• Outside Readings - 2010-2011
     
     
    OR #3
     
    OR #1 - Read by Monday, 10/18
     
    For this assignment, you will complete an in-class essay on Thursday, Oct 21. 
     
    Assignment Details:
     

    Please answer questions from the following groupings below in complete sentences and paragraphs.  You should write on a total of 3 questions.

     

    Question 1:  Select two characters from your book.  Using specific details, introduce the characters to the reader, and then explain how those characters are dynamic (meaning they change or grow during the course of the story) or are static (meaning they do not change or grow during the course of the story).

                     

    **Each character description should contain a quotation for support.**

     

    Question 2:  What is the setting of the novel?  Is it set in present day reality in the United States?

    a)       If yes:

    i)        What specific details about the setting let you know that it is present day reality in the US?

    ii)      Does the main character feel “at home” in this setting?  Why or why not?

    iii)    Would the main character feel “at home” in some other setting?

    b)      If no:

    i)        What about the setting is different than present day reality in the United States?

    ii)      Does the main character feel “at home” in this setting?  Why or why not?

    iii)    Would the character feel “at home” in our present day reality?

     

          **Each setting description should contain a quotation for support.**

     

    Question 3:  Burn it?  Borrow it?  Buy it?  

    After finishing this novel, would you demand that it be burned because it was so bad?  Would you recommend that a friend borrow it from you or the library because it was a pretty good read?  Or, would you insist that a friend purchase the book because it was so good you would read it again and again?  Whichever option you choose, make sure to thoroughly justify your answer considering as many parts of the novel as you can (its characters, setting, conflict and resolution, and theme [take-home message]). 

     

                **Your explanation should contain a quotation for support.**

     
    RESOURCES:
    To help you prepare for your essay, I recommend you utilize some of the following reading strategies/tools (highlighted if has template attachment)
    • Complete Question Outlines.  These outlines take you through each question step by step to help break down the information.
    • Look at Sample Writings:  These are from previous students. 
    • Create a timeline for the character's life.  This should include major events including but not limited to:  obstacles, triumphs, influential characters, etc.  The format/design can be as you wish. You may want to color code certain events to help keep track of what happened when.  The idea is to help you remember the major events of his life and story.
    • Create a character chart like the one we did for the summer reading books.  This should include character name, description/relation to main character, and if s/he is dynamic or static.
    • Create a columned graphic organizer to chart specific obstacles/challenges, how he overcame each, and what - if any - impact the event had on his life.
    These are not required but are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.  The more note taking you do now, the less research you need to do later.  Simple as that!  I hope you enjoyed reading.