas of Two Authors “A Simple Way to Create Suspense” from the New York Times Lee Child Nonfiction Article/Essay/Opinion
Texts The Art of Creating Suspense: Central Ideas of Two Authors Interview Karin Slaughter Nonfiction Audio Interview
Texts Summarizing Central Ideas in The Dark Game, Part 1 (from) The Dark Game: True Spy Stories from Invisible Ink to CIA Moles Paul Janeczko Nonfiction Informational/Historical
Texts Supporting Conclusions with Evidence in The Dark Game, Part 2 (from) The Dark Game: True Spy Stories from Invisible Ink to CIA Moles Paul Janeczko Nonfiction Informational/Historical
Texts Author’s Purpose and Viewpoint in The Dark Game, Part 3 (from) The Dark Game: True Spy Stories from Invisible Ink to CIA Moles Paul Janeczko Nonfiction Informational/Historical
Texts Using Strategies and Word Patterns: The Code Book, Part 1 (from) The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography Simon Singh Nonfiction Informational/Historical
Texts Evaluating an Argument and Questioning: The Code Book, Part 2 (from) The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography Simon Singh Nonfiction Informational/Historical
Texts Historical Context and Conflict in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Part 1 Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy Gary D. Schmidt Fiction Novel
Texts Narration and Point of View in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Part 2 Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy Gary D. Schmidt Fiction Novel
Texts The Art of Rhetoric in Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address Second Inaugural Address Abraham Lincoln Nonfiction Speech
Texts Argument Technique in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech "I Have a Dream" Martin Luther King Jr. Nonfiction Speech
Texts Structure and Narrative: Rosa Parks' Memoir, My Story from My Story Rosa Parks Nonfiction Autobiography
Texts Tracing the Central Idea in "A Quilt of a Country" "A Quilt of a Country" Anna Quindlen Nonfiction Article/Essay/Op-ed
Texts Analyzing the Series of Events in Outcasts United from Outcasts United Warren St. John Nonfiction Biography
Texts Rhetoric and Structure in Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms Speech Four Freedoms Franklin Roosevelt Nonfiction Speech
Texts Rhetoric in Reagan's Address at Moscow State University address to students at Moscow State University (May 31, 1988) Ronald Reagan Nonfiction Speech
Essay Prompts Writing a Narrative about Overcoming a Challenge Write a narrative essay about overcoming a challenge, and what you learned as a result.      
Essay Prompts Researching and Writing about a Mythical Character Write an informative essay on a Greek mythical character. Your essay will use research to summarize the plot of the myth and explain the mythical character's cultural significance.      
Essay Prompts Writing an Argumentative Essay about Fire Prevention Write an argument for or against the idea of using controlled fires to protect wild areas.      
Essay Prompts Writing an Argumentative Editorial about Initiating Change Write an argumentative editorial that argues for or against young people’s ability to initiate positive change in their communities.      
Essay Prompts Writing an Informative Essay about Compromise Write an informative essay explaining the different kinds of compromises people make, the value in making compromises, and how to determine when to make a compromise.      
Essay Prompts Writing a Literary Analysis through the Lens of a Quotation Write an essay that analyzes one work of literature that you have read from the perspective of a quotation. In your essay, interpret the quotation and explain whether it applies to a work of literature you have read. Support your opinion using literary terms and elements as well as details from the text. Lens Quotation: ""Character is what you are in the dark."" -Dwight Lyman Moody      
Essay Prompts Writing a Compare-and-Contrast Essay about Presentation of Ideas Write a compare-and-contrast analysis to compare the way two texts present similar ideas.      
Essay Prompts Writing a Research-Based Argumentative Essay about Technology Write an argumentative essay about whether you think technology and the Internet have brought young people closer together. Use evidence from research to support your position.      
Projects Creating a Blog In this assignment, you will choose a side on an issue and use credible sources to research reasons and evidence to develop your argument. Then, you will create a blog that states your viewpoint using a consistent tone, multimedia components, and interactive elements that enhance the experience for readers      
Projects Creating a PSA Create a public service advertisement (PSA) encouraging physical health through an active lifestyle.      
