English 1 Essential Questions

Unit 1

1. How do I interpret a writer's meaning and overall meaning by examining techniques such as diction, tone, description and figurative language?

2. How do I effectively convey meaning? 

Unit 2

1. How do I interpret a writer's meaning and overall theme by examining techniques such as diction, tone, description, and figurative language?

2. What obstacles hinder a dream from materializing?

3. How does Raisin in the Sun mirror the social, educational, political, and economical climate of the 1950s? 

Unit 3

 1. How can I recognize persuasion in contexts other than argumentation?

2. How do I fit in with my family's expectations? How do I differ?

3. How was life different in Shakespeare's time from today?

Unit 4

1. How do historical/cultural events shape fictional texts?

2. How can i best gather and present information for maximum impact?

3. What are the qualities that I admire most in an adult?

4. How are these qualities viewed by my society?

5. Why do I admire these qualities?

6. When, why, and how have my perspectives on what is admirable been affected by the biases/stereotypes of my society? 

Unit 5

1. What does it mean to be________________________________?

2. How do cultural, gender, and generational differences affect how we perceive others? ourselves?

3. What 21st century communication tools would best facilitate a dialogue on these ideas about identity?