English 9A
Non-Fiction Unit Review
“New Directions”
 Narrative Essay structure
 The story’s plot
 Making predictions
 In a brief essay, tell why you think that Maya Angelou titled her essay “New Directions.” Explain how
the title relates to Annie Johnson’s life story.
“My English”
 The story’s plot
 The author’s purpose
 Informal voice
 Idioms
 Write an essay comparing one of your own experiences with language with Alvarez’s. You might write
about a word you were proud to learn, a phrase that puzzles you, or a writer whose style you appreciate.
In your essay, mention specific experiences of Alvarez’s and explain how they resemble or differ from
your own experience.
“If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…” and “Silent Spring”
 The stories’ plots
 Atmosphere or mood
 Theme
 Descriptive non-fiction
 “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth…” and the excerpt of Silent Spring are both persuasive appeals. Which
author is more effective in convincing you to believe his or her central message, or theme? In an essay,
clearly state the theme of the selection you have chosen as more persuasive. Then explain how the
author persuaded you. Cite specific facts, examples, or other details that you found most convincing.
“The Talk” and “Go Deep to the Sewer”
 The stories’ plot
 Diction
 Serious issues underlying humorous topics
 Hyperbole
 Humor
 Although humorous writing is untended primarily to entertain, writers can use humor to convey a
serious message as well. In an essay, compare and contrast “The Talk” and “Go Deep to the Sewer”
with respect to the underlying serious issues that the authors include. In your essay, comment on how
effectively you think the writers use humor to deal with serious themes.
“Single Room, Earth View”
 Main idea
 The story’s plot
 Descriptive language
 Tone
 In an essay, use the information from “Single Room, Earth View” to identify and describe evidence of
human life that can be seen from the space shuttle. Explain what this evidence tells us about human life
on Earth.