Suggested: 6 weeks, Semester 2
Central Text
Selections
Anchor Text:
Epic Poem: from the
Odyssey by Homer p. 365
LG: Analyze elements of an
epic poem, such as plot,
setting, theme, and
character as well as its
figurative language.
Travel Writing: from The
Cruelest Journey: 600 Miles
to Timbuktu by Kira Salak
1030L, p.421
LG: Determine the central
idea of a text, analyze the
ideas and events presented,
and cite text evidence.
Grade 9 – English 1 Intensive Language Arts— Collection 6 – “Heroes and Quests”
EQ: How do we learn about ourselves through our life
Close Reader
Selections
experiences?
How can experiences teach you about who you are as a person?
Reading Focus
Close Reader:
Excerpt from Epic Poem:
“The Cyclops” from the
Odyssey by Homer p. 420c
Close Reader:
Nonfiction: The Good
Soldiers by David Finkel p.
432c
Characteristics of an Epic
Dialogue
Setting
Conflicts
Theme
Mood
Figurative Meanings
Archetype
Allusion
Imagery
Print Version
Additional
Suggested
Resources
Online Selection
Tests
HMH
Assessments
Writing Focus
Paraphrase
Central Ideas
Rhetorical Questions
Metaphor
Hero’s Journey
Narrative
Analysis
Editorial
Kylene Beers Discussion Terms
Teengagement
Intertextual Unit:
“Loneliness”
Listening & Speaking
Focus
Language Focus
(grammar, vocabulary, syntax)
Discussion
Prefixes
Latin Word Roots
Denotation
Connotation
Sentence Length
Synonyms
Antonyms
Transitions
Argument: “The Real
Reasons We Explore Space”
by Michael Griffin 1170L, p.
433
LG: Delineate and evaluate
an argument.
Formative and
Summative
Assessments
Novel:
Of Mice and Men
(will be addressed
on QBA2 exam)
Performance
Task: Research
and Write an
Analytical Essay
p. 445
Performance Task
Rubric: Analytical
Essay p.448
Academic Vocabulary
Poem: “The Journey” by
Mary Oliver p.441
LG: Interpret figurative
language.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
motivate (motivation, motivational)
objective (objectively, subjective)
pursuit (pursue, pursuer)
subsequent (subsequently, sequential)
undertake (undertaking, undertook)
Extensions Secondary Gifted Resources
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Analyze Character
Write an Analysis: Interactive Whiteboard
Lesson: Write an Analysis
Determine Meaning and Analyze Idea
Figurative Language and Imagery: Interactive
Whiteboard Lessons: Imagery
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Analyze a Free Verse Poem: Interactive
Whiteboard Lessons: Poetry: Language and
Form
Participate in Collaborative Discussion
Additional resource link- log into SharePoint to
access
Interventions ESE Accommodations - ELL Strategies
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Analyze Author’s Choices: Level Up Tutorial:
Universal and Recurring Themes
Analyze Ideas and Events: Level Up Tutorial:
Reading for Details
Delineate and Evaluate an Argument: Level Up
Tutorial: Analyzing Arguments

Interpret Figurative Language: Level Up Tutorial:
Figurative Language
Thematic Connections:
Connection:
Odyssey:
Odysseus battles 10 years to
return home to his wife & son.
The journey home propels him
to discover his place in the
world, which he must be
willing fight for, even when all
odds are against him.
Both texts celebrate the result of the
journey. Both are shaped and honed by
their experiences, which define their
place in this world- Odysseus by fighting
for his home and Salak by
acknowledging that the experience will
carry her through her journey of life.
Connection:
Both texts celebrate the knowledge
and strength gained from experiencing
the journey. The Odyssey celebrates
the strength and endurance as he
fights to return home and reclaim his
place in life. “The Journey” celebrates
the accomplishment of that comes
with choosing to begin the journey in
life by making your own way with
those first difficult steps.
The Journey
The poem expresses the
individual desire to follow our
own path and encourages the
reader to consider life’s journey,
leaving behind fear & doubt
which often make the first steps
of the journey seem
insurmountable.
The Cruelest Journey: 600
miles
to Timbuktu
Essential Question
:
How do we learn about ourselves
through our life experiences?
How can experiences teach you
about who you are as a person?
We all experience
journeys in life. We
face challenges, we
choose to move
forward, display
courage, and even find
“home.” It is our Hero’s
journey that defines our
individual existence &
the human experience.
Connection:
Both texts express the
importance of exploring and
beginning a journey. Griffin
argues that we explore to satisfy
a human need while the poem
emphasizes our need to
experience the journey of life.
A 600 mile kayak journey causes
st
Salak to become the 1 woman to
travel the Niger River in Africa. Her
journey pushes the limits of strength
and endurance both mentally and
physically. Her health, sanity, and
faith in herself are tested until the
journey (and the river) defines her.
Connection:
Both texts explore the desire to experience
a journey. Salak’s journey allowed her to
leave her mark as the first woman to
navigate the Niger River while Griffin
argues our need to leave our mark for
future generations.
The Real Reason We Explore
Space
Michael Griffin argues the
reasons we explore. Griffin
outlines that we are: driven to
explore to satisfy our desire to
excel/achieve, curiosity, and to
leave our mark on humanity
and for future generations.
Thematic Connections:
Connection:
Connection:
Essential Question:
Connection:
Connection: