Outside Reading Project

10th grade Honors Literature and Composition

Ms. Meg Ingram

Directions:

  1. You are to choose two novels per semester having a length of at least 200 pages each and submit a written reflection paper when you complete each novel (see information regarding papers below).
  2. Books selected must be novels, not a collection of poetry or short stories.
  3. You must bring your novel to class each day—there will be sporadic daily grades given for having your novel in class, and there may be days during the year on which you will spend a portion of the period reading.
  4. You must be reading a novel at all times throughout the semester, meaning that once you finish your second novel, you will choose a third, etc, etc.
  5. For every extra novel you read you will receive 3 points extra credit on your lowest test grade for reading the novel and writing a reflection paper.
  6. Due dates are as follows (dates may be subject to change):

Semester 1: October 16

December 11

Semester 2: March 26

May 7

  1. No late papers will be accepted (not even for a deduction in points)!!!!

Papers:

  1. Each paper is to be 2 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, with 1” margins, 12 point, Times New Roman or Arial font.
  2. Please put your name, period, and date in the upper right hand corner of the first page.
  3. In the first paragraph, please summarize the story (include the title and the author’s name).
  4. For the remainder of the paper, focus on themes, character analysis, plot development, and/or your interpretation of authorial intention/message.
  5. In the concluding paragraph, please state whether you would recommend this book and why/why not. Be specific!
  6. Each paper must show the entire writing process. In other words, you should include evidence of any brainstorming or prewriting, and a complete and edited rough draft along with your typed final paper.

Grading:

  1. Each book completion and submission is worth a major writing grade, and you will be graded upon the following:
  2. Content—60%
  3. Is it apparent that you have read this work?
  4. Is there depth of thought and reflection?
  5. Organization—10%
  6. Does the paper follow the aforementioned format?
  7. Are all the elements present?
  8. Mechanics—30%
  9. 0 errors100%
  10. 1-5 90%
  11. 6-10 80%
  12. 12-15 70%
  13. 16-20 60%
  14. 20 +59%