OUTSIDE BOOK PROJECT TERM 2

Outside Book Project -- Term 2
Book Talk Assignment

For this assignment, you will choose a book you have not already read that is at least 125 pages long and appropriate to your personal reading level. You will read the book and prepare a Book Talk (oral book report) for the class. You should use a speaking outline or note cards to make sure you cover each point.

Requirements
- Speaking outline or note cards
- Three to five minutes

Procedures
Your Book talk should include the following:
1) Introduction The title, author, publication date of your book; ideally, you will have the book with you to show to the class.
2) Synopsis Briefly summarize the book by telling who the main characters are, what the central conflict/idea is, what the important events in the book are and what you believe the author wants readers to take from the experience of reading the book. It’s best not to reveal too much or tell the ending, especially if you are ultimately recommending the book as a good read. The summary should suggest that you have full knowledge of the book being discussed.
3) Read a passage from the book. This passage should be from a significant moment in the story that describes a main character in some way, illuminates the book’s theme or central idea, represents an important point in the plot, strikingly reflects the author’s style or foreshadows something exciting. In other words, choose a passage that excites the imagination!
4) Connect Consider if the book or its characters relate to other books or movies, your experiences or the greater world.
5) Recommendation Finally, tell the audience if you would recommend the book or not, and explain your main reasons why.

Due Dates:
January 7, 2010 - Choose Book
March 2, 2010 - Present Book talk

Grading Criteria:
-Introduction includes author, title, publication date, and introductory material that draws listeners in to a discussion of the book.

• Book suggests speaker has full knowledge of the book being discussed. DO NOT GIVE AWAY THE ENDING OR ANY SURPRISES IN THE BOOK!
• Recommendation for or against book is supported by at least 3 well-reasoned points.
  Passage is read with sufficient energy and explanation.
• All behaviors of good public speaking are demonstrated, including sufficient voice volume and modulation, few “umms” and “likes,” use of note cards for outline only (no reading from note cards), eye contact with audience is maintained and speech is 3-5 minutes in length.