Genre Study Unit 1: Mystery
Big Idea/Essential Questions:
- How do the essential elements of a mystery affect its quality?
- How is mystery unique as a genre?
- How do great mystery writers hook and hold their readers?
Intended Learning Outcomes:
- I can identify and recognize the key characteristics of the mystery genre both through class discussions and by listening to and reading mysteries.
- I can apply the information and terminology I have learned about mysteries using a graphic organizer to create my own mystery story outline.
- I can synthesize my knowledge about mystery stories by using the graphic organizers to write a mystery story that incorporates the key characteristics I have discussed with my classmates.
- I can practice working collaboratively and using my analytic skills by editing others’ work.
- I can practice revising my own writing using peer feedback.
Key Vocabulary:
characters clues distractions
plot setting structure
alibi breakthrough clue
crime deduction detective
evidence hunch motive mystery red herring
sleuth suspect witness
Additional Attached Resources:
The 39 Clues – Various Authors
Cam Jansen Mysteries – David Adler
The Boxcar Children – Gertrude Ann Warner
Jigsaw Jones – James Preller
Encyclopedia Brown – Donald J. Sobol