All three novels can be purchased, checked out from the public library, or found in PDF version on the internet.

Transcription

1 This summer the Freshman Team of Hampton High School has decided to give their rising starts a unique challenge. You have three different novels to choose from, select one to read this summer and then complete the attached assignment. All three novels can be purchased, checked out from the public library, or found in PDF version on the internet. THIS IS DUE THE FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL. Your options are: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (Lexile 890) Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Lexile 770) The Acorn People by Ron Jones (Lexile 720) ****NOTE: Your assignment consist of THREE sections. Please be sure to complete ALL sections.

2 Glossary of Terms Characterization: Characterization refers to the methods that a writer uses to develop characters. An author may describe the physical appearance of a character. A character's personality may be revealed through his or her own speech, thoughts, feelings or actions. The speech, thoughts, feelings, or actions of other characters can be used to develop a character. The narrator can make direct comments about a character. Conflict: A struggle or problem between two opposing characters or forces. An internal conflict takes place entirely within a character's own mind. In an external conflict, the problem occurs between the character and an outside force, which may be another character, nature or society as a whole. Theme: The big idea about life the author presents. This concept emerges throughout the text. Themes can be directly stated in the novel or inferred. Direct Quotes/Textual Support: Direct quotes are word for word passages taken from the text. Using direct quotes helps strengthen your answer to questions about the text. Direct quote does not mean just dialogue or parts of the story that already appear in quotation marks. Any words or phrases that you copy from the text as part of your answer should be surrounded by quotation marks followed by the page number. (Writing out the word 'page' is not necessary). Example: "Joe walked slowly towards the dugout" (49).

3 Summer Reading Assignment Name Title of book you selected SCORING RUBRIC Each question has a three point value (unless otherwise stated). Students earn one point for the correct answer and the remaining two for proper and clear explanation on each question. 1. Character Page /18 2. Conflict Page /13 3. Theme Page /9 TOTAL /40 Section 1: Character Analysis: These questions will help you gather information on the main character or protagonist in the novel. Please be sure to use specific examples from the novel, including direct quotes and page number. Please record your direct quotations neatly and accurately with the page number. You may type or write this information on a separate sheet of paper. 1. Copy a direct quote from the book that shows the protagonist s most dominant personality trait in action. (Include the page number). 3 points 2. Explain in 2-4 sentences how this reveals an important personality trait and why it s significant. 3 points 3. Copy a direct quote that shows a key interaction between the protagonist and another significant character. (Include the page number). 3 points 4. Explain what this interaction reveals about their relationship. Include specific ideas and examples in 2-4 sentences. 3 points

4 5. Explain in 4-6 sentences how the main character grows, changes, or what he/she learns during the course of the novel. If he or she does not change, explain what keeps him or her static. Include specific ideas from the story. 6 points Total points earned /18 Conflict: This part of the project will help guide you as you uncover the conflict(s) within the story and the resolution(s).please record your direct quotations neatly and accurately with the page number. You may type or write this information on a separate sheet of paper. 1. Find a direct quote that shows the novel s central conflict/problem and include the page number. 3 points 2. Explain, in 3-5 sentences, how the conflict above evolves in the story. Also include the type of conflict(s) that emerges: person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. society, person vs. nature. 4 points 3. Describe in 2-3 sentences how the conflict is resolved or why the conflict cannot be solved. 3 points 4. Discuss in 3-5 sentences whether you found this novel s resolution (the ending of the conflict and usually the book itself) satisfying, enjoyable, a disappointment, etc., and why. 3 points Total points earned /13

5 Analyzing a Story s Theme: This part of the project is designed to help you discover the theme of the novel. Please record your direct quotations neatly and accurately with the page number. You may type or write this information on a separate sheet of paper. 1. In a clear sentence, explain an important message about life you think the author is trying to express in the novel. 1 point 2. Please write down the first and second piece of evidence, a direct quotation from the text for each piece of evidence, and explain how the evidence supports the theme or message. 8 points Evidence #1: Interpretation #1 Connection to the theme: Evidence #2: Interpretation #2: Connection to the theme: Total points earned /9

6 Section 2 We are defined by our actions, words, habits, relationships, vices, beliefs, religion, possessions, upbringing, where we live, mannerisms, hobbies, interests, etc. A good author creates memorable characters that drive the plot - characters who feel real. No matter how good the plot is, without compelling characters, the reader won t be hooked by the novel. Write responses to both of the following: Your responses should be 2-3 paragraphs each, typed or neatly written in ink. 1. Discuss how your character is developed. How does he or she change or grow over the course of the novel? What events/circumstances prompt these changes? What lessons does your character learn as he or she develops? Are these lessons important to all of us? Why or why not? Provide specific details to support your response. 2. How did you relate to your character? In what ways are you alike or different? Make connections between yourself and your chosen character. Use specific examples from the text and from your life to support the connections you make. Section 3 Personal narrative Using one of the statements from the anticipatory guide as a springboard, write a personal narrative in which you describe a moment or event in your life that parallels or is similar to an event from the reading (remember that a narrative is a collection of events that tells a story). Bring your narrative to life, being careful to use sensory details. Please be sure to include events or lines from the assigned text to illustrate how the two intersect. 20pts Letter In every great literary work, a character undergoes immense change, whether it be through a physical journey or through a journey within oneself. Select a main character from the literary work one that has obviously changed as a result of the plot and write a letter to yourself from the view point of that character. What would the character, after all he/she has experienced and learned, say to you about your current situation in life? What advice would he/she offer? As the character, use specific examples from the events of the story in order to support your viewpoints. To the best of your ability, within the scope of the letter embody the voice of the character. 20 pts.