1. Searching for Summer
By: Joan Aiken

2. Vocabulary disengage: to detach or remove oneself
rudimentary: very basic, in the beginning stages
wizened: withered and dry
voluble: especially talkative, fluent with words
commiserate: to express sorrow or pity for another’s troubles
savoring: a full appreciation and enjoyment
indomitable: not easily discouraged or defeated

3. Mood the feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader.
Author uses descriptive words, imagery, and figurative language to create the mood.
Example: “Stars, rainbows, and all other such heavenly sideshows had been permanently withdrawn, and if the radio announced that there was a blink of sunshine in such and such a place, where the cloud belt had thinned for half an hour, cars, and busses would pour in that direction for days in an unavailing search for warmth and light.”

4. What would you do?
Think of a moment in your life when you realized you took something for granted. Write about this time in vivid detail in a full page journal entry.

5. “Long, long ago, when I was a liddle un, in the days when the sky was blue.”

6. Which one is lucky?

7. How does the author, Joan Aiken, create two separate moods in the story “Searching for Summer” with the use of diction (word choice) and other literary elements?

8. Quote: “gray winter ridden landscape” (Aiken 68).
How does the author, Joan Aiken, create two separate moods for the town and the country in the story “Searching for Summer” with the use of diction (word choice) and other literary elements?
Suzie Student
Ms. Beal Eng II August 2011
Quote: “gray winter ridden landscape” (Aiken 68).
Inference/ Commentary: The mood seems to be sullen and dreary because the imagery creates a dark and ominous mood.
Other possible ways to write Inferences/ commentary: The reader can conclude… The author uses words like “ “
The reader feels…because
The author’s tone…
What mood is created in the town by the use of the author’s diction?
CORNELL NOTE PAPER FORMAT
Stress that any sheet of paper can be turned into Cornell note paper - or - hand out paper and have participants set up sheet while working through slide.
The format causes students to process notes multiple times increasing memory, recall, and understanding.
Cornell Notes has 5 sections:
1. Heading
Name is imp. Because students exchange notes. Class & date helps keep notes organized in binder appropriately.
2. Topic
Focuses the content of the notes for the student.
3. Note section (rt. Side)
Where any info being presented in class is recorded.
4. Question Column
Students are responsible for completing after notes are taken.
5. Summary
Allows students to process notes in terms of big ideas.
2 1/2”

9. How does the author, Joan Aiken, create two separate moods for the town and the country in the story “Searching for Summer” with the use of diction (word choice) and other literary elements?
Suzie Student
Ms. Beal Eng II August 2011
Quote: “great dusty golden square of sunshine lay on the fireplace wall” (Aiken 72).
Inference/Commentary: The author describes the “great dusty golden square” as laying. He personifies the sun in order to make it more lifelike. This suggests the sun is a symbol for life and hope within the story.
What mood is created in the country by the
use of the author’s
diction?
CORNELL NOTE PAPER FORMAT
Stress that any sheet of paper can be turned into Cornell note paper - or - hand out paper and have participants set up sheet while working through slide.
The format causes students to process notes multiple times increasing memory, recall, and understanding.
Cornell Notes has 5 sections:
1. Heading
Name is imp. Because students exchange notes. Class & date helps keep notes organized in binder appropriately.
2. Topic
Focuses the content of the notes for the student.
3. Note section (rt. Side)
Where any info being presented in class is recorded.
4. Question Column
Students are responsible for completing after notes are taken.
5. Summary
Allows students to process notes in terms of big ideas.
2 1/2”

10. Checklist Big Question written at the top MLA format Cited pages
3 quotes/questions/inferences for town
3 quotes/questions/inferences summary
Detailed Summary explaining what you have come to understand about how the author creates the mood