Before Reading
Make a Plan
This selection is a work of didactic criticism. It evaluates the moral or ethical messages of the works of Milton. As you read, outline Wollstonecraft's argument by writing down her main ideas.
During Reading
Outline an Argument
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first two paragraphs. Talk with your classmates about the ideas Wollstonecraft presents in these paragraphs. Write down the key points she makes.
2. Continue reading the selection with a partner. When you reach the end of a paragraph, stop and talk to your partner about what you have read. Use the Guided Reading Questions to help you focus on some of the issues in the selection. Continue to write down the key point(s) made in each paragraph.
Fix-Up Idea: Unlock Difficult Words
Before reading the selection, preview the Words for Everyday Use. Read each word, definition, and contextual sentence carefully. Then, create your own contextual sentence for each word. Next, preview the footnotes. Read each word or phrase and its explanation carefully. As you read, refer back to the footnotes to refresh your understanding of the words. Use context clues to determine the meanings of other unfamiliar words. If you cannot understand the words using context clues, consult a dictionary.
After Reading
Summarize What You Wrote
With your partner, summarize and evaluate Wollstonecraft's argument. Then respond in writing to question 5a on page 740 of your textbook.