pre read assignment, reflection journal and novel project

assignment 3: Novel project

or this project you will choose ONE of the options from the list below. This assignment gives options according to the proficiency scale. Each option allows you to display your understanding at different levels. Students should strive to reach “Proficient and Extending” in all topics. However, students should be able to display their knowledge at whatever level they can achieve. Make sure you are showing your highest level of understanding. Be aware that displaying a Developing Understanding will result in a maximum of 3 out of 6, and a Proficient Understanding will result in a maximum of 4 or 5 out of 6. For the opportunity to achieve a 6 out of 6 students need to follow the requirements of the Extended Understanding option. Please choose the option that allows you to best display your understanding of the content.

Proficiency Scale Information:

To show Developing Understanding:

Comic Conversion. Pick a major moment in the story (this could be an important plot point, maybe the climax; it could be a significant shift for one of the characters, anything) and then retell this moment in comic book form. You could hand-draw this or do it digitally. The finished product should be 3 pages long and should include all the important details from this moment (setting, description, dialogue, etc).
Dear Character. Write a personal letter to one of the major characters. Pick a character that you either admire or despise (this will make your letter more interesting). What would you say to this person? How would you greet them? How would you sign off? Your letter should be 200 – 300 words long.

To show Proficient Understanding:

Best Book Ever. Write a persuasive essay that convinces other people your age to read this novel. Use strong, persuasive language that is mature and effective. This essay should include at least 3 strong reasons with supporting evidence (MLA Citations) that your peers should read the book. Reasons should go beyond just interesting plot points but should instead promote the book based on deeper understandings such as the theme, tone, purpose, etc. This should be written using a formal tone. (300-400 words)
Q & A. Interview. Imagine that you are a reporter who must interview a major character from this book. Write your interview in Q & A format, being sure to include the character’s name. Consider the purpose of your interview so that it doesn’t feel like a list of random questions. The interview should be used to explain the character’s actions or motivations. In other words, the interview should be an extension of the story, not a retelling of the story. Your final product should include an introduction (the reporter introduces the character and the purpose of the interview), at least 10 open-ended questions, and the character’s responses should be fully unpacked (the character should elaborate and use examples, avoiding responses that are short or simple). The character’s responses should be consistent with the traits that the author has established.

To show Extended Understanding:

Book Comparison. Compare and contrast this book to another that you have read. These books should be similar in some way (perhaps in genre, theme, setting, etc.) so that there is a reason for comparison. Use quotes from each novel to support your ideas and use specific examples to support your comparison. Use proper MLA Style citation. You can discuss theme, purpose, style, characters, etc..y summarizing the stories. This is your opportunity to show the depth of your understanding of both stories through close analysis. Use specific examples opposed to vague statements to support your ideas. (400-500 words).
Alternate Ending. Match the author’s style in your own writing as you create an alternate ending for this story. Pick a point near the end of the book as your beginning and then write 400 – 500 words that will change the way this story ends. Your ending should still support the rest of the novel by honoring the character development and plot development that the author has already established. For example, do not radically change the way a character behaves because that would disrupt the development the author has established. Your ending should also still support the book’s overall theme and purpose.