Independent Reading Assignment

All students are required to read an upper-intermediate level book every term of the
academic year and keep page-by-page vocabulary.
You will be able to choose your book, but it must be approved by the teacher.
 The Independent Reading Introduction page and an End of Book Form should be
completed.
 All monthly assignments should be completed in your notebook for Independent
Reading.
 You are responsible for showing your best effort on these assignments.
Be neat!

Independent Reading Introduction Page

Date_____________________ Name_________________________________
Title of book_____________________________________________________
Author _________________________________________________________
Genre (circle one)
Science fiction Fantasy Realistic fiction Historical Fiction
Mystery Adventure Biography Thriller
Total number of pages in the book__________________________________
To set a monthly reading goal, divide the number of pages in the book by four. This is
the number of pages that you will need to read each month to complete the book on
time.
1. November _______ 2. December _______ 3. January ______________
Why did you choose this book?
_____Liked cover ____ Interesting title ______ Read others by same author
_____Genre ____ Recommended by a friend _____Recommended by an adult
______________________________________________________Other
How do you think this book fits with your reading abilities?
_______Easy to read__________ Just right_________ A challenge!
Explain your choice
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Independent Reading Menu
 Complete your reading goal and one activity for each month.
 Write your activities in your notebook for Independent Reading.
 Put the activity number at the top of the paper.

November/February December/March January

Reading Goal: Reading Goal: Reading Goal:

1.1: Make a list of at least 3 2.1: List three characters in the 3.1: Write a letter to a character
predictions for the book—think book so far. Describe their in the book.
about characters, setting, and physical appearance, Include your reaction to the
genre. importance to the story, and events in the book, your
As you read the first few character traits. feelings about the character’s
chapters, write down whether choices, and what you think the
your predictions were accurate. character should do now. (At
least one page)

1.2: Write a list of at least 5 2.2: Make a list of 6 events in 3.2: Choose 5 interesting or
events that have happened so the story. unusual words from the book
far. Make a prediction about What caused each event? What so far. Create a semantic map
what the conflict, or problem, was the effect of each event? for each, including
will be. definition, the word in a
Write out and learn 15 Write out and learn 15 sentence, related words, and
vocabulary items (word- vocabulary items. synonyms.
combinations and phrases Write out and learn 15
including phrasal verbs and vocabulary items
idiomatic expressions

1.3: The first few chapters of a 2.3: Describe an exciting event 3.3: Think about the
book often contain a detailed from the book as if you were a relationship of the setting to
description of the setting. Find sports broadcaster. the story.
a page with many setting Could this story have happened
details. in another place? Why or why
Draw a picture of the setting. not?
Label at least 5 specific details
from the text.
Name _________________________Date_____________________________-
End of Book Form
Complete this form if you have finished an independent reading book.
Title of book___________________________
Author _________________________ № of pages_______________
Would you recommend this book to other students? Why or why not? (Be specific!)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
What was your favourite (or least favourite!) part about this book? _____________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
In your notebook, complete the activities below.

Task 1 Create a story map for this book. Include the five story elements: characters,
setting, conflict, plot (at least five events), and theme.

Task 2 Write a letter to me about your reactions to this book. Include information
about how the main character changed throughout the book, how the ending was or was
not surprising, how the conflict was resolved, and what you learned from reading the
book.
Task 3 Get ready with your Individual Book Report.
What Is Included in a Book Report?

