The Blind Side: Expository Writing

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

7

Overview

This video clip is from the movie The Blind Side. This clip shows the main character, Michael, attempting to submit an analytical response/essay on a reading if his choice, "Charge of the Light Brigade." This clip shows his ability to think through a text and previews the "mental" writing process. It is a great introduction activity to work to set a purpose for a lesson and show the importance of being able to write these types of texts, as Michael's future depends on the success of this last writing assignment.

Phase

Before/Engage
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 7

ELA21.7.7

Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

UP:ELA21.7.7

Vocabulary

  • Narrative writing
  • Argument writing
  • Informative/explanatory writing
  • Writing development
  • Writing organization
  • Style
  • Tone
  • Task
  • Purpose
  • Audience
  • Command of language

Knowledge

Students know:
  • A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story.
  • The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position.
  • Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources.
  • The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience.
  • Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings.
  • Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
  • Demonstrate command of the written language.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes.
  • The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
  • Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language.

Learning Objectives

Students should be able to notice the main character's thought process as he writes the essay and to discuss the importance of being able to write information/expository texts based off of the visual example we watched.

Activity Details

Before starting to dive into expository/informational writing with students, the teacher will show the above clip from the movie The Blind Side.

As students watch, the teacher can ask thought provoking questions, such as "How do you know that he is thinking about what he is writing?" "Why is it important that he write this essay well?" "Why is it important that you, as students, know how to write essays?"

Assessment Strategies

Teachers will measure the effectiveness of the lesson introduction through observation of discussion. Teachers may also choose to make an exit slip that asks, "What is the importance of being able to effectively write an informational/expository text?"

Background / Preparation

It is recommended that the teacher become familiar with the movie and explain to students that this essay holds the future for Michael in the movie. It would be helpful to let students know that Michael's football scholarships depend upon his grades which are reflective of his writing abilities.

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