Ms. Gokturk

Trends in Literature

Tips for Reading Oryx and Crake

• Follow the reading schedule.  Do not fall behind.  If you are not prepared for class, the discussion will not be enlightening or interesting.
• There will be random discussion grade days, so be sure participate each day. Each discussion grade will be out of a possible 5.  You will see these appear on Engrade.
• There is reading every night.  Do not bury your head in the sand if you are absent or if I am absent.
• Take reading notes.  Fold a piece of paper in half to make columns.  Use post-its.  Use index cards.  Whatever works. Make note of characters, write out questions you have, look for patterns, themes, etc.
• At the end of each page, ask yourself, “What happened?”  If you are not sure, reread.
• After reading, refer back to the Chapter Title.  Why did Atwood name this chapter this?  Consider how that word/phrase is important to the whole chapter.
• Use the vocabulary list as you read.  If you stumble on a word, it is likely on the vocabulary sheet I provided.  This sheet is also available at www.surfturk.com on your HW page.
• There are relevant links to the novel on our HW page.
• You are studying, not just reading for pleasure. Remember that.  Every detail is important. 
• Challenge yourself.  As you read, what passages do you think Gokturk will highlight for the quiz?
• Make connections.  As you read, consider the real world.  How far away are we? Where do you see evidence of this?
• If you are absent, remember that you have two days upon your return to make it up or it goes in my book as a NMU (not made up) and is a zero.
• Extra Credit.  Send me links to current events that relate to the novel as we read. 
• Make reading groups.  Meet with friends to talk about the reading.  This can help clarify difficult parts.
• See me before class.  Want help? Come chat with me 4-2 or by appointment.
• Envision your final project.  Look for inspiration in this text, the world, and our previous texts.  Yours should be high caliber and fit the course material.

Jimmy (pre- apocalypse) = Snowman (post-apocalypse)

Glenn = Crake