Choose one novel from the list below (You only have to read 1 book in a series) Gifted Hands The Hunger Games Series Which Way Freedom

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1 Incoming 8 th Grade Pre-AP Summer Reading Project May 2015 Dear Parents: Pre-AP ELAR is an advanced English class where students will analyze higher level text and apply their comprehension skills by completing projects and practicing these skills independently. For this reason, I have decided to implement a summer reading program for our incoming 8 th grade students, due the first day of school. Please keep in mind this assignment will be your students first two test grades (Report & Visual Aid). Late work will NOT be accepted for any reasons. *Failure to complete this project will result in the dismissal of your student from the Pre-AP class. In turn, your student will be placed in the general English class. *Please read the requirements and sign the attached sheet stating that you understand your student must complete this assignment and that late work will NOT be accepted. Requirements for all incoming 8 th grade students: 1. Select and read one of the novels below. The book should be one the student has not previously read. Audio books are permitted. All of these books are available at any public library. The Marshall Public Library gives out free membership cards and is always welcoming new students. 2. Follow the instructions in this packet to complete both a written book report and a visual aid for the novel. Have each of these ready to turn in the first day of school. Choose one novel from the list below (You only have to read 1 book in a series) Gifted Hands The Hunger Games Series Which Way Freedom The Jungle Warrior s Don t Cry Mortal Instruments Series Fahrenheit 451 Lord of the Flies Divergent Series American Sniper The Rangers Apprentice Series Percy Jackson and the Olympian Series I hope the students enjoy their summer reading. If you have questions, please contact me at Katie.wilson21@att.net. Sincerely, Katie Wilson 8 th Grade English/Reading

2 I have read and agree to the summer reading assignment that my child must complete. If my child does not complete this project, or turns it in late, they will receive a zero and be dismissed from the Pre-AP ELAR course. Student Name Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date 2

3 8 th Grade Pre-AP English Summer Reading Project Outline 1. Paragraph 1 INTRODUCTION/THESIS a. In sentence 1, state the title and author, then describe the story. b. In sentence2, discuss the main character(s) and what he/she experiences. Examples: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is an exciting tale of pirates and danger. It tells the story of Jim Hawkins and his adventures searching for buried treasure. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane gives a vivid description of battle during the Civil War. The novel tells the story of Henry Fleming, who is horrified about fighting the enemy. 2. Paragraph 2 SETTING a. In sentence 1, state the setting of the book. Example: The Giver takes place in a futuristic world where there is no color. b. Finish the paragraph by telling i. When Examples: the summer of 1895; the present; over a period of time ect ii. Where Examples: Sam lives in a pioneer home; in the northeast, in a make-believe world; in a small house in the woods nearby ect. c. Sensory images (Smells, sounds, sights ect) Examples: There are vividly colored flowers; snow-capped mountains ect 3. Paragraph 3 MAIN CHARACTER a. Pre-Write Complete the attached sheet for your character web. This pre-write must be turned in with the report. b. In the first sentence, name the main character(s) and use the personality traits from your character web. i. Example: The main character in The Giver is Jonas, an intelligent boy who shows incredible courage. c. Finish the paragraph with a description of the character(s). Use your character web. 4. Paragraph 4 PLOT (This paragraph is a summary paragraph) a. The first sentence will have three parts: i. Identify the book ii. Select a verb (action word) iii. Finish the thought 3

4 1. Example: Forrest Gump (book) entertains (verb) the reader with a touching story and a quick review of history. (thought) b. Follow these steps to finish the paragraph with a summary of the plot. i. Pre-Write: Complete the attached pre-write sheet. This pre-write must be turned in. ii. Write your summary. Follow your list of main events, but add information if necessary. Use transitions if needed, and write good, clear sentences. iii. Summaries do not need a formal conclusion. Just following your list of events will bring you to the end of your summary. Don t force an awkward-sounding conclusion. 5. Paragraph 5 FUNNY OR INTERESTING PART a. Identify a part of the story that was funny, wonderful, interesting, sad, mysterious, or suspenseful to you. i. Example: One of the best parts of the novel is when Sam gets his new puppy. b. Explain the details of this part of the story. It may be helpful to do this orally first. Have someone listen as you describe this event, then write the rough draft. 6. Paragraph 6 - AUTHOR TECHNIQUE a. In the first sentence, name the author and one technique used in the book, **See attached list of author techniques. i. Example:John Steinbeck provides effective similes throughout the story. b. Give 2 examples of this technique from the book. One example should be directly quoted from the book. Include the page number at the end of the quote. i. Example: Steinbeck describes Lennie s walk as, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags its paws (2). c. End your paragraph with a statement about how this technique adds to the story. i. Example: The use of similes in Of Mice and Men creates a comparison of how Lennie walked like a bear which allows a reader to picture his walk in their minds. 7. Paragraph 7 CONCLUSION a. In the first sentence state your opinion. i. Examples: Although The Giver had a strange ending, it is a book worth reading. b. Describe your thoughts about the book. If you are saying something negative, say it in an appropriate way. Give a solid reason to support your views. c. To whom would you recommend this book? Why? i. Examples: Readers who are looking for a story about people and relationships should read Walk Two Moons. 4

