1. 8th Grade Advanced ELA Holly Stipe
Classics Book Report
8th Grade Advanced ELA
Holly Stipe

2. Background
Advanced classes should be challenged, given independence and provided choice. What better way to challenge you than to provide a classics reading list and have the you report back to the class about your book study?
Overall Goal: Become deeply familiar with a classic novel of choice at a deeper level, read and comprehend complex literary text independently, be exposed to classic literature from peers, and learn how writers are influenced by their life and times.
You will present your project to the class using technology of some kind – PowerPoint or another presentation tool.

3. Objectives
To learn at least 10 new vocabulary words to teach to the class (L.8.4)
To find evidence ‘right there’ and ‘by inference’ as to which character is the protagonist (RL.8.1)
To find evidence ‘right there’ and ‘by inference’ as to which character is the antagonist (RL.8.1)
To identify the main elements of the story (RL.8.3)
To identify the key events in the story that contribute to the theme (RL.8.2)
To identify how the writer’s life and times influenced his/her work.
These standards are for Grade 7 Common Core, however, you may consult both Grade 6 & 8 for appropriate parallel standards for those grades.

4. The Assignment
Each student will select a book from the classics reading list to read.
From the book, students will highlight ten unfamiliar words to teach to the class. (details on a later slide)
Students will also identify both the protagonist and antagonist in the book and show evidence by inference and by providing direct text.
Students will identify the main elements of the story such as the plot, rising action, etc. and will provide three key events in the story.
Students will also identify the point of view from which the story is told.
Research the author and times. Provide at least 5 details from the author’s life and times that may have impacted his/her novel.

5. Vocabulary Identify at least 10 unfamiliar words from your book.
Provide in the Sentence & A Cue format the following: word (spelled correctly); part of speech; meaning; use of the word in a sentence (possibly from the sentence in the book); and a picture that illustrates the meaning of the word.
Each word should have a separate slide.
See sample slide that follows.
Note that if you are unfamiliar with the Sentence & A Cue format that I have a free download of the form in my store.

6. Rhapsodies (n) Enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or writing
A state of elated bliss; ecstasy.
“The words of one of these rhapsodies I have easily remembered.”

7. The Conflict(s)
Most stories will have a protagonist (the hero) and an antagonist (the villain).
Identify the protagonist and provide textual evidence to show why.
Also, explain how you could infer from the action that the character you identified is indeed the protagonist. (This could be through interactions with other characters, for example).
Do likewise with the antagonist. (You may be able to identify a conflict within the story which allows you to infer, for example).

8. Elements of the Story Identify the plot.
Who are the main characters other than the protagonist and antagonist?
What is the conflict?
Describe the setting.
What is the theme of the story?

9. Key Events Describe three key events in the story
that are necessary for the story to proceed.

10. Author’s Life and Times
Research the life of the author and time frame in which he/she lived. Discuss at least 4 details that may have impacted the writer’s choices – life experiences, setting, historical events, etc.

11. In Your Opinion…
Why do you think the story you read is considered a classic?
What has made it stand the test of time?
Would this book make a good movie? Why or why not? Who would you recommend this book to?
The last question is actually a prompt in itself. Chances are that a movie HAS been made based on that classic. You might provide that information to the student after all have presented.

12. Grading
As a class, we will develop the grading criteria closer to the due date – January 24th.