During this theme, we're going to read a short novel. You have already read short stories during English class, but might not have read an actual English novel before! We're going to do something about that by reading one of the three novels mentioned below.
All novels are suitable for your English level (A2), however, we do recommend a certain novel per school level (mavo/havo/vwo) because of the plot and/or language that is used. If you prefer to read a more difficult or easier novel than the one that is advised for your level, that is fine by us, as long as we divide the class into even parts of three. In other words, there are 10 copies of each novel available per class.
During the next few lessons, you're going to read this novel during English class and at home. Your English expert will discuss the different Elements of a Story with you and you will do exercises to help you understand and state these Elements. You need this knowledge in year 3 in which we'll be reading an English novel again. Open the PPT below to see what the Elements of a Story are.
We'll finish this project with a small Booktest about the content of your novel, so make sure to read it completely! You will receive a mark for this Booktest. You can get a copy of your book at Leon. Make sure you bring your studentcard when you want to borrow a book!
Have fun!
Which novels can I choose from?
1. Racing the Tide (more suitable for mavo)
'Ella and her family live in a trailer park in Broome, Australia. Ella doesn’t like living there and doesn’t spend a lot of time there. She finds the tides and the people very weird; then there’s also the story of a schoolgirl who went missing. When Ella stumbles upon the bracelet, she thinks she knows what has happened to Jenny...'
2. Road to Nowhere (more suitable for havo)
'One night, Nick sees some strange things happening at the beach near his family’s farm. There are people getting off a boat; he suspects they are illegal immigrants. When he investigates the situation, he realises he’s right. Soon he gets involved with a brother and sister and their attempt to escape from a people smuggler…'
3. The Creature (more suitable for vwo)
'Kin Zen is a 15-year-old boy who has already visited more of the galaxy and seen more planets than most people ever would. Both of his parents are scientists and together with thousands of people they are exploring the galaxy.
During their journey through outer space, they discover an alien creature. But this creature is unlike any of the other aliens they’ve collected so far. Everyone on board of the ship is starting to feel ill and it soon becomes clear this creature has powers beyond those of any human being…'
Task - While reading
1. Who is the protagonist of the story? Why? (mavo-havo-vwo)
2. Describe the appearance and personality of the protagonist. (mavo-havo-vwo)
3. What is the setting of the story? Name both time and place. (mavo-havo-vwo)
4. Name at least 1 theme of the story and explain why/how you know this is a theme of the story. (havo-vwo)