Mr. Huesken
11th Grade World History
- Historical Literature The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
Overview –
As part of your grade for this class, you will be reading the
Pulitzer-Prize winning book The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. This book
is a work of historical fiction that deals with a variety of cultural and
political themes that will be coming up again and again as we progress in
our Asia unit. For this project, you will have to complete the following two
(2) tasks:
1. Reading Log (4 entries @ 10 points apiece = 40 points) – For each section
described in the assigned reading schedule, you will be recording events and
thoughts in a reading log. Your will be issued a graphic organizer as part of your
packet to record your information. All logs will be collected with this packet at
the end of the reading project. Your entries for each section should include the
following:

A summary of the section with major characters (major plot events,
characters, etc.), which should be appropriately titled for the section and
written in complete sentences / paragraphs.
Ex.
- What are the major events / plot of this section?
- What are the major characters of this section?
- What actions are going on to enrich the story?

Your personal thoughts / questions on the section and the major
events of that section (feelings towards characters or own opinions
towards actions taken), which should give the reader your impressions of
the action thus far.
Ex.
- What is your favorite character thus far? Has it change?
- Do you disagree with some of the actions taken by the
characters?
- Would you have taken a different approach?
- How does the actions of the book relate to what we are
learning about in class (if noticeable)?
2. Weekly Quizzes (4 quizzes @ 10 points apiece = 40 points total) – In order to
assess you comprehension of the book and also to make sure that you are keeping
up with the reading log and reading schedule, weekly quizzes will be present.
Each quiz will deal with that particular section and its elements (plot, main
characters, etc.)
All together, this reading project equals a total of eighty (80) points
Reading Schedule –
You will be following the assigned reading schedule listed below, so make sure you pace
yourself and stay on track with your readings:
 Section 1 (April 18th – April 27th)
o Book: Chapters 1-6
o Quiz on Section 1 – April 27th
 Section 2 (April 27th – May 13th)
o Book: Chapters 7-16
o Quiz on Section 2 – May 13th
 Section 3 (May 13th – May 23rd)
o Book: Chapters 17-25
o Quiz on Section 3 – May 23rd
 Section 4 (May 23rd – June 6th)
o Book: Chapter 26-34
o Quiz on Section 4 – June 6th
All told, this short reading project will be an easy way for students to gain points and also
gain a better understand of Chinese cultures and lifestyle as well as how the changing
times of the world effected one Chinese family as we move into the modern era of World
History