Monroe Township Public Schools
Charles M. Earling
Monroe Township Public Schools (856) 629-7444 FAX: 875-6757 www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us
Williamstown Middle School 561 Clayton Road Williamstown, New Jersey 08094
Superintendent
Dana R. Mericle Principal
Kathleen L. McKinney Assistant Principal
Donald E. Whirlow Assistant Principal
James W. Collins Assistant Principal
Dear Incoming Eighth Graders, We are excited to have you join us in the eighth grade in September, and we’re looking forward to hearing about what you read over the summer. As you know, you must select one of the books on the suggested reading list and read it over the summer break. When you come to our classes in September, we will set aside a class block for you to write a letter essay about the book you read. (PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT PRIOR TO THE START OF SCHOOL. JUST TAKE NOTES.) During your reading, be sure to take notes on the attached graphic organizer. You’ll need to have all of these notes available when you write your letter essay in class. The graphic organizer is required and will be your first grade of the new school year. Here are some general guidelines about completing your graphic organizer in preparation for writing your letter essay. You will need to have enough information to complete all 7 paragraphs outlined on the graphic organizer (at least 2 pages, typed). Your essay will be written as a personal, critical response to the book you read--NOT a book summary. Pay close attention to the style of writing the author uses. In your notes, you must include at least one passage you thought embodies the novel’s overall theme statement. In your letter essay, you will quote - copy word for word - a passage that you feel best reflects the novel’s theme. Your analysis should explain, in detail, why the passage you chose is an example of the central theme of the novel. Also, you will need textual evidence to support the claims you make while responding to the Writing About Reading prompts, so make sure to include quotations (including page numbers) throughout your notes. The more thoroughly you complete your notes, the easier it will be to write your essay! We can’t wait to begin reading and thinking about literature with you in this serious-but-friendly way. We’re looking forward to your first letter essay and a year of chances to learn from you, learn with you, and help you learn more about the power and pleasure of books. Fondly, The 8th-Grade ELA Teachers
Incoming 8th Grade Choose one title Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (Lexile: 580) In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (Lexile: 770) Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all. Hero by Mike Lupica (Lexile: 940) Zach Harriman knew that his dad was something of a hero, a man trusted by the president to solve international crises at a moment's notice. Suddenly people are telling him he has powers - people who know much more about his father than Zach ever did. He can do things ordinary people cannot. Zach Harriman is his father's son. And he, too, is a hero. The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks (Lexile: 390) Graphic novel. Kaidu is sent to the city to train to defend it from invaders. He meets Rat, a city girl, who hates Kai and all of the invaders who have taken control of the city. An unlikely friendship forms. Ghost by Jason Reynolds (Lexile: 730) Castle has been ready to run since his dad shot a gun at him and his mom. He's found a track coach who tries to help him.
That Summer by Sarah Dessen (Lexile: 1020) During the summer of her divorced father's remarriage and her sister's wedding, fifteen-year-old Haven comes into her own by letting go of the myths of the past.
