Honors English 9 - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Introductory Reading Activity
Selection:The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie or Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Rationale:This text contains strong examples of the elements of literature
incorporated into the 9th grade honors English curriculum. More
importantly, this book will serve as a bridge between 8th grade
knowledge of literary elements and the 9th grade honors focus on
analysis of these elements.
Objectives: To enjoy reading and responding to the book in its entirety.
To understand how a writer develops the elements of literature.
Assignment:We strongly recommend you examine the questions prior to
reading the novel. You are encouraged to purchase your own book to build your own library, or you may borrow one from any public library. Read the entire book and complete all questions / activities.
Specific Instructions: Please word-process your answers (12 pt. Times New Roman).
Answer all questions (and all the parts of each question) in complete sentences unless otherwise indicated.
Questions and Activities: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
- The exposition of a work is the author’s introduction of setting and characters to organize and hint at the pieces conflict. The two settings in this book are the town of Wellpinit on the Spokane Indian Reservation in eastern Washington and the town of Reardan in Washington. Describe the significance of the two settings using evidence from the book.
- Sherman Alexie’s characters are realistic individuals with free personal choice of their speech and actions. The reader must evaluate these to infer the chosen values of these characters. Evaluate the speech and actions of the following characters and use specific examples from the text to prove your understanding of their values.
Arnold Spirit, Sr. Mr. PRoger
Agnes SpiritRowdy
Arnold Spirit, Jr.Gordy
Mary SpiritPenelope
- Sherman Alexie seeks to evaluate life on the reservation and in Reardon. Evaluate each culture from Arnold’s point of view and describe what Arnold learns from his experiences citing evidence from the book.
- Arnold experiences judgment from both his tribe and white society. Throughout the novel he has an opportunity to reflect on these judgments, and the fairness or unfairness of them. Discuss and develop his reflections. What does Arnold learn from these reflections?
- One of the important elements of the novel is the importance of dreams. Many people in the novel have dreams. Many dreams are realized; some dashed. At the end of the novel at the time of the final basketball game, both Alfred and Rowdy come understand and accept their futures. Discus the use of dreams and acceptance in the novel.
Bio-Poem: Do this activity when you have completed the novel.
Select one of the main characters from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time
Indian and create a Bio-Poem following these line-by-line instructions. You may
complete the line with single words or with phrases. Your objective is to show the
depth of your understanding about the character. Don’t forget a title!
Title
Line 1-- First Name of character
Line 2—Title or nickname given to the character
Line 3-- Four words that describe the character
Line 4-- Lover of (three items, objects, or ideas)
Line 5-- Who believes (one idea or concept)
Line 6-- Who wants (three things)
Line 7-- Who uses (three things)
Line 8-- Who gives (three things)
Line 9-- Who says (a direct quote)
Line 10-- Last name of character
Assessment:A range (100-90) – Answers indicate critical and close reading, thoughtful engagement and analysis. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.
B range (89-80) – Answers predominately indicate critical and close reading, and mostly thoughtful engagement and analysis. Some, although few, grammatical or formatting errors may be present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.
C range (79-70) – Answers indicate some critical and close reading and
analysis, although understanding of the text may be not in depth or just
skimming the surface. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.
D or F range (69-0) – Responses are not acceptable for honors level work. It is unclear whether the book was read or understood. Multiple errors in grammar, voice and / or formatting may be present.
This will count for 50 points in the Homework Category.
Due Date: The completed questions / activities are due – Word-processed, 12 font, Times New Roman (or similar), on Thursday / Friday August 9/ 10, 2012
A copy of this assignment is available on-line at the Hamilton website:
Questions: (please put “summer reading” in the subject line of your e-mail)
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Brown.maren@cusd80
Coburn.marsha@cuds80
headman.jennifer@cusd80
Moore.diana@cusd80
russo.angelica@cusd80
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Books are available at all libraries, Changing Hands Book Store, Bookmans, and Barnes and Noble. Please check with the front desk during the summer if you are unable to obtain a copy. A few copies will be available for loan.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian