Independent Reading in English II
Requirements:
● You must choose a book that is age-appropriate (no picture books!)
● Within the first two weeks of the first nine weeks you must finalize which book you will be reading
and which project you will be completing to show your comprehension of the book.
● You will not be able to switch what book or project you will be doing after that date.
● You will be expected to be reading your chosen book during Independent Reading times in class.
● If you do not choose a book and project by the deadline, a book will be assigned to you by the
teacher.
● Each student must choose a “tech-based” project (projects 1,4, or 6) before the end of school year.
Everyone must choose ​
one​
of the following projects:
1. Create a Book Talk Presentation using poster-board display, PowerPoint Presentation, Nearpod,
Prezi, or Thinglink. Your presentation must include 10 images/objects that represent characters,
events, places, objects, etc that are important to the plot of your book. Each image should come
with a brief explanation of how it represents something or someone from the book. You should also
include a picture
and brief description of the author and other books they have written.
2. Write a movie script of the story (three pages minimum). You can only choose a scene/book that has ​
not ​
already been depicted in a Hollywood film. 3. Write a poem (or song) about the story. The poem must be at least twenty lines in length. If you write a song, you must turn in a recording ​
and​
lyrics to the song. 4. Make a playlist (mp3 or cd) for your book. For each song, give an explanation of how that song reflects the events or characters featured in the book. 5. Create a test over the book and write at least two paragraphs explaining why you asked the questions you did. The test must include at least three different types of test questions and an answer key. The test must be at least thirty questions in length. 6. Create a trailer for your book using moviemaker or another similar video program. Include at least 4 different major events from the novel. 7. Write a two­page letter to the main character. Tell the character how his/her story affected you. You can also give the character advice about situations that occurred in the book or comment on events that happened in the book. 8. Write an analytical essay in which you compare your book to another book you’ve read. Highlight the similarities and differences in theme, character development, etc. 9. Create a piece of original art (drawing, painting, sculpture) that reflects a pivotal scene from the book. Be sure to include ​
lots​
(3­5) of details and a ½ page explanation of how your piece of shows comprehension of the novel. *​
REMEMBER!​
Once you have used one of these projects, you may ​
not​
use that same project again for the
subsequent nine week book projects.
Scoring Rubric
Learning Targets
Target 20
(QC Reading1.b): I
can read
independently.
Target 19
(QCReading1.c): I
can read and
understand a
variety of
increasingly
challenging texts.
Target 29
(10.RL.10)​
:​
After
​
reading the text
independently and
proficiently, I can
identify key ideas
and details from the
text.
(9­10.W.8) I understand
what plagiarism
is, and I know
how to avoid it.
(9­10.SL.4) I can determine
what content, idea
development, and
organizational style
is appropriate for
the purpose,
audience and task.
4
3
2
1
Student read
independently in
class and project
shows strong
evidence of reading
on his or her own.
Student was mostly
consistent with
reading
independently in
class and project
shows evidence that
student read outside
of class too.
The book chosen is
age-appropriate and
of appropriate
length for the
project
requirements
Student sometimes
read independently
in class but the
project shows
evidence that
student did not read
much outside of
class.
The book chosen is
age-appropriate but
not of appropriate
length for the
project
requirements or vice
versa.
Student did not read
independently in class (was
distracted or off task) or show
evidence of having read outside of
class.
Project shows that
student has
in-depth, accurate,
and insightful
understanding of
key ideas and details
from the text.
Project shows that
student has an
accurate
understanding of
key ideas and details
from the text.
Project shows that
student has some
understanding of
key ideas and details
from the text with
some obvious errors
or overly generalized
information.
Project shows that student has
little to no understanding of key
ideas and details from the text.
Project is not
plagiarized and
reflects student’s
unique style.
Project is not
plagiarized.
Project may have
some small areas
where unintentional
plagiarism has
occurred.
Project is full of evidence of
plagiarism.
Student creatively picks content and a presentation style that is appropriate and well­suited to their chosen book and chosen task.
Student picks content and a presentation style that is appropriate to their chosen book and chosen task.
Student picks content and a presentation style that is not the best suited for their chosen book or task, but still communicates some content..
Student picks content and a presentation style that does not accurately or appropriately reflect their book or fit their chosen task.
The book chosen is
age-appropriate and
of appropriate
length for the
project
requirements. It also
challenges the
student by being a
difficult text.
The book chosen is not
age-appropriate and not of
appropriate length for the project
requirements.
*To get a 5, students must present their project to the class and their presentation must meet the following guidelines:
-eye-contact with audience______
-prepared and ready to go at the assigned time______
-appropriate voice level and body language_______
-presentation is 3-5 minutes long______
-engages audience’s attention______