Projects Creating a Storyboard for a Shakespeare Scene Create a storyboard for an adaptation of Romeo’s soliloquy from Act II, Scene ii.      
Projects Creating a Multimedia Presentation Create a multimedia presentation on the topic of unity.      
Short Writing Assignments Compare and Contrast: Myths and Cultures (Continued) Write an analysis that compares and contrasts the way two myths show one important feature of their culture.      
Short Writing Assignments The Odyssey: Writing a Character Analysis, Part 3 Write a paragraph that evaluates Odysseus’s qualifications as an epic hero. Select the link below to view the reading for reference. The Odyssey: from ""Sea Perils and Defeat”      
Short Writing Assignments Writing about Mood in Art Write a caption to appear next to Vincent van Gogh’s "Portrait of Dr. Gachet” in a museum. In the caption, explain the mood the artwork creates and the tools the artist uses.      
Short Writing Assignments Writing an Analysis of "To Build a Fire," Part 3 Write a paragraph that analyzes how Jack London presents the location, problems, or people from a real event in history in his short story “To Build a Fire.”      
Short Writing Assignments Writing an E-mail about an Important Issue Write an e-mail to a government or school official in which you propose an effective solution to a problem in your community or school.      
Short Writing Assignments Writing a Shakespearean Sonnet Write a sonnet using the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form.      
Short Writing Assignments Writing an Argument Based on “The Most Dangerous Game,” Part 3 Write a paragraph in which you argue whether or not Rainsford’s final action in "The Most Dangerous Game” is justified.      
Short Writing Assignments Writing an Analysis of The Dark Game, Part 4 Write a paragraph that analyzes how Paul Janeczko introduces a topic and engages the reader in Chapter 5 of The Dark Game.      
Short Writing Assignments Argument Technique in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (Continued) Write a paragraph analyzing how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses argument techniques to achieve his purpose.      
Short Writing Assignments Writing a Works Cited Page Create a properly formatted works cited page for a research paper about the Little Rock Nine. Include at least five sources to support the research paper. Use the provided list of sources. Select the link below to view possible sources.      
Short-Response Prompts Introduction to Mythology Summarize the plot of the myth “The Beginnings of the Maasai.”      
Short-Response Prompts Compare and Contrast: Myths and Cultures Explain which culture’s values more closely match your own, and why.      
Short-Response Prompts Heroic Characteristics in "Perseus" Think about the heroic characteristics and values you discovered in the myth “Perseus.” Which heroic characteristics and values do you recognize in people who are considered heroic in today’s world? Explain.       
Short-Response Prompts Suspense in "The Cruel Tribute" Explain how the author creates the suspenseful moment when the Minotaur arrives. Use the passage if you need to review the story’s climax.      
Short-Response Prompts The Odyssey and Epic Poetry: An Introduction, Part 1 Read the passage. Identify the central idea and key details. Then, paraphrase the passage.      
Short-Response Prompts The Odyssey: Central Ideas and Character Motivation, Part 2 What motivates Cyclops to ask Poseidon to interfere with Odysseus’s journey home?        
Short-Response Prompts The Odyssey: Symbolism and Making Predictions, Part 5 How are the Greek values of family and perseverance shown through Odysseus’s return home?       
Short-Response Prompts The Odyssey: Theme Development, Part 6 Use what you know about Odysseus and how he has changed over the course of his journey to explain how the theme “true strength is knowing when not to act” is shown in the story.      
Short-Response Prompts Using Reference Resources Use this online dictionary to look up the word recalcitrant. Describe the word’s origin, the most common meaning of the word, two synonyms, and two antonyms.      
Short-Response Prompts Researching and Writing about a Mythical Character Paraphrase this passage to explain what a hero stands for.      
Short-Response Prompts Introduction to Individuality and Conformity: "Initiation" Read this passage. In your own words, explain how the central conflict leads Millicent to change.      
Short-Response Prompts Introduction to Individuality and Conformity: "Initiation" What do you think Millicent will say to the sorority sisters? Write dialogue that Millicent might say when the initiation is over and she goes upstairs.      
