The Crucible Note Taking Log: Act II
As juniors in high school, it’s important that you develop some skill in taking notes. Note taking will be your key to academic success in college or technical school. As we begin our study of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, you will need to keep a log for EACH ACT.
Purpose of This Assignment: In addition to learning how to take thorough and detailed notes, you will use the information recorded to help with writing assignments. Throughout this unit, you will also be required to write a series of analytical paragraphs where you discuss character, the cause and effect of certain actions, tone, or the theme. These paragraphs will require that you embed quotations from the play, and your notes should provide you with quotations you use if it is done correctly.
Directions: You will need at least two sheets of paper. Staple these sheets of paper together. Put the following categories on the sheet of paper indicated below.
Setting: page 1 (top half of page)
Explain the setting of this act with as much detail as possible. Typically the setting for each act will be in the opening stage directions. For act two, you will find the opening stage directions on page 191.
List of Plot Events: page 1 (bottom half of page and back of page 1)
Create a chronological list of the plot events from this act. You should have a minimum of 20 events on your list, and the events must cover the entire act. This means if you get to 20 you, but have not covered the entire act, you need to add more events. Points will be deducted if the events are not in chronological order, if the events are not numbered and/or if you forget a major event from this act.
Tone Analysis: page 2
Choose TWO significant quotes from Act II. You will complete a separate chart below for EACH quote. This means you will have two charts. Put one chart on the front of your paper and the second chart on the back.
Quote:Choose the most significant quote from that passage. Make sure you cite it correctly! / Tone Word:
List the tone word and give the part of speech and the definition of that word.
Context:
Explain the context of the passage with a thorough summary / Rationale:
Explain why this tone word is appropriate for this passage. (3 sentence minimum)
Grading:
Each act’s notes are worth approximately 25 points, for a total of around 100 points by the end of the unit. The first act’s notes will be collected and provided with feedback after the reading is completed. Note taking is very much an individual activity, and copying from each other will not be accepted.
Remember that if you fail to turn this assignment in on the due date, it will only be taken for half credit. Homework passes CANNOT be used for this assignment. If you are absent the day before this assignment is due, you are still responsible for turning it in on the date it is assigned.