[Type here]
LETTER ESSAY RUBRIC
Name _________________________________________
FORMATTING:
_____/5 Written in proper letter format
-Due date written in FULL at top right (Example: September 30, 2016) -Salutation: Dear Mrs. Smith, -Closing: Your student, John Smith
INTRODUCTION / PLOT SUMMARY (6-8 sentences): _____/5 Title of book - Italicized (ALL titles, ALL the time)
-Capitalize correctly (first word, last word & all important words) -Spelling counts
Author’s name – Capitalized & spelled correctly _____/5 Hook & Summary - Grab your reader’s attention; explain the plot SIGNIFICANT PASSAGE OF THE THEME STATEMENT (Quote + 6-8 sentences): **Copy a passage word-for-word from your novel (separate paragraph) _____/15 Discuss the theme statement in your own words (separate paragraph) -Sentence starter: The theme of the novel is_________________________________________________________________________. This was demonstrated when the character experienced and/or the author wrote… (The specific lesson the main character learned. The character cannot learn “challenges,” but they can learn that “Sacrifices and hard work pay off in the end, despite the challenges along the way.”) 15 pts = EE 12 pts = ME 9 pts = A 6 pts = PM 3 pts = NM Plot summary = 0 pts
LITERARY ANALYSIS WITH TEXTUAL EVIDENCE (6-8 sentences each): *See reverse side Paragraph 1 (Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________) ______/15 Literary analysis & textual evidence (TLQCC) Paragraph 2 (Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________) ______/15 Literary analysis & textual evidence (TLQCC) Paragraph 3 (Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________) ______/15 Literary analysis & textual evidence (TLQCC) 15 pts = EE 12 pts = ME 9 pts = A 6 pts = PM 3 pts = NM Plot summary = 0 pts
CLOSING PARAGRAPH (6-8 sentences): _____/10 RECOMMEND the book & explain WHY to a specific gender & age -Give supporting details/examples (references to the text) -WHY are you recommending it to that specific person/group of people? -RATE the book on a scale of one to ten & explain WHY -Give supporting details/examples (references to the text) to support your rating 10 pts = EE 8 pts = ME 6 pts = A 4 pts = PM 2 pts = NM Plot summary = 0 pts
MISCELLANEOUS: _____/15 Mechanics/Conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar, word choice, sentence structure, etc.) 15 pts = A
12 pts = B
9 pts = C
6 pts = D
3 pts = F
GRADING SCALE: EE = Exceeding Expectations ME = Meeting Expectations A = Approaching PM = Partially Meeting NM = Not Meeting
[Type here]
Literary Analysis with Textual Evidence (TLQCC)
Use the “Writing about Reading” prompts to demonstrate your understanding of the entire novel o Discuss the author’s writing style/choices, structure of the book, etc. (in your own words) o HOW are these elements important to the story, characters, the readers’ understanding, etc. o Focus on your reaction(s) to character(s) or events. HOW did the author influence this? o WHAT did the author do/not do well? Would you make any changes and WHY?
Select one quote per prompt & copy word for word from the novel o Must directly support a claim you make in answering the prompt o Include your own commentary to explain HOW the quote supports the prompt/your claim o Properly embed the quote within your paragraph: Quotation marks, proper punctuation, (page #)
“Writing About Reading” Prompts *Pick 1 prompt from numbers 1-3: 1. The author uses the narrative voice (point of view) of __________. This choice impacted the book by… 2. The author described the climax of this book by… 3. Explain how internal or external conflicts cause one character from the novel to grow or change. Internal conflict = a character dealing with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions. Example: A character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem. External conflict = a struggle between a character and an outside force (nature or another character) which drives the dramatic action of the plot Example: A struggle/conflict between parents and children.
*Pick 2 prompts from numbers 4-7: 4. Identify one subplot from the novel, and explain how it relates to the main plot of the novel. 5. Describe one setting from the novel, and explain why it is important to a character or to the plot. 6. Examine one character’s personality by including actions or dialogue as evidence of a character trait. 7. Discuss a conflict in the book that is “universal.” Universal = can relate to all people at any time period Examples: Dealing with loss, family issues, love/relationships issues, good vs. evil, etc.
[Type here]
Graphic Organizer for Letter Essay Date of Assessment Dear Mrs. Smith, Introduction/ Plot Summary (6 to 8 sentences): Include title of book that is underlined, author’s name, a hook and summary of the book.
Significant Passage of the theme statement: Must be written word for word and placed in a separate paragraph.
End with citation (Author’s name page number) Example: (Blume 178).
