“Author of Things Fall Apart, dies after brief illness”
Chinua Achebe, 1930-2013
By Robyn Dixon (Los Angeles Times)
Johannesburg
He was often called the father of African literature.
Acclaimed Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, who wrote “Things Fall Apart,” died Friday after a brief illness. He was 82.
Achebe, often called the father of African literature was best known for “Things Fall Apart,” about the Igbo (Ibo) culture and the impact of colonialism in Africa.
The novel, published in 1958, sold more than 12 million copies and was translated into dozens of languages.
His last book, last year’s “There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra,” was about the
Biafran region’s failed war of independence and resulting famine.
In 2007, he was awarded the Man Booker prize for his life’s work.
Achebe’s family issued a statement calling him one of the great literary voices of his time.
“He was also a beloved father, uncle and grandfather, whose wisdom and courage inspired all who knew him,” the statement said.
The Nelson Mandela Center of Memory on Friday sent condolences to Achebe’s family, describing him as “a great African writer and thinker.”
The center’s namesake, former South African President Nelson Mandela, “referred to professor
Achebe as a writer ‘in whose company the prison walls fell down,’” said a spokesman for the center, Sello Hatang.
It was not immediately clear where Achebe had died.
Achebe lived in America after suffering a car accident in 1990 that lect him in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down.
Achebe, who was professor of African studies at Brown University, loved and missed Nigeria immensely but condemned its authorities and widespread government corruption.
He twice rejected Nigerian attempts to honor him, most recently in 2011.
Achebe’s death was announced by a spokesman for the government in his home state of
Anambra, Nigeria.
Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathon on Friday called Achebe “a cultural icon.” Achebe’s frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs will be greatly missed at home in Nigeria,” he said in a statement.

“Author of Things Fall Apart, dies after brief illness”
1.
What is the central idea of this passage? a.
Chinua Achebe wrote and published Things Fall Apart b.
Chinua Achebe, the author of things Fall Apart, a Nigerian novel, died at 82 years old. c.
Chinua Achebe’s legacy goes beyond his novel, and includes his positive impact on society. d.
Chinua Achebe won many awards and accolades for his wisdom and great writing skills.
2.
What organizational strategy did the author use in presenting information about
Achebe’s impact as an author? a.
He goes in chronological order, beginning with Achebe’s childhood, and moving through adulthood, to his untimely death. b.
He uses excerpts from Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart to support his claims of
Achebe’s artistic mastery. c.
He uses long sentences and very complex words to get his point across about
Chinua Achebe’s greatness. d.
He uses quotes from people whose lives have been deeply affected by Achebe to prove his worth.
3.
Using context what is the best definition of the word “icon” in paragraph 15? a.
a father b.
a genius c.
a symbol d.
a protector
4.
Using context , what is the best definition of the word “ condemned ” in paragraph 12? a.
criticize b.
reward c.
praise d.
cleanse
5.
By using context , what is an antonym for the word “ frank
” in paragraph 16? a.
unfaithful b.
irresponsible c.
dishonest d.
immature
6.
What is the author’s purpose
for using the metaphor by Nelson Mandela in paragraph
9? a.
to inform the reader that Achebe helped Mandela get out of prison b.
to emphasize how liberating Achebe’s words are c.
to criticize Achebe’s uses of violence and bondage in his works d.
to emphasize the subtle irony Achebe adds to his writing

7.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathon, on Friday, called Chinua Achebe, “a cultural icon.” By using context, what is the best meaning of the phrase “ cultural icon
”? a.
a creator of African culture b.
a genius about African culture c.
a symbol of African culture d.
a protector of African culture
8.
What is most likely the reason why Chinua Achebe ‘. . . twice rejected Nigerian attempts to honor him, most recently in 2011.”? a.
He had always rejected his Nigerian heritage. b.
He had a distaste for his Igbo/Ibo roots since he is a Christian. c.
He did not want to visit his homeland since England colonized it. d.
He did not agree with the corruption in the Nigerian government.
Constructive Response Questions:
1.
Analyze the importance of Chinua Achebe as an author to, Africa, African literature and/or the world. Use textual evidence to support your ideas.
2.
In the article, Chinua Achebe is twice called, “. . . the father of African literature.”
Analyze what this means. Explain this statement citing textual evidence from the passage.

