After completing the book, please move to the 3rd floor lab (339) to work on your character sketch for the book. See instructions on the handout or here on the blog.
Character Sketch: Monster
A character sketch is a careful and detailed examination of a character in a novel, film, play or story. A character sketch examines the characterization of a particular character. Your task is to use your notes from class to write a 3-5 page (double-spaced) analysis of the protagonist Steve Harmon in the novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers.
Your character sketch should have the following:
Introduction: In 5-10 complete sentences summarize the plot of the book Monster. You will need to be specific enough to gain full credit. Remember that sentences have a main noun (SUBJECT) and a verb (PREDICATE).
Body, paragraph: Using your notes, in 5-10 sentences describe Steve Harmon's character as presented by the author. Examine and explain Steve's actions and personality or physical traits. Use textual evidence (specific examples from the book) to support your answer.
Body, paragraph: Using your notes, in 5-10 sentences examine and explain Steve's thoughts and feelings about his situation in the book. Use textual evidence to support your answer.
Body, paragraph: Using your notes, in 5-10 sentences examine and explain Steve's strengths and weaknesses. Use textual evidence (specific examples from the book) to support your answer.
Body, paragraph: Using your notes, in 5-10 sentences examine and explain how Steve changed from the beginning of the book to the end. Explain why he changed.
Conclusion: Connect Steve's story to your own beliefs or experiences. What connections can you draw between Steve and you (or Steve and someone you know)? Be specific and use your notes to help you answer this important question. Finally, what might you have learned about yourself from reading this book and examining Steve Harmon's character?
Rubric:
A/A+: Excellent! Length of character sketch essay is between 4-5 or more pages, double spaced in 12 point font. There are about 50 or more correctly written complete sentences. Sentences are complete and punctuated correctly with only a few minor errors. Student uses good and specific examples from the text to support his or her answer. Quotes and examples from the text include accurate page numbers. Student uses his/her time effectively in the lab to complete the assignment on time. Character sketch is thorough, exact, and detailed.
B/B+: Good! Length of character sketch essay is between 3-5 pages, double spaced in 12 point font. There are over 30 correctly written complete sentences. Sentences are mostly complete and punctuated correctly, but with some errors. Student uses good examples from the text to support his/her answer. Quotes and examples from the text include page numbers. Student uses his/her time in the lab to complete the assignment on time. Character sketch is good, and well done for grade level.
C/C+: Okay. Length of character sketch essay is between 3-4 pages, double spaced in 12 point font. There are at least 25 sentences, but sentences might have some grammar or mechanical errors (spelling problems, tense shifts, incorrect words or usage of grammar, etc.) Some examples are used to support the student's answer, but these are not as accurate or effective as scores of B/A above. Student mostly uses his/her time in the lab to complete assignment on time, but may need reminding to stay on task, or the work is good or excellent quality, but late. Character sketch is adequate.
D/D+: Below grade level. The tasks set forth in okay, good, or excellent scores (see above) were not met. The character sketch is too short or undeveloped, lacking evidence from the text, or uses vague examples from the book. Grammar and writing is below grade level. Student makes many grammar or sentence errors. It may be clear that the student did not read, understand, or pay attention during the reading of the book. Student is disruptive during class. Student does not complete his/her work or the character sketch is turned in more than a class period late after the deadline.
F: Did not turn in or complete assignment by deadline.
HOMEWORK: None.