Discussion of theme statement in your own words: The theme of the novel is __________________________________________. This was demonstrated when the character experienced and/or the author wrote
Writing about Reading - Literary Analysis with TLQCC (6 to 8 sentences). Question #_______
[Type here]
Topic Sentence: Analysis:
Support (TLQCC):
Transitional sentence:
Writing about Reading - Literary Analysis with TLQCC (6 to 8 sentences). Question #_______ Topic Sentence: Analysis:
Support (TLQCC):
Transitional sentence:
Writing about Reading - Literary Analysis with TLQCC (6 to 8 sentences). Question #_______ Topic Sentence: Analysis:
Support (TLQCC):
Transitional sentence:
Closing Paragraph: (6 to 8 sentences) Recommendation: Text referenceRate: Text reference-
Your student, Your Name
[Type here]
Monroe Township Public Schools (856) 629-7444 FAX: 875-6757 www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us
Williamstown Middle School 561 Clayton Road Williamstown, New Jersey 08094
Superintendent
Dana R. Mericle Principal
Kathleen L. McKinney Assistant Principal
Donald E. Whirlow Assistant Principal
James W. Collins Assistant Principal
Dear Incoming Eighth Graders, We are excited to have you join us in the eighth grade in September, and we’re looking forward to hearing about what you read over the summer. As you know, you must select one of the books on the suggested reading list and read it over the summer break. When you come to our classes in September, we will set aside a class block for you to write a letter essay about the book you read. (PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT PRIOR TO THE START OF SCHOOL. JUST TAKE NOTES.) During your reading, be sure to take notes on the attached graphic organizer. You’ll need to have all of these notes available when you write your letter essay in class. The graphic organizer is required and will be your first grade of the new school year. Here are some general guidelines about completing your graphic organizer in preparation for writing your letter essay. You will need to have enough information to complete all 7 paragraphs outlined on the graphic organizer (at least 2 pages, typed). Your essay will be written as a personal, critical response to the book you read--NOT a book summary. Pay close attention to the style of writing the author uses. In your notes, you must include at least one passage you thought embodies the novel’s overall theme statement. In your letter essay, you will quote - copy word for word - a passage that you feel best reflects the novel’s theme. Your analysis should explain, in detail, why the passage you chose is an example of the central theme of the novel. Also, you will need textual evidence to support the claims you make while responding to the Writing About Reading prompts, so make sure to include quotations (including page numbers) throughout your notes. The more thoroughly you complete your notes, the easier it will be to write your essay! We can’t wait to begin reading and thinking about literature with you in this serious-but-friendly way. We’re looking forward to your first letter essay and a year of chances to learn from you, learn with you, and help you learn more about the power and pleasure of books. Fondly, The 8th-Grade ELA Teachers
Incoming 8th Grade Choose one title Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (Lexile: 580) In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (Lexile: 770) Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will be transformed into beauties whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all. Hero by Mike Lupica (Lexile: 940) Zach Harriman knew that his dad was something of a hero, a man trusted by the president to solve international crises at a moment's notice. Suddenly people are telling him he has powers - people who know much more about his father than Zach ever did. He can do things ordinary people cannot. Zach Harriman is his father's son. And he, too, is a hero. The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks (Lexile: 390) Graphic novel. Kaidu is sent to the city to train to defend it from invaders. He meets Rat, a city girl, who hates Kai and all of the invaders who have taken control of the city. An unlikely friendship forms. Ghost by Jason Reynolds (Lexile: 730) Castle has been ready to run since his dad shot a gun at him and his mom. He's found a track coach who tries to help him.
That Summer by Sarah Dessen (Lexile: 1020) During the summer of her divorced father's remarriage and her sister's wedding, fifteen-year-old Haven comes into her own by letting go of the myths of the past.
