English 9
Mrs. Sharp
name:
period:
Independent Novel Project
Reduction Poster
Now that you have finished your reading/study of your independent novel, you will create a REDUCTION for
your novel. A reduction is a one-page picture–and–word compilation of a literary work. The process of doing
the reduction will help you to think about what you have read and what the essential components of the novel
are. It will also serve as an opportunity to share the novel you read with classmates.
Unlike other assignments, you will not write in sentences but will include all the important literary elements
listed below in pictures and words or phrases (see example below). Do NOT use lined paper; this project
MUST be completed on poster board or scrapbook paper. If you choose a colored/textured paper, it must be
relevant/symbolic in some way. Include all of the following criteria on your reduction:
1. Author and title – Prominently feature the full title of your novel and the author’s full name on your
Reduction Poster
2. Genre – Appropriately label the genre of your chosen novel (i.e. science fiction, historical fiction, etc.)
3. Setting(s) – Name and describe any/all important locations or time periods in the story. Whenever
possible, use images to represent the setting.
4. Major characters – Specifically name and include an image to represent all major characters in the novel.
Include bullet points and/or additional images to explain their roles in the story.
5. Major plot events -- Detailed and label major plot events (exposition, conflicts, rising action/complications,
climax, resolution). Whenever possible use/include an image to represent or describe the events.
6. Statement of theme(s) – Here, you may use a sentence or a phrase to communicate important lessons or
messages of your chosen novel; however, be sure to include images to represent or add to your theme
statement(s).
7. Mood/atmosphere – Use specific words/phrases to explain or describe the mood (at several points in the
story). Include an image or picture to accompany each mood word/phrase.
8. Symbolism – Provide at least ONE example of symbolism (the symbol and what it represents). Use images.
9. Significance of title – In brief words/phrases, explain the deeper meaning of the title. Include images when
possible.
10. Significant quotations – 5-8 of the most important quotations from your novel (here you may use
sentences). Be sure the quotations you select are “thick” enough to convey some sense of meaning or
importance to the characters, conflicts, major plot events, symbolism, theme, etc. of the novel.
Your reduction must be neat, must be complete, and must be your own unique work. BE CREATIVE AND USE
COLOR. Consult the attached rubric to ensure you complete the assignment successfully.
English 9
Mrs. Sharp
Independent Novel Project
Reduction Poster Scoring Rubric
Criteria
Visual Aesthetic:
Neat, colorful
representation of
the novel
Superior (4)
Neat, colorful, meaningful
representation of the novel;
quality illustrations,
aesthetically and visually
pleasing presentation achieved.
Meaningfully placed and easily
located. Adds depth to
presentation.
Genre is appropriately assigned
and easily located.
Visual representations of setting
are clear, identifiable, and
meaningful.
All main characters identified
with their respective roles
explained and an accompanying
image.
On Target (3)
Neat and colorful
representation of the
novel; well carried out
illustrations and wellproportioned display.
Visible, prominent, and
easy to locate.
Plot Development
Important elements of plot are
presented in a meaningful way,
i.e. chronological, grouped, or
other. All required plot
elements are labeled
appropriately.
Important elements of
plot are presented and
are easy to identify. All
required elements are
labeled with some degree
of accuracy.
Theme
The theme of the story is clearly
and thoughtfully communicated
by visual representations,
words, phrases, and quotes.
Mood/Atmosphere
The mood/atmosphere of the
story is clearly and thoughtfully
communicated by visual
representations, words,
phrases, and quotes.
Symbolism
Symbolic elements are
identified and clearly
communicated by visual
representations, words,
phrases, and quotes.
Significance of Title
The significance of the title is
explained thoroughly and clearly
communicated by visual
representations, words,
phrases, and quotes.
5 to 8 meaningful quotes,
legible, page number cited,
thoughtful placement on
composition.
The theme of the story is
communicated in some
manner: visually, via
words, phrases, or
quotes.
The mood and
atmosphere of the story
is communicated in some
manner: visually, via
words, phrases, or
quotes.
At least one symbolic
element of the story is
communicated in some
manner: visually, via
words, phrases, or
quotes.
The significance of the
title is communicated in
some manner: visually,
via words, phrases, or
quotes.
5 to 8 quotes, mostly
meaningful or significant,
legible, easy to identify.
Author and Title
Genre
Setting
Main characters
and their Roles
Significant
Quotations
(five to eight)
Name:
Indication of genre is
included in poster.
Visual representations of
setting are clear and
identifiable.
Most main characters
identified with their roles
and an image.
Partial (2)
Representation the
elements of the novel
are present, but lack
careful, pleasing visual
composite of ideas.
Present and easy to
identify, though not
prominent.
Genre is inaccurate or
difficult to locate.
Visual representations of
setting are suggested.
Unsatisfactory (1)
Representation is difficult to
decipher, visually confusing,
lacks polished, finished
appearance.
Some main characters
identified with their
roles. Some missing.
Some characters do not
have an image.
Elements of plot are
represented but may be
disorganized or difficult
to locate. Some plot
elements are missing or
major errors are present
in labeling.
The theme of the story is
somewhat present but
not clearly
communicated.
Missing significant characters
and/or their roles and/or
images.
The mood and
atmosphere of the story
somewhat present but
not clearly
communicated.
The mood and atmosphere of
the story is not evident or
clearly communicated.
At least one symbolic
elements of the story is
attempted/present but
not clearly
communicated.
No symbolic elements of the
story are evident but they are
not clearly communicated or
symbolism is misinterpreted.
The significance of the
title is suggested but not
clearly communicated.
The significance of the title is
not evident or clearly
communicated, or the
significance is misinterpreted.
3-5 quotes are given and
are legible, but their
significance is
questionable.
Lacks quotes, or quotes
selected demonstrate a lack
of understanding of the story.
Present but difficult to find,
or not included.
Genre is not labeled.
Few or lacking visual
representations of setting.
Lacking important elements
of plot or unimportant side
elements presented. No
attempt to accurately label
required plot elements.
The theme of the story not
evident or clearly
communicated or the story is
misinterpreted.
Total: _______________/44
INP Reduction Poster
Planning Sheet
Author’s Full Name
Full Title of Book
Genre
Location:
Location:
Time Period:
Time Period:
Time Period:
Image to represent:
Image to represent:
Image to represent:
Setting
Location:
Character 1 name:
Main characters and their Roles
Description:
Role(s):
Image:
Character 2 name:
Description:
Role(s):
Image:
Character 3 name:
Description:
Role(s):
Image:
Character 4 name:
Description:
Role(s):
Plot Development
Image:
Exposition:
Conflict(s):
Rising Action 1:
Rising Action 2:
Image:
Image:
Image:
Image:
Rising Action 4:
Rising Action 5:
Climax:
Resolution:
Image:
Image:
Image:
Image:
Image to represent theme:
Mood/Atmosphere 1:
Mood/Atmosphere 2:
Mood/Atmosphere 3:
Image:
Image:
Image:
Symbolic Element:
What it Represents:
Significant Quotations
(five to eight)
Significance
of Title
Symbolism
Mood/
Atmosphere
Theme
Statement of Theme:
Significance:
Image:
Image: