A. Alternatives to a Written Book Report

It takes time to write strong reviews with a lot of effort. Reading reviews done by other people can help you get a feeling for the flow and flavour of reviews.

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• Create a written Advertisement.
• Script an extract for dramatisation purposes.
• Design a new cover for the book.
  
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• Write a publisher's blurb in order to sell the book.
• Write to the author describing your feelings about the book.
  
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• Create newspaper headlines* based on the book.
• Write an imaginary letter between two of the characters.
• Compile a diary extract or extracts that may be written by one of the characters.
• Create a collage or a 'junk sculpture' of the book's key concerns.
  
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• Create horoscopes for the characters.

B. Dramatised Presentation:

This activity is a combination of oral and written communication and will require the students to speak, read and act.

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• The objective of this enjoyable activity is to persuade potential readers to read the book and to develop a love of reading.
• The work may be presented *individually or in groups.
• Having read the book, students will be required to prepare an activity within a time limit.

a. Dramatised Prose

• Read a prepared passage to the class.
• Dramatise an extract from the book.
  
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• The suggestion of costumes e.g. hats and scarves may be an effective touch.
• Discuss a character or a short section without divulging too much of the plot.

b. Advertisements

• The subject and the audience will determine the nature of the presentation.
• The title is the catch-phrase, as this is what you want the audience to remember.
  
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• Offer approximately three reasons why the book should be read. (Too many will lessen the impact.)
• Enhance your advertisement with the use of slogans, songs, rap, jingles and other appropriate sound effects e.g. musical instruments.
  
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• Visual effects such as posters or suggestion of costumes (hats and scarves) could be included.

c. Interviews
The interview may be conducted in pairs or in a panel discussion.

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• The format will be question and answer.
• The question needs careful and intelligent preparation.
• It is important for the questioner to appear knowledgeable.
  
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• Questions and answers should appear to be spontaneous.

An interview with an author

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The author needs to 'sell' herself or himself as well as the book.

An interview with a character or some of the characters in a book.

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This will give us insight into the characters and bring them life.

**d. A Puppet Show
The puppets may enact scenes from the book, discuss or promote the book.
Puppet-making could be integrated with the Art Class.

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• Hand puppets, finger puppets or shadow puppets could be used.

Sources: EBH Joubert. English Grammar. In Writing

https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
http://tygerbergeisteddfod.co.za/wp-content/uploads/DRAMATISED-PROSE-CK.pdf

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