Page 75 - SpringBoard_CloseReading_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

Close Reading of informational Texts in social studies/history (continued)
ACTIvITy 4
Synthesis Questions
Your teacher may choose or ask you to choose one of the following assessments as a way of showing your understanding of the texts you have read.
Writing Prompt: Review the two texts that you have read commenting on the ideals of American freedom and unity. Both writers, Linda Monk and Alexis de Tocqueville are separated from the authors of the Constitution—one by time period and one by nationality. Revisit the work you have done with both texts, and consider how the perspectives of a modern scholar and a French citizen can help us to understand the ideals of the Founding Fathers. Which written text demonstrates a stronger understanding of how these ideals contributed to American government and culture? Use evidence from both passages as well as the Constitution itself to support your choice.
Debate/Discussion: Prepare to debate or discuss the how different Constitutional amendments have contributed to American society. With a partner or small group, conduct research to select one amendment that you feel has made a major impact on America today. Why was this amendment important at the time, and how is it still relevant today? Make notes of your ideas. Use your notes to participate in a class discussion about the relative importance of the Constitutional amendments.
Multimedia Presentation: The photograph of protesters in front of the White House is a modern manifestation of citizens enjoying the rights afforded by the First Amendment. What other texts or media could be added to this collection? Locate other images and texts that illustrate how the amendment process has affected American citizens in modern history. Prepare to share the original texts (including references to the relevant Constitutional amendments) with your class. Consider using a multimedia presentation tool to arrange and present your findings.
Reflection
Think about what you have learned from your close reading and analysis of the text passages you have read in this workshop.
1. To what extent were the ideals of our Founding Fathers a reflection of their desire to distinguish America from England? How has this desire affected our government and culture?
2. In this workshop, you have learned how to make meaning of three different texts.
How can you use what you have learned to help you as you encounter challenging texts in the future? What strategies best helped you as a learner during this workshop? When and why would you use these strategies in the future?
18 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 6
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