Unit 1: Shared Humanity in Storytelling
Grade 7 Language Arts Core
Journal #1: Storytelling Reflection
A) Copy the definition.
Humanity is the human race, which includes everyone on Earth. It’s
also a word for the qualities that make us human, such as the ability to
love and have compassion, be creative, and not be a robot or alien
(Vocabulary.com).
B) Watch the video, “Persuasion and the Power of Storytelling.” Answer
the following question:
How do humanity, storytelling, and leadership connect? Draw a visual
to illustrate your response.
Journal #2: Epistemology
A) Read the excerpt from “Why Ancient Myths About Volcanoes Are
Often True.” Write a summary of the article.
B) Copy the definition.
Epistemology is the study of knowledge or the investigation of what
distinguishes justified belief from opinion.
C) Answer the following questions:
1. What assumptions do humans make about how knowledge can be
known?
2. What way of knowing is introduced in the text that shows the
importance of shared humanity?
Journal #3: Plot Map Notes
CH 1: PLOT NOTES, Pg. 4-5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
•
•
PLOT – series of events that tells us what happens in a story
BASIC SITUATION/EXPOSITION – setting and background information on characters
CONFLICT – problems or major obstacles faced by a character
A)
External conflict – a character struggles with an outside force, which may be another character, a group of
people, or a natural force
B)
Internal conflict – takes place within a character’s own mind
RISING ACTION/COMPLICATIONS – situations or events that develop the conflict and build tension
CLIMAX – the point in a story that creates the greatest suspense or interest. This is the point at which the conflict
is decided one way or another
FALLING ACTION – the direct effects of the climax that lead to the conclusion
RESOLUTION – how the story turns out; conclusion
SUBPLOTS – a minor plot that relates in some way to the main story
PARALLEL EPISODES – repeated elements of the plot
Journal #4: Consider Equality
Consider the positives and negatives of total equality. Then, come to a conclusion by
answering the question posed.
Yes
No
Question
Would the
world be a
better place if
all humans
were
physically and
mentally
equal?
Conclusion
After considering both sides of the argument, write your response.
Journal #5: Plot Map for “Harrison Bergeron”
Journal #6: Finding Theme in “Harrison Bergeron”
CH 3: THEME NOTES, Pg. 158-159
v THEME – a discovery of a truth about our own human experience
v MEANING – determined by both the author’s and the reader’s beliefs and
attitudes
v FINDING THEME – consult the title, characters, big moments, resolution
v THEME IS UNIVERSAL – humans share the same dreams and fears; long for
meaning to existence
Explain why Vonnegut would choose the following characters, details, and big moments
to include in his story. What do they symbolize? Use this information to determine
what you believe is the main theme of the short story.
1. Harrison Bergeron –
2. April Not Being Springtime –
3. Television –
4. Ballerinas –
5. Music / Dancing / Love –
6. Death of Harrison and Ballerina –
7. Diana Moon Glampers
8. George and Hazel Forgetting Harrison’s Death –
What is the main theme of the story?
Journal #7: Chance, Coincidence, Fate, and Luck
Copy the definitions:
Chance: The unknown, unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have
no assignable cause.
Coincidence: A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been
planned or arranged.
Fate: The supposed force or power that determines events. The outcomes of these
events are out of human control.
Luck: The chance happening of good or bad events; fortune.
Scenarios 1-4 were read in class.
Think about how the events in the scenario could have been different. If the characters
acted differently, could they have changed the outcome of the events?