Ms. Connolly 12 AP Language & Composition

Ms. Connolly 12 AP Language & Composition Independent Reading Project

Your last independent reading assignment had to be a nonfiction selection; for this assignment, you may read a fiction OR nonfiction book of your choice. If you are unsure of what you would like to read, you can always check out the New York Times Bestseller list, amazon.com, or ask me for suggestions. You may also choose to watch a documentary. The only stipulation is that the work be appropriately sophisticated; that is, it should be a work suitable for a college class. Please ask me if you are unsure if your selection is appropriate.

Your selection is due 5/16/16, including the signed agreement below. You must be ready to present on Wednesday, 5/31/17. Please plan accordingly. Failure to complete this assignment by the due date will result in a loss of 20% per day, as per the course syllabus.

Failure to complete this assignment will result in a ZERO for two test grades that cannot be dropped.

The Assignment Presentation (75%) You must be prepared to present a report (5-10 minutes) on your selection, including its content, stylistic and rhetorical features, and relevance to this course. For your presentation, you must create a “talking points” list with the following aspects:

 A brief summary of the content of the book  If it is a book: an overall analysis of the author’s use of language (appeals, syntax, diction, tone, figurative language, rhetorical devices/techniques, etc.)  If it is a documentary, an analysis of purpose and director’s choices, including sound, language, physical, and camera elements.  One passage or scene that you found particularly noteworthy and why.  A critique of the work as a whole: Why did you choose this work? Did you enjoy it? Would you recommend it to others?

You must hand in this list, but you will be primarily evaluated on your presentation of the material; this list should serve as an outline for your presentation. This should be typed (the format is at your discretion – bullet points, paragraphs, or an outline) but may be handwritten if you decide to use index cards.

Creative (25%)

You may choose one of the following options:

 Facebook page handout (see handout for details).  Soundtrack - It must be a minimum of five songs. For each song, you must provide a short paragraph (3-5 sentences TYPED) explaining why you included the song. Songs can represent individuals, concepts, passages or themes from the book.  Art – Create a work of art in a medium of your choice that represents an individual, concept, passage, or theme from the book.  Lesson Plan – Create a lesson plan based on your book that applies the approaches to rhetorical strategy that we have learned this year. Your lesson plan should be for a single period. Please see me if you are interested in this option so I can provide a format for you. Name______12 AP Language & Composition Period______

For my independent reading project, I will read/watch:

Choice #1 ______

Choice #2 ______(in case someone has already selected your first choice)

I understand that this project must be my original work and is due in its entirety on 5/31/17 and will count as two test grades.

Teacher Signature______

Student Signature______

Parent Signature______