Victorian Literature – Assignment Sheet
Based on summer readings of Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations
During the first ten classes of this first quarter, we’ll be reviewing the basic concepts of literature and how
to apply them to your reading, your analysis, and your interpretation. We’ll do that by studying your two summer
novels: Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations. One of the reasons you are assigned these two novels for
summer reading is that they are both too long to effectively study in depth during the school year. That means you
should already have read both novels in full. Now is the time to go back and re-read certain passages, review your
notes and annotations, and take a closer look. In order to succeed and excel in this course, you should get into the
habit of annotating your reading, taking notes when I give presentations, and participating in all class discussions.
In order to help you be prepared, the following is an overview of what we’ll cover and what you’ll be
responsible for over the next three weeks. Please read all of the introductory material on Victorian Literature
before class 3.
Note: You are required to have your Literary Response Journal (composition notebook) by Class 5, and
you must bring it with you to class every day. I will be periodically checking your LRJ progress and will
collect them for grading on exam days. Always bring the book we’re currently reading/discussing.
Class 3:
Wuthering Heights assessment: 45-minute in-class essay.
I will give you seven prompts from which to choose and you will respond in a well-crafted 5-paragraph essay that
supports a strong, clear thesis with direct evidence from the novel. Bring your annotated books to class. You will be
able to use them on the essay. This essay will be graded according to the writing rubric. Following the in-class
essay, we will be discussing the novel in class. Please be prepared to contribute.
Class 4:
Great Expectations assessment: 45-minute in-class essay.
I will give you seven prompts from which to choose and you will respond in a well-crafted 5-paragraph essay that
supports a strong, clear thesis with direct evidence from the novel. Bring your annotated books to class. You will be
able to use them on the essay. This essay will be graded according to the writing rubric. Following the in-class
essay, we will be discussing the novel in class. Please be prepared to contribute.
Class 5:
Great Expectations – Volume One Comprehension Quiz
My comprehension quizzes are typically worth 45 points. They include ten multiple choice questions and three
short answer questions designed to see if you’ve read the book rather the SparkNotes, or equivalent. The quiz will
be followed by a presentation and class discussion on volume one of the novel. Please be prepared to contribute.
Literary Response Journal entry (in class)
Class 6:
Great Expectations – Volume Two Comprehension Quiz
My comprehension quizzes are typically worth 45 points. They include ten multiple choice questions and three
short answer questions designed to see if you’ve read the book rather the SparkNotes, or equivalent. The quiz will
be followed by a presentation and class discussion on volume two of the novel. Please be prepared to contribute.
Literary Response Journal entry (in class)
Class 7:
Great Expectations – Volume Three Comprehension Quiz
My comprehension quizzes are typically worth 45 points. They include ten multiple choice questions and three
short answer questions designed to see if you’ve read the book rather the SparkNotes, or equivalent. The quiz will
be followed by a presentation and class discussion on volume three of the novel. Please be prepared to contribute.
1 Victorian Lit
Mr. Rose
Time for group meetings for presentations which are due next class.
Class 8:
Victorian Literature group presentations. We will have 6-7 groups giving powerpoint presentations and leading
brief discussions on the assigned Victorian topics. Be prepared to take notes on the presentations. You will be
responsible for all the material presented by your classmates.
Literary Response Journal entry (in class)
Class 9:
Great Expectations + Wuthering Heights Vocabulary Test
Vocabulary tests cover the words assigned from the two novels. You can find the Wuthering Heights and Great
Expectations word lists and flashcard decks at Dictionary.com. I’ll email you the direct links. This is a great way to
study for the test. Use the resource!
Literary Response Journal entry (in class)
Your Wuthering Heights book cover designs are due today. We will then be reviewing for the Victorian Literature
exam, which you will take next class.
Class 10:
Great Expectations + Wuthering Heights + Victorian Lit – Exam
My unit exams typically included 50-80 multiple choice and matching questions: character identification, setting
identification, quotation identification, plot questions, figurative language questions, historical or biographical
background, etc. In addition to these, you will typically have 4-6 short answer questions which make up about 3040% of your exam grade. Be sure to look over the example short answer question responses so you know what I
expect. You will be able to use your book on the short answer portion of the test but not on the multiple choice
section.
2 Victorian Lit
Mr. Rose