• American Author Book Test I

     

    ·        Do not summarize.

    ·        Write in complete sentences.

    ·        All of your answers should leave the reader not only confident that you read and understood all parts of the book but also that you’ve done some thinking and analysis of what you’ve read, too. 

    ·        DO NOT merely write and write and write with the aim of filling up as many pages as possible.  Instead, carefully plan and organize your writing.  Length is barely a consideration; quality is a major one.

    ·        This is worth 100 points.  Scoring will consider above all content; however, presentation of that content (specifically organization and mechanics) will also be considered. 

     

     

    Questions:

     

    1.      Please list and briefly describe the major characters in the novel (or story collection).

    a.        Specify if each is static (does not change) or dynamic (does change/is developed) over the course of the book (and explain why).

     

    2.      Write a well developed paragraph that explains the author’s thematic statement in the book.  This should be about a paragraph and should include a thesis statement.  Think of it like the opening paragraph of a paper.

     

    3.      In support of your thesis statement, please provide either

    a.       four quotations and one narrative detail (with page numbers)

    OR

    b.      three quotations and two narrative details (with page numbers). 

    After each quotation or detail, please state how this evidence supports the author’s thematic statement. 

     

    **A narrative detail is something that happens that is either too long to quote specifically or something that recurs throughout the novel that has meaning. 

    o   An example would be Holden’s repeated used of the word “really,” which occurs throughout the story. (This emphasizes his need to convince his audience at all times…) 

     

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    Tips for success: 

     

    ·        Make a character chart to keep track of details and change/no change for each major character.

    ·        Since you already know your theme, while reading, pay close attention to character actions, events, or details that relate to that theme.  When you come across one, put a post-it there or write it in a reader’s log so that you can come back to it later. 

    ·        When you’ve finished the book, consider the message the book sends. 

    ·        SEEK HELP EARLY if you are struggling.