Censorship…
INDEPENDENT READING ASSIGNMENT:
MARKING PERIOD 4
LITERATURE CONNECTIONS GRADE 8
FINISH BOOK BY:
______________________
PROJECT DUE: ___________________________
Background:
A very real issue in schools is that of censorship. Censorship is the act or process of
removing or suppressing materials that are considered to be morally, politically, or otherwise
objectionable. If a book is censored in a school district, it typically means that students are not
allowed to read that book in class or in the library.
Usually, a book is challenged when an individual or group, often parents, object to a book
students are assigned to read. Why might people challenge a book? Most times they intend to protect
children from controversial material. They may feel that the language is inappropriate or offensive
(curses, racial slurs, etc.), or that the subject matter is not appropriate (references to sex, drugs or
alcohol, or violence). Some religious groups object to books that deal with magic, ghosts, or the
supernatural. However, advocates of intellectual freedom feel that no one should be able to tell others
what they can or cannot read.
You might be surprised to learn which books have been challenged or banned in schools. The
Harry Potter series, for example, is #1 on the list of the 100 most frequently-challenged books. (The
Giver is #23 on the list.) Two of Roald Dahl’s books, James and the Giant Peach and The Witches, are
also challenged frequently. A classic book of children’s poetry, A Light in the Attic by Shel
Silverstein, is also on the Top 100 list. In fact, a number of the books that eighth-graders typically
read are frequently challenged: Go Ask Alice, Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan, The Outsiders by
S.E. Hinton, and Cut by Patricia McCormick.
Task:
It has come to your attention that the book you have chosen to read for your independent reading is
considered controversial by a portion of your community. There is talk of having the book censored.
After reading your book, you are to make a persuasive google presentation in which you either:
(a)
argue that your book should be censored, and give two solid reasons explaining why;
OR
(b)
argue that your book should not be censored, and give two solid reasons explaining why not.
Purpose and Audience:
Your purpose is to persuade your audience (your teacher & your classmates) that your position
is the correct one.
Procedure:
1. Get permission from a parent or guardian to read selected book.
2. Read the book by ____________________________. As you read, mark sections of text with
post-its that represent both pros and cons about your book. What, if anything, about your book
might be objectionable? What benefits might readers get from being allowed to read the book?
You must take notes on specific examples from your book that could be used in your
presentation.
3. After your book is read (see the above due date), review your post-its. Look for similarities in
your information. Are there more examples of the book being objectionable or valuable? This
analysis will help determine your position statement. We will work on the project together in
class, but if you want to get a head start, follow the directions below.
4. Use the provided template/organizer to choose quotes that will help support your argument
(position). Then, write a quote sandwich for each to explain why and how they are important
to your argument.
5. Your presentation must include the following:
 Cover slide: include title and author and the proper heading
 Introductory slide: include a hook and a statement of your position (thesis)
 Body slides: include at least two reasons to support your statement. Each reason must
also have two quotes to support your claim.
 Concluding slide: end your presentation with a call to action
6. The final step will be to present your argument to the class and your teacher. Your presentation
is where you should explain how the evidence on your slides supports your position. You
should NOT write this all out on your slides. You may use index cards during your
presentation. As this is a presentation – VISUALS & AUDIO MATTER!!
*Remember: your job is to convince your audience that your position is the correct one. Be
passionate in your arguments and include strong persuasive language. The more specific information
you provide from your book, the more persuasive your presentations will be.
Name: ___________________
period ____
Book Title: _______________________________________
Censorship…
INDEPENDENT READING ASSESSMENT:
Cover slide: include title and author and the proper heading
_____ /3
Introductory slide: include a hook and a statement of your position (thesis)
_____/5
Body slides: include at least two reasons to support your statement
_____/5
Each reason must also have two quotes to support your claim (MLA)
_____/20
Concluding slide: end your presentation with a call to action
_____/5
Presentation: clearly stated explanation for evidence on slides
_____/12
Includes appropriate & engaging visuals and/or audio
(Points will be deducted from each category for any spelling/grammar mistakes)
TOTAL: ____/50
Name: ___________________
period ____
Book Title: _______________________________________
Censorship…
INDEPENDENT READING ASSESSMENT:
Cover slide: include title and author and the proper heading
_____ /3
Introductory slide: include a hook and a statement of your position (thesis)
_____/5
Body slides: include at least two reasons to support your statement
_____/5
Each reason must also have two quotes to support your claim (MLA)
_____/20
Concluding slide: end your presentation with a call to action
_____/5
Presentation: clearly stated explanation for evidence on slides
_____/12
Includes appropriate & engaging visuals and/or audio
(Points will be deducted from each category for any spelling/grammar mistakes)
TOTAL: ______ /50