1. Miss Gruell ELA B10 February 2006

2. Introduction Name the author and the book’s title. Briefly describe the book’s theme(s) and other critical elements. Suggest what you thought of it.

3. Setting Describe the time, place, and the cultural setting. Explain how the setting is important to the story and theme(s).

4. Characters Describe the main characters and any other important characters. Focus some detailed description on the main character. Does he or she change because of the events of the story? How? Do these changes relate to the theme(s)?

5. Plot What is the conflict or problem in the story? Explain important events leading to the climax or turning point of the story. Explain the climax. Describe what happens after the climax. Is the conflict resolved? How? Are the theme(s) revealed?

6. Theme Why did the author write this book? What ideas does the story present to you? How do the ideas in the story relate to life in general, or your life specifically?

7. Criticism Using at least two specific examples, explain what you did or did not like about the main character. State two reasons why you did or did not like the book.

8. Helpful Hints Avoid long plot summary. Strive for insight. Document opinion with examples, quotations, and citations. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence, development of that topic or idea, and a conclusion or summary.

10. General Requirements Brief author information Theme(s) depicted throughout the book Brief summary (DO NOT give away the ending!) Character descriptions Read a passage to engage the listeners and to promote the book Criticism (general)