Finished Book Assignments

2008-2009

(Updated April 29, 2009)

 

You are required do one finished book assignment per quarter.  These are 50 point assignments, and need to be of the highest quality:  thoughtful, well-written, and done with care.  They must be typed, double-spaced and size 12 Arial font.

 

 

1st Quarter:  The Pearl  ~ Due Friday, September 26

First, answer this question in one well-developed paragraph:  “What is the author trying to tell or teach me in this book?”  Expand on your ideas.  Don’t skimp!  After the first paragraph, find, and then individually comment on four quotes from the book that support your answer.  Be sure to include page number and specific comments for each quote. (see sample)

 

         

2nd Quarter:  Your novel of choice ~ Due Friday, December 12

Summarize your novel, building from the inciting incident up through the climax, including  at least four developments, and all the way to the closing of the story.  Next, explain how the inciting incident affected the main character throughout the development of the story:  Was his or her life changed?  How?  What happened?  Did it change his/her relationship with other characters?  Discuss all of this in detail.  (see sample)

 

DC Assignment: Complete a personal reflection on the book you choose in a letter format to the author.  This is a national contest, but you do not have to enter.  See the website for detailed directions.  http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/pdf/lal-2008-entry-guidelines.pdf  If you do wish to enter the contest, you need to turn your letter in to your teacher by December 5th.  Otherwise it is due along with the class on December 12th.

 

 

3rd Quarter:  Your novel of choice ~ Due Friday, March 6

Write about how the book you have read has a similar theme to a current event today. This can be a universal theme or a feeling the event elicits.  Find a newspaper article, glue it in and explain the parallel.  (see sample)

 

 

4th Quarter:  Your novel of choice ~ Due Friday, May 29  You will type this as an on-demand test in the computer lab.  You may bring a rough draft of ideas, but you must also be prepared to use the correct business letter format.

Write a letter to the author commenting on what life lessons you learned through the book.  Do you have any new viewpoints now after reading this book?  Be sure to list them in the letter and explain why.