Irony

=**Topic or Focus:**= Irony

Subject:
English Language Arts

Level:
High School

Key Standard(s): (from the Common Core State Standards, English Language Arts)

 * RL.9-10.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
 * RL.9-10.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).

Text/Resources to be Used (Optional):
N/A

//Rationale://
//When looking at students' response to literature, we often have to determine if it is the student's understanding of a concept that affected their performance, or the lack of understanding of the example in the literature that affects it. So we look for simpler examples to test understanding of new, complex ideas.//

//Directions://
//[Note: This assessment can be broken into three pieces and administered as individual assessments]//

1.The underlined statement is ironic. Why? Explain your answer.

2. Write an example of **verbal irony**. Explain why it is an example of verbal irony.

3. Describe an example of **situational/dramatic irony** from your life or from literature, a television show or a movie you have seen.

Why is this example ironic? Explain.

//Scoring://
//Score each question using the response rubric that is familiar to your students. Make sure that the rubric includes an explanation that demonstrates understanding of the definition of the literary term.//

//Analysis://
This assessment distinguishes among the following:
 * Students who understand and can explain the concept of irony.
 * Students who can give an example of verbal, situational or dramatic irony from literature or real life.
 * Students who can identify irony in literature, visual arts and real life.

//Contributor://
//Tina Manus, English Teacher, Platt Technical High School, Milford, CT// //Editor: Kim M. Bennett, Consultant, Northside Consulting, Hartford, CT//