Honors English 9 Fourth Quarter Self-Select Assignment- Revised

Step 1: Choose a self-select book, either fiction or nonfiction (though fiction might work better based on the journal entry topics). The book must fit one of the concepts studied in the fourth quarter: the hero, the journey, or the coming-of-age story. You can base this choice on an author that you like, a subject that you’re interested in, or recommendations from others.

Step 2: Select a book and inform Ms. Duffy of your choice by April 7th.

Step 3: Read your book and have it completed by May 23rd. As you read, complete three of the following journal topics. All journal entries are due May 27th.

Step 4: Journal Entries You must complete three journal entries. It is required to respond to journal prompt #11. The other two prompts are your choice. All journal entries are to be typed, use MLA format, and follow formal writing rules. Journal entries must use specific textual evidence cited correctly in a well-organized manner.

  1. The exposition of a novel introduces the setting, characters, and background of the text. Explain the information provided to you in the exposition of your book. Also, predict where this text may be headed base on the information provided.
  2. Using the five methods of characterization, analyze one of your central characters. Predict if you think he/she will be static or dynamic? Why?
  3. Describe the internal and external conflicts your main character is facing. What does each of these conflicts say about the society of the text?
  4. What methods is the author using to draw you into the text? What makes this text unique? Is there a specific audience this book has been created for? Explain.
  5. Explain the narration in the text. What point of view is it from? Be specific (first, third, limited, omniscient, etc.) How does the point of view affect the text? Is the narrator reliable or unreliable?
  6. Compare your book to one we’ve read together in class. What are some comparisons?
  7. Why did you choose this book? What are some qualities that made you most interested?
  8. What is a possible theme of your text? Why?
  9. Compare yourself to the main character. What do you have in common? How are you different?
  10. Choose any literary aspect (foreshadowing, flashback, metaphor, etc.)—how does the author use this aspect in developing the plot?
  11. REQUIRED:Explain which of the three concepts your book expresses (the hero, the journey, the coming-of-age story) and explain how it fits that concept; ultimately, what does your book suggest about the concept?

Rubric:

  1. Responds to the prompt directly and thoroughly, with ample details and insight

12345

  1. Incorporates textual evidence in context which is cited correctly

12345

  1. Organization is clear and logical, with effective transitions and topic and concluding sentences

12345

  1. Uses proper spelling, capitalization, grammar, and a variety of sentence structures

12345

  1. Diction is varied and formal; appropriate literary terms are used.

12345

  1. Follows MLA format: heading, typed, double spaced, Times New Roman size 12 pt. font, works cited page.

12345

______/ 30 x 2 = 60

Standards Addressed:

  • Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text (RL.9.1).
  • Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text (RL.9.2).
  • By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9–10 text complexity band proficiently (RL.9.10).
  • Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking (L.9.1).