IndependentReadingActivity

I.R.A.

Choosing the best I.R.A. for your book

SETTING

 As you are reading

independently, describe the setting of your novel (time,

place & environment). Use evidence from the

text to support your description.

    

  

CHARACTERS

 

Choose a character from your novel.

Describe one internal trait and one external trait. Use evidence from the text to support your description.

   

       

 

AUTHOR’S TECHNIQUE 

Read with a writer’s eye to determine what

types of writing techniques the author

of your novel uses. (figurative language; italicized words for

emphasis; adjective, adjective, noun

phrases?) How do the techniques you found

help readers? Use evidence from the text

to support your description.

  

Tracking the Evidencefor the Setting I.R.A.

– While you are reading, be on the lookout for examples that can support your description of the Setting:

A description of the time period, year, time of day, season, or anything having to do with the “when” of the story

A description of the place or anything having to do with the “where” of the story

A description of the environment or anything having to do with the “feeling” around the story

Examples: War-like, peaceful, spooky, happy, silly, mysterious

Tracking the Evidencefor the Character I.R.A.

– While you are reading, be on the lookout for examples that can support your description of a main character:

An example of an external trait, or anything that describes how the character looks physically

Ex. Tall, blonde, muscular, skinny

An example of an internal trait, or anything that describes how the character feels, thinks, acts, or behaves

Ex. Courageous, humorous, loving, studious

Tracking the Evidencefor the Author’s Technique

I.R.A.– While you are reading, be on the lookout for examples that can support your

description of a technique used by the author.

– Possible findings:

An example of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, or personification

An example of italicized words used by the author to make a point

An example of a descriptive technique, such as an adjective, adjective noun phrase (sweet, fragrant rose)

How to Begin Writing the I.R.A.– Write the first few sentences of your description to give an overview of your

description. Be sure to include the title and author of your book. Do not include specific text examples yet.

Sample Beginning for Setting I.R.A.

The book, Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt, has a setting that is both ordinary and mysterious. It takes place in the hot summer month of August, some time in the late 1800’s, in a wood owned by the Foster Family.

Sample Beginning for Character I.R.A.

The character, Mae Tuck, in the book, Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt, is a kind, protective, stocky woman. She shows her love for her family and for Winnie Foster through her words and actions. Her potato shape adds to her charming personality.

Sample Beginning for Author’s Technique I.R.A.

Natalie Babbitt, the author of Tuck Everlasting, uses a variety of descriptive language techniques to help the reader visualize the story and characters. Babbitt uses figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification in her writing to create a picture in the reader’s mind.

How to Include Text Evidence in the I.R.A.

– After you’ve written the first few sentences, it is time to elaborate on your description. Go back into your book and find evidence (remember those sticky notes!) that will support this description. Include at least two examples by quoting or paraphrasing the author’s words. Be sure to include the page or chapter number where the evidence is located.

– Sample evidence from the text:

– For example, in Chapter 19, Mae shows how protective she can be when she prevents the man in the yellow suit from taking Winnie. Holding the shotgun toward the man, “Mae’s face was dark red. ‘Not Winnie!’ she said between clenched teeth. ‘You ain’t going to do a thing like that to Winnie.’”

How to Add Insight to the Description

While providing text evidence is very important, your explanation of the evidence is what demonstrates your insight and overall understanding of the text.

Each text example should be accompanied by an explanation of that example

How does this example support your description or prove your point?

Sample Explanation:

This example demonstrates how far Mae is willing to go in order to protect Winnie. Her love for Winnie becomes more important, at that moment, than anything else.