9(1) English: Fourth Quarter Independent Reading
The objective of this independent reading assignment is that you practice reading closely and
critically (which we have worked on all year!) a piece of literature of your choice in a genre of your
choice. Your job is to read your book, THE book, at home and to take notes in one of the following ways:
Option 1) Divide your book into fourths and complete four note sheets (the kind we used for the
classic novel assignment with same requirements). Notes should be thorough and page numbers should
be listed for key quotes and passages.
Print from my website.
Option 1 B: Poetry collection readers, can complete a chart with the following categories.
Speaker I Theme/Message I Tone (and words/images that illustrate) I Important poetic devices and meaning
You should complete this chart for no fewer than 12 poems in your collection. See me if you need
guidance.
Option 2) Keep a double-entry journal (as we did for Of Mice and Men) in which you record important
text details and quotes in the left-hand column, and your reaction to/analysis of the detail/quote on the
right-hand column. Your journal should have at 20 intelligent entries than span the book’s entirety.
“Love goes toward love as school boys from their books,
but love from love, toward school with heavy looks” (81).
Romeo uses a relatable simile to convey the joys and
sorrows of seeing and departing from one’s love. It is
interesting that he is so sad about leaving Juliet even after
only knowing her for an hour. Perhaps, like a school boy,
he is a bit immature.
Option 3) Color-coded sticky notes. Devise four (or more) categories for which you can track notes in
your book. Categories could include themes, character development, motifs and symbols,
foreshadowing, figurative language, quotes to remember, confusing passages… Assign each category
you choose a different color sticky note. Write at least two sentences on the sticky note reflecting your
thoughts (these should not be summary, but analysis and personal reflection/reaction). By the time you
finish reading, you should have at least 24 sticky notes than span the book’s entirety.
Your complete notes are due on Tuesday, June 5th.
60 points based on quality of thought and adherence to directions.
I would like you to submit partial notes on Wednesday, May 16th so I can ensure
you are making adequate progress and that you are following directions.