Writing Assignment | Cathedral by Raymond Carver

Benchmarks
3.2.1 Recognize a variety of literary genres and forms.
Introductory lesson short story genre
distinct elements
KWL
Read Tortoise and the Hare
Short Story - Cathedral

3.1.1 Interpret literary language

Word wall with new language for students to define
Often refer these words while discussing story
Symbolism mini-lesson
poetry
give literal explanations, then figurative
Make lists of details, images and sense impressions
Read a list I’ve created
Short essay quiz asking students to point out examples of literary language
Students must use literary language and symobolism in Definition Paper

3.1.4 Analyze characteristics of specific works and authors and identify basic beliefs, perspectives, and
philosophical assumptions underlying an author’s work.
Word wall with new language for students to define
Discuss author’s history and other works
View short video on author’s life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oapV2DzeYBw
Discuss time period work was created (influences, etc)
Ben Underwood – video (may also cover 3.1.7)
Blind streotype refuted
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLziFMF4DHA&feature=related

3.1.6 Examine differing and diverse interpretations of literary and expository works and explain how
and why interpretation may vary from reader to reader.
Describe your interpretation of the living room in Cathedrals
discussion different interpretations as class
Peer reviews of papers allowing students to read of different interpretations of words students
have written about.

Directions

Free write while referencing your text. Try to recall a specific point that interested to you. Read that
portion again and write about why it is interesting to you. [topic exploration]

Select a word that interests you from your [interest] section. Look for a word that you can relate to.
Below are some options I noted. [you may choose the same word as someone else. Your own
experience will determine how you write about it]
 Blind
Reading
Poem
Tape
Church
Imagine
Creepy
Draw
Drink
Comfortable
TV
Cathedrals
Listen

Write for ten minutes without stopping about your word choice. [topic exploration]

Analyze this word using your own experiences, intuition, knowledge, context, discussion, etc.,

You may use these questions to guide you:

Why did you choose this word?

What’s the first thing you think of when you see/hear this word out of the context of the story?
What does the word mean in the story?
What does it mean to you?
What is the definition?
What words could you use instead?
How might the story change if you omit or change this word?

(Don’t feel limited by the questions I’ve posed. Come up with your own questions to answer if you’d
like)

Discuss your word with the class. I will approve your choice. [topic exploration]

Research at least one other text we've read (or you've read on your own)to find the word you've chosen
and the context with which it is used. Record in your journal, under 'Citation' what you've looked at
whether or not you plan to use it in your paper. [Research]

Write a paper (2 or more pages) that discusses your word and its special meaning to you now that
you’ve viewed it in context of this story and your life. The point of the paper is to provide your reader
with a new understanding of the word you’ve chosen.

You must:
discuss how the word is used within the context of the paper.
compare/contrast your understanding of the word to another work that you've read.
explain why or why not the word is effective in its original context.
explain how you understand the word.
1st Rough Draft

Bring rough draft to class for peer review. [rough draft]

Switch papers in groups of four.

While reviewing your peer's paper refer to this checklist

Does the paper:

have two pages
have clear topic word
logical organization
refer to topic word's symbolism
offer details
refer to at least one other piece of writing using the topic word
incorporate personal interpretation

Be sure you:
give positive/construtive comments
note spelling, grammar, punctuation mistakes
note (on a separate sheet) strong words, weak words
note if many or all sentences start with same word/phrase

Corret mistakes noted by your peers. If you have any questions, we will have a workshop hour to
discuss those.

2nd Rough Draft

Submit 2nd rough draft after making peer reviewed corrections.

I'll make suggestions about your paper in your journals and within the paper. Refer to those
when preparing your final draft.

Correct 2nd draft using my suggestions. If you have any questions, we will have a workshop hour to
discuss those.

Final Draft

Submit polished final copy to me. 130 points possible

You paper should:

have a clear topic word 15 points
have logical organization 16 points
reflect personal understandingof topic word 20 points
have little/no spelling, grammar, punctuation mistakes 14 points
refer to at least one other text 15 points
have at least two pages 15 points
use word wall vocabulary (particularly symbolism) properly 20 points
be typed and presented nicely 15 points