GED 2002 Teachers' Handbook of Lesson Plans

Activity Title - Life in 'Toons

Goal/Objective

Identify main idea in passage or selection.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

Cartoons have a main idea that the cartoonist is trying to get across. A student must think about what the cartoonist is trying to say. The same is true with many passages that students read. The main idea can be obvious or sometimes unstated. When the main idea is unstated the writer expresses it through other key points. The student must see how all of the key points are related to determine the "real" main idea.

Activity

Use copies of the cartoon page from local newspaper. Give each team a whole page. Divide groups into teams and have them find the main idea for each cartoon.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Make sure everyone agrees with the outcomes. If there is a disagreement about the main idea, stop and discuss
.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

Extension Activity

Have students identify the main idea in political cartoons.

ESE Accommodations

Real-Life Connection

Have students identify the main idea or purpose of documents such as a business letter, editorials, or other real-life documents.

Activity Title - Life in 'Toons

Introduction

Say: Cartoons are great fun to read and can actually get your day started with a laugh. Cartoons can be used as a tool to help you learn how to identify the main idea of a passage. Each cartoon has a main idea that the cartoonist is trying to get across. Sometimes it is very subtle or obvious.

Say: Sometimes the main idea standa out like a sore thumb - sometimes it is almost impossible to find. In fact an unstated main idea is one that the writer expresses through other key points. You have to see how all of the keys are related to determine the real main idea.

Main Activity

Divide students into two teams and hand out cartoon pages. Each team should have the same set of cartoons.

Say: Your job is to find the main idea for each cartoon. The student will share their information with the class.

Closure/Conclusion

Say: Share your main ideas, make sure the other team agrees. If there is a disagreement stop and discuss with the entire group.

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Say: Finding the main idea is an important skill whether you are preparing for the GED test or just real life.