“Greg Ousley Is Sorry for Killing His Parents. Is That Enough?

The Second Read: Looking at Pivotal Passages

Establishing Purpose

Goal: Write an essay in which you address the following question: Should juveniles be tried as adults in classes of extreme crime? Cite evidence from your readings to support your position.

Reading TaskWas Greg Ousley tried appropriately for the murder of his parents? Should he receive a second chance? Cite evidence from the article to support your position.

First Read: General UnderstandingRead with a pencil to annotate text

• Number the paragraphs

• Underline evidence that reveals Ousely is rehabilitated

• Circle evidence that reveals details of Ousely’s crime.

Quick-write (5-7 min.)

Following your initial read and annotations, do you believe Greg Ousley was tried appropriately for the murder of his parents? Do you believe he should receive a second chance? Choose one piece of textual evidence to support your conclusion.

Possible academic language to use…• In regards to __________, I believe __________.• The evidence suggests…• _________ proves that….• According to ____________, __________.• There is little doubt….

Discussion to Share Initial Impressions

Following your initial read and annotations, do you believe Greg Ousley was tried appropriately for the murder of his parents? Do you believe he should he receive a second chance? Choose one piece of textual evidence to support your conclusion.

Possible academic language to use…• In regards to __________, I believe __________.• The evidence suggests…• _________ proves that….• According to ____________, __________.• There is little doubt….

Second Read: Text-dependent Questions focused on Pivotal Passages

• Form Groups of 4• Number off from 1 to 4• Re-read pivotal passages aloud. • Be prepared to write, speak,

and share-out your responses using academic language.

Text-dependent Questions

Pivotal Passage #0/ex: Paragraphs 32-33

Question: Describe the impact of Tammy’s move on Greg. Cite specific evidence in your answer.

Text-dependent QuestionsPivotal Passage #1: Paragraphs 55-57

Question: How did the interaction between Greg and Mr. Phillips affect Greg’s future actions? Cite textual evidence in your answer.

Text-dependent Questions

Pivotal Passage #2: Paragraphs 61-63

Question: What steps did Greg initiate to understand why he killed his parents? To what extent do these actions suggest he is rehabilitated?

Text-dependent QuestionsPivotal Passage #3: Paragraphs 76-79

Question: How does Anderson’s word choice impact the reader’s understanding of how Greg’s case was handled. What does he suggest about Greg’s sentencing? Cite specific words used by Anderson to analyze.

Text-dependent Questions

Pivotal Passage #4: Paragraphs 90-93

Question: Describe the impact of his parents photos on Greg. What does his reaction reveal about him as a son? A murderer? A human being?

Text-dependent Questions

How does this article connect to the other articles we’ve read about juvenile justice?

Utilize textual evidence to support your response.