Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Internal Conflict in Short Fiction: Part I

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

9

Overview

In this activity, students will complete a word web, analysis of text evidence, and cloze notes to prepare to analyze how author James Hurst uses internal conflict in the short fiction piece "The Scarlet Ibis" to create meaning in the piece as a whole.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 9

    ELA21.9.4

    Analyze how authors use characterization, connotation, denotation, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view to create and convey meaning in a variety of texts.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.9.4

    Vocabulary

    • Characterization
    • Connotation
    • Denotation
    • Figurative language
    • Literary elements
    • Point of view

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Authors choose to write from a particular point of view and use specific literary elements and vocabulary words to convey their intended meaning.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Identify characterization, connotation, denotation, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view in a variety of texts.
    • Analyze how characterization, connotation, denotation, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view creates and conveys meaning in a variety of texts.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Authors select particular literary elements and devices to create and convey meaning within their written work.

    Phase

    Before/Engage
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    The students will be able to describe characteristics of internal conflict.

    The students will identify and describe internal conflict in short fiction.

    Activity Details

    1. The teacher will pass out the "The Scarlet Ibis" full text or assign it digitally.

    2. The teacher will pass out the Scarlet Ibis Day 2 handout or assign it digitally.

    3. The teacher will download and display the Scarlet Ibis Day 2 Presentation.

    4. The students will complete the word web activity by rankling/listing words by the strength of connection to the words "pride" and "shame," following the presentation.

    5. The teacher will set a timer for approximately three (3) minutes. After time is called, the students and the teacher should discuss answers.

    6. The students will write the definitions of internal and external conflict on their handout.

    7. The students will find direct quotes/text evidence examples of internal and external conflict in the first nine (9) paragraphs of the text.

    8. The students will take notes on the specific characteristics of internal conflict.

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The teacher will observe each student's handout to check for completion of the word web and cloze notes.

    The teacher should collect handouts to make sure the text evidence examples listed for internal and external conflict reflect the given definitions of those terms.

    Approximate Duration

    Total Duration

    31 to 45 Minutes

    Related Learning Activities

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    • The teacher will need to print and make copies of the Scarlet Ibis Full text or assign it digitally.
    • The teacher will need to print and make copies of the Scarlet Ibis Day 2 Handout or assign it digitally.
    • The teacher will need to download and display the Scarlet Ibis Day 2 Presentation or assign it digitally.
    • This Activity begins at Paragraph 9 of the text and is intended for Day 2 of a larger study of literary devices in short fiction using this text.

    Digital Tools / Resources

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