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Language Arts - Secondary Curriculum English Language Arts Grade 9-10
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Reading: Informational Text Standard 4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
  • Life on the Great Plains
    In this four-part lesson, students examine the concept of geographic region by exploring the history of the Great Plains. Learning objectives include: to explore the concept of region and learn how culture and experience influence the perception of regions; to investigate the relationships between physical geography and human systems of culture and settlement; to trace the history and character of a region as reflected in literature and art; to examine factors that influenced westward expansion in the United States.
  • Perspective on the Slave Narrative
    This lesson plan introduces students to one of the most widely-read genres of 19th-century American literature and an important influence within the African American literary tradition even today. The lesson focuses on the Narrative of William W. Brown, An American Slave (1847), which, along with the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845), set the pattern for this genre and its combination of varied literary traditions and devices. To help students recognize the complex nature of the slave narrative, the lesson explores Brown's work from a variety of perspectives.
  • Reading Comprehension Connection
    Students: Interactive text comprehension includes sentences, reading for understanding and reading strategy. NOTE: This website is specifically focused on ESL students.
  • Reading Formal and Informal Texts
    In this video lesson, students decide when formal or informal language is best. (14 minutes)
  • Self-Assessment Rubric - Close Reading of Informational Text
    This self-assessment reading rubric will help Grade 9 and 10 students assess their reading of informational text.
  • Using Informational Texts - Section One
    Text Selections based on Text Complexity (Grade Band 9-10)
  • Using Informational Texts - Section Two
    Teacher & Student Editions - Learning Tasks and Cognitive Rigor (Grade Band 9-10)


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Naomi  Watkins and see the Language Arts - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.