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RL.7.4

Description: Craft and Structure Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, or mood, including the impact of repeated use of particular images.
Maps to Reading Plus skills: 4B, 5A, 6C

Exemplars

5A: Examining Text Structure

5A: Examining Text Structure

Description: Examining Text Structure

SeeReader
✓ standard met

Selection: G-8

G-8

Grade level: 7
Word count: 1746 words
Author: Anonymous
Synopsis: Can young Arthur pull the sword from the stone?
Excerpt: "I am not your father nor related to you," said Sir Hector. "I must now reveal the secret I long have kept. You were brought to me in infancy, and I and my wife have raised you as our own son. Who you truly are I cannot say. Only Merlin the magician knows, but I feel certain you are of nobler blood than I can boast."

Question: Which quote represents an important change in the plot?
  1. "I am not your father nor related to you."
  2. "My brother Kay shall not be without a sword."
  3. "There is fraud or magic in this."
  4. "Rise, I pray. It pains me deeply to see you like that."

Writing
✓ standard met

Writing prompt: Explain an author's use of description in a selection, and how the description shaped the way you viewed and understood the person, object, or event described.

Evaluator

Organization: Certica Solutions

6C: Recognizing Mood/Tone

6C: Recognizing Mood/Tone

Description: Recognizing Mood and Tone

SeeReader
✓ standard met

Selection: G-9

G-9

Grade level: 7
Word count: 1662 words
Author: Anonymous
Synopsis: Will a plan to fly out of prison be successful?
Excerpt: That was a joyous day for father and son. The father had never before drunk deeper of the intoxicating wine of Success. For the lad it was all pure joy. Never before had he known freedom and power so utterly glorious. As a little child he had watched birds fly far away over the blue hills to where the sun was setting. He had longed for wings that he might follow them in their flight.

Question: In this excerpt, the author creates a mood of
  1. jubilation.
  2. nervousness.
  3. outrage.
  4. suspicion.

Writing
✓ standard met

Writing prompt: What kinds of language or other text structure elements (tone) are used to create an excited or adventurous mood? Use details from a selection you have read to illustrate and explain your answer.

Evaluator

Organization: Certica Solutions

4B: Interpreting Analogies

4B: Interpreting Analogies

Description: Interpreting Analogies

SeeReader
✓ standard met

Selection: G-42

G-42

Grade level: 7
Word count: 1959 words
Author: Diane Lang
Synopsis: A "philosopher" inspires a community project to restore courage and kindness to the school.
Excerpt: I told Mr. Matas about my desire to be a doctor and repair deformities like mine, so other kids wouldn't be ridiculed or beaten like me. Mr. Matas inquired about my schoolwork and then asked about the boys who taunted me. Because he was so kind, I described my dismal situation, but admitted I was reluctant to request assistance from my parents and teachers.

"Stay strong," he urged. "Withered plants will eventually revive with sufficient watering."

Question: In this excerpt, when Mr. Matas uses the phrase "withered plants," he is really talking about the
  1. bullies at Jordi's school.
  2. parents in Mamelodi.
  3. flowers in his employer's garden.
  4. teachers at Jordi's school.

Writing
✓ standard met

Writing prompt: Write short paragraphs that demonstrate use of simile, metaphor, idiom, and hyperbole.

Evaluator

Organization: Certica Solutions