“Book Talk”
Term 4 Novel Non-Portfolio
Just like past terms, you will need to read a book that is at, slightly below, or above your reading level. Beginning on May 2 your teacher will be holding Book Talks with students on an individual basis. (Write this date in your planner right now.)
In order to be prepared for your Book Talk, you will need to bring the following to class on the day the Book Talks begin (the date you wrote in at the top) and everyday following until you have had your Book Talk:
Your book that you’ve read for the term
A 3x5 index card with your book’s title, author, number of pages, genre, a short plot summary of the book, and a rating for your book using the scale of 1 to 5 stars written below.
* Don’t bother reading; it’s a sleeper.
** Read with caution; the book has one good part.
*** Read it; it’s worth it.
****Read without reservation; it’s great!!
***** Throw caution to the wind; find a comfy chair and some snacks because you won’t be able to put it down!
Warning: If you are not prepared the day your teacher asks you to participate in a Book Talk, you will forfeit at least ten points from your grade!
You may select a book from any of the fictional genres on your reading bingo card. This book counts on your reading bingo, so make sure you have the teacher enter it there and sign it off when you have finished reading it. Remember, too, that comic or cartoon books, collections of poetry, and short stories are not to be used. See the back of your bingo card and the list of reading literature class books for others you may not use.
Have your book approved by the teacher, and by a parent or guardian.
Bring your book to school to read in case you have spare time.
The signed book approval is due by April 9. Sooner is better!
You should have your book read, and be ready for your book talk on May 2.
Happy Reading!
Book Talk
Term 4 Novel Non-Portfolio
Consider these questions as you read your novel.
You may be asked any of these questions.
Plot Questions
1. What were the five most important events that happened in the story? Tell them in the order that they occurred.
2. How did the story begin? How did the story end?
3. What was the major conflict in the book?
4. What things happened in the story to cause the problem?
5. How was the conflict solved?
6. What would you change from the plot to make it more interesting? If you already like the plot, what did you like about it?
7. Was there anything confusing about the plot?
8. If you were going to make a movie of the book, what parts of the plot would you include?
9. Could the story really have taken place?
Setting Questions
1. What was the setting of the book? Describe it in so much detail that you have painted a picture for me.
2. Why is the setting so important to the story?
3. Could the story have taken place in another setting? Why or Why not?
4. If you were placed in the setting for a day, what types of things would you do?
Character Questions
1. Who was the main character of the book? If there was more than one, who was your favorite? Why?
2. Describe the physical attributes of the main character.
3. Describe the personality of the main character. What things were important to the character? What were some good qualities about the character? Bad qualities?
4. What did the things the character said and how he or she said them reveal about him or her?
5. How did other characters feel about this character?
6. How are you like the main character? How are you different?
7. What did the main character learn from his/her experiences in the book?
8. Compare the character’s way of thinking with your own.
Theme Questions
1. What did you learn from the story?
2. What was the author trying to teach us through the story? Do you agree with what the author was trying to say?
3. Have you seen this theme developed in any other piece of work? (books, movies, songs, etc) Describe the other piece of work. What are the similarities between this book and the other genre? Are there any differences?
