English Language Arts Grade 9-10
Reading: Informational Text Standard 1
English Language Arts Grade 9-10
Reading: Informational Text Standard 6
English Language Arts Grade 9-10
Writing Standard 1 b.
1 class periods of 45 minutes each
Individual
Thinking & Reasoning
Students use a simple SOAPSTone form (College Board resource) to analyze six aspects of informational texts: subject, occasion, audience, purpose, speaker, and tone.
SOAPSTone handout (attached) Informational text
Teacher should be familiar with SOAPSTone analysis.
What is the SUBJECT of the piece? What are the general topics, content, and/or ideas contained in the text. How do you know this from the text? Summarize the text. |
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What is the OCCASION? What are the time and place? What prompted the author to write the piece? What event led to the development? How do you know this from the text? |
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Who is the AUDIENCE? To whom is the piece directed? What assumptions can you make about the audience? Are there any words or phrases that are unusual or different? Why is the speaker using this type of language? How do you know this from the text?
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What is the PURPOSE? What is the reason for the text? Why was it written? What goal did the author have in mind? How is the author trying to get a reaction from the audience? How do you know this from the text?
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Who is the SPEAKER? Who is the voice that is speaking? What do we know about this person? What is his/her background? Is there a bias in what is written? How do you know this from the text?
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What is the TONE of the piece? What is the attitude expressed by the speaker? How do you know this? Examine the words and imagery to show where in the text your answer is supported.
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Students will be able to analyze informational text. Students will be able to support their analysis of informational text with evidence from the text.
A simpler text to be analyzed should be used for struggling students, and a more challenging text could be given to more gifted students.
This is a good close reading strategy to use during research projects. Students could get into pairs or small groups after completing the form. They could discuss the claims and evidence and come to consensus.
SOAPSTone is a good formative assessment tool. Checking for understanding and use of evidence to support claims is the main focus. In general, an informal assessment, such as participation points, works well with this strategy.