Real Boys Read Books example essay topic

WIDE READING PROGRAM Real Boys Read Books is simply about reading. Reading for pleasure, reading regularly, reading different authors, styles, genres, reading bigger and better books. Real Boys Read Books is basically a motivational campaign requiring enthusiasm from teachers, students and parents, and incentives to read more and more. The main aim of the wide reading programme is to enhance and enrich you reading by: . acknowledging your own interests in reading; . encouraging you to read widely in different genres; . experiencing the works of a wider range of authors.

The programme requires you to: 1. read a minimum of two texts on a different genre each term (rather than sticking with the one genre and / or author); 2. complete one oral and / or written review during semester 1 and one sustained project during semester 2 that incorporates information research skills (see page 2). WIDE READING IS USEFUL IN FOUR WAYS: Reading is a special kind of process, sharing common features with other forms of reading, but having special and educationally valuable characteristics of its own. 1. The development of sustained reading. It is best suited to develop in you the capacity to read sustainedly and to develop the skills involved in tackling and completing a whole work. Virtually no subject other than English requires this of you.

Regular, prolonged reading stretches the attention span. 2. The development of language. Contact, through fiction and non-fiction, with a variety of genres and narrative forms, and an extensive range of vocabulary, leads to a better understanding of ourselves and our experiences, and enables us to better relate these experiences to others. With reading, words are usually everything: reading emphasises language. 3.

It works psychologically as "virtual experience". Through wider reading we expand enormously our understanding of life experiences. Wide reading presents the reader with experiences beyond one's personal environment: reading broadens experience. 4. It contains a wealth of information, facts about places, periods and people as well as information and insights about behaviours, motivation and social interaction. Wide reading is therefore a valuable learning process.

Books require active participation from the reader - reading stretches the imagination. INCENTIVES: Incentives are an important part of the programme. You will receive certificates for the number of books read. Certificates are awarded at the end of each term.

O Book prizes are presented for the most books read at the end of each semester to three students from each year level. In nominating you for book prizes, your teacher will consider: . minimum reading of ten books per semester. range and variety of reading. level of complexity of books read READING LIST: The Library has provided an extensive reading list which offers a variety of reading styles, interests and levels, and has particularly looked to include a selection of titles, both fiction and non-fiction to cater for all interests and reading levels. You are encouraged to add to the list. INFORMATION SKILLS The term "information skills" encompasses "study skills', "library / locational skills" and "research skills". The skills required to locate, extract and synthesis e information from different sources are the focus of the Project.

You need to demonstrate the following skills which forms an integral part of your assessment: 1. DECIDING - What exactly do I need to know? 4. RECORDING - What do I need to make note of?

Skills: - identifying key areas, key words etc. - categorizing, mapping Suggested areas to focus on: - brainstorming a general topic- grouping ideas Skills: - making note of information from different sources including electronic and audio visual- organising the information collected using a Data Sheet Suggested areas to focus on: - why make notes? - what are good notes? - relating notes to original purpose (organising) 2. FINDING - Where do I go to find out? 5. PRESENTING - How am I going to present the information? Skills: - identifying appropriate sources of information- using catalogues, indexes, menus, directories, etc Suggested areas to focus on: - electronic information sources- search techniques for Key word search - information types (e.g. print, pictorial, video, audio etc.) Skills: - graphic, oral, print, etc.

Suggested areas to focus on: - do I have the necessary skills to present information satisfactorily in this way? - how does the method of presentation influence the information collected? 3. USING - What do these resources tell me about what I need to know? 6.

EVALUATING - How well have I done with the task? Skills: - analysing, comparing, questioning- reading, viewing, listening Suggested areas to focus on: - techniques like skimming and scanning (using key words established in DECIDING process) - considerations of bias, accuracy, etc. Skills: - ability to evaluate quality and quantity of final product- ability to keep evaluating throughout the process Suggested areas to focus on: - need to keep assessing the information found- need to assess the level of skill achieved as tasks are being undertaken ASSESSMENT 1. Read regularly and widely. 2.

Read a minimum of two books on a different genre each term. 3. Record your reading on the appropriate Wide Reading Record Sheet (see page 4). 4. Complete one oral and / or written review and one sustained project during semester 2. WIDE READING: YEAR 9 BOOK REVIEW In preparing your oral or written Book Report you should consider the following questions although they don't have to be dealt with in the same order in which they are presented here.

1. GENRE O What type of book is it? (fiction or non-fiction, historical fiction, biography or autobiography, science fiction or fantasy, adventure, thriller and so on). 2. TITLE O Think about and explain the significance of the title. 3. THEME O Consider the theme (or themes) in the book.

