Name: _____________________________________________________ Period:___________________
3rd Quarter Book Study – Grade 6
“We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.” - B. Skinner
For our 3rd Quarter project, you will use the novel “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH” to complete a book report. You
will choose one style of paper to write on the book. The topic and purpose of each paper will be different. You may
choose one type from the four listed below. Make sure you read the corresponding rubric to make sure you have
earned all points possible for this assignment. YOU MUST ATTATCH THIS PACKET TO THE FRONT OF YOUR BOOK
REPORT WHEN TURNING IN THE ASSIGNMENT.
Paper 1: Analysis
The purpose of this paper is to take a close look at one detail or aspect of the book (as if you’re taking a magnifying glass
to it).
1. Choose one element from your book
a. Example: theme, a symbol, a character, one event, the setting, a repeated phrase, title…
2. Create a thesis statement that explains an aspect about the element.
a. Your thesis statement should have two parts: a declaration and proof.
b. Example: The mockingjay is a key symbol in The Hunger Games because it represents the fight for
freedom.
3. Write a three-paragraph essay explaining your thesis statement:
a. Paragraph 1 – introduction; state your thesis
b. Paragraph 2 – use details to analyze the detail you chose; support your thesis
c. Paragraph 3 – restate your introduction, wrap it up
Paper 2: Argumentative
The purpose of this paper is to choose something you agree or disagree with from your book and explain why you have
the stance you do.
1. Choose one element from your book
a. Example: theme, a symbol, a character, one event, the setting, a repeated phrase, title…
2. Create a thesis statement that explains if you disagree or agree with it and why.
a. Your thesis statement should have two parts: a declaration and proof.
b. Example: I think that Ponyboy is a weak character in The Outsiders because he runs away from his
problems.
3. Write a three-paragraph essay explaining your thesis statement:
a. Paragraph 1 – introduction; state your thesis
b. Paragraph 2 – use details from the book to support your thesis
c. Paragraph 3 – restate your introduction, wrap it up
Paper 3 – Review
The purpose of this paper is to give your readers a thorough, educated opinion of the book.
1. Decide on three elements you will review.
a. Example: characters, dialogue, descriptions, setting, plot, conclusion, introduction…
2. Decide your opinion of the three little elements, and WHY you have that opinion:
a. Example: I think the characters were boring because they were all static; they never changed.
3. Write a five-paragraph essay:
a. Paragraph 1 – Brief introduction to the book, including basic summary
b. Paragraph 2 – Mini review of element 1
c. Paragraph 3 – Mini review of element 2
d. Paragraph 4 – Mini review of element 3
e. Paragraph 5 – Conclusion, overall opinion of the book; restate your three mini-reviews
i. Example: Despite having boring characters, the quick-moving plot and exciting setting make this
book a must-read.
Paper 4 - Comparison
The purpose of this paper is to compare the book with something else in culture (another book, movie, television show,
song, piece or artwork, poem…)
1. Decide on what you will compare your book to.
2. Choose at least three things your book shares with what you chose (theme, setting, plot, tone, mood, open
ending, character background…)
3. Create a thesis that explains what you are comparing and what they have in common.
a. Example: The Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games are similar because they both center around
teenage characters, they are both very violent, and they both have main scenes where only the teens
are in charge.
4. Write a five paragraph essay
a. Paragraph 1 – Introduction, Thesis
b. Paragraph 2 – Describe one similarity
c. Paragraph 3 – Describe second similarity
d. Paragraph 4 – Describe third similarity
e. Paragraph 5 – Explain which you like more and why
Paper Format:
 Typed or handwritten
 Double-spaced
 4-7 sentences per paragraph
 Should follow paper style guidelines
Due Dates:
Quarter 3: ________________
3rd Quarter Book Report: Analysis
Expert: 3 – 4 points
Professional: 1-2 points
Novice: 0 points
Essay Format:
Typed final draft that is 3 paragraphs long is based on an
appropriate book and uses formal diction.
Quarterly Grammar Rules:
The following Quarterly Grammar rules are followed (missing one
rule results in loss of one point)
1. Subject – Verb agreement
2. Punctuating Titles
3. Punctuating Quotations
4. Verb Tense
Basic Grammar:
Expert (3) – There are a few minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors but they do not interfere with the essay
Professional (2) – There are minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause a few pauses while reading
Professional (1) – There are many spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause the reading to be choppy
Novice (0) – Spelling, capitalization and punctuation errors cause
the paper to be unreadable
Diction/Clarity:
Word choice is at or above reading level, with a wide variety of
appropriate diction. Active sentences are varied and transitions
are used to help the essay flow smoothly.
