Pre AP English I Nine Weeks Independent Reading Project Start: August 28, 2009 End: October 21, 2009

Plan to read the book in its entirety by October 7, 2009 Groups of 4 per book Choose from the list of book provided. Each member in your group will read the entire book and discuss key elements to complete the project. The Hound of the Baskervilles In Pharaohs Army Their Eyes were Watching God The Three Musketeers The Chosen The Secret Agent The War of the Worlds Fahrenheit 451 Things Fall Apart The Glass Menagerie And the Earth did not Devour Them Great Expectations Waiting for Godot The Taming of the Shrew The Tempest

Part 1 100 pts. Complete a character portfolio for at least four characters. The portfolio must include the following items: o Name o Background (where the live, what they do for a job, parents, siblings, etc) o Character type (Dynamic, Flat, Round, Foil, Static, Stock) o Role they play in the novel (what is their purpose?) o What happens to them by the conclusion o A depiction of the character Part 2 100 pts. Complete a literary critique of the novel. This means you will write an honest and anchored opinion of the novel like you would find in a magazine or newspaper. This must be scholarly, which means even if you did not enjoy the novel you must tell what made it boring or stupid without using those terms. This must be at least one page typed and doubled spaced using Time New Roman 12 point font. You must give your critique a creative title and center it at the top of the article. Each member must submit a review. Part 3 100 pts. Make a multi-media presentation for the novel using PowerPoint. We will meet in Mrs. Hartins room the day of presentations to watch them. Save your presentation to a disk or a flashdrive. Your PowerPoint must include the following: o Introduction and/or information about the author o Information about the genre of the novel (gothic, Victorian, modern, post-modern, epic, etc..) o Information about the time period and/or era in which the novel is set o A synopsis of the novel that includes a plot diagram o Theme or themes of the novel o A interesting scene or memorable quote (be sure to give insight as to why it was interesting or memorable) o Be sure to make your presentation funuse colors, backgrounds, pictures, music, fun font. * The portfolio and PowerPoint must be accompanied by a verbal presentation/explanation. Part 4 Group member critique. Each member will complete four critiques (one for each member) to rate their level of participation. Yes, you will have the chance to critique yourself. If a member receives a bad critique from three or more members of their group they will

receive partial credit for the assignment. The credit given will be based on the amount of work and effort is accountable for. Total project is worth 300 points. You may choose your group partners. Choose wisely. Your partners must be in your class period because Fridays after the vocabulary test you will be given time to read and discuss your book with your group. Please choose your group and book and write the title and their names on the line below. You will be checked out a book when you bring me one form from your group. Book Title: _________________________________________ Group Members: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________