English 9 CP
Independent Reading Assignments
Below, you will find four different projects you can select from. Keep in mind that you may only do each project once.
Each project will be due on the date listed below.
2008/2009
Due Dates:
November 17th
Free Choice
February
2nd
Memoir/Classic
March
17th
Teacher Choice ~The Miracle Worker~
Persuasive
Speech
Task: Persuade the class in a 3 -5
minute speech to read the novel that you are presenting. Your speech must include, but is not limited to, information
on the characters, theme, and conflicts contained within the novel. Be careful not to give away the ending.
Delivery:
- Make the presentation exciting
and use props.
- Dress in costume (optional –
but always popular)
- You will be graded on your eye
contact, so be certain you have rehearsed.
- Do not rush!
- Pay attention to your tone and clarity
as well as your volume
**You will be going on the day assigned
to you**
Cereal Box
Task: Design and create a cereal box that
symbolizes a theme from the novel.
Requirements:
1. On the back of
the box:
· Design at least four character sketches.
You need to include the protagonist and antagonist; the other two can be your choice.
o Draw the characters. It does not matter if they are stick people or fully developed
sketches.
o Describe the characters in detail.
o Describe each character’s main role, his/her importance
in the novel, what he/she contributed, and how they fit with the theme of the novel.
2. On the “Ingredients” section,
you will need to provide a brief plot summary.
3.
On the "Recommended Daily Allowance" section, list several characters that we have discussed in class that would relate
to your novel. Assign a percentage to each character which correlates to the
similarity between them.
CD CASE
Task: Design and create a CD cover that highlights a major theme of the novel.
Requirements:
·
On the back
of the cover, give a brief explanation of what it represents. (Motifs, allegory, universal issues).
·
Come up with
at least six original song titles that demonstrate aspects of the book.
·
You will need
to write lyrics for one of the songs. You may add your own accompaniment, but
that is optional.
· Specify what type of music will be on the CD. (Rock, Hip
hop, Rap)
· Select a popular song that matches the protagonist’s situation in the
story.
Create
a Game
Task: Create a board game that displays famous quotes, characters, the setting, and plot of your novel.
Requirements:
· Your design should incorporate theme, motif, and symbols from the novel.
For example, the classic game of Monopoly has been redone after The Lord of the Rings, capitalizing on the love
story.
· Write clear instructions on how to play the game.
· You must have game pieces and cards.
Be
the Teacher
Task: Design four handouts you can use to teach this novel to the class.
Requirements
· Each handout/assignment should utilize a different learning style. For
example, a journal assignment, a handout that examines a literary technique (simile), reading assignment, or media assignment.
· While constructing your assignments, consider the following:
- Setting
- Characters
- Plot
- Theme
- Literary Techniques
· Note – handouts must be submitted at least one day prior to your presentation to allow time for copying.
Essays
All essays should be a minimum
of two pages typed using MLA format
- Select one character from your novel and address the
following questions: What are the life-changing experiences that enable us to
see this character “grow up" during the course of the story? How might this character be changed and does he or she
have a more mature understanding of the world around them after their experience? How do you know this character has changed? Use evidence from the novel to support your answer.
- Examine the choices made by a character in your novel. How did those choices either benefit or harm the character. The paper should be focused on only one character. Remember, this is an examination of personality and
decisions and their effect on the story line. This requires interpretation.
Trace the use of a literary technique in the novel. You are to select one technique and examine it in detail. Examples
include, but are not limited to, foreshadowing, symbolism, allegory, metaphors/similes, and motifs