ENGLISH
Reading Tasks
1Character Study
Imagine that a character out of your novel has just walked through the door. Describe him or her in detail. Now imagine the conversation which would take place between you and the character. Write the conversation.
2Letter to the (dead) author - For this task choose a novel written by someone who is now deceased. Write a letter to the author. Set out your opinions about the novel and ask any questions you would like answered after reading it. Then write the reply.
3Book cover - The novel is about to be re-issue. Design a NEW book jacket for it, complete with a blurb on the back which would encourage browsers to buy it.
4Radio script - A radio producer has asked you to make this novel into a radio serial with ten-minute instalments. Write the script for one instalment, remembering the importance of realistic speech, sound effects, and a good instalment-ending. Set this out as a script with a minimum amount of narration.
5New ending - Write a new last chapter for the novel – an alternative ending or events five years on.
6Book Review - Assume the role of a critic or a celebrity/personality and write a book review for an imaginary publication.
7Plot poem - Reduce the plot of the novel to a series of statements and then combine these to create a ‘plot poem’ with a strong rhythm. Use rhyme if you wish.
8Diary - Choose one of the characters in your novel and write their diary for a few days either during the events of the novel or after the story ends.
9Author’s life - Research the life of the author and write about it, showing how details in his or her life link in with the novel you have read.
10Historical setting - For this task your chosen novel must be set before 1960. Research some facts about the time in which the story is set and write about that time. Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of living at that time and discuss how accurately you think the author has reflected the period.
