Grade 9 Close Reading Lesson

from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow” (Q1) Create a list of 5 words that describes the town as it originally existed. Discuss your list with a partner. In two or three sentences, describe the town using one word from your list and find three details to support your description.

from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow” (Q2) What is the purpose of Carson beginning the fable with a contrasting image? Compose an answer which includes details from beginning and the end.

from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow” (Q3) How does the tone of the essay change in the last paragraph? In two to three sentences, using tone words and details from the passage, explain your answer.

from Silent Spring “A Fable for Tomorrow” (Q4) Explain the symbolism of the book title Silent Spring, which includes “A Fable for Tomorrow.” Choose details from the text for support.

from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …” (Q5) What evidence supports the idea that Marvin is not on Earth? Find at least two details from the text to support your answer.

from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …” (Q6) Why would the story of Earth before its destruction seem like a fairy tale to Marvin? In a short paragraph support your answer with details from the text.

from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …” (Q7) Choose a word or two that describes how the exiled survivors feel. Use details from the story to justify your answer.

from Expedition to Earth “If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth …” (Q8) Explain why it is important that each generation make the pilgrimage to view the remains of Earth? Use specific details from the text for support.

“Fire and Ice” (Q9) What does fire represent? What does ice represent? Discuss your summary with a partner. Be prepared to share with the class.

“Fire and Ice” (Q10) How are fire and ice similar? Discuss answers as a class.

“Fire and Ice” (Q11) Summarize the meaning of the poem in one to two sentences. Write answer and discuss as a class.

Culminating Writing Activity In an informative essay, respond to the following question. Provide specific textual support from all three texts. In all three pieces, the authors depict mankind’s destruction of the Earth. Using evidence from all three texts, explain the threat that mankind poses to Earth.