Short Story Unit – English 9 – Mrs. Hummel
Stories for study (from Crossroads):
1.
2.
3.
4.
“The Long Journey” p.292 (questions p.295 #1abc)
“A Major Malfunction” p.152 (questions p.258 #1abc)
“On the Sidewalk Bleeding” p.35 (questions p.
#
“Borders” p.46 (questions p.
#1ab and
)
)
Unit Assessment:
1. Response journals that incorporate subject material from class discussions, the short story, and the
student’s own personal life.
2. Vocabulary quiz
3. Short story question package that shows evidence of depth of response and note-taking.
4. Writing extension activities – to be announced as the unit progresses. Will require library research.
Assessment Rubrics:
1. Response Journals – Every two weeks you will hand in three response journals. Two of the response
journals will be marked out of three based on form, and you will choose one response journal to edit and
workshop with a peer, and it will be marked out of ten and be based on meaning. (32 marks total)
Form
Meaning
Not Yet Within
Expectations (1)
- the middle and ending may
be weak in relation to
beginning
- sequence may be illogical
-may shift abruptly from one
idea to the other; often
written as a single paragraph
Not Yet Within
Expectations
(0 - 4.5)
- ideas and
connections are not
developed
-attempts to
summarize, but
misinterprets key
elements
-unable to provide
evidence or offer
relevant references
to the text
Meets Expectations
(2)
- beginning introduces the topic
and attempts to engage the
reader; includes a clear middle
and an end
- sequence is logical
- links ideas with appropriate
transitions; most paragraphing is
logical
Minimally Meets
Expectations (5 - 7)
- ideas and connections are
generally straightforward
and clear; unevenly
developed
- focuses on retelling,
showing basic and often
superficial understanding
of elements and key
features
-references to the text are
vague, not convincing
Fully Meets Expectations
(3)
- develops smoothly, from an
interesting introduction to a logical
conclusion.
- follows a predictable sequence
- uses a variety of transitions to
establish connections among ideas;
related ideas are grouped; logical
paragraphing
Fully Meets
Expectations
(7.5 - 9)
- ideas and
connections are fully
developed and show
depth
- logically describes
and analyzes key
features; goes beyond
retelling
- provides appropriate
quotations and other
text references as
evidence
Exceeds Expectations
(9.5 - 10)
- ideas and connections
are fully developed with
some originality,
maturity, and
individuality
-thoroughly describes
and analyzes elements
and key features, dealing
with subtleties and
nuance
- chooses and integrates
quotations and other text
references effectively
2. Vocabulary Quiz – given at end of unit. The quiz will be comprised of story vocabulary and literary
terms. Words to define:
Vocabulary
“The Long Journey”
Plagiarism
Procrastination
(1st
Terminology Point of View
rd
person, 3 person,
objective)
Irony
Character (protagonist,
antagonist)
“A Major Malfunction”
Parallel
Malfunction
Scimitar
Theme
Setting
Metaphor
“On the Sidewalk Bleeding”
Bias
Ignorance
Rumble
Lurched
Ambush
Foraging
Conflict (internal and
external)
Plot (exposition, rising
action, climax, falling action,
resolution)
“Borders”
Pride
Citizenship
Border
Allusion
Flashback
Connotation
3. Short Story Comprehension and Analysis Questions – questions are located at the end of each story
in the Crossroads text.
For this assignment, I expect the following:
 Complete the set of questions before the class designated.
 Leave some space between each question so that you can add to your response or correct your response.
 Take notes during the class discussion. Using a different colour ink will allow me to easily see your
additions.
 If you miss a class, I’ll expect to see the questions up to date as per the calendar.
 Marks in the rubric will be pro rated to the number of sets turned in. That is, if three sets of the four are
done (75% complete), the maximum mark possible for each sector of the rubric would be 75%.
 This is a self-correcting assignment; at the end, you should have a rich set of notes about the short
stories.
Total
Not Yet Within
Expectations F / C- / C
Meets Expectations
C+ / B
Fully Meets Expectations
A
/20
Completeness
and Depth
14
Additions and
Corrections
6
- Set is incomplete or
completed in a minimal
way. - Certain questions
may be blank.
- Errors of grammar,
diction, etc. are common.
- Appears done in haste.
- Additions to notes are
scattered and often absent.
- Level of note taking
appears minimal.
- Leaves incorrect
responses stand.
- Set is complete and of
sufficient depth.
- Errors are minimal.
- Appropriate level of
language
- Appears to be done in a
clean, readable copy.
- Additions are common
and consistent.
- A good level of note
taking is apparent.
- Corrects responses with
some consistency.
- Set is complete and shows a
great deal of depth or response.
- Basically error-free. Elevated
level of language, style, and
grammar.
- Appears to be organized and
highly legible.
- Additions are rich and fully
included.
- A strong level of note taking is
in evidence.
- Corrects responses in a
thorough and concerted way.
How to get an “A”: To answer your comprehension questions thoroughly and thoughtfully, you must
understand what the question really asks and address all parts of the question. You will need to do the hard
work of rereading and researching. You need to write in complete sentences and explain your conclusions.
WHEN YOU ANSWER IN COMPLETE SENTENCES, YOU HAVE TO THINK MORE DEEPLY,
AND YOU LEARN MORE.