Assessments

 Sample Formative & Summative Assessments (non-tests)


1.  The Catcher in the Rye final project


Name:
The Catcher in the Rye – Final Project

Holden Caulfield’s Scrapbook

Your assignment is to provide a visual and written representation of Holden’s life.  This will demonstrate that you have read the book and understand the concepts of metaphor, imagery, point of view, and characterization.

Part One/Visual
A scrapbook is a highly personal collection containing anything from snapshots, newspaper articles, or photos about oneself and others to poems and other writing.  Artifacts as simple as concert ticket stubs can serve as symbols – or metaphors, if you will, of an individual.  How would Holden Caulfield’s scrapbook appear? 

This component of the assignment will be visual.  In this “scrapbook” section, select eight to fifteen “artifacts” that represent Holden’s philosophy and events in the novel The Catcher in the Rye.  Suggestions include lost gloves, train ticket stubs, a duck feather… that is all I will give you, or you will use all of my ideas!

Each item should be on its own page and have a caption explaining your choice, such as “Duck feather from Central Park, page 60.”  You may draw or collect representations (magazine clippings, stickers, actual objects) of these items.  The images can be glued or taped on plain paper or notebook paper.  Artistic ability will not be judged, but the images and captions must clearly indicate that you have been reading the book and analyzing your character.

Part Two/Written
The written portion of the assignment will extend your literary analysis of The Catcher in the Rye, but with a twist.  Instead of an essay, you will choose two options from the list of suggestions below to complete.

  • Write about an incident in the novel from another character’s point of view (Spencer, Ackley, Sunny, etc.).  Describe elements such as plot, setting (including smells, temperature, light), and characterization (not, “he was nervous” but “his leg bounced up and down like hell”).

  • Write a magazine interview of Holden for People magazine.  Imagining him, for instance, as a Hollywood star or an obscure writer.  What questions would you ask?  How would he respond?  What has he done with his life?

  • Write two poems to Allie from Holden’s point of view.

  • Write the essay that Holden wrote for Stradlater.

  • Make an eight song CD for Holden Caulfield. Explain why you are including each of the songs on the mix. Include the lyrics or describe the music; then, each song should have a description which explains its connection to the novel.

  • Create a Facebook page for Holden Caulfield.  Don’t forget to include all the tabs like a real Facebook page: Info, Friends, Wall, Groups, etc.  Make this using poster board.  You need to have 2-3 “pages” of profile information.

  • We hear a brief description of the plot of Holden's brother D.B.'s story "The Secret Goldfish" early in the novel. Try your hand at short fiction, as you use the details from the description and write a story out of it. The story should reflect some of the main ideas Holden values in the novel. You might want to consider turning the story into an illustrated children’s book. Your story must explore the theme or themes of the novel that Holden values.

Part Two must be roughly 3-4 pages total in length (each choice should average 2 pages).  I am looking for quality, not quantity.  Your written piece should be engaging, maintain its focus, and be consistent in wording and phrasing.  Your inventiveness and individuality should stand out, but do not sacrifice content for the sake of style.  Any written work should be typed, 12 point Times New Roman font, and double spaced.  Any other work should be visually appealing with few to no errors.

Have fun!

Due Date:

Grading Rubric
Part One/Visual
Points
Images (8-12 appropriate and relevant images each on a separate sheet)
20
Captions (must contain detailed explanation of the image selected and fully articulate the relevance to the novel)
15
Page #s (provided for each instance the selected image/representation appears within the novel)
15
Part Two/Written

Content/Meaning (must fully respond to the task selected with thought and using supportive evidence from the novel/discussion of the novel)
20
Specifications (3-4 pages total for the two chosen tasks, typed, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, unless otherwise specified)
15
Conventions (follow the conventions of standard written English)
15
Total for the assignment
100

  

2. The Catcher in the Rye chapter questions

Name:
The Catcher in the Rye, Chapters 1-3

Vocabulary
hemorrhage  massive, heavy bleeding
foils   fencing swords
grippe  flu
gore   blood
sadist   torturer
innumerable   countless
falsetto   high voice
exhibitionist   show-off
qualms   misgivings
unscrupulous   unprincipled
pacifist   peace lover
crude   lack of taste or tact
compulsory   necessary
rostrum   a platform or podium

Essential Questions
  • What does it mean to be true to yourself?
  • What does it mean to be a good person?

Chapter Questions  (You do not need to answer in complete sentences.)
Ch. 1
  1.  What does Holden mean when he says that his brother D.B. is out in Hollywood “being a prostitute”?
  2. Where is Holden as this story begins?
  3. What is Pencey Prep, and why does Holden dislike it?
  4. How did Holden let the fencing team down?
  5. Why was Holden being kicked out of Pencey Prep?
  6. What kind of health does Holden appear to be in?

Ch. 2
  1. Who is Mr. Spencer and why does Holden visit him?
  2. What does Mr. Spencer do that particularly annoyed Holden?
  3. What can you infer about Holden’s character through his note to Mr. Spencer?
  4. What does Holden give us as the reason for “leaving” Elkton Hills?
  5. What is he wondering about in terms of ducks?

Ch. 3
  1. What does Holden mean when he says, “I’m quite illiterate, but I read a lot?”  Give examples of what he reads.
  2. Who is Ackley?  Describe him.
  3. What does Ackley do that annoys Holden?

