TASK 1

As you read, maintain a reading journal. For each "floor" of the elevator ride (or every 20-30 pages), choose: 

1. One important quote: Copy it down with the page/line number. 

2. A brief explanation (2-3 sentences): Why is this quote significant? What does it reveal about Will, the plot, or a key idea? 

3. Your personal reaction: How does this quote make you feel, or what does it make you think about? 

TASK 2

Character & Conflict Summary (200-250 words): 

Write a summary explaining who Will is at the beginning of the novel, the main conflict he faces (his decision about revenge), and how he seems to change or understand things differently by the end of the elevator ride. Focus on key events and his emotional journey. I want to see post-its and highlights in it!

TASK 3

Alternate Ending Reflection (150-200 words):  

If Will had made a different decision at the end of the book, what do you imagine would happen next? 

Write a short reflective piece describing an alternative path for him, and explain why you think that path would unfold the way you describe, based on what you learned about Will. 

ASSESSMENT IN SEPTEMBER

1. Journal/Annotation Check: Completion and quality of reflections/summaries.  PREVIA CONDITIONAL GRADE

2. Tasks I & II Submission: Evaluation of comprehension, articulation, and evidence of having read the full text. PREVIA GRADE

3. Short Oral Discussion: A brief conversation with the teacher to assess overall understanding and personal engagement with the novel's plot and characters. PREVIA GRADE

As LOMLOE, while you read, maintain a detailed annotation journal focusing on literary techniques and thematic development. For each "floor" of the elevator ride (or every 15-20 pages), identify and analyse: 

1. Form/Structure: How do line breaks, stanza breaks, or the overall verse structure contribute to the meaning or pacing? Cite specific examples. 

2. Literary Devices: Find and analyse examples of imagery, symbolism (e.g., the gun, smoke, buzzing), metaphor, or simile. Explain their effect. 

3. Theme of Identity: How does the text explore aspects of Will's identity (e.g., as a son, brother, member of his community, his evolving self)? Cite specific lines. 

TASK 2

Literary Analysis Essay Outline (Thematic Focus on IDENTITY): 

Create a detailed essay outline (min. 4 paragraphs: intro, 2 body, conclusion) for the following prompt: 

"Analyse how Jason Reynolds uses literary elements (e.g., narrative voice, symbolism, structure) to explore the complexities of Will's identity in 'Long Way Down'." For each body paragraph, include a clear topic sentence, specific textual evidence (a quote with line numbers), and a brief explanation of how the evidence supports your point and connects to identity. 

TASK 3

The novel explores "the rules." Reflect on any "unwritten rules" or social pressures you observe in your own community or environment. Write a short poem (minimum 15 lines, free verse is fine) or a reflective journal entry (200-250 words) that explores one of these "unwritten rules" and its impact on individuals, drawing inspiration from Reynolds's style (e.g., concise language, strong imagery, emotional depth). 

ASSESSMENT IN SEPTEMBER

1. Journal/Annotation Check: Depth of analysis, identification of literary techniques, and connections to themes/global issues. PREVIA GRADE

2. Tasks I & II Submission: Evaluation of analytical depth, textual evidence, academic language, and insight into IB Global Issues (especially Identity). PREVIA GRADE

3. Socratic Seminar/Group Discussion: Participation in a discussion demonstrating nuanced understanding of themes, literary techniques, and the ability to articulate complex ideas with textual support. This will serve as a foundational activity for the IB Individual Oral. PREVIA GRADE