5 Written Book Report Requirements/Rubric Final Paper Must be typed, 12 point Times New Roman font, double spaced. If you do not have access to a computer/printer, the paper must be written legibly. 10 points Title Page Include a title, your name, and the date. Final paper starts on the page behind the title page (or page 2). It does NOT need a heading or name. 5 points Paragraphs and spacing Indent paragraphs. Double space (if typed). Do not leave an extra blank line between paragraphs. 10 points Spelling, grammar, mechanics ect. All words are spelled correctly and capitalized. Sentences are complete and punctuation is used correctly throughout the paper. 5 points Pre-Write Turn in the character web and pre-write for the plot paragraph behind the final paper. 20 points Rough draft One rough draft must be turned in behind pre-writes. Your rough draft should show evidence of revisions and editing. 10 points Paragraphs 1-7 are complete and follow the instructions on the instructions pages. Paragraph 1 Introduction/Thesis Paragraph 2 Setting Paragraph 3 Main Character Paragraph 4 Plot Paragraph 5 Funny or Interesting part Paragraph 6 Author Technique Paragraph 7 - Conclusion 85 points What to turn in In this order: title page, final copy, pre-writes, and rough draft. All must be stapled together, ready for the first day of school. 5 points 150 Total Points 5

6 Pre-Write: Character Web (Paragraph 3) - Please choose 3 personality traits that describe your character. The example needs to help describe the trait and the quote needs to be text evidence to support your trait/examples as well. Quote from book (page # ) Quote from book (page # ) Personality Trait 1 Character Personality Trait 3 Personality Trait 2 Quote from book (page # ) 6

7 Verb List for Summaries (Paragraph 4) Compares Defines Describes Acknowledges Adds Advises Answers Asks Asserts Assures Blames Captures Clarifies Classifies Confirms Confronts Confuses Considers Contrasts Critiques Explains Gives Lists Defends Demonstrates Denounces Depicts Discourages Encourages Endorses Entertains Entices Enumerates Evaluates Explores Expresses Features Furnishes Identifies Illustrates Presents Shows Tells Invites Judges Mentions Names Offends Offers Praises Predicts Proposes Provides Recommends Simplifies Solves Suggests Supports Teachers Trace

8 Pre-write: Plot Paragraph/Summary (Paragraph 4) Use this sheet to sort out the MAIN EVENTS that happen in the story. What happened 1 st? What happened next? What happened next? What happened next? What happened next? How did the story end?

9 Authors Technique (Paragraph 6) An author technique, or literary device, is a tool or technique that an author uses to make his writing more interesting to the reader. Technique Description Example Simile Hook Cliffhanger The comparison of two unlike things using like or as A compelling first sentence in a novel or chapter that grabs the interest of the reader A sentence ending a chapter with suspense or tension, making the reader want to find out what happens next The two old ladies looked like matching salt and pepper shakers. It was the beginning of December and Jonas was beginning o be frightened. Jonas bowed his head and searched through his mind. What had he done wrong? Symbolism An object, person, or action that stands for something larger than itself A rose is often a symbol of love and beauty; a skull can be a symbol of death. Flashback A return to the past in the story The Black Pearl is an entire flashback to the story of Ramon s youth. Foreshadowing Metaphor The author gives a hint of something that will happen later on in the story A comparison of two things that are different without using the words like or as to compare them Giving human qualities to things that are not human The author could use a thunderstorm to give a hint of the violence that occurs later in his story. Life is a hard road. Personification The winter wind is unkind, with such rude breath. Hyperbole Exaggeration He dug his hatchet down to the Onomatopoeia Alliteration The use of words whose sounds imitate their meanings The repetition of similar sounds in a group of words. center of the earth! The rising wind growled, roared, and howled. Stumbling slowly, they silently surveyed the silvery moonlit landscape.

10 Visual Aid Your visual aid does not have to be a poster. The visual will be graded on creativity, effort, and an explanation of how it ties to the novel. You may choose one of the ideas below or create your own. Ideas: Diorama Collage Painting Model Diagram Video PowerPoint Timeline Character Interview Commercial Poster Cereal Box Report Your visual aid will be a separate grade and graded using the following rubric. Visual Aid Rubric Overall Presentation/Effort All elements outlined are present and done thoroughly 30 points Spelling/Grammar There are no spelling and grammar errors 15 points Creativity The project is neatly done 15 points Explanation of novel Total Points The novel is represented well and the student has an in depth understanding of the book 40 points 100 points