Guidelines for Major Works Data Sheet
Assignment
Create a Major Works Data Sheet for a book you select from an approved list..
Objective: The purpose of creating Major Works Data Sheets for the novel is to prepare students
for the AP Literature exam that they will take in their senior year. Students should keep all Major
Works Data Sheets in a notebook so that they can review prior to the test.
Directions:
1. Read and follow these guidelines carefully.
2. A blank copy of the Major Works Data Sheet is on Mrs. Savage’s webpage. When you are
ready to begin the assignment, pull up the template from the webpage and save it to your
computer. This will allow you to simply type your information onto the template.
3. Your completed Major Works Data Sheet must be typed in a standard font and size (such as
Times New Roman size 12 or Tahoma size 10).
4. Use your novel, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and reliable Internet sources to find the
information needed for each category. Do not use Wikipedia or other websites that are not
credible.
5. Although you are using outside sources, the majority of your information should be
paraphrased and/or summarized (not directly quoted).
6. PLAGIARISM FROM ANOTHER SOURCE AND/OR CLASSMATE WILL RESULT IN A
FAILING GRADE. Any information copied directly from a source must be in quotation marks (and
be followed by a citation).
Specific Criteria for Each Category
1. Date of publication: If the novel has multiple dates of publication, use the original date when
completing your Major Works Data Sheet.
2. Genre: Indicate what type of publication the work is (novel, play, autobiography, short story,
poem, nonfiction, etc).
3. Historical information about the period of publication: Describe the historical context of the
novel. What was happening at the time the novel was written and published? Note: Do not
discuss the setting of the novel in this section; instead, discuss the time period when the novel
was written and published. Discuss important historical events, fads/trends, famous people,
literary or artistic movements, etc.
4. Biographical information about the author: Include the author’s birth/death (if applicable) dates,
educational background, occupations, significant literary works, important awards or recognition,
any interesting quotes from the author or unusual facts about the author.
5. Characteristics of the genre: Omit this section.
6. Plot summary: Identify the five major plot elements (introduction, rising action, climax, falling
action, resolution). Your plot summary should be approximately half a page (typed, single
spaced) and it should cover the entire literary work.