Pick your best pair
Read the quotes below. Put a checkmark [✓] next to the 1 quote you want to use from Text 1, and 1 quote from Text 2.
TEXT 1: Toby Lowe's Article ("What is 'community'?")
"Our community shapes our understanding of what being a good neighbor means—the shared understanding of how we should treat people around here." (Paragraph 2)
Plain Meaning: Communities have unwritten rules about how neighbors treat each other.
"Community is a group of people who share a story that is so important to them that it defines an aspect of who they are." (Paragraph 9)
Plain Meaning: A community shares a deep story or history that unites them.
TEXT 2: Toni Cade Bambara's Short Story ("The War of the Wall")
"It was our wall, and she had no right coming into our neighborhood painting on it... We've been pitching pennies against that wall since we were little kids." (Paragraph 1)
Plain Meaning: The kids felt the wall belonged to their personal memories and history.
"To the People of Taliaferro Street I Dedicate This Wall of Respect Painted in Memory of My Cousin Jimmy Lyons" (Paragraph 33)
Plain Meaning: The painter lady proves she is connected to the neighborhood's pain and honor.
Day 1 Task Break: You picked your quotes! Take a stretch before Day 2.
Teacher Check ✓
Belonging Essay Planning Packet • CommonLit 360 Adapted Page 2 of 5 • Parts 2 & 3
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Day 2 Step 4 of 5
A thesis is one strong sentence that answers the whole prompt. Put these 3 pieces together:
Part 1: The Context
Name the story & the idea of community
Part 2: The Beginning
Neighbors see her as an outsider
Part 3: The Change
They accept her because of the shared story
Option A: Fill-in-the-Blank Thesis Frame (Recommended) Tier 1 Support
In Toni Cade Bambara's short story "The War of the Wall," the neighbors first view the painter lady as an outsider because they think she does not respect their space, but they end up welcoming her when her mural proves they share the same narrative / history.
Option B: Sentence Starters & Word Bank Tier 2 Support
outsider shared story belonging identity-forming narrative Wall of Respect
• "In 'The War of the Wall,' the community's view shifts from mistrust to respect because..."
• "Connecting to Toby Lowe's idea, the Taliaferro Street community accepts the painter once..."
My Official Thesis Statement (Write or Dictate): 1 to 2 complete sentences
Thesis Check: Did I include everything?
Names both texts or authors Shows the shift (outsider → shared story) Is 1-2 complete sentences
Belonging Essay Planning Packet • CommonLit 360 Adapted Page 3 of 5 • Part 4
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Day 2 Step 5: Section 1
Use these words in your plan!
🚫 outsider 🏠 neighborhood wall 🪙 pitching pennies 📜 unwritten rules 👀 mistrust 🤝 good neighbor
Transitions:
To begin with, In Toni Cade Bambara's story, According to Toby Lowe, For example,
1. Introduction Paragraph (The Hook & Thesis) Map It Out
Hook Sentence (Starter: "A real community is more than a street where people live; it is..."):
My Approved Thesis Statement (Copy your sentence from Page 3):
2. Body Paragraph 1: The Painter as an "Outsider" (The Conflict) Focus: Beginning of Story
Claim 1 (Topic Sentence): How did the neighbors view the painter lady at first?
Starter: At the beginning of the story, the community views the painter lady as an intruder because...
Story Evidence ("The War of the Wall"): Quote or detail showing neighborhood anger:
Connection to Toby Lowe's Article: Why did this break their "good neighbor" rules?
Belonging Essay Planning Packet • CommonLit 360 Adapted Page 4 of 5 • Part 5 (Intro & Body 1)
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Day 2 Step 5: Section 2
Use these words in your plan!
🎨 Wall of Respect 🎖️ Jimmy Lyons ❤️ shared narrative ✊ honor & heritage 🤝 belonging 🌟 united
Transitions:
However, in the end, When the mural is revealed, This demonstrates that, In conclusion,
3. Body Paragraph 2: Acceptance & The Shared Story (Resolution) Focus: End of Story
Claim 2 (Topic Sentence): Why do the neighbors change their minds and respect her?
Starter: The community's view changes completely once they realize the painter lady is honoring...
Story Evidence (Paragraph 33): Dedication quote to cousin Jimmy Lyons:
Connection to Toby Lowe's Article: How does honoring Jimmy Lyons prove they share one narrative?
4. Conclusion Paragraph (Restate & Final Takeaway) Wrap It Up
Restate the Big Idea in Fresh Words (Starter: "In conclusion, both texts prove that true community..."):
Final Takeaway (Why does sharing stories bring people together?):
Outline Completed! Ready to Draft! You built your thesis, chose strong quotes, and planned both body paragraphs.
Teacher Sign-off Date: ________
Belonging Essay Planning Packet • CommonLit 360 Adapted Page 5 of 5 • Part 5 (Body 2 & Conclusion)