(Don't confuse the theme with the plot). 4. CHARACTERS O Describe the main characters, briefly supporting your comments about each character with examples from the story (e.g. if you say a character is brave refer to an example from the book which shows this). Are the characters realistic? - if so, in what ways, if not, in what ways are they unrealistic? O Towards which character do you feel most sympathetic (why? ), and least sympathetic (why? ).

5. SETTING O Describe the setting of the book in: - time - place O How important is the book's setting? 6. STYLE O Comment on the author's style. Is the book interesting and refreshing to read? (consider language, dialogue, description, action, imagery etc). O How did the author succeed in maintaining your interest in the book?

O Was there an expected or surprising ending? Would you have preferred the book to end differently? What use was made of qualities like suspense and surprise? 7.

YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSE TO THE BOOK O In discussing your overall reaction to the book, you could consider the following points: (a) Why did you initially select the book to read? (b) What have you learnt from the book? (c) What did you like / not like about it? (d) To whom would you recommend / not recommend the book? (e) Why may it have encouraged you to read other books by the same author or other titles on a similar theme. WIDE READING RECORD NAME: ... CLASS: ... TITLE and AUTHOR DATE STARTED DATE FINISHED OPINION The more you read, the more you know.

The more you know, the smarter you grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice, when speaking your mind or making your choice. Year 9 Wider Reading List As part of your Wide Reading programme you are required to read at least two books on different genres each term. Below is a recommended list of titles. You cannot include texts that you have read or studied in the past or are studying this year. ADVENTURE Buchan, John The Thirty-Nine Steps Clancy, Tom Net force Explorer Series Crewe, Gary Angel's Gate Crichton, Michael Congo, Jurassic Park Disher, Garry Kickback, Restless Harris, David Devil's Island Higgins, Simon Thunder fish Holman, Felice Slake's Limbo Kelleher, Victor Parkland Lisson, Deborah The Devil's Own Metzenthen, David Johnny Hart's Heroes, Lee Spain Monagle, Bernie Blue Girl, Yell a Fella Paulsen, Gary The Car, The Crossing, Dogsong Reilly, Matthew Ice Station Sachar, Louis Holes Stevens, Leonie Eat Well And Stay Out Of Jail Zurbo, Matt Fly boy and the Invisible ANIMALS Adams, Richard Water ship Down, The Plague Dogs Goody, Barbara The White Bone Grahame, Kenneth The Wind In The Willows Herriot, James All Creatures Great and Small Horwood, William The Dunton Chronicles Jacques, Brian Redwall Series Kelleher, Victor Patio Lloyd, A.R. Wing foot London, Jack The Call Of The Wild Paulsen.

