Extra Credit Book Report

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Once you have finished your required two-part book reports, you may read a second (or third) book for extra credit. When you finish that book, you may write an extra credit book report and receive extra credit. The amount of credit will depend on (1) the length and dificulty of the book and (2) the length and quality of the book report. Include a minimum of three correctly cited quotations throughout the report. Use the following format:

1. Provide the following information: your name, the book title (underlined) the author, and the total number of pages
2. Provide a detailed summary of the events of the book. Include characters, settings, and plot details. (Remember, the point of this paragraph is to prove you read the book, so the more the better.)
3. Provide a thoughtful review of the book. Would you recommend the book to a friend? Why or why not? (The point of this paragraph is to prove you thought about the book, so the more thoughtful the better.)

Please note that you must get the book cleared with the teacher prior to reading it in order to receive credit. Also, YOU MUST HAVE A COPY OF THE BOOK ON HAND WHEN YOU TURN IN YOUR EXTRA CREDIT BOOK REPORT. If you do not have a copy of it on hand at that time, you may not receive credit.

Independent Book Report 2nd Half

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Once you have read the second half of your book, complete the following book report.


First, in the upper right hand corner, enter the following information:

1. student name
2. book title (underlined)
3. author
4. total number of pages
5. the pages numbers that the second book report will be covering

Here's an example of the header:

          John Perkins
          Carter Beats the Devil
          Glen David Gold
          339 total pages
          pages 1-172



Second, answer the following four questions in four thoughful, thorough paragraphs. Each paragraph should be a minimum of 150 words. Use at least three cited quotations throughout the report. (Introductions and conclusions are not necessary. The report should take the form of a four paragraph essay.)

1. Summarize in detail the events of the second half of the book.
2. Describe how each of the major characters has changed/grown throughout the course of the book. For each, explain whether or not achieved their goal - is each character satisfied at the end with regards to what motivated him or her?
3. Relate a significant incident from the second half of the book that truly interested you or impressed you, and explain why you liked it.
4. Evaluate the book, indicating in specific terms what you liked and/or disliked about it.  Do not use words like “good” or “bad” – which are vague and useless.  Give concrete reasons for your evaluation.

Note: Your job here is simple: Prove that you have read half the book. Remember that 150 words per paragraph is the minimum. You will be graded here for quality as well as quantity. Students who do not demonstrate a thorough understanding of the first half of the book are subject to a follow up verbal quiz.

If you have any questions, please ask your instructor.

This book report is due Tuesday, May 29.

Final Exam Review - Of Mice and Men

This post is for FRESHMEN only.

You and your classmates are going to publish a final exam study guide for Of Mice and Men. In the comments section below, you will record TWO separate entries. Each entry will entail a SIGNIFICANT quotation from the novel. Follow the criteria listed below when writing your entries:

1. one significant quotation from Of Mice and Men
2. the page number of the quotation
3. the speaker of the quotation
4. to whom the quotation is being spoken
5. a brief context of what is happening in the scene
6. your name (to receive credit)

There are a few stipulations. First, no repeats. Second, first come, first served. Third, the more significant and important your quotation, the more helpful this study guide will become.

Final Exam Review - A Raisin in the Sun

This post is for FRESHMEN only.

You and your classmates are going to publish a final exam study guide for A Raisin in the Sun. In the comments section below, you will record TWO separate entries. Each entry will entail a SIGNIFICANT quotation from the play. Follow the criteria listed below when writing your entries:

1. one significant quotation from A Raisin in the Sun
2. the page number of the quotation
3. the speaker of the quotation
4. to whom the quotation is being spoken
5. a brief context of what is happening in the scene
6. your name (to receive credit)

There are a few stipulations. First, no repeats. Second, first come, first served. Third, the more significant and important your quotation, the more helpful this study guide will become.

12 Angry Men Essay

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Here's your task for you 12 Angry Men essay.  Answer the following question in a three paragraph essay:

Of all the pieces of evidence presented during the trial, which two were- at first - the most persuasive (paragraph 1), and how were each of these pieces of evidence brought into question by the jury (paragraphs 2 and 3)?

Write formally, using correct grammar. Answer the question thoughtfully and thoroughly. Use cited quotations to support your claims. Write in present tense and in third person. You may use your book for quotations and your two worksheets for inspiration.

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

This post is for freshmen only.

Here is your prompt for your in-class essay:

Is To Kill a Mockingbird an example

of Southern Gothic literature?

We spoke at length on this topic, so I'm not going to repeat myself here. Needless to say, five paragraphs, correct spelling a grammar, thoughtful and thorough, transitions, cited quotations...you know...the works.

Use the "Road to Formal Essay Writing" handout and the "Wonderful World of the Five Paragraph Essay" Prezi - links to both of which can be found under "Pages" on the right hand column of this page.

Independent Book Report - 1st Half

This post is for JUNIORS only.

Once you have read the first half of your book, complete the following book report.


First, in the upper right hand corner, enter the following information:

1. student name
2. book title (underlined)
3. author
4. total number of pages
5. the pages numbers that the first book report will be covering (Note: Be honest. If you have read less than half of the novel, indicate truthfully exactly what pages your report will cover.)

Here's an example of the header:

          John Perkins
          Carter Beats the Devil
          Glen David Gold
          339 total pages
          pages 1-162



Second, answer the following four questions in four thoughful, thorough paragraphs. Each paragraph should be a minimum of 150 words. Use at least three cited quotations throughout the report. (Introductions and conclusions are not necessary. The report should take the form of a four paragraph essay.)

1. Give an overview of the book so far: list the major characters, describe the setting (time and place), and describe the central conflict.
2. Describe each major character and explain what motivates him or her.  Ask yourself what these characters are like as people.  Also, ask yourself that causes them to behave as they do.
3. Relate a significant incident from the first half of the book that truly interested you or impressed you, and explain why you liked it.
4. Predict what will likely happen in the rest of the novel. Are you looking forward to finishing it? Why or why not? (If you have already finished the novel, think back to when you were only half way through reading it, and write about what you thought at that time.)

Note: Your job here is simple: Prove that you have read half the book. Remember that 150 words per paragraph is the minimum. You will be graded here for quality as well as quantity, so don't hold back. Students who do not demonstrate a thorough understanding of the first half of the book are subject to a follow up verbal quiz.

If you have any questions, please ask your instructor.