Overview/Purpose:
In this lesson, students work together to create a list of characteristics found in good commentaries. The class then agrees on characteristics that all commentaries must have.
Guiding Questions:
- What are the rules of commentaries?
- What choices do we have as writers of commentaries?
- How can we make effective choices?
- Recommended Time:
Recommended Time:
45-90 minutes
Lesson Design:
- Explain that students will work with a group, using information collected in their Commentary Packet to capture what they notice about commentary writing.
- Students will create a chart together, listing things under the title, “We notice that good commentary writing…”.
- Some things worth noticing are: format, point-of-view, tone, content, kinds of sentences, word choice, paragraphs.
- Groups should be prepared to share.
- Class regroups to make one list together.
- Read through completed list, asking students to consider which of the characteristics are essential (things a commentary must do or include). Highlight or bold these items.
- A completed list might look like this:
- We notice that good commentary…
- – May use a conversational style
- – Has a title that might reveal claim
- – Uses anecdotes to support claim
- – Uses rhetorical questions
- – Has a powerful lead–hooks reader (anecdote, astonishing fact)
- – Uses statistics to support claim
- – Has at least three supporting details
- – Uses many paragraphs/varied size
- – Can be humorous
- – Uses background info/revealing why author wrote this
- – Integrates quotes (whole sentences)
- – Uses fragments
- – Includes an ending that tries to change readers’ mind/leaves you thinking
- – Has a call to action ending
- – Includes a balance of opinion and facts
- – Includes lists
- – Has important sentences in bold, italics
- – Can use first person, second person, third person–all found in these!
- – Shows both sides of the issue
- – Can be visual like feature articles
- – Includes personal experience
- – Has an opinion that might be stated, or might be inferred
- – Includes quotes from experts or those with first-hand knowledge
Rock Your World is a program of Creative Visions
Rock Your World is a Program of Creative Visions, a 501(c) (3) organization that supports creative activists - individuals who use the power of media and arts to create positive change in the world.
