3.1 To read spontaneously and extensively for pleasure

English home language

Grade 9

Personal development and empowerment

Module 14

To read spontaneously and extensively

Activity 1:

To read spontaneously and extensively for pleasure and to make motivated recommendations to others

To produce factual written texts by means of a book report

[lo 3.1, 4.2]

• Reading is another wonderful way to learn what you like and dislike. You also feel as if you experience what the character goes through.

Reading is an important part of your development and will help you in many different ways. You will be able feel to with a character, as if you are in love, as if you are being chased or as if you have just been given your own job.

• After you have read a book of your choice, look at the Book Report format below and write comments.

• If you choose to read short stories, choose three of your favourites and write a book report on each of the three short stories.
• Decide what genre you like: adventure , horror , fantasy or science-fiction .

• Then make your reading choice.

• You should join your local library. It is free but you will be required to fill in a form to receive your library card(s) or dockets.

• Most libraries will allow you to take out three books at a time.
• Choose three different books to get a feel for what you enjoy the most.
• Librarians are very friendly and helpful – ask them to help you look for books.

Watch the film “ Pagemaster ” to see how knowledge of books helps Richard, the hero. I leave it to you to find out how it ends!

Book report

• Give:

• The title and the author of the book.
• The name of the publishers and year of publication.
• Genre = What type of book it is, eg. Romance\Adventure\Thriller\Horror\Science-Fiction):
• The name of the most important character in this book.
• The names of the other important characters and what their function is in this book, e.g. their relationship to the main character.

• Write a brief summary of your favourite part of the book. Comment on the characters. What did you like about him\her or them?
• Draw up a list of TWO good characters (heroes) and of TWO bad characters (villains).
• Where does the story take place? (setting)
• Give ten words (and their meanings) that were unfamiliar to you OR that you found new and interesting.
• What is the story about? How does it develop? (plot)
• What have you learnt from this book; from one of the characters or from their mistakes or good choices?
• As far as the story is concerned, was there anything about people in general that you could identify with, or that you could relate to?

• Feel free to choose a book from the list below or choose one of your own.

• You will be required to report back to the class so that you can recommend the book you are reading. If you do not find the book you are reading at this moment very stimulating, you can recommend another book you have enjoyed. Motivate your choice by giving reasons for your enjoyment. Learners may ask you about the book so be prepared to respond to these questions clearly and politely.

Suggested Reading List

• The titles marked with an asterisk * are included for more avid readers.