Literature-Common Core (Tested) Goals
R1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences from the text. textual evidence, infer
R2 Determine a theme or central idea , how it develops, emerges and is shaped and refined by the text. theme, motif
R3 Analyze how complex characters develop over a text, interact with other characters and advance the plot and /or develop the theme . character, characterization, dialogue, dialect, epiphany, plot, subplot
R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases including figurative and connotative meanings and analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices ( diction ) on meaning and tone . diction, tone, syntax, connotation, denotation, figurative language, idiom, epiphany, vocabulary in context, round and flat character, dynamic and static character,
R5
Analyze author’s choices about text structure, order of events, and manipulating time, and how these elements create effects (on the reader). mood, suspense, flashback
R6 Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience. narrator, setting
Informational-Common Core (Tested) Goals
R1 Cite strong thorough textual evidence to support what the text says explicitly and inferentially (implicitly).
R2 Determine a central idea (not theme) and analyze its development over the text, how it emerges and how it is shaped and refined by specific details.
R3 Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events including the order in which points are made, how they are introduced and developed and connection that are drawn between them.
R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases used in a text including figurative language and the impact on meaning and tone . (connotative and denotative)
R5 Analyze in detail how an author’s ideas or claims are developed or refined by particular sentences, paragraphs or large portions of a text.
R6 Analyze an author’s point of view
or purpose and how an author uses rhetori c to advance the point of view or purpose.
R8 Counterpoints - When an author makes the opposite point or presents the opposite idea

English II EOC Test Taking Tips
1.
Read every passage and every part of the passage including the title (first, before the questions).
2.
Read the questions carefully.
3.
Read each answer choice carefully.
4.
Choose the BEST answer.
5.
Take your time. (You have 4 hours.)
Vocabulary in Context Skills
1.
Use context (the words around an unknown word).
2.
Look for clues from the author (definitions or synonyms nearby).
3.
Use word etymology, prefixes, or suffixes.
EOC question identifiers assumption compare contrast connect convey correspond describe develop enhance establish evidence explain impact infer imply justify reveal summary significance cause and effect effect of the . . . purpose of the . . . which quote or sentence represents. . . how does the author develop. . . how does the author show the importance of. . .

Constructed Response Tips
1.
Proofread your response, especially after you are finished with the test. Flag the constructed response questions.
2.
Use the literary term and/or key words in the question.
3.
Provide textual evidence to support your answer. Use quotes.
4.
More writing is better than less writing. Too much writing is better than too little.
5.
Never get a 0 on constructive response. Always define the literary term in the question. Then use examples from text to elaborate on the idea/point.
Examples of Constructed Response Questions
1.
Explain the theme, how it is introduced, and how it developed in the passage.
2.
Analyze the author’s tone in the passage. Cite textual evidence of the tone.
3.
Analyze the language in the passage. Analyze how the author uses language to convey the theme or tone. Cite textual evidence.
4.
Analyze the imagery in the passage Explain the author’s purpose for using imagery
(or the effect the author creates).
5.
How does the author use language to advance point of view, purpose, suspense, diction, imagery, etc.

English II Literary Terms
1.
allegory
2.
allusion
3.
anachronism
4.
antagonist
5.
archetype
6.
caricature- an exaggerated characteristic of a person meant to ridicule or demean him/her
7.
central idea
8.
character
9.
characterization
10.
counterpoints
11.
connotation
12.
denotation
13.
diction
14.
dialect
15.
dynamic character
16.
static character
17.
round character
18.
flat character
19.
conflict
20.
epic
21.
epic hero
22.
epiphany
23.
external conflict
24.
internal conflict
25.
idiom
26.
flashback
27.
foreshadowing
28.
hyperbole
29.
genre
30.
imagery
31.
infer
32.
irony (verbal irony-sarcasm, dramatic irony )
33.
metaphor
34.
mood
35.
motif
36.
narrator
37.
1
38.
2 st nd
person narrator
person narrator
39.
3 rd
person limited narrator
40.
3 rd
person omniscient narrator
41.
onomatopoeia
42.
personification
43.
plot
44.
protagonist
45.
repetition
46.
sarcasm-the use of ironic language usu. intended to ridicule, be humorous, or criticize
47.
satire (parody)
48.
setting
49.
simile
50.
stream of consciousness

