Reading/Writing/Reflecting Assignment. Spring 2009
During this semester I’d like you to read two books from the list below. Select one non-fiction
book and one fiction book. Read it and write a three page, double-spaced paper in which you
reflect upon what you see in the book that parallels your own life.
The first paper is due February 23, 2009. The second is due April 17, 2009.
Papers that are no more than 3 days late will be accepted with 10 points deducted for each day
the paper is late. I will be happy to look over your paper and give you feedback is you submit it at
least one week before the due date.
Some questions to consider are
•Are there topics in the book that raised thought for discussion?
•What issues is the author or characters struggling with?
•How do you see the themes from the book relating to you, your friends, or your family?
•How do those themes, or even just little portions of the book relate to this class?
Don’t think of these questions as ones to be specifically answered in the paper, but use these as
starting points as you become engaged in reflecting on what you’ve read.
Grades will be based on the use of correct spelling and grammar, and on your ability to connect
material from the book to your personal life.
The following description of grades is an example of how papers will be graded.
F (< 60)
This paper does not show sufficient evidence that the student read the work.
D, D + (60 - 68)
This quality of paper demonstrates that the student read the book, however does not
include any personal references or reflections on the subject matter. This paper is most
likely a plot summary.
C- , C+ (69 - 78)
In addition to demonstrating that the student read the book (through specific references as
a part of examples) this paper makes some personal connections. This paper is a plot
summary where the concluding paragraph acts as a reflection.
B-, B+ (79 - 88)
At least half the paper qualifies as a reflection and not a plot summary. Papers at this
level often make general instead of personal statements about the connections. The
student takes a wide view of society and offers generalizations matched with specifics
from the book in order to “reflect” on their reading.
A-, A(89 - 100)
Over ¾ of the paper qualifies as a reflection with multiple personal references involved.
Statements made are backed up with specific examples from the book, and may also
include links to recent news articles or other examples in the student's life. This level of
paper shows that the student thought about the issues identified within they book on a
personal level.
