Context Clues
Using context clues, what do you think the word "recruited" means?
The pair was recruited after they were spotted walking on the school grounds.
A. Chosen to join a team or group
B. Forced to leave a place
C. Spotted from a distance
D. Paid for their work
A. Chosen to join a team or group
In the nonfiction story, Why might Dexter’s presence make public speaking easier for students like Devon?
Dexter’s presence might make public speaking easier because dogs are non-judgmental, creating a supportive environment where students feel less pressured to be perfect
How are similes and metaphors alike?
They both compare objects.
In the fictional story Public Speaking Fear, What topic did Blake choose for his speech?
Use text evidence to support your answer.
Space
"Blake decided to choose a topic he loved: space"
What type of figurative language is being used in this sentence?
"Others trembling with nerves like leaves in a gust of wind."
Simile
Using context clues, what do you think the word "judgmental" means?
"Unlike humans, who hear a speech and can’t help but judge its quality, dogs aren’t judgmental."
A. Understanding and sympathetic
B. Making critical or evaluative comments
C. Being calm and relaxed
D. Ignoring mistakes and being indifferent
B. Making critical or evaluative comments
In the nonfiction story, Why do you think students like Devon are willing to spend extra time practicing with a dog instead of alone or with people?
Practicing with a dog provides a calming effect and removes the fear of being judged, making it a more relaxed way for nervous students to build confidence before speaking in front of an actual audience.
What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction?
Fiction: a made up story
Nonfiction: facts, information
In the Nonfiction story, who is Dexter, and what role does he play at the Kogod School of Business?
Use text evidence to support your answer.
Dexter is an English springer spaniel who serves as an “audience dog” at the Kogod School of Business.
"volunteer to help students practice speaking in public."
Which figurative language gives objects humanlike characteristics and actions?
Personification
Using context clues, what do you think the word "session" means?
"After doing a session with the audience dogs, students reported feeling less nervous," she said."
A meeting or period of time spent doing a particular activity
In the fictional story, Why might Blake have felt nervous even though he is known as a great storyteller?
Blake likely felt nervous because storytelling in front of friends or family is very different from speaking on a stage in front of a large audience. The thought of being in front of so many people can be intimidating, especially for someone who hasn’t done it before
Give me one reason the two stories are similar.
Both about the fear of public speaking
Both have characters who are afraid to speak
Both characters overcome their fear
On the day of the speech contest, how did Blake feel?
Use text evidence to support your answers.
Blake felt nervous/scared.
"Blake could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a wild horse galloping in his chest."
"trembling with nerves like leaves in a gust of wind."
What figurative language is being used in this sentence?
"The swift silver snake slithered silently through the soft, green grass."
Alliteration
Using context clues, what do you think the word "captivated" means?
"The audience was captivated, hanging on his every word."
The audience was very interested, fascinated, or enchanted by what was being said.
In the fictional story, How might Blake’s family cheering him on impact his confidence?
His family’s encouragement likely boosts Blake’s confidence by making him feel supported and reminding him he isn’t alone in his experience. Their support acts as a reminder of their belief in him, which helps him face his fear.
Give me one reason the two stories are different.
Different genres
Different characters
Different ways the characters overcame their challenges
In the nonfiction story, how does practicing with dogs, according to Caron Martinez, help students improve their public speaking skills?
Use text evidence to support your answer.
Caron Martinez believes that dogs have a "calming effect on people."
"students reported feelingless nervous"
What figurative language is being used in this sentence?
"I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!"
Hyperbole
This exaggerates hunger to emphasize just how hungry someone feels.
What is a synonym for the word "unwavering" in this sentence?
"He looked out at the audience, remembering his family's unwavering support."
Steady, firm, unfaltering, constant
In the fictional story, what does the award for "Best Enthusiasm" suggest about what is valued in public speaking beyond winning?
The award for "Best Enthusiasm" suggests that showing passion and excitement can be as valuable as having perfect speaking skills or winning first place.
In the two stories, Blake and Devon both had fears of giving speeches. How did they both overcome these challenges?
Blake felt terrified at first but found confidence in his passion for space and his family's encouragement.
Devon felt nervous and found that practicing with a dog like Dexter, who wouldn’t judge him, helped him feel more comfortable.
In the nonfiction story, why did student Sasha Gilthorpe find it helpful to practice her speech with the dog, Noche, and how did this impact her view of her upcoming graduation speech?
Use text evidence to support your answer.
Sasha found it helpful to practice with Noche because looking at the dog helped calm her nerves when she felt herself shaking. She said that imagining an “audience full of Noches” would help her feel more at ease during her graduation speech in front of a large audience
What figurative language is being used in this sentence?
"Bite the bullet."
Idiom
This means to face a difficult situation with courage or to endure something unpleasant.