Gary My Life In Dog Years Rubenstein, Gillian Fox spell CRIME / MURDER / MYSTERY Baillie, Allan Secrets of Walden Rising Beckett, Bernard Lester Catran, Ken Black Sister, Talking To Blue Clarke, Judith The Lost Day Cormier, Robert Fade Corr is, Peter Cliff Hardy Novels, The Japanese Job Crewe, Gary Strange Objects Disher, Gary The Dragon Man Forsythe, Frederick The Odessa File French, Nicki The Safe House Gee, Maurice The Fat Man Golden, Christopher Burning Bones Greenwood, Kerry Feral Hammett, Dash iel The Thin Man Jinks, Catherine The Inquisitor Le carre, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold Lindsay, Joan Picnic At Hanging Rock Lockhart, Robin B. Reilly: Ace Of Spies (327.1241 REI LOC) Macfarlane, Peter The Enemy You Killed Male, Leo Mission To Marseilles, Shadow Alley: Nine Crime Stories Puzo, Mario The Godfather Staples, Suzanne Fisher Storm T ogawa, Masaki The Master Key FAMILY Burke, Janine Journey To Bright Water Cad num, Michael Zero At The Bone Carter, Alden Up Country Choy, Watson The Jade Peony Colfer, Eoin Artemis Fowl De Gold, Kate Sanctuary Fusil lo, Archie The Dons Hartnett, Sonya Sleeping Dogs Hathorn, Libby Thunder with Mckerral, Helen Home strung Nicholls, Bron Mulloway Nieuwenhuizen, Agnes Family (Short Stories) Svendsen, Mark Snigger James On Grey Voigt, Cynthia Sons From Afar, When She Hollers FANTASY Anderson, Kirsty Kingdoms Of The Seventh Pool Carmichael, Claire Fabricant, Originator Carmody, Isobelle The Gathering, Ashing, The Far seekers Caswell, Brian Dreamslip Dickinson, Peter The Kin Series Fletcher, Susan Shadow Spinner Higgins, Simon Beyond The Shaking Time, Cybercage Lasenby, Jack Tour Le guin, Ursula The Earthsea Trilogy Lewis, C.S. The Chronicles Of Narnia, Out Of The Silent Planet Lockett, Dave A Dark Winter, A Dark Journey, A Dark Victory Mccaffrey, Anne Dragon song Mcrobbie, David Mandragora Nicholson, William The Wind Singer Nix, Garth Sa briel, Lira el Odgers, Sally Translations In Celadon Pryor, Michael The Mask Of Caliban Pullman, Philip The Subtle Knife, Northern Lights Salvatore, R.A. Homeland Tolkein, J.R.R. The Hobbit Whitmore, Andrew Fireflaught GROWING-UP Bunting, Eve Blackwater Charl wood, Don All The Green Year Collins, Alan Boys From Bondi Condon, Bill Dogs Corbet, Robert The Passenger Seat Crewe, Gary Dear Venny, Dear Saffron Disher, Gary From Your Friend Louise Deane Fleischman, Paul Westland ia Gard am, Jane Bilge water Hathorn, Libby The Climb Lanagan, Margo The Best Thing Larkin, John Growing Payne Lowry, Brigid Guitar Highway Rose Marsden, John Secret Men's Business (305.31 MAR) Monk, Scott Boyz'R'Us Monk, Scott Raw Parry, Glynn Mosh, Scooter boy, Sad Boys Pausacker, Jenny Mr Enigmatic Ridden, Brian Outfall Shillitoe, Tony Joyride Svendsen, Mark Snigger James On Grey Zurbo, Matt Idiot Pride Zus ak, Markus The Underdog Walters, Celeste The Last Race HISTORICAL Baillie, Alan Songman Catran, Ken Golden Prince Crichton, Michael The Great Train Robbery Dickinson, Peter A Bone From A Dry Sea (Pre-History) Doyle, Roddy A Star Called Henry Dumas, Alexandre The Man In The Iron Mask Jack, Christa in Ramses Series Jinks, Catherine Pagan Series, The Inquisitor Lisson, Deborah Red Hugh Marshall, Alan I Can Jump Puddles Moloney, James The House On River Terrace Park, Ruth Playing Beattie Bow HUMOUR Aronson, Linda Kelp; A Comedy Of Love Barnes, Rory Horse head Boy Bone, Ian Fat Boy Saves The World Clarke, Judith Al Capella Series Gleitzman, Morris The Other Facts Of Life Jinks, Catherine The Great Stinking Lie Killeen, Greta l My Life Is A Toilet Larkin, John Pizza features McCann, Daryl Wish You Weren't Here Mcrobbie, David Wayne Series Townsend, Sue Adrian Mole Diaries Wheat, Chris My Excellent Lives Winton, Tim Locke Leonard OTHER COUNTRIES and CULTURES Baillie, Alan The China Coin (China) Brooks, Martha Bone Dance (American Indian) Carter, Forrest The Education of Little Tree (American Indian) Courtney, Bryce The Power Of One (South Africa) Garland, Sherry Shadow Of The Dragon (Vietnam) March etta, Melina Looking For Ali brandi (Italian) Paulsen, Gary Dogsong (Eskimo) Staples, Suzanne F. Daughter Of The Wind (Pakistan) Watson, James No Surrender (Angola) France Dumas, Alexandre The Three Musketeers Hugo, Victor Les Miserables Maupassant, Guy De Selected Short Stories Saint-Exupery, A. De The Little Prince Germany Muller, Robert The Summer That Was Indonesia Masson, Sophie Tiger (Indonesia) Japan Brown, Alan Audrey Hepburn's Neck Mori, Kyoko One Bird Watkins, Yoko K. My Brother, My Sister And