The White Umbrella

Standard:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text

CCSS.ELA-Literacy .RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

Essential Question: How can an author use symbolism to help convey theme?

Objectives:

-Annotate “The White Umbrella” to create a deeper understanding of the text

-Interpret symbolism

-Evaluate theme

-Write an argumentative paragraph using textual evidence to support a claim

  1. Read “The White Umbrella” by Gish Jen and write notes or annotations along the way
  2. Class notes on theme, symbolism, argumentative writing (claim, outline)
  3. Brief class discussion of the story
  4. Review of narrative elements - what happened in the story
  5. Review symbolism as a class and what Jen uses as a symbol throughout the text
  6. Reflect on this idea independently (this should be written as part)
  7. Use these notes and discussion to determine the theme - write it down!

Write an argumentative paragraph to either refute or support the following statement- The theme is: always listen to your parents.

-In order to successfully address the prompt you have to provide the true theme if you disagree with this statement.

-Paragraph must include examples with support (warrants) --> how the example connects back to the text and proves your idea to be accurate

-Remember that argumentative writing is text driven so there must be TEXT support!

Rubric for “The White Umbrella”

_____ / 4 Prompt is correctly addressed / focus of response

-Statement of claim is focused, clearly stated, and maintained

-The question is clearly and logically answered and the only topic discussed throughout the response

_____ / 4 Organization

-Logical progression of ideas

-Introduction and conclusion present– clear thesis or claim

-Connection among ideas

_____ / 6Support and Elaboration

-Clear use of evidence

-Text support for evidence

_____ / 2Conventions

-Effective use of punctuation, capitalization, and spelling

-Less than two errors in conventions - that includes appropriate tone (only 3rd person)

_____ / 1Rubric is attached

_____ / 3Clear outline of ideas and rough draft attached

_____ / 20Total (Writing Grade)