Poe's Short Stories Lesson Plan

First Sentence Activity

Kind of Activity:

Group Work

Objective:

Students will be able to analyze and evaluate the opening sentences of several of Poe’s stories.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.5

Structure:

Before the activity, peruse this list of “100 Best First Lines from Novels” (http://americanbookreview.org/100BestLines.asp).

To begin the activity, write two or three of the best first lines from novels on the board. Then, lead a short discussion with the whole class using some or all of the following questions.

· What does a good first sentence do?

· Why are these sentences considered some of the best in literature?

· Think back to the books you...