PERSONAL JOURNEYS Cairn cross, John The Enigma Spy (327.12092 CAI) Dingo, Sally Ernie Dingo King of the Kids (791.43028) Eley, Beverley The Book Of David (786.2092 HEL ELE) The Diary Of Ann Frank (940.531161 FRA) Gaze, Andrew On The Road With Andrew Gaze (795.323 GAZ) Jiang, Ji Li Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir Of The Cultural Revolution (951.056 JIA) Lobel, Anita No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War (940.5318092 LOB) Mah, Adeline Chen Chinese Cinderella (951.2505 MAH) Mccourt, Frank Angela's Ashes (941.90822092 MCC) Morgan Sally My Place Pryor, Boor i Maybe Tomorrow Vassilieva, Tatiana A Hostage To War: Diary Of A Young Russian Girl (940.5317 VAS) RELATIONSHIPS Burgess, Melvin Loving April Campbell, Margaret Shadow Across the Sun Carmody, Isobelle Grey lands Clarke, Judith The Lost Day, Wolf on the Fold Condon. Bill Dogs Crewe, Gary Dear Venny, Dear Saffron Crutcher, Chris Ironman Gwynne, Phillip Deadly Unna, Nuk kin Ya Harley, Jonathan Fracture Zone Hyde, Michael Max Kelly, Lauren e I Started Crying Monday Klein, Norma Going Backwards Lanagan, N argo The Best Thing Lukashenko, Melissa Killing Darcy Marsden, John So Much To Tell You Mccarthy, Maureen Gangland's Mcfarlane, Peter More Than A Game Mcrobbie, David Tyro Metzenthen, David Falling Forward, Stony Heart Country Moloney, James Doug, Grace, Angela, Touch Me Monagle, Bernie Monster ed Monk, Scott The Crush Pausacker, Jenny Getting Somewhere Pausacker, Jenny Penington's Last Summer Taylor, William The Blue Lawn SCIENCE FICTION / FUTURE Anderson, Kirsty Kingdom Of The Seventh Pool Bradbury, Ray Fahrenheit 451 Broderick, Damien Stuck In Fast Forward, Zones Carmichael, Claire Fabricant Carmody, Isobelle Scatterings Caswell, Brian Deucalion Clarke, Arthur C. 2001; A Space Odyssey Huxley, Aldous Brave New World Jinks, Catherine The Future Trap Kelleher, Victor Earth song Nix, Garth Shade's Children Odgers, Sally Trinity Street Pryor, Michael The Doorways Trilogy Pullman, Philip Northern Lights Wyndham, John The Chrysalis SHORT STORIES Carmody, Isobelle Green Monkey Dreams Caswell, Brian A Dream Of Stars Chambers, Aiden Fatal Twist Dahl, Roald Skin And Other Stories Disher, Gary Restless Dude r, Tess Personal Best Macfarlane, Peter Lovebird Nieuenhuizen, A Crossing Parry, Glyn Radical Take-Offs Sheahan, Robyn ed. Original Sin, Tales from the Wasteland: Stories from the 13th Floor Westall, Robert Love Match Wheatley, Nadia Landmarks Walker, Kate Changes Wheatley, Nadia The Night Tolkein Died, Landmarks Wilson, Barbara Ker Hands Up, Who Enjoyed Their Schooldays SURVIVAL Baillie, Alan Songman Farmer, Nancy A Girl Named Disaster Harris, Davis Devil's Island Kelleher, Victor Taro nga Lazenby, Jack Because We Were The Travellers, The Shaman And The Droll Lawrence, Louise Children Of The Dust Mitchell, Euan Feral Tracks Paulsen, Gary Hatchet Rubenstein, Gillian Terra-Farm a Sweeney, Joyce Free Fall Voigt, Cynthia When She Hollers SUPERNATURAL / THRILLERS Cadman, Michael Zero At The Bone Carmody, Isobelle The Gathering Caswell, Brian A Cage Of Butterflies Catran, Ken Black Sister Cormier, Robert After The First Death Crewe, Gary Strange Objects Cross, Gillian Wolf Edwards, Hazel Stalker Greenwood, Kerry Feral Higgins, Simon Cybercage Kelleher, Victor Del-Del, The Ivory Trail Mcfarlane, Peter The Enemy You Killed Mah, Margaret Memory, The Changeover Pryor, Michael Talent Pullman, Philip The Broken Bridge Rose, Malcolm The Obtuse Experiment Westall, Robert The Wind Eye, The Scarecrows, Yaxley's Cat Wilkins, Kim Blood lace Williams, Sean Metal Fatigue TIME TRAVEL Caswell, Brian Dreamslip Crichton, Michael Timeline Goodman, Alison Singing The Dog star Blues Kelleher, Victor Fire Dancer Lisson, Deborah The Devil's Own Murray, Kirsty Market Blues Pullman, Felicity Sha lott Wells, H.G. The Time Machine WAR Ashley, Bernard Little Soldier Ballard, J.G. Empire Of The Sun Baden, Nina Carrie's War Carter, Peter The Hunted Caswell, Brian Asturias Clancy, Tom The Hunt For Red October Courtney, Bryce Smoky Joe's Cafe D'Ath, Justin Hunters and Warriors Dahl, Roald Going Solo Dubosarsky, Ursula The First Book Of Samuel Hill, Anthony Soldier Boy (940.426 MAR HIL) Hic yilmaz, Gaye And the Stars Were Gold Higgins, Jack The Eagle Has Landed Lehmann, Christian Ultimate Game Macfarlane, The Enemy You Killed Marsden, John The Tomorrow Series Nimmo, Jenny The Rinaldi Ring Rylant, Cynthia I Had Seen Castles Add new titles that are not on the list and which you would recommend to Year 9 students: a.