Summer Reading-- Writing Options

Modern Dilemmas—grade 12

Choose one of the following prompts for your NON- Glass Castle selection from the summer reading list. Your written answer should be a four paragraph essay (intro, twoDPs, conclusion). This is a take-home essay. Therefore, it will be typed and uploaded to turnitin.com. It is the first of four essays for term 1.

You will be assessed on the following: (level modifications on reverse side):

-- Solid Structure: (topic sentence, MI, CI, lead ins, analysis, CSs)

-- Comprehension of the main ideas in the book as it relates to your chosen prompt.

-- Evidence and details related to the question.

-- Insight and Analysis of the textual evidence as it relates to the prompt

---A interesting conclusion that reaches for significance

-- Correct mechanics and use of language.

Essay Choices for Novels

  1. Identify one major dilemma/conflict presented in the novel. Analyze how theauthor conveys his/her tone about this problem. Refer to specific examples in the book to support your answer.
  1. Select a characterin the novel who experienced an emotional journey. Analyze how this character changes as a result of his/her journey. Refer to specific examples in the book to support your answer.

Essay Choices for Memoirs

  1. Identify the most memorable anecdote or story from your chosen memoir. Discuss what made this segment entertaining/ interesting/ funny. Analyze how the content and the written style of this section contributed to its memorable qualities. Refer to specific examples from the book to support your answer.
  1. People who write memoirs usually grow and evolve as a result of the conflicts they face, just like fictional characters do. Identify and discuss the challenge or conflict that you believe to have been most significant for the author/narrator in terms of shaping his/ her persona. Analyze how the author/narrator overcomes this challenge and how the challenge ultimately creates the author/narrator that you see at the end of the memoir. Focus on intellectual and emotional changes, as well as changes in circumstances. Remember to refer to specific examples from the book to support your answer.

Alternate Assignment: If you did not complete any summer reading, you may earn up to half credit for this assignment by writing about something you have read within the last 4 months (book, magazine, newspaper article, etc.). While you’re not guaranteed a 50 (that would be for a perfectly written alternate assignment), you are at least offered a way to start the year with something other than a zero on an essay. If you can, respond to one of the prompts above. (Probably #1 would work best).

Level Modifications for Summer Reading Long Essay

Due Thursday, September 11th

All Levels will write a four paragraph essay: an introduction, 2 developing paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Level 2 students will have 3 DDs (Developmental details) in each DP (developing paragraph). At least TWO of your DDs in each DP must be a DQ (Direct Quotation).

Level 3 students will have 2 DDs (Developmental details) in each DP (developing paragraph). At least ONE of your DDs in each DP must be a DQ (Direct Quotation).

Level 4 students will have 2 DDs (Developmental details) in each DP (developing paragraph).

All Students will prepare their papers in MLA format. See my website if you are unsure of MLA format.