Heskett Middle School
Summer Reading Project
Entering 7th Grade
THE GIVER BY LOIS LOWRY
Date received: _________________________
Previous School: ________________________________
2013-2014 Grade Level: 6th
I understand that as an academic requirement for Language Arts class
during the 2013-2014 academic year I must complete the attached
summer reading requirement and that it will be for a grade. I also
understand that I will be tested on the information included in the
novel. The assignments are due to my teacher by August 23, 2013.
Failure to read this book and complete the assignment will negatively
affect my grade. No late projects will be accepted.
Student Signature _______________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________________
Dear Students:
We look forward to welcoming you to the Heskett Middle School
family. For the 2013- 2014 school year, English Language Arts includes
a summer reading component with required reading and responding.
Getting started in the summer provides you with initial preparation
for the course you will take next year, and allows you the flexibility to
work at your own pace and on your own schedule. The summer
reading assignment is due by Friday, August 23, 2013. The guidelines
and requirements are explained below.
SEVENTH GRADE SUMMER ASSIGNMENT
1. Read the novel The Giver by Lois Lowry.
You may check out a book from Heskett Middle School. We will have
copies available for you to check out during the months of June and
July. You may also visit your public library to obtain a copy of the
novel, or you may choose to purchase your own book.
2. Complete the Character Analysis
Type the answer to each of the following questions in complete
sentences. For your heading: Place your name, teachers’ name (if you
have your schedule), Title of course (Language Arts) and the date the
assignment is due in the top left corner. The title (Character Analysis)
goes below the heading, centered, and below that, centered, goes the
title of the book. Indent each paragraph or skip a line between
paragraphs. A sample page for you to follow is attached to this
assignment sheet. Below you will find an outline of questions to be
included in your paper.
Paragraph One (5-15 sentences)
1. Who is your favorite character in the book and why? Give details
from the book to explain why this character is your favorite.
2. In what ways are you similar to this character?
3. In what ways are you different from this character?
Paragraph Two (5-15 sentences)
1. The main character in a story always faces some kind of conflict or
problem. What is the main character’s conflict or problem? How is it
resolved; in other words, how does it turn out in the end?
2. Have you ever faced a similar problem or do you know someone who
faced a similar problem? Describe the situation. How was it resolved?
Paragraph Three (5-15 sentences)
1. Does the main character change during the course of the story? Does
he/she learn a lesson or grow emotionally in some way? Explain using
details from the story.
2. Looking back at your life, how have you changed the most in the last
few years? What important lessons have you learned?
3. In Class Assessment
When you come to class your English teacher will assess you on your
knowledge of the text, so it is extremely important that you read the
novel. Your first Language arts test grade for the 2013-2014 school
year will be based on this text.
Your Name
Teacher’s Name
Language Arts
Date your assignment is due
Character Analysis
The Giver
Indent each paragraph using the tab key on your computer. Turn
your questions for paragraph one into a functioning paragraph that has
between 5-15 sentences. Once you have finished writing your first
paragraph press the enter key twice and begin typing paragraph two.
Indent paragraph two and begin turning your paragraph two
questions into a functioning paragraph. Once you have finished writing
your first paragraph press the enter key twice and begin typing
paragraph three. (5-15 sentences)
Indent paragraph three and begin forming your paragraphs by
structuring your questions into functioning sentences that work
together. Make sure as you type your paper that you have followed the
same format that you see on this sheet. (5-15 sentences)
CHARACTER ANALYSIS RUBRIC
BEGINNING
Character
analysis is
attempted, but
lacks details
and
description is
incomplete.
DEVELOPING
Character has
not been
CHARACTER
analyzed
ANALYSIS
thoroughly.
Lack of ability
to
comprehend
of the
character’s
traits.
Reflections do Reflection is
not
complete but
REFLECTIONS demonstrate
lacks in the
an
details
understanding needed to
of the
demonstrate
character and character
time period.
analysis and
research
knowledge.
Poor ability to Adequate
SPELLING
use Standard
ability to
AND
English, with
write in
GRAMMAR major mistakes Standard
that interrupt English, with
the reading of very few
the analysis.
major, or a
few minor
mistakes.
ACCOMPLISHED
Character has
been analyzed
and reflects a
greater
knowledge of
the personality
and traits.
EXEMPLARY
Description
of the
character has
been expertly
detailed and
depth and
knowledge of
personality
prevalent.
Reflection has
achieved a
successful
understanding
of the
assignments
components.
Reflection
exceeds
expectations
and reveals a
higher level
of thinking in
the project.
Good use of
Standard
English, with
minimal
mistakes.
Excellent use
of Standard
English, with
minimal or
no mistakes.