Name: ________________________
Independent Reading Packet
Due: Monday, June 6, 2017
Date: _________________________
______/125 Points Possible
Overview: As you make your way through your book of choice, please complete the
following assignments. Each assignment has it’s own completion date, which I will
check occasionally; however, the entire packet should be submitted by the due date
listed above. In addition, please be prepared to share your final project with the
class on Monday, June 6, 2017. The first 9 pages are worth 10 points each, while the
final project is worth 35, making up the 125 total points for this assignment which
will go on your trimester 2 grade report.
SETTING
In the space provided below, please describe the setting, as it is describe in at least the
first 75 pages of your book of choice.
Geographic Location
Describe where in the universe
the book takes place.
Time Period
Describe both the length in time
and the time in history that the
novel takes place in.
Physical Location
Describe the physical location
where most of the action takes
place—what it looks, sounds
and feels like.
The Settings Impact on the
Story
Describe how the setting
adds/impacts the meaning of the
story
1
Summary Analysis
Directions: In the space provided below, please write a detailed summary of the
first 75-100 pages of your book of choice. Make sure to provide the sequence of
events in chronological order. In addition, please include some analysis of the plot
and where you think the action will go next. Your response should be at least 7
sentences in length and you may handwrite it here or type it and attach it.
Summary Analysis: ________________________________________________________________________
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2
Character Development Chart
Directions: Use the graphic organizer below to analyze the character traits of one of
the main/primary characters from your book of choice.
Briefly describe the character you’ve chosen to analyze below. What is their name
and what role do they play in the story?
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Character Attributes
Example or Quotation
Describe what the example
or quotation reveals about
your character
What they look like
What they say
What they think
How they act
What other
characters say or
feel about them
3
Double-Entry Journal
Directions: On the left hand side, please write 3 quotations that are significant to
your book of choice. On the right, please analyze each quotation for its significance
as it relates to a theme and/or main event(s) in the novel. Be sure to explain the
context of the quotation, why this quotation is significant, and how the author lets
you know this is a key part of the text (literary devices, techniques, etc.). Also, make
sure to include the page number of each of the quotes you’ve selected to analyze.
Quotation
Analysis
4
Thin, Thick, Juicy Question
Directions: In the space provided below, please write two thin questions (level 1),
two thick questions (level 2), and two juicy questions (level 3) based your novel of
choice. Use the thin, thick, and juicy questions descriptions to help guide your work.
Then, answer each of the questions using evidence from the text to support your
analysis.
Level 1: What are thin questions?
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Give you background information
Address material that is directly stated in the text
Are looking for what the words plainly say
Involve uncovering the denotations of words = leads you to direct meanings
LEVEL 1
Question
1
Response
1
Question
2
Response
2
5
Thin, Thick, Juicy Question (cont.)
Level 2: What are thick questions?
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Make you think deeply
Address material that is not directly stated in text
Are looking for meanings at an abstract level such as symbolic,
imaginative, or global understandings
Involve uncovering the connotations of words such as suggested or
implied meanings
May require you to draw inferences or to "read between the lines"
LEVEL 2
Question
1
Response
1
Question
2
Response
2
6
Thin, Thick, Juicy Question (cont.)
Level 3: What are philosophical questions?
We can use philosophical questions inspired by our reading of the text to expand
our understanding of our personal lives, current events and society. These kinds
of questions help us ponder, wander, and dig deeply into the meaning of our life
experience. It is o.k. to go off of the text at this point. (With questions on level
1 and 2, you should stick to the text.)
Example: What responsibility should our society take for orphans or neglected
children? (Like Huckleberry?)
LEVEL 3
Question
1
Response
1
Question
2
Response
2
7
Plot Structure
Directions: Upon completion of your novel, please complete all elements of the plot
diagram below.
Written Response: In the space provided below, please write a short paragraph
based on the work you did above describing how the plot of the story impacts the
central theme and/or resolution found in your novel of choice.
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8
Quick-End Reflection
Reading Reactions – complete these sentence frames to form complete sentences
(remember punctuation!)
1. I think this novel is
because
________
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2. The novel made me think about
because
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3. If it were me, I’d
because
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4. The ending made me feel
because
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5. Something I don’t understand is
because
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6. I liked
because
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7. I didn’t like
because
________
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8. In my mind, the
looked like: _______________________________________________
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9. I wish the author
because
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10. I’d rate this novel a
out of 10 (10 = best) because
________
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9
Final Project Choices
DUE: Monday, June 6th
Directions: For your final book of choice assessment you may chose from the three options
listed below. Please be prepared to share your work with the class on Monday, June 6th .
Option 1: Book Cover
Design a book cover that is visually appealing, actually fits your book of choice, and includes
the following elements:
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Title, author and some visual element(s) that pertain to the content of the book and
show your understanding of the storyline.
The back cover needs to include a brief overview of the novel without giving away
all of the juicy details. It should capture a reader’s attention and make them want to
keep reading more. It, too, should be creative and well designed. You might also
consider adding quotes from other authors or well-known people endorsing the
book.
Your grade for this option will be based on visual appeal, how well you show your
understanding of the book, as well as the effort you put into the project (that is, if it
looks like you did it right before class, then you probably won’t get a very good
grade).
Option 2: One Pager
A “one-pager” is assigned to promote thoughtful appreciate and understanding of a novel.
The more creative you allow yourself to be, the more you will get out of the reading
assignment. One-pagers, when done well, also provide a terrific review that can inspire
others to read your book. Use white, unlined computer paper and include the following:
On the front…
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Title of novel and author’s name
A list of characters from the novel
A description of when and where the novel took place
5 adjectives you would use to describe the novel
One important quotation (A sentence or two from the novel)
- Write the quotation in quotation marks
- Include the page number
- Next to the quotation, explain why this is significant (i.e. “This quotation
expresses…”)
6. At least 3 drawings, symbols, and/or images that represent aspects of the story
- Use color, be creative, be neat, and fill the page
7. One high level question that can be answered after you read the novel (if you are unsure
about what a “higher level” question is, see me!)
- Answer the question next to where you wrote the question
On the back…
1.
2.
A one paragraph summary of the selection that includes details about the plot, setting,
characters, main ideas and conflicts, and the ending
Your name and class period
10