Independent Reading and Writing

If you want to read a book independently, this assignment is for you!  Here’s what it looks like:
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• You choose a book you want to read and get it approved by me
  • Check out reviews of books from classmates for book ideas
  • Talk to me (Christine, your unavoidable English teacher) so you have a clear understanding of the Ind R&W process (1 pt)

• You’ll receive between 10 and 30 points for reading the book itself, based on a combination of the book’s length and its Lexile score (complexity of writing).
  • page length:
    • < 200 pages: +5 points
    • 201 – 349: +10 points
    • > 350 pages: +15 points
  • Lexile score:
    • < 745 Lexile score: +5 points
    • 750 – 995 Lexile score: +10 points
    • > 1000 Lexile score: +15 points

• Complete analysis work in Google Classroom during and after reading. I will invite you to the Classroom - but feel free to e-mail me to remind me. :) 
  • Step 1: character inventory
    
    • start when you have a sense of the main characters (2 pts for first check)
      
    • Update your character inventory with revised impressions/info and final thoughts when you’re close to finishing the book (1 pt for second check)
  • Step 2: four journal entries 
    • aim for one entry 20% of the way through the book, one 40%, one 60% of the way through, and one 80% of the way through the book (3 pts each plus a quarter of your reading points)
    • be thorough with your analysis questions! Full paragraph: topic sentence, concrete example from the book, quote from book to illustrate example, explanation of how example supports your answer.
  • Step 3: book summary form
    
    • complete when you're done reading (3 pts)
      
    • get your essay thesis approved by Christine before starting to write the essay
  • Step 4: five paragraph essay
    
    • draft (5 pts) with revisions as needed (3 pts)
      
    • the file in the Google Classroom contains a basic outline - but if you want to print a copy that you can write on to organize your thoughts, download the file below.
  • Step 5: mini-review 
    • Now that you're an expert on this book, share your opinion with your peers! Write up a quick review to be included in our electronic library.  (3 pts)

​You’ll receive contract points as you complete components from this list. Now go read! :)​

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Helpful docs

Ind R&W Syllabus
File Size:	37 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Essay Outline
File Size:	42 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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C-TACHs addressed through this module

• Reading: Cite strong textual evidence to support analysis of explicit and implicit meaning of text
• Reading: Read and comprehend complex literature and informational text independently, accurately and for deep understanding
• Reading: Analyze author’s stylistic choices regarding structure and development of the elements of a story, particularly theme
• Writing: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through effective selection, organization, and analysis of content
• Writing: Draw evidence from literary or information texts to support analysis, reflection and research