Using Textual Evidence:
Textual evidence is used to support analysis. Textual evidence is
relevant and is explained, not just inserted, in essay.
Effective Essay:
Strong thesis is used in introduction paragraph to clearly indicate
the one literary element chosen to analyze. The essay shows a
strong understanding of how the literary element impacts the
text as a whole.
TOTAL: _________ out of 24 (Test/Project grade)
3rd
Quarter Book Report:
Argumentative
Expert: 3 – 4 points
Professional: 1-2 points
Novice: 0 points
Essay Format:
Typed final draft that is 3 paragraphs long is based on an
appropriate book and uses formal diction.
Quarterly Grammar Rules:
The following Quarterly Grammar rules are followed (missing one
rule results in loss of one point)
1. Subject – Verb agreement
2. Punctuating Titles
3. Punctuating Quotations
4. Verb Tense
Basic Grammar:
Expert (3) – There are a few minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors but they do not interfere with the essay
Professional (2) – There are minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause a few pauses while reading
Professional (1) – There are many spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause the reading to be choppy
Novice (0) – Spelling, capitalization and punctuation errors cause
the paper to be unreadable
Diction/Clarity:
Word choice is at or above reading level, with a wide variety of
appropriate diction. Actives sentences are varied and transitions
are used to help the essay flow smoothly.
Using Textual Evidence:
Textual evidence is used to support claim. Textual evidence is
relevant and is explained, not just inserted, in essay.
Effective Essay:
Strong claim is presented in introduction paragraph to clearly
indicate one element that author either agrees or disagrees with.
Claim is presented with basic evidence, which is explained in the
body of the essay
TOTAL: _________ out of 24 (Test/Project grade)
3rd Quarter Book Report: Review
Expert: 3 – 4 points
Professional: 1-2 points
Novice: 0 points
Essay Format:
Typed final draft that is 5 paragraphs long is based on an
appropriate book and uses formal diction.
Quarterly Grammar Rules:
The following Quarterly Grammar rules are followed (missing one
rule results in loss of one point)
1. Subject – Verb agreement
2. Punctuating Titles
3. Punctuating Quotations
4. Verb Tense
Basic Grammar:
Expert (3) – There are a few minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors but they do not interfere with the essay
Professional (2) – There are minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause a few pauses while reading
Professional (1) – There are many spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause the reading to be choppy
Novice (0) – Spelling, capitalization and punctuation errors cause
the paper to be unreadable
Diction/Clarity:
Word choice is at or above reading level, with a wide variety of
appropriate diction. Actives sentences are varied and transitions
are used to help the essay flow smoothly.
Using Textual Evidence:
Textual evidence is used to support each element reviewed.
Evidence is relevant and is explained, not just inserted, in essay.
Effective Essay:
Thesis is given in introduction paragraph to state overall opinion
of the book and three elements that contributed to opinion.
Each element is completely discussed in body of the essay
TOTAL: _________ out of 24 (Test/Project grade)
3rd Quarter Book Report: Comparison
Expert: 3 – 4 points
Professional: 1-2 points
Novice: 0 points
Essay Format:
Typed final draft that is 5 paragraphs long is based on an
appropriate book and uses formal diction.
Quarterly Grammar Rules:
The following Quarterly Grammar rules are followed (missing one
rule results in loss of one point)
1. Subject – Verb agreement
2. Punctuating Titles
3. Punctuating Quotations
4. Verb Tense
Basic Grammar:
Expert (3) – There are a few minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors but they do not interfere with the essay
Professional (2) – There are minor spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause a few pauses while reading
Professional (1) – There are many spelling, capitalization or
punctuation errors that cause the reading to be choppy
Novice (0) – Spelling, capitalization and punctuation errors cause
the paper to be unreadable
Diction/Clarity:
Word choice is at or above reading level, with a wide variety of
appropriate diction. Actives sentences are varied and transitions
are used to help the essay flow smoothly.
Using Textual Evidence:
Textual evidence is used to support each similarity. Evidence is
relevant and is explained, not just inserted, in essay.
Effective Essay:
Strong thesis is given in introduction paragraph to state which
two items are being compared and three ways they are similar
The three elements are expanded on in the body paragraph.
TOTAL: _________ out of 24 (Test/Project grade)