Eng07-magi - Before You Read

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San Pasqual Academy English 9 and 10 - Ms. Priester “The Gift of the Magi” Before You Read

Remember to meet all Standard Formatting Expectations.

1. Define situational irony. (Copy the definition from your notes.) ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________(__/1) Read Before You Read: “The Gift of the Magi” on page 286. Then, answer the following questions.

2. Since it is described in detail at the beginning of this section, you can infer which type of irony is used in “The Gift of the Magi.” Which type is used? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________(__/2) 3. What special type of ironic situation did O. Henry specialize in? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________(__/2) 4. This story involves cherished (prized) possessions. Talk to the people listed below to find out their most prized possessions. -

your roommate’s name: __________________________________________ most prized possession: __________________________________________

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your house social worker’s name: __________________________________ most prized possession: __________________________________________

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your current staff or house parent’s name: ____________________________ most prized possession: __________________________________________

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your best friend’s name: __________________________________________ most prized possession: _____________________________________(__/4)

N.Priester

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11/23/2009

5. The Magi refereed to in the title of this story are the three “wise men” who, according to the Bible (Matthew 2:1-13), brought gifts of frankincense and myrrh (substances prized for their fragrance) as well as gold to the infant Jesus. These men began a tradition that is now a large part of our American Christmas customs. a. What is the American custom originated with the story of the wise men? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________(__/2) b. In our culture, who brings the gifts instead of wise men? This is not in the book. Use your own knowledge, or ask an adult to help you. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________(__/2) 6. To help you understand the story better, read the words and definitions in the Vocabulary Development box. Then, write each word next to the example that best matches it. Draw a small dog next to number 5 for two points. Remember to spell the words correctly. instigates discreet

Word Bank agile depreciate scrutiny nimble

cascade coveted

ransacking singed

An over-roasted marshmallow is ________________________________________. Jack who jumped over the candlestick is __________________________________. Looking over a test before turning it in is using _____________________________. Crashing a car and smashing the bumper will _______________________ its value. When one person gets kicked out, it sometimes __________________misbehavior. Rain rushing down steps of the café is a __________________________________. A ballerina dancing across the stage is ___________________________________. Keeping a birthday present secret is being ________________________________. Robbers dumping a jewelry box are _______________________________the room. Lori’s new cell phone is what the jealous kids ______________________________. (__/5)

N.Priester

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11/23/2009