Dundalk Middle School

Summer Reading Program 2008

GT Language Arts Students

 

  1. Select a novel from the list.

  2. After reading the novel, answer TWO of the following prompts in well-developed responses (minimum one page per response), using evidence from the text to support your answer.

  3. You can turn in your work in September, or anytime before then to your Language Arts teacher.

  4.  Teachers will be using the MSA Reading/ BCR rubric to evaluate your response.  This assignment will also be used as diagnostic writing so that your teacher can help you set goals for improvement this year.

  5. Be prepared for class discussions and/or activities based upon your summer reading.


 

Prompt #1:  What do you think the author’s message to the reader is? Are symbols used to support this theme?  Use details from the novel to support your answer.

OR

Prompt #2: What methods of characterization are used to reveal what a character is like?  (Include what the characters say, think, and do).  Describe the character.  Is he/ she static or dynamic?  Flat or round?

OR

Prompt #3:  Explain why this novel could be considered a “classic”.  Does it appeal to children, adults, or both?  What did you notice about the language choices, the writing style, and the plot?

 

 

MSA Reading - BCR Rubric

Grades 3 Through 8
Score 3

The response demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the text.

  • Addresses the demands of the question
  • Effectively uses text-relevant information to clarify or extend understanding

Score 2

The response demonstrates a general understanding of the text.

  • Partially addresses the demands of the question
  • Uses text-relevant information to show understanding

Score 1

The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the text.

  • Minimally addresses the demands of the question
  • Uses minimal information to show some understanding of the text in relation to the question

Score 0

The response is completely incorrect, irrelevant to the question, or missing.

 

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