English 8

Reading Assessment: Analyzing a Characters Decision

(10 points)
Task:
Using evidence from a recent or current book, a) identify and explain a significant decision made
by the main character. Then show evidence of factors that bring about this critical decision: b) Find
one example of specific dialogue, c) identify two specific incidents (events), and d) reveal and
describe a character trait that contributes and leads to a\the decision.
Steps:
Think about, choose, and explain a significant (turning point) decision that was made
by a main character in your book club book or in The Giver.
Discuss and conference about the decision that you have chosen.
Find and transcribe specific dialogue in your book that leads your character to that
decision.
Find at least 2 incidents or events that lead your character to that decision.
Identify and explain a character trait that affects the characters decision.
When you have completed the above task, submit your work for scoring.
Scoring:
Characters Decision- 4 points
4- Clearly, strongly stated decision, a turning point in the story, thoughtfully explained
3- Clearly a decision that impacts the story, could be more strongly stated/explained
2- A decision made by the character, but weakly worded
1- Identified a decision made by the character, but it doesnt impact the direction of the story
Supporting and/or Explaining Evidence- 6 points
6- Exceptionally relevant, well-chosen, thoughtful evidence that clearly supports the reason
the character came to the decision
5- Relevant, well-chosen evidence that clearly supports the reason the character came to
the decision
4- Supporting evidence is/seems relevant but is uneven
3- Attempt at using evidence, but its weak and incomplete
Use the following form to fill in or write a paragraph according to the above criteria and including the
information below. Submit the assignment on Google Classroom.

Analyzing a Characters Decision

Book Title: Among The Barons
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Decision Made By The Character/Explanation: Smits burned his own
dorm room at his boarding school.

Dialogue/Explanation: I wanted to get rid of him (Get him fired), I

don't need him.(Oscar, Smits bodyguard)

Incident (event)/Explanation: Oscar blamed Smits and Smits blamed

Oscar. The headmaster finds out Smits set the fire and calls his
parents and says There was a fire at the school today... (And so
on).
Character Trait/Explanation: Smithfield Grant (Smits) Baron boy:
Rich, greedy, selfish, likes his own fancy room, likes his own fancy
food. (Smits is Lee Grants brother) (Real Lee is dead, fake Lee is
Luke)