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© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

“The Sign of Four” Chapter 9 “A Break in the Chain” Lesson:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E5a: The student identifies responds to fiction using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes; that is, the student: evaluates literary merit, analyzes the reasons for a character’s actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character. E2b: Produce a response to literature that demonstrates an understanding of the literary work. E3b: Participates in group meetings in which the student gives reasons in support of opinions expressed. Volunteers contributions and responds when directly solicited by the teacher or discussion leader.

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

• Students will demonstrate understanding of current reading.
  
• Students will participate in group meetings.
  
• Students will be able to identify an author’s style of moving a story forward using events.
  
• Students will discuss and debate a statement made by Sherlock Holmes.
  
• Students will be assessed on their reading.

RESOURCES

• Sherlock Holmes text
  

QUOTABLE QUOTE

"Women are never to be entirely trusted—not even the best of them. "

INTEGRATION OF OTHER SUBJECTS

• Social Studies/ Sociology

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

• Students have read "Sign of Four" Chapter 8.

  ACTIVITIES
  

• Silent reading (20 minutes.)
  
• Update Sherlock Holmes quoteboard.
  
• Sherlock uses a disguise that surprises even Watson. In your journal, describe what you believe are the necessities for a good disguise.
  
• Athelney Jones criticizes Holmes in this chapter. Why does Jones do this? He explains his thinking to Watson? Even Watson briefly wonders about Holmes’ ability. How does this scene with Jones enhance the story? Why did Doyle include it?
  
• Discussion/Journal: Holmes said, "Women are never to be entirely trusted—not even the best of them. " What does he mean by this? Is he correct? When he makes statements like this he usually has developed his opinion over time. Describe what events might have happened in his life to develop such an opinion. We will debate this as a whole group. Have your opinions and facts organized.
  
• Students will list the important events in this chapter.
  
• Quiz: Chapter 8 "The Baker Street Irregulars."
  
  ASSESSMENT
  

• Quiz: "Sign of Four Chapter 8. Student participation.
  

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