Response to Literature "Langston Hughes Hidden Influence on MLK" -RACES Strategy

This resource includes an editable PPT presentation that asks students to draft a five-paragraph essay in response to the essay by Jason Miller, "Langston Hughes Hidden Influence on MLK," (available on commonlit.org). Students will utilize the RACES strategy to assist them in writing their response.

To begin, students read the text and evaluate it as a group using a graphic organizer provided. They will identify Miller's argument and how he supports it.

Students will be asked to answer the following question: Do you believe Miller adequately proves Hughes’ influence on Martin Luther King, Jr. in his essay, “Langston Hughes Hidden Influence on MLK,”?

Throughout the lesson, students will utilize graphic organizers and templates to organize their ideas and structure their writing.

The PPT covers the features of a five-paragraph and how to apply the RACE strategy when writing an essay in response to a piece of literature (including hooking the reader, restating and answering the question (thesis), drafting an effective topic sentence, citing textual evidence and explaining how it supports the thesis, signposting, restating the thesis/answer, summarizing, and ending with a concluding thought.

A checklist for peer review is included as well as a slide for class discussion.

This lesson can ideally be broken up over FOUR DAYS.

Day 1: Reading the essay and analyzing Miller's argument.

Day 2: Instruction in the five-paragraph essay. Brainstorming your argument.

Day 3: Drafting the five-paragraph response to literature and class discussion.

Day 4: Peer Review

YOU KNOW YOUR STUDENTS BEST. You may choose to move at a faster (or slower pace). The entire PPT is available for viewing in the preview.

FONT & CLIPART CREDITS

• This resource uses fonts from I'm Lovin Lit.
  You can visit her excellent blog here.
• It includes fonts from Lindsey Petlak and Zook's Nook.
• It includes clip art from Whimsy Clips and Mellonheadz.
  You can find the Mellonheadz blog here.
• It includes borders from Creative Clips by Krista Wallden.
• Other excellent Clipart from Artifex and Rivulet.
• Thumbnail mock-ups by Sabrina Dias and Company.

CHECK OUT THE LANGUAGE ARTS GALLERY FOR MAKE GREAT PRODUCTS!