Mod 2 Discussion: Stages of language development and comprehension

Subject Area: English Language Arts

Lesson Topic: Theme and Author’s Purpose in “The Lottery”

Text: “The Lottery” (short story by Shirley Jackson)

Base Comprehension Question (general):
Why do the townspeople continue to hold the lottery each year?

Adapted Comprehension Questions by Language Development Stage

1. Preproduction (Silent Period)

• Point to the picture (or section in the story) that shows the lottery beginning.
  Nonverbal responses, gestures, or one-word answers.

2. Early Production

• Who runs the lottery? (short answer expected: “Mr. Summers”)

3. Speech Emergence

• Why do people say they have to do the lottery? (students can respond with short phrases like “tradition” or “because they always do it”).

4. Intermediate Fluency

• How do the townspeople feel about the lottery? Give one reason from the story. (students should be able to form complete sentences, e.g., “They are nervous because no one wants to be chosen.”)

5. Advanced Fluency

• What is Jackson trying to teach readers about blindly following traditions? Do you agree? Why or why not? (extended, critical thinking response expected).