[Type here]
LETTER ESSAY RUBRIC
Name _________________________________________
FORMATTING:
_____/5 Written in proper letter format
-Due date written in FULL at top right (Example: September 30, 2016) -Salutation: Dear Mrs. Smith, -Closing: Your student, John Smith
INTRODUCTION / PLOT SUMMARY (6-8 sentences): _____/5 Title of book - Italicized (ALL titles, ALL the time)
-Capitalize correctly (first word, last word & all important words) -Spelling counts
Author’s name – Capitalized & spelled correctly _____/5 Hook & Summary - Grab your reader’s attention; explain the plot SIGNIFICANT PASSAGE OF THE THEME STATEMENT (Quote + 6-8 sentences): **Copy a passage word-for-word from your novel (separate paragraph) _____/15 Discuss the theme statement in your own words (separate paragraph) -Sentence starter: The theme of the novel is_________________________________________________________________________. This was demonstrated when the character experienced and/or the author wrote… (The specific lesson the main character learned. The character cannot learn “challenges,” but they can learn that “Sacrifices and hard work pay off in the end, despite the challenges along the way.”) 15 pts = EE 12 pts = ME 9 pts = A 6 pts = PM 3 pts = NM Plot summary = 0 pts
LITERARY ANALYSIS WITH TEXTUAL EVIDENCE (6-8 sentences each): *See reverse side Paragraph 1 (Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________) ______/15 Literary analysis & textual evidence (TLQCC) Paragraph 2 (Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________) ______/15 Literary analysis & textual evidence (TLQCC) Paragraph 3 (Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________) ______/15 Literary analysis & textual evidence (TLQCC) 15 pts = EE 12 pts = ME 9 pts = A 6 pts = PM 3 pts = NM Plot summary = 0 pts
CLOSING PARAGRAPH (6-8 sentences): _____/10 RECOMMEND the book & explain WHY to a specific gender & age -Give supporting details/examples (references to the text) -WHY are you recommending it to that specific person/group of people? -RATE the book on a scale of one to ten & explain WHY -Give supporting details/examples (references to the text) to support your rating 10 pts = EE 8 pts = ME 6 pts = A 4 pts = PM 2 pts = NM Plot summary = 0 pts
MISCELLANEOUS: _____/15 Mechanics/Conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar, word choice, sentence structure, etc.) 15 pts = A
12 pts = B
9 pts = C
6 pts = D
3 pts = F
GRADING SCALE: EE = Exceeding Expectations ME = Meeting Expectations A = Approaching PM = Partially Meeting NM = Not Meeting
[Type here]
Literary Analysis with Textual Evidence (TLQCC)
Use the “Writing about Reading” prompts to demonstrate your understanding of the entire novel o Discuss the author’s writing style/choices, structure of the book, etc. (in your own words) o HOW are these elements important to the story, characters, the readers’ understanding, etc. o Focus on your reaction(s) to character(s) or events. HOW did the author influence this? o WHAT did the author do/not do well? Would you make any changes and WHY?
Select one quote per prompt & copy word for word from the novel o Must directly support a claim you make in answering the prompt o Include your own commentary to explain HOW the quote supports the prompt/your claim o Properly embed the quote within your paragraph: Quotation marks, proper punctuation, (page #)
“Writing About Reading” Prompts *Pick 1 prompt from numbers 1-3: 1. The author uses the narrative voice (point of view) of __________. This choice impacted the book by… 2. The author described the climax of this book by… 3. Explain how internal or external conflicts cause one character from the novel to grow or change. Internal conflict = a character dealing with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions. Example: A character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem. External conflict = a struggle between a character and an outside force (nature or another character) which drives the dramatic action of the plot Example: A struggle/conflict between parents and children.
*Pick 2 prompts from numbers 4-7: 4. Identify one subplot from the novel, and explain how it relates to the main plot of the novel. 5. Describe one setting from the novel, and explain why it is important to a character or to the plot. 6. Examine one character’s personality by including actions or dialogue as evidence of a character trait. 7. Discuss a conflict in the book that is “universal.” Universal = can relate to all people at any time period Examples: Dealing with loss, family issues, love/relationships issues, good vs. evil, etc.
[Type here]
Graphic Organizer for Letter Essay Date of Assessment Dear Mrs. Smith, Introduction/ Plot Summary (6 to 8 sentences): Include title of book that is underlined, author’s name, a hook and summary of the book.
Significant Passage of the theme statement: Must be written word for word and placed in a separate paragraph.
End with citation (Author’s name page number) Example: (Blume 178).
Discussion of theme statement in your own words: The theme of the novel is __________________________________________. This was demonstrated when the character experienced and/or the author wrote
Writing about Reading - Literary Analysis with TLQCC (6 to 8 sentences). Question #_______
[Type here]
Topic Sentence: Analysis:
Support (TLQCC):
Transitional sentence:
Writing about Reading - Literary Analysis with TLQCC (6 to 8 sentences). Question #_______ Topic Sentence: Analysis:
Support (TLQCC):
Transitional sentence:
Writing about Reading - Literary Analysis with TLQCC (6 to 8 sentences). Question #_______ Topic Sentence: Analysis:
Support (TLQCC):
Transitional sentence:
Closing Paragraph: (6 to 8 sentences) Recommendation: Text referenceRate: Text reference-
Your student, Your Name
[Type here]
