Before Reading
Think About What You Know
With a few of your classmates, brainstorm a list of problems you see in the world. Then, in your journal write about what a perfect world would be like. Keep these ideas in mind as you read.
During Reading
Use What You Know as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first paragraph of the selection. What ideal elements do you notice about Utopia?
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep noting ideal elements of Utopia and think about what problems More is addressing in creating his ideal world.
Fix-Up Idea: Write Things Down
Make a chart like the one on page 334 of your textbook. Use this chart as you read to record ideal elements of Utopia. Then think about what life is like in the real world in relation to the ideal elements.
After Reading
Summarize What You Learned
With your group from the Before-Reading activity, talk about your reaction to More's Utopia. Would you want to live there? What surprises you about this place? Do you think such a world is possible? Why, or why not? Make a list of ways More's Utopia differs from the world as you know it.