Unit Plan 20 (Grade 7 ELA): Comparing Texts by the Same Author

Focus: Patterns in theme/setting/plot; author’s choices across works

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Literature; Writing—Informative; Speaking & Listening)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Authors leave fingerprints—recurring themes, familiar settings, similar conflicts, signature craft moves. This week, students compare two short works by the same author to spot those patterns and then bring in a brief historical account to evaluate how the author uses or alters history. The week culminates in a tight informative comparison that explains the author’s choices and their effects.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Compare and contrast two works by the same author, identifying patterns in theme, setting, and plot, and explaining notable craft choices (supports RL.7.9 focus on authorial choices in context).
2. Evaluate how a fictional portrayal of a time/place/character aligns with or diverges from a historical account, and explain what those changes achieve (RL.7.9).
3. Write an informative/explanatory comparison with clear organization, relevant evidence, precise language, and appropriate transitions (W.7.2 a–f).
4. Engage in collaborative discussions—building on others’ ideas, posing questions, and clarifying reasoning (SL.7.1).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 7

• Reading Literature 7.9 (RL.7.9): Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period to understand how authors of fiction use or alter history.
• Writing 7.2 (W.7.2 a–f): Write informative/explanatory texts with clear introduction, development, transitions, precise language, formal style, and conclusion.
• Speaking & Listening 7.1 (SL.7.1 a–d): Engage in collaborative discussions; come prepared; follow rules; pose questions; respond with relevant evidence.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can name a pattern (theme/setting/plot device) that appears in both works and explain the effect.
• I can point to a place where the fiction changes historical details and explain why the author might have done it.
• I can write a well-structured comparison that uses precise, neutral language and clear transitions.
• I can contribute to discussion with text-grounded questions and responses.