Jane K. Marshall
Students will be given ample time to read three novels which feature a series hero of their choice. The teacher should indicate that these are free-reading assignments; on-going study guides will not be provided as these might detract from the recreational aspect of the readings. Students, however, will be expected to accomplish a project following the completion of each work.
These projects will vary in terms of sophistication. As students, through reading, become more familiar with the genre, particular author, and the character of the detective, the projects will move up in terms of three levels of questions. These levels will include:
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1. Literal (who, what, where, why, how questions)
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2. Generalization (discussion of generalizations about the text with regard to plot, character, style)
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3. Author’s Intention (What is the meaning of the story? Does the author address issues of human nature, human interaction, environmental pressures, cultural trends?)
LEVEL ONE QUESTIONS—LITERAL (to follow first novel)
The first part of this assignment simply asks the student to recall major incidents of the plot. The questions are objective and direct. I think, however, that these questions will promote a careful reading of the text. Students should be encouraged to engage in a more subjective discussion following the objective test. The discussion questions provided are meant to encourage individual response. These questions will also set the scene for subsequent readings and the more difficult questions which will follow these readings.
