Sunday, May 29, 2016

Grading and Expectations

Welcome to the OACP Summer Reading Blog.  You will be reading the book Variant by Robison Wells, 2011.  This is a young adult fiction book that will be both enjoyable and thought provoking.


Let's talk about what I expect and how you will be graded.


First of all, please make sure your posts don't show up as "Anonymous" or under a parent's user name.  Type your first and last name at the start of your post if you are not sure what user name will come up.  This is so you get credit for your work!


Each response should be a minimum of six quality sentences.  However, do not write six sentences and think you are done if you have not clearly explained your thoughts in those six sentences.  The goal is a well-reasoned response, not just six sentences.  If that takes you seven, eight, or twelve sentences, that is fine.  Your goal is a clear response for each question.  


You will be graded on the quality of your responses, which included your level of analysis.  Do not just summarize what you read, dig deeper, make connections, and add your insights to the reading.  You will also be graded on your ability to express yourself clearly in writing using correct language conventions.  Here’s one tip for writing a clear response:  Do not use a pronoun in your first sentence.  State character names clearly in the first sentence of your response, even if a name is stated in the question.  And of course, remember to proofread before you post!  

In order to manage 96 student responses on this blog, responses may be deleted after they are graded.

This blog will be weighted to account for 10% of your first quarter grade in English.  It's kind of a big deal.  It will take time for you to write quality responses.  If you have questions, you can email me:  jstockard@oasisacademyfallon.us.

Chapters 1-8 - Character Map

Character Map
Answer this response in an organized list, chart, or table - 6 sentences not required.
This book introduces the reader to many characters.  Make a character map with 6 - 8 characters, other than Benson Fisher, the protagonist. Organize them in a format to help you remember them. You can use the suggested format below or create your own.  Include gang affiliation and identifying characteristics that will help you remember the characters as you read.    
Name Gang Friend or Foe? Identifying characteristics

Chapters 7 - 12 - Make a Connection

On page 174, Isaiah is talking to Benson during a paintball game and says:
“Everyone is angry when they first get here, “ Isaiah said, raising his hand so the medic could see him.  “Don’t  do something you’d regret.”  
Make a connection to this incident.  When have you felt like Benson?  When have you been angry and either did something you later regretted or decided to not do something because you thought you might regret it?  Did someone give you advice that you followed?

Chapters 13 - 20 - Turning Point

Chapter 13 is a very short chapter and can be seen as a turning point, when opposing forces interlock in a decisive action upon which the plot will turn.  This is often at a point of crisis in the book.  How is Benson and Jane’s decision to rename the dance a turning point?  Explain how this decision could affect the later events of the book.

After Finishing - Theme Analysis

Theme:  A major theme in this book is trust. After completing this book, what do you think is the author’s message about trust?  Does this book give you any insight into who you should trust or who you should not trust?  What is the author saying about earning or losing someone’s trust?   

After Finishing - Comprehension Check

On pages 313 - 315, a group of students are discussing the purpose or justification for Maxfield Academy.  What makes students like Benson Fisher a good candidate for Maxfield?  After finishing the book, explain the purpose of the school as you understand it.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Post Reading


What plot twist happens in the last chapter?  Make a prediction for how this will work into the second book. How interested are you in reading a sequel to this book?