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Paired Texts > An Overview of the Great Depression

by Jessica McBirney

2017

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

You Can Buy Happiness, If It's An Experience

You Can Buy Happiness, If It's An Experience

Maanvi Singh

According to a recent study published in Psychological Science, spending money on experiences rather than materials can indeed bring people joy.

Pair “You Can Buy Happiness, If It’s an Experience” with “An Overview of the Great Depression” and ask students to discuss how Americans’ happiness was likely affected by the Great Depression. How did Americans continue to enjoy their lives during the Great Depression, despite having little money? To what extent did incorrect beliefs about the relationship between money and happiness shape the events that led up to the Great Depression?

8th Grade Informational Text 1270L
Hollywood Dreams of Wealth, Youth, and Beauty

Hollywood Dreams of Wealth, Youth, and Beauty

Bob Mondello

This article looks at how Hollywood films since the 1900s have depicted life in America and how they have helped manufacture the American Dream.

Pair “Hollywood Dreams of Wealth, Youth, and Beauty” with “An Overview of the Great Depression” and ask students to discuss how the entertainment industry developed during the Great Depression. How was Hollywood able to promote optimism during such dark times?

10th Grade Informational Text 1130L
Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy

Jessica McBirney

In the informational text "Financial Literacy," Jessica McBirney explores the various choices a person can make with their money.

Pair “An Overview of the Great Depression” with “Financial Literacy” and ask students to discuss how the Great Depression emphasizes the importance of understanding how certain financial institutions operate. How do some of the financial choices that McBirney discusses in “Financial Literacy” relate to the Great Depression?

7th Grade Informational Text 1040L
Una reseña sobre la Gran Depresión

Una reseña sobre la Gran Depresión

Jessica McBirney

This text is available in both English and Spanish. Click here to view this text in the other language.

7th Grade Informational Text 940L
Marigolds

Marigolds

Eugenia Collier

In "Marigolds," Lizabeth remembers the moment she passed from childhood innocence into adulthood after destroying a neighbor's bed of marigolds.

Pair “Overview of the Great Depression” with “Marigolds” to provide students with more information about the Great Depression and how it impacted citizens. Ask students to summarize what caused the Great Depression and what the effects were for citizens across America.

10th Grade Short Story 1090L