The Alchemy of Fiction:
English 11 Short Story Analysis and Discussion
We will be reading, studying and discussing the following stories from Viewpoints:
Short Story to be Read/3
Discussion Questions
Date:
Group Members
presenting:
“The Charmer”
Tuesday, October 22nd
Nobody – in-class
assessment
Review terms/work on
projects
Thursday, October 24th
All members have read
story to be presented and
ready to work.
“Learning the Language” p. 4
Wednesday, September 30th Kelvin, Brian, Lawrence,
Warren, Roger
“A Cap for Steve” - p. 167
Friday, October 2nd
Irene, Evan, Priscilla,
Chantelle, Glenda, Michelle
“Initiation” - p. 198
Tuesday, October 6th
Chilly, Carmen, Sarah,
Tammy, Lauren
“Ramu and Rani” - p. 74
Thursday, October 8th
Melissa, Diane, Sadie,
Christine
“Gentlemen of the Jungle” - Tuesday, October 13th
p. 123
Dave, Tyrell, Daniel, Ardy,
Zane
“The Pedestrian” - p. 153
Thursday, October 15th
Rizwan, Truong, Isaac, Ben,
Hieu
Task
Original Short Story
Date:
Wednesday, October 28th
Value
5 homework marks
(draft/peer editing sheet);
assessed according to Grade
11 Writing Rubric (good
copy)
Final Test
Thursday, October 22nd
50 marks
N.B. This outline is subject to change. Keep updated by checking our class wiki at
http://tuppersecondaryenglish.wikispaces.com.
I – To prepare for a discussion of these stories, each member of the class will:
a) read each of the stories and participate fully in class discussions/activities.
b) make up three intelligent discussion questions for each story (EXCEPT your
group’s story).
II –To lead a class discussion of each story, your group (4-5 people/group) will:
a) Give a concise plot summary; discuss conflicts (include types).
/5
b) Explain important short story elements (e.g. setting, mood, irony, p.o.v, style.)
Choose 2-5 important phrases from the story; explain their significance.
/5
c) Discuss characters include (types), their motivations and roles.
/5
d) Propose at least two possible themes, explain how they are revealed in the story, and
discuss their relevance to our lives and/or society.
/5
e) Create an activity that relates to the story that involves the entire class. /5
f) Teamwork, effort and smooth delivery of presentation.
/5
III – Each person will write an original short story. Stories will be multi-paragraph,
include dialogue, and be about 500 -750 words (3 pages, double spaced, 12 font.)
Remember: more does not necessarily mean better. Have fun and be creative!
Task
Homework Questions
Presentation
Original Short Story
Final Test
Value
3 marks/class
30 marks
Assessed on Grade 11
scale
50 marks
Due Date
Each class
Wednesday, October 28th
Thursday, October 22nd