As students enter high school and higher grades, they will start to explain and explore the messages
that are contained in books--messages about life and its important experiences. Students will begin to
share their own opinions about these messages (themes) contained in books.
1. Your Book Report Introduction
The introduction segment of your book report provides an opportunity to make a good first
impression!
In your first paragraph, you should also state the book's title (italicized), the topic, and the author's
name, the genre, the theme.
First Paragraph Example: High School Level:
Can you identify one experience that changed your entire view of the world around you? Henry
Fleming, the main character in The Red Badge of Courage, begins his life-changing adventure as a
naive young man, eager to experience the glory of war. He soon faces the truth about life, war, and his
own self-identity on the battlefield, however. The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane, is a
coming of age novel, published by D. Appleton and Company in 1895, about thirty years after the
Civil War ended. In this book, the author reveals the ugliness of war, and examines its relationship to
the pain of growing up.
2. Body
Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful
information by considering the following points.
 Did you enjoy the book? Was it well written?
 What was the message?
 (fiction) Which characters play important roles that relate to the overall theme?
 Did you notice reoccurring symbols?
 Is this book a part of a series?
 What is the writing style? (choice of words)
 Did you notice a tone?
In the body of your book report, you will use your notes to guide you through an extended summary
of the book. You will weave your own thoughts and impressions into the plot summary.
3. Conclusion
As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:
 Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?
 What is your general impression?
 Would you recommend this book?
Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points.
Organising Ideas. Making a Plan
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Give title of book. Genre. General intro about the book.
Paragraph 2:
Brief description of plot and characters.
DO NOT spend too long on this part (the reader needs to have an idea of the story but
do this briefly)
- the characters ( describe them briefly)
- description (what was memorable or remarkable about it?)
Paragraph 3: Discuss the things you liked about the book and WHY? How was the
writer effective? Give examples to justify your arguments. Refer to all elements of the
book: the plot, characters, language, style, and genre.
Paragraph 4 Same as Para 3 except: Discuss the things you did not like about the
book and WHY?
Paragraph 5: Conclusion Say whether you recommend the book. Explain why/why
not? Say who you think it would appeal to. You final overall comment on the book
Vocabulary
Genres of literature
 Can you think of an example of a book for each of the genres below?
 Autobiographies non-fiction
 biographies poetry
 classic novels romances
 comic novels science-fiction
 crime stories thrillers
 drama Westerns
 historical novels whodunits
 mysteries
 Can you add any more genres?
 Which of these words below would be used to describe a book positively and which
negatively? What would they refer to? The book as a whole, the plot, the setting or the
characters?
 amusing - thought provoking -compelling
 best-selling - moving -fast-moving
 entertaining - well-written -pretentious
 gripping - clear - powerful
 literary - complex - vivid
 poetic -hard to understand -phony
 popular - lucid - lively
 predictable - readable - impressive
 convincing - well-drawn -trivial
 humorous - inventive
 original - intriguing
 unputdownable - full of suspense

 Can you add any more of your own adjectives. Remember that when you use an adjective to
describe a book you should always give an example to justify your choice.
Expressing your opinion
In a book report you will need to use language to express your opinion. Below are som e
ideas to help you.
I felt / I thought it was In my opinion In my view From my perspective
I was impressed by
What struck me most was
What I liked most / didn't like was
On reflection, I think it was
I would have no / little / some / a lot of hesitation in recommending
It struck me as being
In spite of these criticisms, I think
I especially liked/disliked
Highlighting your opinion
In spite of my reservations, the film actually was very good.
Actually additionally admittedly
Especially mainly notably
Particularly predominantly primarily
Really specially surely understandably
Intensifying your opinion
Amazingly considerably exceedingly extremely
Highly immensely noticeably radically remarkably
Significantly totally truly utterly
Useful expressions:
The book/story is about
The story is set in
The characters are
The plot
The author describes/tells the story of
The author has written a tale of
- a twist at the end - a cliff-hanger
- I couldn't put it down
Final advice:
* Remember that when you describe the plot of a novel you use the present tense.
* Reviews should inform but also entertain. Bring the book to life.
* Do not go into great detail about the plot and never give away the ending!
* A review should be well organised and easy to follow for the reader.
* Look at all aspects of the novel:
style: how well-written it is and if it is readable
characters: what kind of people they are and if they are well-drawn
setting: where the story takes place
personal reaction: describe the emotions it produced in you