In this unit of study, students will focus on investigating the ways authors develop the use of language and how plot structures impact meaning. They will also be investigating concepts of conformity and rebellion and how that connects to the mystery, tension, and surprise as illustrated in the anchor text A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. In supplements connected to the anchor, students will have an opportunity to reflect on the ways poverty and discrimination can affect families and create conflict within society.

Students can analyze the play and complete a cold-read of a supplemental text to show their mastery of the reading standards. It is also suggested they be given an opportunity to write a research paper based on the reading standards (word choice, plot structure, and the tensions presented in the play) and investigated across the unit.

Over the course of the unit, students will build knowledge around:

The first play produced on Broadway by an African American.
Conformity and rebellion within social structures and family units.
The use of word choice on meaning and tone.
How an author can build and order a text to create mystery, tension, and surprise.
Reflect on the way personal experiences can inspire the written and spoken word.
Understand there are a variety of purposes for writing (can include inquiry, exploration, analysis, and interpretation)

Essential Questions for Unit 3:

How are tradition and progress interconnected?
What is tradition?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of tradition?
How do traditions influence who individuals become?
What is progress? What are the benefits and drawbacks of progress?
How does progress influence who individuals become?

Updated August 2022