LITERARY LOG ASSIGNMENT

Transcription

1 LITERARY LOG ASSIGNMENT Introduction Ideally, reading a play, poem, novel or work of non-fiction should inspire some sort of response in the reader. The Literary Log assignment gives you a chance to respond to what you have read and to personalize your response in a manner best suited to your style and talents. The thirty-plus choices of log entries available will give you experience in literary analysis. While completing this assignment, you will be able to: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly and implicitly using examples, evidence and quotations from the text. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Analyze in how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text through examples or anecdotes. Analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme. In addition, you can control the level of difficulty on your own, pushing yourself to do more if you desire to do so. This component of the course is worth 70 points and will count as a test/writing/project grade. Independent Novel Logs Explanation By the end of the literary work, you are expected to complete five (5) log sheets for your literary work; (four (4) from the regular selections and one closing log). Compile these into a log booklet. On page 2 of the handout you will find a list of these logs. Independent Novel Logs Format Write about 200 words or more for every entry (this is minimum effort). Write in blue or black ink or type your entry. Typed logs must be double spaced. Log Booklets At the end of the literary work (or any time prior to that), you will be need to turn in a booklet that contains the 5 completed logs. Check the calendar for specific due dates. Each booklet is to be constructed with these components: Cover (8 ½ x 11, bigger is not better) Table of Contents page 4 regular log pages 1 closing log page COVER Follow this format for your cover Design the cover to reflect the themes, characters, or plot of the book. The book's title needs to be part of the design. 1

2 DO NOT use the book's own cover (any edition) as part of your design. Designs can be hand-drawn or computer generated. Use color (unless you prefer not) and make the cover/title page neat. Near the bottom of the page, the following needs to be incorporated as part of the design: your name the class name and period teacher's name the date (that you are handing it in) TABLE OF CONTENTS Follow this format for your table of contents page Title of the Book (centered) Cite your novel here. (Use MLA citation format. Remember, if you need to use a second line, it is indented one half inch.) See Notes on last page. Table of Contents (below are examples of log choices: what you choose is up to you) Summary Page 2 (Your first log would be page 2: Your table of contents is actually your first page and you never add it to that) Alternative Ending Page 3 New Vocabulary Page 4 Meaningful Quotations Page 6 Closing Log: Letter to Author Page 8 List of Log Choices & Explanations Choices for Fiction (novel) - explanations start on page 3 Advice Column Alternative Ending Analyzing Reality Board Game Design Casting the Movie Version Character Astrology Signs Character Comparison Character Reaction Character Sketch Coming to Dinner? Create a Character's Room Current Events Fortune Cookies Gift Giving Illustrator If Walls Could Talk In a Character's Shoes Transporting a Character Mapping the Setting Meaningful Quotations New Vocabulary Party Time Postcard to a Character Retelling a Scene Revising Tone Similes & Metaphors Staging a Novel Summary Switching Settings T-Shirt Design Time Capsule Time Line Title Acrostic Traveling in a Novel Travel Brochure 2

3 List of Log Choices & Explanations, continued Choices for Non-Fiction (biography, autobiography, memoir, etc.) - explanations start on page 3 Advice Column Casting the Movie Version Character Reaction Coming to Dinner? Fortune Cookies Gift Giving Illustrator In a Character's Shoes Meaningful Quotations New Vocabulary Selling the Book Similes & Metaphors Summary T-Shirt Design Time Line Title Acrostic Directions for individual logs Put the directions for each log entry at the top of the log page. (doesn't count towards the 200 words but will count towards the grade) Write about 200 words or more for every entry (this is minimum effort). Write in blue or black ink or type your entry. Typed logs must be double-spaced. Advice Column Describe one of the problems faced by a character and write advice for him/her. You may choose to be serious or humorous. Use the letter format common to newspaper advice columns (Dear Abby), where the person with the problem writes for advice and the adviser writes back. Often, the person seeking advice "disguises" his or her name with a descriptive name associated with the problem. Alternative Ending Summarize the original ending. Write an alternative ending for one of the books you read. Try to maintain consistency with the author's style. You must actually write the ending and not simply describe it. Analyzing Reality Starting with the following phrase: A part that seems really realistic/totally unbelievable in the book I'm reading is... Finish the sentence and explain why the part you selected is realistic or totally believable by providing specific examples. Include the page number(s) of the part you are discussing. Board Game Design Create a board game that is based on your novel. Include several events from the novel as well as any facts that are relevant to the novel. Include all of the following: name of the game, objective of the players, scoring, rules, and board design. Casting the Movie Version You are the director in charge of filming the novel. How will you cast it? Name specific actors for the roles. How will you handle the camera? What do you have in mind for setting and sound? How will you use color? Why? Casting should be original casting. If a movie already exists, you must completely re-cast your version. Character Astrology Signs After reading brief descriptions of the astrology or sun signs, figure out what signs you think three of your characters were born under. Write an explanation of why you think the character fits the sign, using relevant and specific details from the story that draw on the character s actions, attitudes and thoughts from the book. Include the traits of the astrology sign in your explanation. Character Comparison Compare/Contrast one of the characters with someone you really know. Use relevant and specific examples about appearance, actions, personality, likes/dislikes, vocabulary, etc. Support your examples with citations from your novel (page number). Character Reaction Starting with the following phrase: I really like/dislike, [character name] (a character in the book you are reading) because... Finish the sentence and give several reasons supported with relevant and specific examples of what the character does or says. 3

