CUE FOR TREASON Novel study February/March 2008
J. Sloan Name ______9 ____
You are responsible for completing the following work as we read and discuss the novel. Although you will have the support of your small group for discussions and collaboration, the majority of the work which follows is to be done independently and kept in a duotang or portfolio which will be submitted for marking. Write your answers in sentences and paragraphs unless you are told to do otherwise.
Independent Work
1. Vocabulary: As you read, keep a list of words or idioms which are new to you. Attempt to determine meaning through context clues and refer to a dictionary to confirm meanings. Create a list of at least twenty words or idioms and the correct meanings. This will be submitted at the end of the unit. 10 marks
2. Character List: List the significant characters encountered through the course of the novel. Briefly explain who they are, their role or importance in the novel, and their relationship to other characters. Indicate if the character is a round or flat character and a dynamic or static character. Leave a bit of room to update your list as you learn more about the characters. 20 marks
3. Main Character Development: Compile information about the two main characters. Provide information about the physical appearance, personal background, personality traits, interactions with other characters, motivation, goals, etc. for each. Support your ideas with evidence and examples (including quotations) from the novel. This can be completed in point form or you can use or create a graphic organizer. 15 marks
4. Conflict Development: Discuss the main conflict in the novel. How did this conflict begin? What other conflicts are important to the development of the plot? Is the conflict resolved? Is the resolution believable? Is it satisfying to you, the reader? 10 marks
5. Literary Observations: As you read, look for examples of figurative language (simile, metaphor, and personification), symbolism, and imagery. Create a list of ten literary devices used in the novel (include page numbers) and discuss the effectiveness of five of them.
Write at least two paragraphs in which you comment on the style of the author’s writing, including his use of dialogue. Is he successful in his development of setting and atmosphere?
15 marks
6. Reflections: Four times throughout the unit, you will be asked to submit a reflection on some aspect of what we have read that week. For example, you may respond to some of the discussion questions posed in class, a quotation from the novel, react to the events of the novel or the actions of the characters, or explore your connections with the text. What you choose to write about is up to you – do not write a plot summary. Your reflective pieces should be thoughtful, insightful, and supported by references to the text. Of course, these will be presented in final copy form. 4 x 5 marks
7. Chapter Expert: You will be assigned the responsibility of becoming an expert on one chapter of the novel. You will summarize the main events of this chapter (a short paragraph) and will identify and be prepared to explain any unusual vocabulary, literary devices, references to historical figures, etc. You will randomly choose your chapter at the beginning of the unit and will have your materials prepared one class in advance. I will model chapter one for you.
10 marks
8. Short writing pieces may be assigned throughout the unit.
Group Assignments
Study/discussion questions will be provided for each chapter. These will not be collected and marked, but it is a good idea to discuss them within your group and perhaps jot down answers for any questions that you find confusing.
Your group will be presenting a 10-15 minute lesson to the class on a specific topic. Each member of the group will be involved in the presentation. Appropriate presentation skills will be assessed (eye contact, easily heard, project not simply read to the class, etc.) as well as the information you present. Topics will be randomly selected and the presentation dates will be given once we begin the unit. I will meet with your group to make sure that you have key points covered and to offer assistance and guidance. 25 marks
Topics:
1. Elizabethan Theatre, with an emphasis on the Globe Theatre
2. A map of England which traces the events and travels of the characters of the novel
3. Short biographies of the actual historical figures who appear in the novel
4. Life in Elizabethan England: Project A – food, clothing, homes and family life
B – entertainment, education, and medicine
C – laws, crime and punishment, England’s place in the
world