Notes again?
Yes! One of the most important goals of reading literature is developing critical-reading
skills. In English 9, we read and write to understand ourselves and our world better.
Taking notes, as you read, is a critical reading strategy that deepens your
understanding of the text and strengthens your inferential-reading skills.
Directions: Choose one of the 4 options below. Complete sections A, B, & C for EACH
CHAPTER. For due dates, always consult your reading/assignment schedule.
Option 1:
Section A: Write a brief summary of the chapter (4-7 sentences).
Section B: Each chapter introduces, reinforces or challenges an Ibo custom or a ritual.
In two to three sentences, explain which custom or ritual the chapter deals with.
Section C- Cornell Notes: After you read EACH chapter, select a quote that you think
is significant to the theme, plot, character development or language usage (interesting
vocabulary, figurative language, symbolism, etc). Write your quote in the left column,
and write your explanation of the quote in the right column. Always include page
number and direct quotation (MLA Style Citation). This section should be between 2 and
4 sentences.
Option 1 Sample
Section A: Summary -Okonkwo is a well-known member of the Ibo tribe, noted for
beating "Amalinze the Cat" in a wrestling match. Okonkwo is a wealthy farmer and a
warrior with three wives. He despises his father, Unoka, who is a failure according to the
villagers. Unoka never pays his debts and laughs when his friend, Okoye, asks to be
repaid.
Section B: In this chapter, wrestling is introduced as the main sport of Umofia.
Wrestling is a competitive sport, of two equally matched forces struggling to gain
dominance over the other. Wrestling will perhaps become a focal point at some point in
the novel.
Section C:
Quotes:
Explanations:
“He had a slight stammer and whenever he Okonkwo is portrayed to be a man with a
was angry, he would use his fists”(Achebe, short temper. There is also a hint of
4)
violence implied by the speaker. He rules
his family with an iron first. What he cannot
achieve with words, he achieves it with
violence.
Option 2
Section A: Write a brief summary of the chapter in 4-7 sentences. Remember a summary
doesn’t include details, quotes or examples.
Section B: Draw or illustrate moments significant to culture and identity of the character.
Section C: Write down and explain in 2-4 sentences what interested, shocked or frustrated you
the most in this chapter and WHY.
Option 2 Sample
Chapter ONE
Section A: Summary
Okonkwo is a well-known member of the Ibo tribe, noted for beating "Amalinze the Cat" in a
wrestling match. Okonkwo is a wealthy farmer and a warrior with three wives. He despises his
father, Unoka, who is a failure according to the villagers. Unoka never pays his debts and
laughs when his friend, Okoye, asks to be repaid.
Section B: Illustration
“…but Okonkwo was as slippery as a fish in water”( Achebe, 3).
Characterization: Okonkwo’s physical strengthen which won him fame in all the nine villages is
introduced in this chapter. Perhaps Okonkwo will rely more on his physical strength.
Section C: I was shocked that Okoye left peacefully and without saying another word when
Unoka refused to pay him back all the money he owed. If someone owed me money and
refused to pay me back, I would be so angry. I wouldn’t walk away from them. Maybe in this
culture, violence or confrontations aren’t permitted.
Option 3
Section A& B: You are an ethnographer (A researcher who studies people and cultures by
observing them closely. Your job is to document what is happening in this culture. You can
conduct interviews with characters, attend their meetings, participate in their festivals, etc.).
Write a paragraph or two just documenting what happened in the chapter.
Section C: Here is where you record your reactions: shocking? Interesting? Strange?
Something you’re curious about?
Option 3 Sample
Chapter ONE
Section A& B: One thing I have observed in this culture is, it doesn’t matter who your parents
are. You can come from a poor family like Okonkwo. When I met Okonkwo last week, he
seemed a very reserved yet angry man. After initial interviews, I learned that his father was
considered a “loser” because he was a poor musician. Okonkwo is driven by his need to
NOTHING like his father even though the culture itself doesn’t care about who his father was. I
have learned that the culture places value on being a successful farmer and a warrior. It is also
interesting that he has multiple wives.
Section C: Wow! The thing that stands out to me is the practice of polygamy. I know polygamy
is practiced in many places, but I would NOT want to be in one. The few women I met seem to
be accepting of it though.
Option 4: Creative Writing
Sections A, B and C: In TWO paragraphs, write from the perspective of ONE of the characters
Specifically the characters’ religious identity.
Option 4: Creative Writing Sample
Chapter ONE
Character: Okonkwo
What really bothers me about women is their need to comment on things or ask
unnecessary questions. For example, my first wife. Yesterday when I brought
Ikemefuna home, she asked how long he will stay. Why does that matter? I am the man
of the house, and I can’t allow my wives to think they can question my authority. Also,
didn’t she see that the Oracle approved of this ultimatum? Who is she to question
the Oracle? All my life I worked hard, harder than any man I know, to have a little say in
my home. Is that too much?
And this boy who was sacrificed by his OWN father is entrusted to me. He seemed
terrified, but it wasn’t my decision. It was his OWN FATHER’S! What a cowardly father!
Ikemefuna reminds me of me, because my own father was a sore loser. I am not really
happy that Mbanta chose peace over war. We could have shown them real bravery.
Those sons of dogs! How dare they kill one of us? Unforgivable!