Critical Questions Pick one question to answer fully.  Have a claim, follow format, and incorporate 4-6 quotations for each claim.
  1. Holden is critical of many things and often uses the word “phony” to express his criticism.  What would you say he is critical of?  (Incorporate at least 4 examples/quotes in your response.)
  2. Why do you think Holden is concerned about the ducks during the winter?  (Hint:  perhaps he feels affinity with their situation?)

3.  The Crucible quick research project/presentation

Name:
English 11R
The Crucible

In groups, find the following internet address and answer the following questions.  Be prepared to share your findings with the rest of the class in the form of a Power Point presentation.  Please paraphrase the information or use “direct quotes”.


                                                Topic:  Religion and Witchcraft

1.  Explain the importance of the church and religion in the Puritan’s lives.  Provide examples.
 
2.  How were the Puritans expected to live?  Provide examples.
 
3. What was the Puritan’s belief about the devil?  Witchcraft?  Provide examples.

4.  How did their religious beliefs influence their daily lives?

After your group has answered all of the questions, write down important facts about your topic for your presentation.  Format your presentation as follows:  Your first slide should be your title slide with your Topic and Group Names, and at least four (4) Power Point slides with images and text on each pertaining to important information about your topic.  You will present this to the class.

Name:
English 11R
The Crucible

In groups, find the following internet address and answer the following questions.  Be prepared to share your findings with the rest of the class in the form of a Power Point presentation.  Please paraphrase the information or use “direct quotes”.


                                                Topic:  Arthur Miller

1.  Describe Arthur Miller’s background.  When was he born?  Where did he grow up?  Where did he attend college?
  
2.  What did Miller do after college?  How did his career in theatre begin?

3.  List some of his major awards/plays.
 
4.  Why did Miller write The Crucible?  What was he convicted of in June, 1956?
 
After your group has answered all of the questions, write down important facts about your topic for your presentation.  Format your presentation as follows:  Your first slide should be your title slide with your Topic and Group Names, and at least four (4) Power Point slides with images and text on each pertaining to important information about your topic.  You will present this to the class.

4.  SciFi/Fantasy free-write activity for 1984



5. A Midsummer Night's Dream final assessment

Name:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Final Assessment

Your final assessment for A Midsummer Night’s Dream will consist of two parts.  Each Part is worth 50 points, for a total of 100 points.  You will complete an in-class exam for Part One, and you will have three choices for your Part Two project. 

  • The exam for Part One will take place in class at the conclusion of our reading of the play
  • Your project for Part Two is due Thursday, April 19th, 2012.

Your choices for Part Two:

1.  Facebook Page:
Objective:  Use basic facts from the text to imaginatively enter into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of one of the characters (characterization) to create a mock Facebook page that highlights the conflict(s) in the play. 

Directions: 
  • Use the profile layout of a Facebook page (example provided)
  • Fill in the profile with:
    • vital statistics – pull information from the text and make realistic inferences if necessary
    • likes and dislikes – you can get a little creative here
    • friends – use information directly from the play
    • profile and friend photos – may be drawn or cut from magazines, or an actual photo, or use an image to best represent the character
  • You must include a “wall”/message board (this is where you may work with a partner to write posts back and forth between your characters – but you will be turning in only your individual work for a grade)
    • Your posts between your character and the other characters in the play need to highlight the conflict(s) of the play.  Think, have the characters argue or mention details from what happened in the play.


2.  Graphic Novel:
Objective:  Visualize the dramatic situations from the play highlighting the relationships between the characters into the medium of the comic strip.

Directions:
  • Decide upon the key scene of the story you wish to represent and make sure to label it on your project (i.e. Act 2, Scene 1).
  • You must incorporate at least two lines from the actual play text which best illustrate that scene.  You may paraphrase the rest of the lines in your own words.
  • Your scene must have at least four frames with text (speech bubbles, action words, narration) and an illustration.
    • Illustrations may be drawn, or one suggestion is to “pose” each scene with your friends and take digital photos which can be manipulated by photo software, such as Photoshop, to transform them into the comic book style.
  • If you work with a partner, you must each submit a different “scene” from the play as your individual work – you will be graded only on the portion that you submit.

3.  Newspaper:
Objective:  Depict the major conflict(s) and literary elements of the play in a journalistic style.

Directions:
  • Choose one “page” of the newspaper as your format guide (i.e., Front Page, Opinion Page).
  • You must include at least three headlines on your page which discuss three different literary elements within the play in a creative “journalistic” way (i.e. conflict, characterization, theme, motif).
  • You must have at least one complete article and the beginnings of your other two articles on your page - make sure you follow the format of a newspaper (i.e. Continued on page 2C).
  • You must include at least two images which relate to your articles.
  • If you work with a partner, you each must submit a different “page” of the newspaper – you will be graded only on the portion that you submit.


Grading

Category:
Content
Conventions
Organization
Presentation
Criteria:
To the best of your ability make sure to fulfill each category




Total  =
50 Points
Use clear and appropriate evidence from the play in insightful ways;
Answer the assignment fully and make discerning observations and interpretation

20 Points
Label your work with your name, class period, date, and assignment title; Follow standard written English; Your work should be free of errors (proofread)



15 Points
Your work needs to be neat, clear, and organized in a logical manner; Use appropriate labels, diagrams, or organization to highlight important features



5 Points
Follow the directions of the specific assignment; Your work should be presented in a clever, creative manner; Your project will be graded on completeness



10 Points