Independent Reading Assignments

The State of Vermont requires that students read frequently.  The idea behind this is that reading for pleasure increases reading fluency, thereby increasing performance in almost all subject areas.  This is one reason why summer- or off-semester reading is assigned.  Additionally, students are asked to read at least one independent work of their choice while taking English class (on top of any reading assigned to the class as a whole).

Once the reading is completed for the month, students may choose to write a two to three page Response to Text (Literary or Informational), or complete an Independent Reading Report form.

                              ESSAY INFO                                                             REPORT FORMS

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY!

Mrs. McSweeney is looking for volunteers to review books on the new library software, Destiny Quest,  A book review does not need to be essay-length, but should exceed 100 words and include the following:

• •  A concise summary of the content. This includes a relevant description of the topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose.

  •  A critical assessment of the content. This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand.

  • Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it.

• see http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/review.html for more info or examples

To submit a book review, you will need to log onto the wiki.  You may use the login studentreviewer01, and the password bookreview.  Add your review as a comment at the bottom of this page, and be sure to include your initials (not your whole name) and the number of stars (out of five) you would rate the book.  Don't forget to include the title and the author!

To see your review, which will include your first name and your grade only, follow these steps:

     1.  Go to  Destiny Quest.

     1.  Enter the title of the book you have read in the search box.

     2.  Click on the image of the book to open Title Details.

     4.  Click on the Reviews tab or word to see reviews for the book!

You may enter as many reviews as you wish; however, I will only offer up to two extra credit quiz grades (one per book) per month.