1.2 Responding to Prose
Task:
For this assignment you will be actively reading and then answering five questions on the short story ''Borders'' by Thomas King. King was born in California, but he has spent much of his life teaching and writing in Canada and the Upper Midwest. Of Cherokee as well as German and Irish descent, King has used much of his work to explore the diversity of Native American life today. The short story "Borders" raises questions about citizenship, community, and identity.
- Click here for a copy of the story.
First, actively read the story using the SQ3R strategy. Use the graphic organizer. You should hand this in. Use these notes and with reference to the story, answer the following questions. Be sure to answer in complete sentences using correct English.
1.Construct a plot outline showing the plot structure of "Borders". Watch the video below to review the 5 parts of plot. You should have at least 7 events on your plot outline.
2. Thomas King includes a number of flashbacks in the story. Define flashback, cite an example from the story, and then explain the purpose of the flashback you chose.
3. Think about the 3 main characters: the mother, the boy (narrator), and Laetitia. List three character traits for each one and provide evidence from the story (a quotation). You can use the list of character traits found in Class Handouts at the top of the course
4. Discuss the conflict in the story? Identify the type of conflict. Why does it arise? How is it resolved? Is the resolution realistic? Do you agree or disagree with the resolution of the conflict? Watch the video below to review conflict and the types of conflict found in literature.
5. In a clear and coherent paragraph of 200-300 words, discuss Mel's statement "[Your mother] was an inspiration to us all". In refusing to identify herself as Canadian, do you think the mother is making a political statement, intending to become a "cause"? Or is she following her heart? Or is she simply being stubborn? Do you agree that she is "an inspiration to us all"? Your topic sentence should identify the title of the story as well state your opinion. Make reference to the text in your paragraph. Use the ACE-it paragraph writing strategy which was explained in the book called 1.2 Reading and Responding to Prose.
Assessment: Below you will find the exemplary criteria used to assess the assignment.
Learning Target: Exemplary (6/6): Exemplary comprehension of the task and clear accomplishment of the objective. Student demonstrates exemplary active reading skills to survey, question, read, recite, record, review and respond to questions on a selection of prose. All activities are complete and correctly answered. Ideas generated are thoughtful and unique.
Written Expression: Exemplary (6/6): Sentence structure and vocabulary are varied, skillfully written, and carefully chosen. Work has been proofread and there are few or no errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Content contributes to the central idea and makes insightful connections with logical organization.
Estimated Allotted Time: 45 min. to 1 hour
Submission: "1.2 Responding to Prose"
This is where you will upload your assignment to your teacher for marking.
You will upload the file (.docx, .pdf, .png or .ppt) containing your assignment.
Name the file with your name and the title. eg. Sally Brown Borders
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- Upload the file containing your assignment under File submission
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- OR provide the shareable link from your Google drive in the online text box.