Third Quarter Independent Reading Project (IRP)
1st and 2nd Periods
For the third quarter, you will need to produce a visual depiction of your analysis of the author’s
development of an element of narrative fiction from the beginning to the middle to the end of the book.
In other words, you will choose ONE of the following elements of narrative fiction and analyze how it
develops throughout the book. (Circle the one you choose.)
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

Character (Can be one in particular or character development in general)
Plot
Theme
Consider the following questions:
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
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How does the author introduce the element to the reader?
How does it change or evolve throughout the book?
Where does it end up?
And how does that evolution impact the reader’s understanding of what’s happening?
Format and Requirements
Your project must be mostly visual. It can be a poster, a 3D model, a picture book, a tri-fold, or anything
that is able to visually depict the following information in three separate sections:
1. Beginning: How does your author introduce the element to your reader? What aspects are revealed
and what does the author leave hidden? What questions are you left to ask as a reader? Does it hook
your interest and/or build suspense? Is anything foreshadowed at the beginning?
2. Middle: How does the element change from the beginning? What new information does the author
reveal in the middle parts of the book? What predictions are you making as a reader based on what the
author is presenting for this element throughout the middle section?
3. End: How does the element change at the end of the book? Were your predictions right, or was
there a twist you didn’t see coming? Did the author’s handling of the element at the ending satisfy, or
did it leave something unresolved?
Each section of your project must have an index card attached (at least 3”x5”, any color, can be larger)
that summarizes your analysis of the sections above. Your writing on these cards must be in ink, and
must be legible in order to earn credit for them. I recommend that you write your summaries first, and
then try to visually depict what your summaries say. You may hand draw your pictures, draw them
online, or print pictures from the internet that you believe do a good job of showing what you’re talking
about.
Maybe think about it this way: Once you’ve written your summaries, pretend you have to get someone
to guess what you said only by drawing pictures, like in Pictionary.
3rd Quarter IRP Rubric
Written Analysis—
Shows a clear
understanding of the
narrative fiction
element, thorough yet
concise answers to
questions posted
Little effort, does
not demonstrate
understanding
0-4
Beginning Visual—
Clear representation
of written analysis,
shows intentionality
and creative effort.
Middle Visual—Clear
representation of
written analysis,
shows intentionality
and creative effort.
End Visual—Clear
representation of
written analysis,
shows intentionality
and creative effort.
Overall Score:
______ / 40
Some
understanding
demonstrated,
problems exist
Adequate
reflection, minor
issues exist.
Above and
beyond,
outstanding work!
5-7
8-9
10
Obviously little to
no effort, visual
does not relate
to written
analysis.
Some effort
evident,
somewhat tied to
written analysis,
some major
problems.
Adequate effort
evident, ties to
written analysis.
Minor issues
exist.
Above and
beyond,
outstanding work!
0-3
4-6
8-9
10
Obviously little to
no effort, visual
does not relate
to written
analysis.
Some effort
evident,
somewhat tied to
written analysis,
some major
problems.
Adequate effort
evident, ties to
written analysis.
Minor issues
exist.
Above and
beyond,
outstanding work!
0-3
4-6
8-9
10
Obviously little to
no effort, visual
does not relate
to written
analysis.
Some effort
evident,
somewhat tied to
written analysis,
some major
problems.
Adequate effort
evident, ties to
written analysis.
Minor issues
exist.
Above and
beyond,
outstanding work!
0-3
4-6
8-9
10