Individual Reading Assignment
English 11 Honors
Objectives
Students will:
 indicate personal preferences by choosing a novel for class study from a teacher-provided list.
 demonstrate understanding of the elements of fiction by creating a journal to guide their discussion.
 write about the novel in various areas.
 work individually to create a graffiti graphic (Graffiti Wall) of their novel.
 present their graphic to the class as a way of sharing their novel and connecting their graphic representation to the novel.
Choosing your novel
You may use one of the British novels I have suggested, or you may find your own. Be sure to have your parents sign the form to indicate that they are aware of and approve of your choice.
Once you have chosen the novel, you will have some time in class to read and begin journaling on your book, but most of your reading will have to be completed outside of class.
Reading and Journaling:
While you are reading, you will keep a journal. You should have one journal page for every twothree chapters (at least) and you should create the journal as you read. Or, you may annotate in the book if it’s your personal copy. It will contain:
1.
graffiti: drawings, shapes, symbols, and colors (refer to the color symbolism handouts) that reflect the novel’s setting, characters, plot structure, point of view, themes, and symbols.
2.
words and phrases that come to mind while you read that reflect setting, characters, plot structure, point of view, themes, and symbols.
3.
direct quotations from the novel that reveal your thoughts on the setting, characters, plot structure, point of view, themes, and symbols.
Written Assessment:
1.
Brief summary : concentrates on plot and characters, includes essential details, 2 paragraphs maximum
2.
Personal response : student’s reaction to the novel is given, with explanation and reasoning, 1 paragraph
3.
Author’s tone
: tone is discussed and supported with evidence from the novel, 1 paragraph
4.
Author’s theme
: at least one theme is discussed and examples that exemplify theme throughout the novel are given, 1 paragraph
5.
Motifs and symbols : at least one motif and at least one symbol discussed using examples, 2 paragraphs
6.
Major Literary Elements : at least 2 elements discussed (identified and purpose explained) using examples, 2 paragraphs

Graffiti Wall:

Using a standard piece of poster board, choose your graphics, words and phrases, and quotations that reveal and represent the elements of fiction from your novel.

Everything in your journal may not become part of your final Graffiti Wall.
Choose what is best from your thoughts in your journal to make your final outcome complete.

The following criteria needs to be followed and is covered on the rubric:
1.
Graphics are easily viewed.
2.
Required elements of fiction are addressed and are relevant to novel: setting, characters, plot structure, point of view, themes, and symbols.
3.
Content – Quotations, words, phrases, graphics are well chosen and are relevant to novel.
4.
Writing conventions are used correctly.
5.
Attractiveness - poster is attractive in terms of design and layout.
6.
Class Time – class time was used wisely.
7.
Journal is turned in with final project.
8.
Oral Presentation –
A.
Student can explain his or her Graffiti Wall, the six elements, and how those elements fit into the development of the novel.
B.
Student is prepared to answer any question raised by the class.
C.
Student listens carefully to other presentations, takes notes, and is prepared to contribute to class discussions.

George Orwell
Animal Farm
1984
Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice
Emma
Sense and Sensibility
Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights
Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre
Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol
Great Expectations
Hard Times
David Copperfield
Oliver Twist
A Tale of Two Cities
Daniel Defoe
Robinson Crusoe
Elizabeth Gaskell
North and South
Frank McCourt
Angela’s Ashes
‘Tis
Teacher Man
Cecilia Ahern
P.S. I Love You
If You Could See Me Now
Dear Rosie
No Place Like Here
C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Screwtape Letters
J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter series
James Joyce
Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man
D.H. Lawrence
Sons and Lovers
The Rainbow
Women in Love
Lady Chatterley's Lover
Virginia Woolf
Mrs Dalloway
Evelyn Waugh
Brideshead Revisited
Lewis Carroll
Alice in Wonderland
H.G. Wells
War of the Worlds
The Time Machine
George Eliot
Middlemarch
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr.
Hyde
Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Bram Stoker
Dracula
Henry James
The Portrait of a Lady
The Turn of the Screw
The Wings of the Dove
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings

Independent Reading Assignment
English 11 Honors
Dear Parents,
Please sign below indicating that you are aware of your child’s choice for an outside reading assignment. I have asked each student to choose a novel by Wednesday, January
12 to read in addition to the work we do in class. Students received an assignment today
(1/4/11) to accompany the reading of this novel. Throughout reading, the students are asked to either keep a process journal or to annotate in their novels. Students will complete a project on this novel involving a written product, a visual product, and an oral presentation that is due on Tuesday, March 8. The novel must be by a British author and must be on an appropriate reading level for an 11 th
grade honors student. I have provided the students with a list of possible choices, but they may venture outside of this list.
Please do not hesitate to call or email with any questions.
Phone: 582-4347 ext. 2130
Email: colwelkw@spart6.org
Thank you,
Katie Colwell
________________________________
(Student name)
________________________________
(Book title and author)
________________________________
(Parent signature)

Color
Red
Symbolism
Excitement, energy, passion, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, love, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, aggression, all things intense and passionate.
Yellow
Joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, betrayal, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard.
Blue
Peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, cold, technology, depression, appetite suppressant.
Orange
Energy, balance, warmth, enthusiasm, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.
Green
Purple
Nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, vigor, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, inexperience, envy, misfortune.
Royalty, spirituality, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning.
Gray
Brown
Security, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring
Earth, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, stability, simplicity, and comfort.
White
Reverence, purity, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, birth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical, sterile.
Black
Power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, anonymity, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, underground, good technical color, mourning, death (Western cultures).

Rubric for Novel Assignment
Student’s Name:__________________________
Journal/Annotations (15)
Brief Summary: (15)
 Reflects student’s reading

Essential details included

Concentration on plot

2 paragraphs
Visceral Response: (15)
 Student’s reaction is evident

Reasons are provided

1 paragraph
Author’s Tone: (10)

Discussed and supported

Examples are present

1 paragraph
Author’s Theme: (15)

At least one theme is discussed

Examples are present

1 paragraph
Motifs/Symbols (15)

At least one of each discussed

Examples are present

2 paragraphs
Major Literary Elements: (15)

At least two techniques are discussed

Examples are present

1-2 paragraphs
Total: __________________
Comments:

Rubric for Graffiti Wall from Reading Assignment
Name: _____________________
Graphics – clarity/originality /relevance

Graphics are easily viewed, reflect an exceptional degree of creativity, and are related to topic and make it easier to understand.
Required Elements
The poster includes all required elements (setting, characterization, plot structure, point of view, theme, and symbolism).
Content Accuracy

Quotations are well-chosen. Words and phrases are relevant.
Writing Conventions

Errors in grammar/mechanics are not present.
Attractiveness

The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of design,
layout, and neatness.
_____/20
_____/20
_____/20
_____/5
_____/10
Use of Class Time

Student used time well during class, focused
on getting the project done, and never distracted others.
_____/5
Oral Presentation/Presentation Skills

Student shows a full understanding of novel and is able to answer
all questions.

Students speaks clearly with good volume and enthusiasm for
entire presentation (2-3 minutes). _____/20
Total Grade: ___________
Comments: