In Order to Broaden Your Range of Texts, You Will Be Reading a Book Or Play of Your Own

Independent Reading AP English—Paulus Rationale: In order to broaden your range of texts, you will be reading a book or play of your own choosing this semester. In addition to the reading, you'll be keeping a reading journal. The independent reading assignment is due______.

What to read? The choice is really up to you as to what you read. You may choose from the “Titles from Open Response Questions since 1973” list. Also, you could read something from 9th, 10th or 11th grade that you either did not read or did not understand. Either way, you should definitely choose something interesting. “Interesting” does not mean that the task will be fun in the usual sense. In fact, it may be and should be hard. But doing well and succeeding at something hard can be fun. In addition to giving your brain an added workout, having read and studied these books may be a huge help to you on question #3 on the Lit exam.

Additionally, this book must be used in your thematic research paper due at the end of the third term. I would recommend that you do some research before choosing a book. Check out the literary elements, namely the theme, of books to see if they are something you can write about.

As a way to level the playing field, all books must be approved by me. DO NOT start reading without my approval.

Reading Journal Guidelines Your journals must be typed. If this is an issue, please talk to me.

1. Cover Page: “Literary Analysis of ______”, your name, date and class hour.

2. Introductory information as shown below (record all this information in order)  Title of work, author, and page length.  Genre (play, novel, epic poem, nonfiction text); sub-genre, if applicable (example, not just play for Henry V, but history play).  Historical context, such as the year published, the literary period, or any historical or literary connections worth noting.

3. 10 literary analysis journal entries total (approximately 200 words each, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt.). You may use any of the prompts I’ve given you, but only use them once. Never summarize the text!! All journal entries are to be analytical exercises. Be sure to complete journals throughout your reading—do not wait until the end to complete all of them. At the top of each entry please include: The question you are answering, where you are in the reading (pg # or “finished with the book”), and the date.

**See the attached page for literary analysis response prompts. 4. A final overview (400-500 words). This must be typed. It will be presented to the class, so choose something you feel comfortable speaking about. For any of these choices, cite the text in support of what you say. (This is not a “book report”!)  Personal reflection: why you liked this book and are glad you read it.  Recommendation: why is this text worth reading?  What you learned about yourself as a reader? What did you learn from studying this book? Be specific.  Literature often reflects the time period in which it is created. What have you learned or did you already know about the period in which your work was written?

Literary Analysis Journal Questions

1. Title that relates to plot.

2. Character development.

3. Character believability.

4. Character relatability.

5. Character motivations.

6. Start with a quotation from a chapter and comment on it/analyze it.

7. Effective style and format.

8. Use of symbolism.

9. Thematic connections.

10. Gives a clear understanding of time, place, and atmosphere.

11. Effective portrayal of tone/mood.

12. Extends the reader’s perception and knowledge.

13. Reflects the attitudes and beliefs of the time in which it was written or set.

14. Connection to author’s life.

15. Presents clear economic and societal differences.

16. Presents clear gender differences.

17. Effective and meaningful narration.

18. Effective use of symbols.

19. Uses snappy dialogue.

20. Contains thought provoking components.

21. Uses imagery that creates vivid mental pictures.

22. Holds interest.

23. Dynamic beginning which captures interest.