Text Complexity Analysis
of
Maya Lin (title)
by Commissioned Article (author)
Recommended Complexity Band: 5th Grade
Text Description
Briefly describe the text: Maya Lin has designed memorials about
two historical events. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has the
names of Vietnam veterans who died carved in to a granite wall. The
Civil Rights Memorial has engraved names of people who died
during the civil right Movements. These names help people to
remember the events and lessons of the past.
Meaning/Purpose: (Briefly explain the levels of meaning (Literary
Text) or purpose (Informational text
Moderately complex: implied, but easy to identify based upon context
or source. We should remember and celebrate those who stood up
for rights in the interest of bettering society.
p. 67 [This is a place] “to appreciate how far the country has come in
its quest for equality and to consider how far it has to go.” ~Maya Lin
Text Structure: (Briefly describe the structure, organization, and
other features of the text)
Moderately complex: text features such as headings and captions
enhance the reader’s understanding. Pictures of the memorials are
essential to understand the text. Informational article with main idea
and detail paragraphs.
Text Features: Moderately to Very Complex: title, sub-title, photos,
and captions, section headings in bold.
Language Features: (Briefly describe the conventions and clarity of
the language used in the text, including the complexity of the
vocabulary and sentence structures.)
Conventionality is moderately complex. It is largely explicit and easy
to understand with some occasions for more complex meaning.
Vocabulary and sentence structure uses somewhat complex
language that is sometimes unfamiliar, as well as some complex
sentences with some subordinate phrases and clauses. Tier 2 (some
3) vocabulary, cognates, use and significance of direct quotations.
Knowledge Demands: (Briefly describe the knowledge demands the
text requires of students.)
-Summarizing skills
-Inferencing skills
-Ability to discern KEY details
-Some understanding of the social conflicts and dissension arising
from historical events, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the
Vietnam War
Created by:
Reviewed by:
-Purpose of building memorials
-US geography: Washington DC, Montgomery, AL
-Sophisticated topic: ideas and words translated into structures,
memorials (p. 66-Martin Luther King’s words translated into a Civil
Rights Movement memorial).
Quantitative Measure
Complexity Band Level (provide range):
4-5 grade level band
Lexile or Other Quantitative Measure of the Text:
Lexile: approximately 800
Considerations for Reader and Task
Below are factors to consider with respect to the reader and task
(See attached guiding questions to assist each teacher in filling out
this section for his or her own class):
Potential Challenges this Text Poses:
-Maturity of theme
-Historical perspectives
-Content specific vocabulary
-Background knowledge of US history: Vietnam War, Civil Rights
Movement
-Language of discipline- architectural terms: granite, memorial
-Large numbers: 58,000 names
-Spatial sense: visualizing 38- foot clock, granite disk with 12 feet
diameter.
Major Instructional Areas of Focus (3-4 CCS Standards) for this
Text:
RI 5.1 Quote accurately from the text.
RL 5.1.1 Use clues to draw inferences in the text.
RL 5.2 Determine two or more main ideas and explain how they are
supported by key details.
RL 5.2.3 Find details in a text that show the theme
RL 5.2.4 Explain how characters react to a problem
RL 5.3 Explain relationships between events in a historical context
RL 5.3.1 Use specific details to tell how two or more characters,
settings, and events in a story are the same
RL 5.4 Read with accuracy and fluency on level text with purpose
and understanding.
L 5.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiplemeaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content,
choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
W 5.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and
convey ideas and information clearly.
.
Differentiation/Supports for Students
-Preteach historical context
-Vocabulary preview
-Overview of US history before reading, visual artifacts of Vietnam
War and Civil Rights
Movements, freedom fighters
-Measurements: 38 ft, drawing a 12-foot diameter circle on the
playground
-Sentence frames
-Mapping main idea and key details (graphic organizers)
-Timelines and visual artifacts
-Cognates (p. 64 -exhibit, equality, memorial; p. 65 -dedicated)
Recommended Placemat: Briefly explain the recommended
placement of the text in a particular grade band.
The quantitative and qualitative measures both suggest that the
appropriate placement for this article is at grade 5. It is especially
relative to the social science topics, such as Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Day, and Black History Month, which occur in January
and February.
Created by:
Reviewed by: