Teacher Resources

In this module, in the context of reading Plato’s “An Allegory of the Cave” students learn how to close read literary nonfiction texts in order to identify evidence to explain the author’s purpose and the meaning of multiple-meaning words and phrases. These skills are important for correctly interpreting a variety of texts that students will encounter in college and career settings and applying critical thinking skills. This self-paced module is aligned to Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts.

This module contains several interactive features. Watch the Learn How to Use this Module tutorial to familiarize yourself with these features.

Please review the Accessibility page for all of your students.

Module Information

  • Grade band: 9-10
  • Readability level: Lexile Level 1370
  • Focus Standard:
    RI.9-10. 4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper.)
  • Topic: Philosophy
  • Completion Time: 30 minutes
  • Vocabulary: Visit the Glossary page or click on words highlighted within the module for a narrated definition.

Teacher Resources

In this module, students are provided with three different excerpts from Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.” For a complete version, see MIT’s Internet Classic Translationsopens in new window. Scroll to Book VII.

Using This Site

This lesson is built for use on classroom computers and tablets. If you have access to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, you may complete the lesson in your classroom. Otherwise, you will need to schedule time to use your school's computer lab. For technical specifications, see below.

Some activities on this site may include videos and narration, so you may want to have headphones available for students working at individual stations. For best results in viewing the videos and interactives, you should have a high-speed, stable Internet connection.

This lesson may contain PDFs for students to complete. They can print the PDFs and fill them out by hand, or download the files and fill them out on the computer. Most or all portions can be filled out online. Please check with your Instructional Technology Specialist for instructions on downloading the PDF. (Note that to complete the PDFs on the computer, you will need a viewer, such as Adobe Reader, that supports forms.)

Technology

This site is an Internet-based activity, and it was built to run on the following computer operating systems and browsers:

  • Windows 7 or Newer: IE 8, 9, 10, 11; Current version of Chrome; Current version of Firefox
  • Mac OS 10.7 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • iPad2/iOS6 or Newer: Current version of Safari
  • Android 4.0 or Newer: Current version of Android browser
  • Chromebook: Current version of Chrome

Users running Internet Explorer 8 will not be able to use the highlighter tool. Instead, teachers should consider partnering students for a brief discussion.

Visit the Accessibility page for detailed information on the site's accessibility features.