1. “Seventh Grade,” by Gary Soto
Class Notes 
Meixsell/Gordon/
Brinton

2.  Elements of Story/ Literary Devices
1. Tone details and word choices used to convey feeling in a work of literature.
2. Theme also called the Thematic Focus. This is the primary/central moral of the story.
Examples:
Thematic Focus for “Song of Myself,” by Walt Whitman and “I’m Nobody,” by Emily Dickinson Enjoying Your Place in the World

3. Thematic Focus for THIS story…
Fitting In 

4. Important Vocabulary Elective: an optional class
 He loved art, so he chose Oil Painting Class as his elective.
Other forms: electives
Scowl: looking angry or irritated. “Duckface”
 Grumpy Cat is famous for his scowl.
Other forms: scowling, scowls, scowled

5. Ferocity: wild force, fierce
 The horse broke through the gate with such ferocity.
Siberia: a large region in Northern Russia known for its harsh winters and lack of population.
 The biologist decided to work in Siberia so that she wouldn’t have any distractions.
Conviction: strong belief
 John was passionate about his debate and he showed conviction during his presentation.
Other forms: convictions, convicted, convict (relating to alternate meaning: criminal, prisoner)
RL.7.4

6. Evidence of Tone: Informal/Relaxed/Humorous
___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Citation ____________________________________________
RL.7.1

7. Evidence of Theme/Thematic Focus
What is the theme? ______________________________________
Evidence 1 __________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Citation ____________________________________________
Evidence 2 _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Evidence 3___________________________________________________ _
RL.7.1 & RL.7.2