This document provides an introduction to a WebQuest about the American author Kurt Vonnegut. Students will research Vonnegut and one of his books, completing assignments such as a character analysis essay, a creative project advertising their chosen book, and a book review. They will be evaluated using rubrics for each assignment that assess elements like accurate summarization, use of literary terms, and writing quality. The goal is for students to gain appreciation for Vonnegut and his texts.

1. Welcome: Introduction Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Description: This is a WebQuest that will help students learn about popular American Literature
by Kurt Vonnegut.
Grade Level: 9-12
Curriculum: English / Language Arts
Keywords: Literature, American Literature, English
Author(s): Morgan Stanley
Introduction:
Through this WebQuest you will be discovering the world of great American Literature
by Kurt Vonnegut. You will be able to read about this authors and their books. By researching
and finding a topic, you will gain an appreciation for these texts and the author themselves.
Task:
As you research your topic and work in your groups, you will run into many books;
however remain vigilant with your classmates and choose a book that you all are interested in.
Once your group find a text, you will give the class a brief summary on that book and some
information interesting facts about Vonnegut. You will then pick a book you will commit to read
from any of the presentations. By the end of this WebQuest, you will have completed 2 minor
papers, a project, and a final paper. You will use the resources and rubrics provided to help you
along this task.
Process:
Complete the following tasks:
Part 1:
As you work in groups, use your resource list and find one books (Kurt Vonnegut Only)
that you are interested in reading. Continue your research and write down information about the
author and a brief summary (do not give away the ending) of the book. Your group will then give
a quick oral presentation, which will include information about the author and your book title,
Part 2:
From the titles researched by your fellow classmates, each student should pick a book
they will commit to read for the semester. Your first paper assignment will be a character
analysis essay including 2-3 characters (minimum) from your chosen novel (Rubric provided).

2. Part 3:
Your second assignment will be a media project where you are going to create an
advertisement to sell your book. Think about movies and television show commercials, and ads
in magazines! Along with your project, I will require a 2-3 page essay explaining how you made
your project and why (Rubric provided).
You can pick from the following project list:
A. Movie poster (maybe your book is becoming a film!)
B. Act out a scene from your book
C. Create a Webpage to promote your book
D. Create a podcast advertisement
E. A social media page
Part 4:
Your final assignment will be a 3-4 page book review on your chosen novel. You should
begin with a short summary or give your readers a background of the book. What did you like
and not like about your book? Discuss a few themes or symbols you thought were important in
your novel. Would you recommend this to your fellow peers?
Remember to revise your papers thoroughly and good luck!
Links/Resources:
Wikipedia - You may use Wikipedia to find information summaries of your books.
How to Write a Character Analysis Essay - Tips and help on how to write your Character
Analysis assignment.
How to Write a Book Review - Tips and help on how to write your Book Review Assignment
Book Archive - Only use this if you cannot find a physical copy of your novel.
Google Books - Only use this if you cannot find a physical copy of your novel.
Good Reads List of Books by Vonnegut - Use this for your primary research.
Offical Bio Page for Kurt Vonnegut Jr. - Use this for your primary research.

3. Evaluation:
Evaluation of your learning will be done based on the corresponding rubric. Attach each one
when you are ready to hand that assignment.
Rubric for Character Analysis:
Introduction: The student creates an engaging hook that hooks in the reader, includes the book
title and author, and states the main topic.
+10 points
Support: Why did you pick these characters? Where do they fall in the story/main conflict?
+10 points
Characters: Accurately gives details on 2-3 characters from the book. Introduces and describes
the chosen characters. Includes traits that fully describe the characters. Chose at least 2
characters.
+10 points
Terms Evaluation: Uses at least 3 different literary terms to describe the character.
+10 points
Writing Style/Format: Character Analysis is at least 2-3 pages. Paragraphs flow smoothly with
transitions. Uses concise diction. Analysis has very little spelling and grammar errors.
+10 points
ASSIGNMENT TOTAL: __/50 points

4. Rubric for Book Project:
Project: Quality of idea or creative approach +10 points
Project: Reflects knowledge of the original text +10 points
Essay: At least 2 pages, reflects knowledge of the original text (demonstrates an understanding
of a character, scene, theme or key idea) +20 points
Essay: Ideas for improving the original instructions +10 points
ASSIGNMENT TOTAL: __/ 50 points

5. Rubric for Book Review:
Introduction: The student creates an engaging hook that hooks in the reader, includes the book
title and author (Vonnegut), and correctly identifies the genre. States the main topic.
+10 points
Setting/Characters: Accurately and specifically describes the settings. Introduces and describes
the main characters. Includes traits that fully describe the characters.
+10 points
Plot Summary: Accurately sums up the main events in the story. Fully identifies the main
conflicts/problems in the story.
+10 points
Evaluation: Student clearly states their opinion about the book. Identifies a correct target
audience for the book. Give specific evidence to support opinions.
+10 points
Writing Style/Format: Book review is at least 3-4 pages. Paragraphs flow smoothly with
transitions. Uses concise diction. Review has very little spelling and grammar errors.
+10 points
ASSIGNMENT TOTAL: __/50 points

6. Conclusion:
Congratulations on successfully finishing your WebQuest! Hopefully you learned a lot
about Kurt Vonnegut and his famous texts, through your research and assignments.