Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
#
Who is Henry David Thoreau?
1
2
Central Idea
Henry David Thoreau has made many
contributions to both American literature and
American political thinking.
Supporting Details
Personal Response
Many advanced students and even world leaders have
referred to Thoreau’s writings.
If Thoreau is so important, I wonder why I
never heard of him before.
These writings include his book Walden and his essay
“Civil Disobedience”
Which world leaders referred to Thoreau
and his writings?
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
Understanding Non-Fiction
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
Who is Henry David Thoreau?
#
Central Idea
Supporting Details
Personal Response
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
#
Central Idea
Supporting Details
Personal Response
Understanding Non-Fiction
1
#
PPhiloPhilosophy
Transcendentalism, An American Philosophy
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
2
The term transcendentalism is a simple idea.
Central Idea
ALL people understand themselves and the world
around them in a way that goes beyond just the
physical senses.
Supporting Details
How can a person understand something
they can’t physically see hear, touch, etc.?
Maybe this is like believing in God for some
people. They can’t see God but they just
believe God exists.
Personal Response
PPhiloPhilosophy
Transcendentalism, An American Philosophy
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
Transcendentalism, An American Philosophy and Who Is Thoreau?
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
Challenging Text #4 – Non-Fiction









Do a quick read of Transcendentalism, An American Philosophy while highlighting all challenging words.
Define all of the challenging words directly in the text by replacing the challenging words with simpler words that make sense. (5 points)
Re-read Transcendentalism, An American Philosophy.
For each paragraph, chart IN YOUR OWN WORDS the main idea, the supporting details, and a personal response. Use number 1,
which has been done for you, as a model. (10 points)
Do a quick read of Who Is Thoreau? while highlighting all challenging words.
Define all of the challenging words directly in the text by replacing the challenging words with simpler words that make sense. (5 points)
Re-read Who Is Thoreau?
For each paragraph, chart IN YOUR OWN WORDS the main idea, the supporting details, and a personal response. Use number 1,
which has been done for you, as a model. (10 points)
Do entry #4 in your Writer’s Notebook. Be sure to set up your notebook properly, and add it to your ToC. Title it-- Who is Thoreau and
why is he important?
 Paragraph one—introduction—explain who Thoreau is
 Paragraph two—explain one reason why Thoreau is important—use examples/details to support your answer
 Paragraph three—explain another reason why Thoreau is important—use examples/details to support your answer
 Paragraph four—conclusion
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Period______________________________