1. Fill out the table by describing the title and form (movie, novel, and so on) of the story. Then describe the plot, characters, dialogue, and setting of the story your speech will be about. At this point, just summarize each element without giving your opinion.
Title: The Graveyard Book
Form: Novel
Plot: The story is about the life of a young boy, Nobody Owens, who is adopted and raised by the occupants of a graveyard after his family is murd ered. He is given the name Bod by his new guardians, and he learns to survive in the graveyard with the help of its inhabitants. As he grows older, Bod embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his family's death and his own identity.
Characters: Nobody Owens (Bod), Silas, Miss Lupescu, Scarlett Amber Perkins, Liza Hempstock, The Man Jack, The Sleer, The Lady on the Grey
Dialogue: The dialogue in the novel is often humorous and lighthearted, as Bod interacts with the various characters in the graveyard. It also contains moments of tension and suspense as Bod confronts the mysterious Man Jack and the Sleer.
Setting: The story takes place in a graveyard in England, where Bod is raised by the ghosts and other supernatural creatures that inhabit the graveyard. The graveyard is a place of both safety and danger, as Bod must learn to navigate the dangers of the graveyard while also learning to appreciate its beauty and the kindness of its inhabitants.
2. Now evaluate the same elements in the story. Decide whether each is effective or ineffective and explain why.
Plot:
Characters:
Dialogue:
Setting:
3. In the space below, write a claim that expresses your overall opinion about the story. Follow it up with at least two supporting reasons. Make sure the claim is argumentative, whether it defends or criticizes the story. Finally, make sure the supporting reasons are clearly related to your claim.
4. Give at least one piece of evidence for each supporting reason. Evidence should come directly from the story itself or from critics' reviews. It should take the form of examples or quotes.
Evidence for reason 1:
Evidence for reason 2:
5. Create an outline that organizes all the parts of your speech. Your outline should give you reminders about what to say in the introduction, the body (where your supporting reasons and evidence will appear), and the conclusion. Later, you can put the information from your outline on note cards if you find it helpful.
