IB English IV Summer Reading

  • Read 1984 by George Orwell
  • As you read the book, choose two passages that correspond to each of the Big Five elements (character, structure, tone, tension, and theme). Each passage should be at least 30 words in length. You should have ten entries total.
  • For each of these passages, you should write a well-developed paragraph or two that analyzes the passage.
  • In each paragraph,
  • Give the quotation context. What happening when the quote appears? You are situating the quote in context should be no longer than two sentences.
  • Analyze the significance of the passages’ use of figurative language, its diction, its syntax, its dialogue, etc. and how these contribute to a Big Five element.
  • Label each passage’s Big Five element.
  • Italicize within your paragraph any use of minor elements, such as imagery, figurative language, etc.

CHOOSING PASSAGES FROM THE TEXT:

Look for quotes that seem significant, powerful, thought provoking or puzzling. For example, you might record:

  • Effective and/or creative use of stylistic or literary devices
  • Structural shifts or turns in the plot
  • A passage that makes you realize something you hadn’t seen before
  • Examples of patterns: recurring images, ideas, colors, symbols or motifs.
  • Events you find surprising or confusing
  • Passages that illustrate a particular character or setting

RESPONDING TO THE TEXT:

You can respond to the text in a variety of ways. The most important thing to remember is that your observations should be specific and detailed. Your responses should be 125-250 words.

  • Analyze the text for use of literary devices (tone, structure, style, imagery)
  • Make connections between different characters or events in the text
  • Discuss the words, ideas, or actions of the author or character(s)
  • Analyze a passage and its relationship to the story as a whole

FORMAT:

Your entries must be typed and submitted to turnitin.com.

  • Please Times New Roman font
  • Size 12 font
  • Single-spaced in table format
  • Landscape or portrait

Sample Entry:

Passage / Analysis
Parsons “was a fattish but active man of paralyzing stupidity, a mass of imbecile enthusiasm—one those completely unquestioning, devoted drudges on whom, more even than on the Thought Police, the stability of the Party depended” (Orwell 22). / Setting-Orwell paints a picture of the ideal party member--stupid, enthusiastic, and unquestioning—through his description of Parsons. He represents the unthinking, sheep-like masses that are typically detested in modern civilization, yet he is the epitome of patriotism in the setting of Oceania. The reader has already seen how the party uses propaganda and compulsory events like “Two Minutes Hate” in order to control the masses. Now it becomes clear that the masses may not need much control through the use of words like “drudges.” People like Parsons are not intelligent enough to desire independence or freedom and instead work menial, thoughtless jobs. It’s interesting to note how much Winston seems to despise this type of person, and it’s also interesting that unlike Winston, this family has children, so it’s likely that their ignorance will be passed down to the next generation. Word Count: 142

Rubric:

Each entry is worth 10 points. Any missing entry will equal ten points off total grade. The entries as a whole will be graded holistically as follows:

Category / Not Proficient 10 / Approaching Proficient 14 / Partially Proficient 16 / Proficient 18 / Advanced 20
Selection of Quotes / Selected passages have little or no apparent significance or meaning / Selected passages have little or no apparent significance or meaning in relation to theme / Selected passages include few meaningful details that relate to theme / Selected passages are meaningful and clearly relate to the theme; include selections from throughout the plot / Selected passages are detailed, complex, meaningful, and clearly relate to your theme topic; reflect selections from throughout the plot
Basic Understanding / There is basic understanding of the passage but virtually no attempt at interpretation and few references to the passage. / There is some
understanding of the passage, with
a superficial attempt at interpretation and some appropriate references to the passage. / This is adequate understanding of the passage, demonstrated by an interpretation that is supported by appropriate references to the passage. / There is very good understanding of the passage, demonstrated by sustained interpretation supported by well-chosen references to the passage. / There is excellent understanding of the passage, demonstrated by persuasive interpretation supported by effective references to the passage.
Analysis / There are few references to, and no analysis or appreciation of, the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. / There is some mention, but little analysis or appreciation, of the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. / There is adequate analysis and appreciation of the ways in which language, structure, technique, and style shape meaning. / There is very good analysis and appreciation of the ways in which language, structure, technique, and style shape meaning. / There is excellent analysis and appreciation of the ways in which language, structure, technique, and style shape meaning.
Embedding Textual Evidence / No Embedding / text evidence is used and embedded / text evidence is used and embedded effectively and persuasively
Language / Language is rarely clear and appropriate; there are many errors in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction, and little sense of register and style. / Language is clear and carefully chosen, with an adequate degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction despite some lapses; register and style are mostly appropriate to the commentary. / Language is clear and carefully chosen, with an adequate degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction despite some lapses; register and style are mostly appropriate to the commentary. / Language is clear and carefully chosen, with a good degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are consistently appropriate to the commentary. / Language is very clear, effective, carefully chosen and precise, with a high degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are effective and appropriate to the commentary.