With classes right around the corner for middle and high schoolers, back to school means handing in summer assignments and beginning-of-the-year in class essays. In-class essays are especially nerve-racking because you're never told what your essay question will be, and you'll be expected to make your argument in a limited amount of time. If these parameters make you nervous, you're not alone. But but if you have in-class essays in Social Studies or Humanities, here's a guide to make you an expert on your historical fiction novel so you'll be able to essay plan on the spot.
Before you read the book:
1. Research the time period the book takes place in. In historical fiction, researching the historical event that the book focuses on will help you better understand what certain characters are supposed to represent and the hardships they are facing. Also, historical fiction will reference and hint at historical events but the author may not have time to fully explain each event. Prior research will help fill in the gaps.
While you are reading the assigned novel:
1. Start an "important characters" list. You should add to this list as you continue on through the book. Each character should have a two or three sentence character summary explaining character traits and what their role is in the story.
2. After every chapter you should write 3-5 bullet points explaining important plot points (summarizing what happened in that chapter).
3. After every chapter, write a list of social or historical facts you have learned about the time period. How do these things affect the characters and the book?
4. After every chapter pick 2 quotes that you think are important in that chapter and analyze it. Why is the quote important? What does it say about the characters or events it involves? What theme/idea does it hint at and why?
After you a finished with the book:
1. What did you learn about this time period?
2. What are three themes that were repeated in the book? (draw on your quote analyses to pick these themes)
3. What do you think the author was trying to say/teach about this time period?
4. Pick two characters. How did they change and grow throughout the story? Why were these transformations important?
Before you read the book:
1. Research the time period the book takes place in. In historical fiction, researching the historical event that the book focuses on will help you better understand what certain characters are supposed to represent and the hardships they are facing. Also, historical fiction will reference and hint at historical events but the author may not have time to fully explain each event. Prior research will help fill in the gaps.
While you are reading the assigned novel:
1. Start an "important characters" list. You should add to this list as you continue on through the book. Each character should have a two or three sentence character summary explaining character traits and what their role is in the story.
2. After every chapter you should write 3-5 bullet points explaining important plot points (summarizing what happened in that chapter).
3. After every chapter, write a list of social or historical facts you have learned about the time period. How do these things affect the characters and the book?
4. After every chapter pick 2 quotes that you think are important in that chapter and analyze it. Why is the quote important? What does it say about the characters or events it involves? What theme/idea does it hint at and why?
After you a finished with the book:
1. What did you learn about this time period?
2. What are three themes that were repeated in the book? (draw on your quote analyses to pick these themes)
3. What do you think the author was trying to say/teach about this time period?
4. Pick two characters. How did they change and grow throughout the story? Why were these transformations important?
I hope this guide helps you in preparation for your essays. Guides like this can be used throughout the year to prepare for midterms and finals, as well as being used as "active reading" exercises for your assignments. Please let me know if you find this guide helpful and good luck with your new school year/semester.
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