Grade 8 INS #2: OVERVIEW

For your INS, you will be responsible for choosing an appropriate novel and completing an
independent examination of the novel. Your Powerpoint presentation can be shared with your
teacher on Google Apps.
Remember to use full, complete sentences, and proper paragraph form in your writing.
Whenever possible, use specific, detailed examples from your novel to support your answers
and ideas.
PART 1: SUMMARIES (WRITING, READING)
Write a one word, one sentence, 3 sentence, and a paragraph summary of your
novel. (Use the GIST method and start at largest one). These must be related.
Include basic information on the main characters, setting and storyline.
Remember a summary does not retell the entire story; it only includes the most
important ideas and information about the novel.
PART 2: CHARACTER WEB (READING FOR MEANING)
Complete a web of characters showing relationships between main and secondary
characters and their relationships.
Use a whole blank page. Colour and visuals can be added.
PART 3: MAIN EVENTS/PLOT (READING FOR MEANING)
Complete a plot diagram for your novel using the format used in class. Include:
introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Completed on 11 x 17 paper
PART 4: TALK UP YOUR BOOK (ORAL, MEDIA, READING)
You will be sharing your book with the class in a 3-5 min. presentation, including
Powerpoint slides (visuals) to compliment the ideas that came up in your book
(minimum 5 slides).
You will need to give a brief overview of your book, including information on the
characters, setting, plot, but it should NOT be a retell.
DO NOT GIVE AWAY THE WHOLE BOOK OR THE ENDING
Your goal is to talk about your book to the class without reading right from cue
cards.
INS# 1:

**PLAN YOUR TIME AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT LEAVING
ALL THE PIECES UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE**

Novel read by: ______________

INS completed by: ___________________

Part 1 (Summaries) completed by: ________________

Part 2 (Character Web) completed by: ________________
Part 3 (Main Events/Plot) completed by: ________________
Part 4 (Book Talk) completed by: ________________

ASSESSEMENT
Character Web
READING

Main characters

Character relationships

MEDIA

Use of graphics to add meaning

Content, colour and neatness in presentation

Summaries
READING

Main ideas

Content (characters, setting)

Plot elements (rising action, climax, etc.)

WRITING

Understanding (content, ideas)

Expression and organization

Use of appropriate style, tone

Grammar and punctuation

Main Events/Plot Development
READING

Main ideas

Content (characters, setting)

Plot elements (rising action, climax, etc.)

MEDIA

Understanding (content, ideas)

Expression and organization
Use of techniques to convey and enhance meaning

Book Talk
ORAL COMMUNICATION
1
2
3
4

Content
o On topic, logical, easy to follow
o
Includes main details, summary, connections, recommendations.

Presentation
o Voice (clarity, loudness, expression)
o Audience connection (eye contact, posture, engaging)

Effectiveness
o Persuasive, well prepare, convincing
MEDIA

Layout/Visual elements
Content (connected images to what you are talking about)
Creativity