4 Character Sketch Write description of your favorite character. Tell what the character is like outside (age, gender, hair, etc.) and inside (personality). You may also draw a picture of this character if you wish but you will still need to write a 100-word explanation using relevant and specific details to support your opinion. Create a Character's Room We learn a lot about people by what they keep in their closets, what they have on their walls, what they select to put in a room. Select a character you know well and create a living room, bedroom or some other room that would mean a lot to the character. Draw or write about it, making sure to include an explanation of why you designed the room as you did. If you choose to draw the character s room, you will still need to write a 100-word explanation using relevant and specific details to support your opinion Current Events Select three current news or feature stories from television or news magazines you think your character would be interested in. Then explain how your character would respond to each of the stories and the opinion your character would have about what was happening in the story. Fortune Cookies You are dining at a Chinese restaurant with 5 characters from the novel you read. On that particular night, the fortune cookies were amazingly appropriate. Tell what each fortune cookie said and why it was especially fitting to the character who received it. Don't forget to include yourself! Gift Giving Think of what five (or more) gifts would be perfect to give to the main character. They can be tangible or intangible, but should be things that he/she would really want or use. Explain why you chose each in the space below. If Walls Could Talk... Create a conversation between the main character and some intangible thing (like goodness, justice, love, greed, etc.) or a nonliving thing (like a stone, a tree, a chair, a cabinet, etc.) or his/her conscience. Write the conversation below. Your conversation must be punctuated correctly for dialogue. What each person says is shown in quotation marks. When a new person begins speaking, you create a new paragraph. Illustrator Make six or more cartoons or drawings that show the major events in the story. Below each cartoon, write a brief explanation of each scene. (Explanation should be at least 100 words) Mapping the Setting On a separate piece of paper, draw a map of the setting in your book. Label all the important places. Make a key explaining the symbols. Provide an explanation for your map (at least 100 words). This option cannot be selected if your book already has such a map. Meaningful Quotations Quote 2-3 passages that you really connect with. Include the page number found in parentheses. Explain what makes those quotations/passages so meaningful to you. New Vocabulary List 10 new and interesting words from your book (include the page number) that are essential to the understanding of the book. Explain why you picked the words you did and define them in terms of their usage in the story. Party Time Plan a party, outing, or event that you think one of the characters would enjoy. The party should reflect his/her interests and likes. Include the following: theme(s), food, entertainment, decorations, dress, special effects, location, time, and other guests. Write out the plan. The choices you make must fit the character and the fictional world he/she lives in. Postcard to a Character Create a postcard for the novel following the directions below. The postcard is written from you to a character in the novel The stamp represents the setting The address is to a specific character in the novel Message includes one really important incident and 5 details Some specific indication of your opinion of the book is included Tack on a postscript (P.S.) The picture side has an attractive drawing with the title of the book and the author's name. 4

