English 521 – Independent Novel Defense

Over the past month you have been reading one of the spectacular pilot novels for the English 521 curriculum. But, just HOW wonderful was your novel? This is your chance to share the awesomeness of your novel with the world. You will do this in a written response along with an oral rational (in a smaller group setting).

1 – Written Defense (500 words)

  • From your point of view (YOU CAN USE “I”)
  • Focus on some of the highlights of your novel but do not give away all of the plot
  • Argue why the book was a great read! Use textual evidence to support your argument
  • Provide insight on at least two themes in your novel and explain why it touches on important and relevant issues in today’s society
  • Make at least one personal connection to the book and one worldly connection (how does it connect to current events in the lives of Colonel Gray students?)
  • Use proper paragraph format – provide an inviting and enticing introduction and a satisfying conclusion
  • Pass this in on turnitin.com on Monday, March 3

2 – Present you defense to a group

  • Using your written defense, create an oral rationale to present to myself and a group of your classmates.
  • You may choose to condense your written defense into point form speaking notes
  • You may choose to put a creative twist (eg. pretend you are a member of a book club, speaking to the group)
  • Feel free to use visuals but it’s not mandatory
  • Be clear, concise and enthusiastic
  • Use proper body language and engage the group
  • Be prepared to present on Monday, March 3

Marking Check list:

Do I have an interesting introduction?

Do I organize my ideas in an effective way?

Do I present my argument(s) in an effective way?

Do I use properly cited textual evidence?

Do I discuss the relevant themes of my novel and explain how they connect to the every life of a Colonel Gray student and why they are important themes to explore?

Do I discuss the personal connection(s) that I made to the novel and why I enjoyed the read?

Did I revise my work thoroughly and pay close attention to conventions and paragraph structure?

Do I have a satisfying conclusion?

Independent Novel Quotation Analysis

Due: Wednesday, February 26 on the class website in comment space provided
Length: 450 words (approx. 150 words for each analysis)
Description: Choose three significant quotations fromyour independent novel. Write an analysis of each of the quotations explaining the significance and the literary devices used by the author. Be sure to write in proper paragraph structure and consider the PPE method (if you make a point, you should provide an explanation for it).

i)Identify the speaker of the quotation

ii)Identify the name of the person(s) being addressed

iii)Provide the context of the situation

iv)Clearly state and explain the significance of the quotation using two items (refer to hand out). Be sure to provide proof.

Example: (Yes, I did use this in my grade ten course but the same elements apply!)

Quotation: “Piggy once more was the centre of social derision so that everyone felt cheerful and normal” (Golding 165).

In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Piggy, who represents logic and truth, is ostracized and bullied by the boys on the island. The more uncivilized and destructive the boys become, the harsher their actions become towards Piggy, in turn, paralleling their descent towards savagery, away from logic and truth. Golding writes, “Piggy once more was the center of social derision so that everyone felt cheerful and normal” (165). The boys have gathered at castle rock during Jack’s initiation feast, eating the meat of the viciously hunted mother pig. Piggy and Ralph attend the party to ensure that no trouble occurs and Jack pressures the boys to join his tribe: “Who’ll join my tribe?” (Golding 166). Two of Jack’s tribe members shove Piggy, who happens to be sun burnt, breaking the tension and rebuilding a fragment of community amongst the group of boys. Even Ralph, friend of Piggy, is relieved by the “storm of laughter” (Golding 165) caused by Piggy’s embarrassment. Piggy, who speaks the truth and is guided by morality, suffers because of his actions. The boys, who do not want to face the truth; rather, they would prefer to hide behind their face paint, exclude Piggy from their group and feed off of his maltreatment.