Short-Response Prompts Characters, Conflict, and Idioms in "Daughter of Invention" by Julia Alvarez Read the passage about Yoyo. In two to three sentences, explain how language reveals a conflict she experiences.      
Short-Response Prompts Word Choice and Extended Metaphor in a Poem by Maya Angelou Write four to six sentences explaining the use of extended metaphor in the poem "Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou.      
Short-Response Prompts Viewpoint in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Write four to six sentences describing Momma or Mrs. Flowers. In your analysis, include at least two personality traits of the person. Support your ideas about the individual’s personality traits with evidence from the text.      
Short-Response Prompts Parts of Speech: Words and Basic Phrases Revise the passage by changing all of the gerunds to infinitives and all of the infinitives to gerunds. “Giving is one of the best things people can do. To volunteer their time shows what caring people they are.”      
Short-Response Prompts Parts of Speech: Words and Basic Phrases Make the sentence more precise by specifying the type of store, the time, and the location. "I went to the store.”      
Short-Response Prompts Introducing a Text in Wheels of Change, Part 1 Use details from the passage to write a short prediction about what you will learn in Wheels of Change.      
Short-Response Prompts Word Choice and Evidence in Wheels of Change, Part 3 Explain what a viewpoint is, and describe two ways of effectively supporting a viewpoint.      
Short-Response Prompts Cause and Effect in Wheels of Change, Part 4 Write two to three sentences explaining how women’s clothing changed over time as a result of the bicycle.      
Short-Response Prompts Developing Central Ideas in Wheels of Change, Part 5 Summarize how the central idea "in the 1890s, women excelled in bicycle racing, despite some disapproval” is shown in the chapter.       
Short-Response Prompts Organization and Historical Context in Wheels of Change, Part 6 Describe the connection between the history of the bicycle and the history of women at the end of the 1800s.      
Short-Response Prompts Making Inferences about a Time Period in "A Century Ride" Based on Grace E. Denison’s story “A Century Ride,” make two inferences about changing female roles during the time period. Support your inferences with details from the story, and explain how the details support the inferences.      
Short-Response Prompts Making Inferences about a Time Period in "A Century Ride" Rewrite the passage using contemporary language and style. Be sure to include all key details, but you can change them to match modern things.      
Short-Response Prompts Creating a PSA Examine the public service advertisement. Be sure to look at the full PSA and the close-up view. Write three to five sentences explaining how two or more elements of the advertisement convey the viewpoint effectively.      
Short-Response Prompts Comparing Poetry: Poetic Devices In two to four sentences, write an analysis explaining how John Masefield’s poem “Sea Fever” is written in a fixed poetic structure.      
Short-Response Prompts Summarizing Central Ideas and Purpose: The Hot Zone Use the space to objectively summarize the central idea of a section of The Hot Zone by Richard Preston.      
Short-Response Prompts Comparing Argumentative Texts: Silent Spring and "A Case for Waawaatesi" Which text provides the more effective argument? Include details about the appeals and structures of the two texts to support your position.      
Short-Response Prompts Introduction to Making a Difference: It's Our World, Too! Write four to six sentences describing the development and resolution of the conflict in the text.      
Short-Response Prompts Descriptive Language and Character: Iqbal How does this fictionalized story of Iqbal help you understand the life of a real child laborer like Iqbal?      
Short-Response Prompts Comparing Accounts of Iqbal’s Story Think about the two texts you read in this lesson and how they present different aspects of the same story. How did reading both texts enrich your understanding of Iqbal’s story?      
Short-Response Prompts Word Choice and Author’s Purpose in Warriors Don’t Cry Write two to three sentences explaining Melba Beals’s purpose for writing Warriors Don’t Cry. Consider using details about the central ideas, mood, or historical context to support your conclusion.      
Short-Response Prompts Word Choice and Author’s Purpose in Warriors Don’t Cry Read this passage once silently. Then, reread it aloud using strategies for reading fluently. Write three to five sentences explaining any strategies you used and what new understanding you gained from the text as a result of reading it aloud.      
