Page 90 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade6_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 1.13
continued
7. What techniques does the author use to create the exposition?
8. Myths often try to explain natural phenomenon (such as earthquakes and volcanos) or teach a lesson (such as “respect your elders”). This myth has a lesson for the reader. What is its lesson or theme?
Language and Writer’s Craft: Varied Sentence Patterns
Why is it important to vary your sentence patterns? Adding sentence variety gives life and rhythm to writing. Too many sentences with the same structure and length can become boring for readers. Varying sentence style and structure can also reduce repetition and add emphasis. Long sentences work well for incorporating a lot of information, and short sentences can often emphasize crucial points.
• Dialogue most often consists of short sentences in a simple pattern, usually questions, comments, exclamations, or commands.
• The use of and as a coordinating conjunction creates longer sentences.
9. Return to the myth of “Daedalus and Icarus” Choose a section of text to reread and examine the sentences. Mark a variety of sentence patterns, and analyze the beginnings of sentences. Take notes in the My Notes margin.
• Highlight a short sentence. What was the effect of the sentence length or pattern?
• Underline a long sentence, and note when the coordinating conjunction “and” is used. What is the effect of the sentence length or pattern?
• Identify a sentence that stands out to you. Is it long or short, and what is its effect?
Writing Prompt: Think of another natural phenomenon or lesson people should learn. Write the beginning or exposition to your own unique myth. Be sure to
• Establish the story’s context by introducing the setting, characters, and conflict of the story.
• Use figurative language.
• Use a variety of sentence lengths and patterns.
my Notes
Unit 1 • Stories of Change 63
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.