51.
subplots -conflict that takes place in the story that is not part of the main conflict
52.
suspense
53.
symbol
54.
syntax-the order of words in a phrase or sentence
55.
synonym
56.
antonym
57.
textual evidence
58.
theme
59.
tone
60.
tragedy
61.
tragic flaw-see hamartia
62.
tragic hero
Play/Drama Terms
63.
act
64.
aside
65.
catharsis- audience learns from the flaw of the tragic hero, purging=spiritual renewal
66.
chorus
67.
denoument
68.
dialogue
69.
dramatis personae
70.
hamartia-to miss the mark, tragic flaw/weakness that causes the protagonists downfall
71.
hubris
72.
in medias res
73.
monologue
74.
orchestra
75.
soliloquy
76.
stage directions
77.
author’s purpose- why the author writes the passage a) to critique b) to entertain c) to inform d) to persuade
78.
author’s Point of View=narrator
(1 st
, 3 rd
person limited, 3 rd
person omniscient) Why? What effect?
79.
figurative language- simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification
Rhetorical Devices
80.
logos-logical
81.
ethos-ethical
82.
pathos-emotional
83.
repetition
84.
diction
85.
parallelism
86.
antithesis
87.
rhetorical question

Time
Frame
First Six
Weeks
Unit weeks
1-3 weeks
4-6
Second Six
Weeks weeks
7-9 weeks
10-12
Third Six
Weeks weeks
13-15 weeks
16-18
RL 5
RL 9
RL 6
RL 7
RL 10
Reading
Literature
RL 1
RL 2
RL 3
RL 4
Reading
Informational
RI 1
RI 2
RI 3
RI 4
Writing
W2 a,b,c,d,e,f
W4
W5
W2 a,b,c,d,e,f
W7
W8
Speaking and
Listening
SL 1 a,b,c,d
SL 2
SL 4
SL 5
RI 5 W3 a,b,c,d,e SL 1 a,b,c,d
SL 4
Language
L2 c
L4 a,b,c,d
L1 b
L2 a,b
L3
L1 b
L5 a,b
Review/
Testing
RI 6
RI 7
RI 8
RI 9
RI 10
Review/
Testing
W1 a,b,c,d,e
W1 a,b,c,d,e
W9 a,b
W10
Review/
Testing
SL 3
SL 6
SL 1 a,b,c,d
SL 4
SL 5
Review/
Testing
L1 a
L5 c,d
L4 a,b,c,d
L6
Review/
Testing

Persuasive Techniques: Many speeches are examples of persuasion; persuasive techniques are the methods that a speaker or a writer uses to appeal to and convince the audience. Most speeches use a mixture of persuasive appeals.

A logical appeal builds a well-reasoned argument based on evidence such as facts, statistics, or expert testimony and usually follows a sensible progression of ideas. a) Induction- involves the compiling of evidence/reasons/examples that support an argument: the amassing of reasons. Usu. the more evidence the better, but often three good reasons or examples will do b) Deduction-involves premises or statements upon which all parties agree, which, when considered logically, lead to a strong conclusi on

An emotional appeal attempts to arouse the audience’s feelings, often by using rhetorical devices that evoke an emotional response.

An ethical appeal is directed at the audience’s sense of morality or values. This type of appeal is often linked to the audience’s perception of the trustworthiness and moral character of the speaker or writer. a) Divine Good- from God or other deity b) Social Good- from society as a whole c) Individual Good- this will help me and/or others d) Virtuous Good (intrinsic, good for its own sake)- because it is the right thing to do
Rhetoric (Aristotle’s Definition)- to produce conviction (strong belief or agreement), especially among common men, in legislation, law and ceremonial speeches.
Rhetorical Devices – effective speeches/writing typically include rhetorical devices; special patterns of words and ideas that create emphasis and stir the audience’s emotions thus convincing the audience to agree with the speaker
1.
Repetition- restating an idea using the same words emphasis or importance, to make memorable, focuses on specific concepts
2.
Restatement- expressing the same idea in different words to clarify ideas or concepts, to make the information understandable by different people, memorable
3.
Parallelism- repeating a grammatical structure to organize and connect ideas
4.
Antithesis/Juxtaposition- using strongly contrasting words, images, or ideas to emphasize an idea or concept (“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the epoch of belief , it was the epoch of incredulity , it was the season Light , it was the season of Darkness , it was the spring of hope , it was the winter of despair , we had everything before us , we had nothing before us , we were all going direct to Heaven , we were all going direct the other way
…”A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens)

5.
Rhetorical questions- asking questions with obvious answers to make people think, to make an obvious point, grabs and refocuses the attention of the audience
6.
Allusion- a reference to a literary text or an event to connect ideas, to present information to the audience in familiar terms
7.
Diction- word choice, the use of specific words or phrases specific or certain words have different effects on different people; powerful, thoughtprovoking,emotional, direct, subtle, infer/imply