High School Summer Reading Assessment Options
Assignment: For the Summer
Reading Assessment, students may choose among five brief oral
presentations. The requirements and oral presentation options are detailed
below. Students should choose the option that highlights their strengths
and interests. Students will have class time to prepare and plan their
presentations. All presentations will take place during the second week of
English in September. The assessment will count as a quiz grade.
Requirements and helpful hints for all assignments:
• Each oral presentation must be accompanied by an outline plan that indicates the sequence of the presentation. This may be in the form of a formal outline or a bulleted list. (See attached sample) The outline must be submitted the third block of English.
• All presentations must be three to four minutes in length.
• During the reading process, students should highlight and/or take notes of the areas of the text that will be used in the presentation.
• Students should refer to the rubric while drafting, revising, and editing their assignment.
• Teachers will be addressing student questions and concerns in September. Students should prepare questions on issues that require clarification.
• All components of the presentation must be in class on the third block of English.
• All presentation should have an engaging opening, the required information, and a thoughtful closing.
• To ensure an engaging presentation that meets all of the requirements, practice your presentation prior to the due date.
• Note: If you are entering English Pre-IB/IB, you will only be presenting on the Supplemental text. There will be an in-class discussion on the required text.
Oral Presentation Options:
1. Create a visual illustrating a meaningful passage in the text. The visual can be in the form of: computer graphic, pastel, charcoal drawing, water color, or sculpture. Your presentation should include the passage, an explanation of the passage, and how your visual represents the meaning of the passage.
2. Compose an original monologue from a character’s point of view about a specific incident that occurs in the text. A monologue is a long speech performed by one character. Your monologue should reveal inner thoughts the character may have spoken given the opportunity. Focus on the performance and avoid summarizing the text. In addition to the monologue, your presentation should also include details and background information regarding your chosen character’s motivation, intent, and actions.
3. Choose an emotion, tragic flaw, or other defining personality trait that leads a character to a particular course of action or behavior. Discuss when and why the character exhibits the emotion, flaw, or trait. Compose an explanation of the impact of this characteristic. How and why does this characteristic dominate the characters actions and behaviors? Remember to focus only on the trait, avoid summarizing the text. This information will be shared during the presentation.
4. Write a short poem, song lyrics, or musical composition about a major theme or important event in the text. The piece will be read or performed during your presentation. Your presentation should also include an explanation/reflection of your work, and a discussion of poetic and/or musical elements.
5. Create a webpage, PowerPoint, or video game concept illustrating the prominent literary elements used in your text. You should discuss three literary elements in your presentation; this may include characterization, theme, setting, climax, conflict, symbolism, etc. Using specific examples, explain the role of each element in the text. The webpage/PowerPoint will be shown and explained to the class during your presentation.