Short-Response Prompts Speaking and Listening: Effective Group Discussions Answer this question in three to four sentences: How can a participant in a group discussion be an effective speaker?      
Short-Response Prompts Speaking and Listening: Effective Group Discussions Describe the steps that you would take to effectively prepare for a discussion about a debatable issue.      
Short-Response Prompts Speaking and Listening: Effective Group Discussions In a group discussion, a participant says, “I hate walking. Why walk when you can just get a ride?” Write three to four sentences in which you share your own viewpoint. Be sure to provide evidence and refer to the passage you just read.      
Short-Response Prompts Speaking and Listening: Effective Group Discussions What have you learned about working with others in a formal setting that will help you be successful in group discussions? Respond in two to three sentences.      
Short-Response Prompts Characterization, Theme, and Irony in "The Gift of the Magi" In two to three sentences, explain a characteristic that Della and Jim have in common and what this characteristic shows about their relationship.      
Short-Response Prompts Characterization, Theme, and Irony in "The Gift of the Magi" In two to three sentences, explain how the story supports the theme “Those who sacrifice for each other are the wisest.”      
Short-Response Prompts Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm in a Sonnet by William Shakespeare In one to two sentences, explain the central idea of the final couplet of the poem.      
Short-Response Prompts Narrative Elements in “Pyramus and Thisbe”, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses Consider the part of the poem you just read. What do you think is most likely to happen to Thisbe next? Write your response in one to two sentences.      
Short-Response Prompts Narrative Elements in “Pyramus and Thisbe”, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses Write two to three sentences explaining one way that Ovid creates suspense in "Pyramus and Thisbe.” Support your response with details from the poem.      
Short-Response Prompts An Introduction to Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 Paraphrase these lines from the prologue in two to three sentences.      
Short-Response Prompts An Introduction to Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 Is revealing the outcome of the plot in the prologue an effective technique for creating suspense, or would you prefer not to be told what will happen? Support your opinion with reasons in two to three sentences.      
Short-Response Prompts Characters and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet, Part 3 Why is a sonnet an effective way for Romeo and Juliet to speak when they first meet? Write two to three sentences explaining your answer.      
Short-Response Prompts Soliloquy and Figures of Speech in Romeo and Juliet, Part 4 Reflect on your experience with watching the scene performed versus your experience of reading it. How were they different? Was any element emphasized more in one version? Was any element missing from one? Explain your answer in two to three sentences.      
Short-Response Prompts Literary Devices in Romeo and Juliet, Part 5 Make an inference about Friar Laurence and Romeo’s relationship, and compare it to the nurse and Juliet’s relationship. Write three sentences describing the similarities between these two relationships.      
Short-Response Prompts Conflict Development in Romeo and Juliet, Part 6 Answer this question in three to four sentences. How do Romeo’s banishment and the change in Juliet’s wedding date affect the central conflict of the play?      
Short-Response Prompts Conflict Development in Romeo and Juliet, Part 6 Write two to three sentences explaining how the secrecy of Romeo and Juliet’s marriage creates complications in Juliet’s relationship with her parents.      
Short-Response Prompts Themes and Resolution in Romeo and Juliet, Part 8 Explain how the resolution of the play helps develop a theme related to secrets, fate, or love.      
Short-Response Prompts Introduction to Mystery and Suspense: "The Raven" In three to four sentences, describe how Poe uses imagery and sound devices to create mood in "The Raven.”      
Short-Response Prompts Making Predictions and Visualizing with “The Most Dangerous Game,” Part 2 This passage from the story describes Rainsford setting the Malay mancatcher trap. Write three to five sentences explaining how the film version of this scene is similar to or different from the written scene. Why do you think the filmmakers made these choices?      
Short-Response Prompts Mood and Narrative Techniques in "Lather and Nothing Else” Compare the pace of the middle and end of the story. How is the pace different? Why do you think the author chose to change the pace in different parts of the text? Write three or four sentences to explain your answer.      
Short-Response Prompts The Art of Creating Suspense: Central Ideas of Two Authors This quotation states the central idea of Child’s article. In three or four sentences, explain how Child developed this idea.      
