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Independent Reading
ENG 9 – Lineberry
For many high school students, reading is about as appealing as having
a tooth pulled without Novocaine, and is something to be avoided at all
costs. Part of the problem is that the readings required in the curriculum
are often not those that students would choose to read. These required
readings ARE valuable for a variety of reasons that we will explore, but
it is my philosophy that students will read more if they also have a chance
to select books that interest them. Therefore, I am placing a strong emphasis
on projects relating to books that students choose for themselves.
I will still require you to read some of the books on the standard
curriculum. These required readings include:
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1st Quarter- The Odyssey by Homer
Anthem by Ayn Rand
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2nd Quarter- Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens
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3rd Quarter- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
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4th Quarter- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
In addition, you must select at least one book each quarter on which
you will complete a variety of projects. YOU MUST COMPLETE PROJECTS FOR
AT LEAST ONE BOOK EACH QUARTER IN ORDER TO PASS. However, you are free
to read and complete projects about as many books as you wish.
In selecting books, follow these guidelines:
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The book should be at least 150 pages long
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The book should be of an appropriate level for a high school freshman
– no Animorphs, Goosebumps, etc.
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The book may be fiction or non-fiction.
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The book should NOT be one that you have read for a previous class.
To earn points for your books, you must complete a reading log as well
as projects that demonstrate that you have read and understood the book.
You may earn up to 200 points per book by completing the projects listed
below. I have included maximum point values for each project; of course,
poorly done projects will not earn the maximum number of points possible.
In addition, I will make other possible projects available as the year
goes on, and I will also be open to project suggestions from you. You will
notice that I have provided far more than 200 points worth of project suggestions;
you then can select the projects that best fit your book and your interests
and talents.
Your completed book report must include the following:
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A reading log of at least 10 entries of at least 50 words each (in other
words, at least 500 words total). Your reading log should clearly demonstrate
that you have read the book, but should NOT be just a summary of events.
Instead, you should include your opinions, questions and predictions about
what you have read at various points in the book. (40 pts)
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At least 60 points worth of projects from the following list.
Possible projects include:
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A new cover design for the book, accompanied by a letter to the publisher
persuading him/her to use your design. Your letter should clearly explain
the design you have created and tell the publisher why you think this design
is appropriate.(30)
-
A collage of at least five items representing a character. Your collage
should be accompanied by a paragraph explaining the items you have chosen.
(30)
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Five journal entries telling events of the book from one character’s
point of view (40)
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Illustrated timeline of at least 10 plot events in the book (20)
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Ten-question multiple choice quiz with answer key (20)
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Vocabulary list of 20 challenging words (and their definitions) found
in your book (20)
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At least five reading excerpts – copy short passages or literary devices
that you feel are effective, and write a brief explanation of why each
appeals to you (20)
-
An original poem of at least 15 lines that gives insight into a character
in your book. You may write your poem about your character or in 1st
person, as if your character were writing it. (30)
-
A casting list of actors/actresses that you would choose if you were
making a movie of your book. Select actors for at least five characters,
and explain why you feel each is a good choice. (30)
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