Seminar Prep Worksheet
Seminar Prep
Persepolis: Chapter 13 "The Key"
Name:
Date:
8.W.2: Informative Writing Drafting clear, evidenced-based responses to guide your discussion.
8.RL.9: Patterns & Myths Analyzing how religious "keys" and promises are used to manipulate.
The Mission
"The key to paradise is for those who die in war." After reading "The Key" (pp. 94-102), your job is to craft two high-level (Level 3) questions that go beyond "Yes/No" answers. You must also prepare your own answers with evidence.
1
High-Level Question
My Evidence (Direct Quote & Page #):
The Connection (Why this matters for Manipulation or Oppression):
A) Answered a Question
B) Asked a Question
C) Built on an Idea
2
High-Level Question
My Evidence (Direct Quote & Page #):
The Connection (Why this matters for Manipulation or Oppression):
Seminar Scratchpad
Use this space to jot down interesting ideas your peers mention during the discussion so you can "Add On" to their points.
Silent Preparation = Vocal Participation
Key to Resistance Slides
Key to Resistance
Persepolis Chapter 13: "The Key"
Today's Objective
Introduction
Today we analyze how manipulation and oppression are visual and narrative forces in Satrapi's memoir.
Essential Question
How do those in power use myth and religion to convince the youth to sacrifice themselves?
8.RL.6
Analyze how differences in point of view (Marji vs. the school) create effects like suspense or shock.
8.RL.9
Analyze how this modern work draws on religious myths ("Keys to Paradise") and renders them new.
Quick-Fire Warm Up
Standard 8.RL.9: Myths & Manipulation
"The plastic keys were painted gold to make the boys believe they were the ticket to a better life." (p. 99)
In your notebook (2 mins):
Describe a time you saw someone (in a book, movie, or real life) manipulate someone else's belief to get them to do something dangerous. How did they do it?
The Level 3 Challenge
Standard 8.W.2
After reading and annotating pages 94-102, you need to come up with two high-level questions about the text that you can ask your peers.
The Golden Rule
It cannot be answered with "Yes" or "No."
Question Upgrade
Basic (Level 1):
"Did Meg understand what the Black Thing was?"
High-Level (Level 3):
"How does Meg’s first encounter with the Black Thing begin to change her understanding of herself and the world around her?"
Building Your Blueprint
Standard 8.W.2
1
The Proof
Pick one quote from the reading that helps answer your question. Use direct text!
2
The Insight
Write 1-2 sentences explaining what the quote shows about manipulation or oppression.
3
The Bridge
Add one sentence connecting it to the bigger idea in the story. Why does this matter?
This doesn’t have to be perfect. It just helps you walk in with something to say.
Seminar Standards
Zero-Tolerence Policy
Silence is not participation. To earn credit, everyone MUST complete all three actions:
A
ANSWERING a question from a peer
B
ASKING a level-3 question you prepared
C
ADDING ON to someone else's idea
Key Resistance Teacher Guide
Teacher Guide
Key to Resistance: Persepolis Ch. 13
40 Minute Lesson
Pacing & Flow
0-5m
Warm-Up: Establish themes of manipulation. Discuss the "Gold Key" (p. 99) as a psychological tool (8.RL.9).
5-15m
Mini-Lesson: Explain Level 3 questions. Use the "A Wrinkle in Time" example on Slide 4 to show the difference between recall and analysis (8.W.2).
15-25m
Silent Prep: Students use the "Seminar Prep Worksheet" to draft their 2 questions and answers based on pages 94-102. Circulate to ensure questions aren't "Yes/No."
25-38m
Seminar: Students lead the discussion. Note the contrast between the boys dying and Marji's punk rock party (p. 102) as a key discussion point (8.RL.6).
38-40m
Closing: Collect prep sheets for assessment of Standard 8.W.2.
Common Misconceptions
- Myth vs. Fact: Students may think the "Key" was a physical key to a gate. Remind them it's a symbolic myth used for military recruitment (8.RL.9).
- POV Confusion: Students might miss the contrast between the school's "mourning" rituals (p. 95) and the reality of the boys being "hypnotized" into battle (p. 101).
Question Stems for 8.RL.6
- "How does the juxtaposition of the children playing punk rock (p. 102) with the silhouettes of boys dying in the minefield create shock for the reader?"
- "In what ways does Satrapi use Mrs. Nasrine's perspective to critique the regime's manipulation of the poor?"
Standard Mastery Check
8.RL.6
Look for analysis of juxtaposed perspectives (the school vs. the front line).
8.RL.9
Look for connections between the "Golden Key" and religious narratives of paradise.
8.W.2
Look for clear organization of ideas and effective use of textual evidence (pp. 94-102).
Developed for 8th Grade ELA • Persepolis Unit