Short-Response Prompts The Art of Creating Suspense: Central Ideas of Two Authors Use this space to take notes as you listen [to the interview with Karin Slaughter, audio clip].      
Short-Response Prompts The Art of Creating Suspense: Central Ideas of Two Authors Compare what Child and Slaughter think about suspense. Based on their ideas and your own ideas about suspense, explain what you think is the most effective way to build suspense.      
Short-Response Prompts Writing a Literary Analysis through the Lens of a Quotation Write the thesis statement for your essay.      
Short-Response Prompts Summarizing Central Ideas in The Dark Game, Part 1 Reflect on the central ideas presented in The Dark Game. Then, write a two- or three-sentence summary of the text in your own words.      
Short-Response Prompts Supporting Conclusions with Evidence in The Dark Game, Part 2 Write four to five sentences supporting the inference that the British waited until they were sure the telegram would encourage the US to enter the war. Identify at least two pieces of evidence from the passage, and explain how that evidence leads to the inference.      
Short-Response Prompts Author’s Purpose and Viewpoint in The Dark Game, Part 3 In one or two sentences, state the controlling idea of Chapter 5 of The Dark Game. Remember that the controlling idea includes both the topic of the chapter and the author’s viewpoint on the topic.      
Short-Response Prompts Using Strategies and Word Patterns: The Code Book, Part 1 Write four to five sentences explaining how the central idea of The Code Book, that the information we share over the Internet is not as protected as we think it is, relates to the context of your own life.      
Short-Response Prompts Evaluating an Argument and Questioning: The Code Book, Part 2 Write three to five sentences evaluating the author’s argument. In your response, identify and evaluate the claim and whether the evidence supports the reason and the claim.      
Short-Response Prompts Writing a Compare-and-Contrast Essay about Presentation of Ideas Write a thesis statement that introduces the topic and main argument for your compare-and-contrast essay.      
Short-Response Prompts Historical Context and Conflict in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Part 1 Write two to three sentences that explore the effect of the conflict on Turner Buckminster.      
Short-Response Prompts Narration and Point of View in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Part 2 The author chose to tell this story from the perspective of children, rather than adults. Is this strategy effective for recounting the story of the injustice done to the people of Malaga Island? Write three to four sentences to support your position, and include details from the story.      
Short-Response Prompts The Art of Rhetoric in Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address In three to four sentences, briefly explain how Lincoln uses rhetorical appeals to influence his listeners. Use examples from the speech to support the rhetorical appeals that you identify.      
Short-Response Prompts Structure and Narrative: Rosa Parks' Memoir, My Story Write three to four sentences explaining how the structures Rosa Parks uses in her memoir help her share her past experience.      
Short-Response Prompts Writing Coherent Sentences Write one sentence that correctly combines the two sample sentences. Consider using more-specific words in your revision. The clown at the party was very nice. I did not think that the clown was funny.      
Short-Response Prompts Tracing the Central Idea in "A Quilt of a Country" In two to three sentences, explain how the context of Quindlen’s piece affects your understanding of the central idea. Use details from the op-ed in your response.      
Short-Response Prompts Rhetoric and Structure in Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms Speech Write two to three sentences explaining one or more values of the United States based on ideas in both the Gettysburg Address and the Four Freedoms speech      
Short-Response Prompts          
Short-Response Prompts Speaking and Listening: Planning a Multimedia Presentation Create a presentation to convince a school principal to create an activity or group that brings teenagers together. In four to five sentences, write a plan for your presentation. Explain the steps you will take to make a presentation to convince a school principal to create an activity or group that brings teenagers together.      
Short-Response Prompts Speaking and Listening: Planning a Multimedia Presentation Imagine that you are presenting to a group of young children to convince them to participate in a group or activity once it is created. How would your presentation change for this audience? Write roughly two sentences explaining your answer.      
Short-Response Prompts Creating a Multimedia Presentation Imagine that you have just given a presentation on using sports to create unity. Practice answering this question: What about people who don’t like to play sports?