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Lesson 1 (from Breakfast at Kennedy's)

Objective

Syntax is the way an author puts words, sentences, and sections together to form ideas and meanings. Stewart uses whirlwind sentences marked by exclamation points throughout "Breakfast at Kennedy's," resulting in annoying, punctuated sentences. The objective of Lesson #1 is to explore various aspects of Stewart's use of syntax and identify how those techniques contribute to the work.

Lesson

1) Small group activity: Divide students into groups of 3-4 and ask them to discuss the topic of syntax. What is your own understanding of the term? What specific examples can you find of gushing, annoying sentences? What is Stewart's purpose in conveying the syntax this way?

2) Classroom discussion: Did anything about the syntax in Stewart's story stand out to you as you were reading? How would you describe his syntax (the length of words and sentences, the type of vocabulary used, etc.)?

3) Writing assignment: Take a one-paragraph excerpt...

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