Sign-up for a set of chapters from IQ. Be sure to make a note of the
presentation date and chapter numbers you signed up for.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Chapter and page numbers Presentation
date
Read the chapters you will be analyzing
carefully. You will be presenting your analysis in class along with two to four
of your classmates. The class will be counting on you to be on top of the
chapters you are covering, so please be prepared!
To prepare your written analysis, answer the
questions below for the chapters you are covering.
You may hand in your analysis typed or neatly
handwritten (but you must upload your analysis to Canvas). Please double-space!
1.
Summarize
the plot – the events that occur in your chapters. Keep your summary
brief – two-pages maximum (double-spaced)! Note that the story is told in two
different time frames: 2005 and 2013. Be careful of confusing Isaiah’s past (2005)
with his present (2013).
2. What
conflicts arise in these chapters?
Identify a few conflicts and explain how they are manifested. Are the conflicts
external (between characters or outside forces) or internal (within a single character)?
Are these conflicts resolved? If so, how?
3. This
novel has been praised for its vivid characterization
of a wide variety of characters. Choose a minor character (not Isaiah, Dodson,
or Marcus) from your chapters and identify some of the important details the
author uses to characterize him or her. Explain how the details you chose help
bring the character to life.
4. Discuss
a scene in which Isaiah uses his brain
to figure something out. Breakdown Isaiah’s use of careful observation and logical reasoning.
5. What
are the themes (the central idea or ideas) that the chapters explore? Remember,
a theme is more than a topic (e.g. love, death, family, etc.). Think of a theme
as a general observation or truth that is revealed about a topic, such as “Love
makes us behave irrationally.” Briefly explain how each theme is realized (1-2
sentences per theme).
6. Choose
a significant quote. Copy the quote and cite it. Explain what you think
it means and why you think it is significant.
You will be graded
primarily on the quality of your written analysis, although outstanding
presentations will be rewarded. You will not be penalized for giving a poor
presentation, but you must present your analysis! No written analyses will be
accepted without a presentation. If you are absent or unprepared on the day
your presentation is scheduled, you will receive a zero for the assignment with
no possibility of making it up.