5 Putting Yourself in a Character's Shoes Starting with the following phrase: If I were (character name) at this point, I would... Finish the sentence and give specific actions you would take and provide sound reasoning for those actions. Retelling a Scene Pick a scene and retell the events from a different character's perspective... Identify the scene, the character and how the scene is different in your retelling. Imagine you have entered the mind of that other character. You can write the scene as if you are that character recounting the events. You may want to use dialogue Revising Tone Choose a passage from the book you are reading and rewrite it, changing words to change the tone. Identify the original tone and then select what type of tone you wish to use. For example, you could sound angry, sympathetic, satirical, etc. (Please identify which book the passage is from and the page number.) Searching for Similes and Metaphors Find and write down 5 similes and 5 metaphors from your book. Label each as a simile or a metaphor (give the page number). Choose two or three and explain why you chose them. Staging a Novel Describe the setting of your novel below. Design a stage for a scene of your book as if it were being presented as a stage play. List your cast of characters from the novel and pick current actors or actresses to play those roles. Also note if costumes will be needed for each character. Summary Write a summary of what you read. Include basic literary information, such as setting(s), character(s), plot (conflict & resolution), point of view, theme(s), and anything else that would be beneficial to the reader in better understanding what has happened. Switching Settings Describe what would happen if you would change the setting of the novel you are reading. Be specific. Remember, setting is both time and place. Would characters change? Would the plot have to change? Explain! Transporting a Character Lift a character out of the book you are reading and drop him or her down in our school. Is the character a student, teacher, custodian, secretary, nurse, principal, cafeteria employee, etc.? Don't change the character's personality-just show what might happen if he or she became one of us. T-Shirt Design Create an original T-shirt design to highlight significant characters, events of themes in the book. Include words or phrases on the shirt, and give an explanation (100 words) on the side about what the shirt signifies. The explanation should include relevant and specific details from the text. Time Capsule Make a time capsule for the book you read. Tell what each character would put in and why. Also include items that relate to the theme, plot, and setting. Explain those as well. You should write a few sentences for each item in the time capsule. You need at least ten items included in your time capsule. Travel Brochure Design a travel brochure for the book you read. Include a heading/title, pictures, a map, vivid descriptions, a list of things to do, interesting facts that relate to your novel, and historical information relating to your book. Use the area below for brainstorming, but turn in a brochure with this log. Time Line Create an illustrated timeline of the major events in the novel. Make your own drawings or use computer art and include approximate dates if exact ones cannot be obtained. You may use the space below or turn in a separate timeline attached to this page. Traveling in a Novel If you were going to join the characters in the book, what would you pack? Write an explanation of ten or more items you would bring and why. They may be tangible or intangible items. Title Acrostic Take a sheet of paper and write the title of the book down the side of the paper. For each letter in the title, construct a complete sentence that begins with that letter and tells something significant about the story. This entry is for book titles of eight (8) or more letters. 5

6 Which Character Is Coming to Dinner? Invite one of the characters in your book to dinner, explaining why you chose that character above the others. Next, write a note to your mother telling her that you have invited someone to dinner. Describe the person to her; include a few dos and don'ts for her to follow so that your guest will feel at home Closing Log Choices Letter to the Author Write a letter to the author posing questions about the book. Include at least ten questions. Be sure to start your letter with a greeting and some information about yourself and your reaction to the book. Follow correct business letter format. (This is a closing log selection only). Literary Analysis and Positive Review Using complete sentences and paragraphs (at least 3), explain why this is the best book you read this semester. Include literary information, such as writing techniques (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions), plot structure, characterization, symbolism, setting, imagery, and so on. Explain your personal interaction with the book or the impact this book had on you or your life. Finally, describe why you think others should read the book. (This is a closing log selection only). Who Should Read This Book? Write at least 2 paragraphs on this topic: Why [person s name] should (or should not) read this book. Give good reasons! Choose a specific person you know for this log. (This is a closing log selection only). NOTES 1. Do not put your log pages in page protectors. This makes it difficult for me to write comments or grades on your project. Your project should not be in a 3-ring binder or folder. 2. Easybib.com will help you create the citation needed for the Table of Contents. You need to supply the relevant information (author, book title, etc.) and place on the page as instructed. Sample Citation: Hallenga, Robert. Philosophy Made Simple. New York: Back Bay Books, Print. Gibson-Roberts, Priscilla. Spinning in the Old Way. Fort Collins: Nomad, Kindle file. 3. Read all instructions carefully. Part of your grade is based on how well you read and follow directions. If you have questions, ask them! Listen when someone else asks questions. He or she may be asking about your issue. 4. DO NOT use movie art (posters or movie advertising art) as part of your cover design. Any graphics (Tshirt designs, game board, storyboard) should be original work. If you use images from the Internet (clip art, stock photograps) for your cover design or illustrated time line, make sure you cite the sources for these images either as a footnote or a citation at the end of your literary log. If you are in doubt, ask! 5. What you WRITE is more important than artistic talent. If a log entry says "You may also draw a picture of this character if you wish." remember that what you write carries more weight than what you draw. A sketch is an addition, not the main event. 6. Don t forget to number your pages. While the Table of Contents is really the first page, it doesn t get a page number. Page numbering starts with your first actual log page. 6

7 Name: Total Points: Rubric for Independent Novel Log Booklet 10 9/8 7 6/5 0 Above expectations- All directions followed precisely and extras are added Good, at expectations---some minor problems distract; your work is less precise than it could be Good attempt, not quite meeting expectations--- several deviations exist. Attention to detail and directions is limited Not up to par---you misunderstood expectations or had too many mistakes or omissions You didn't do this at all, or your attempt is so poor, so limited that no points are given Cover Attractive; relevant to the novel; includes name, class, class period, teacher, date Table of Contents Page Title of Book Bibliographic Information Table of Contents Logs #1-4 Use complete sentences, reveal an excellent understanding of the novel, use introductions and conclusions appropriately, sufficient length, and free of errors in conventions. Closing Log Follows same expectations as other logs Totals: 70 points possible 7