Here’s a game to help ensure that your teenager hits the important aspects of analyzing a piece of literature. Use this game to prepare for a literature quiz, and a good grade is in the cards!
What You Need:
❑ A standard deck of cards, with jokers, face cards, and numbers 4-9 removed
❑ An index card and pen
❑ A copy of the assigned literature
What You Do:
- Before the game, read the assigned literature.
- Shuffle the cards well and place in a pile face down.
- Write the following on an index card:
❑ Hearts: characters or setting
❑ Spades: plot (exposition, complications, climax, resolution)
❑ Clubs: theme
❑ Diamonds: literary techniques - Turn over the top card, and check the suit and the number of the selected card.
- Check the key written on the index card to determine which element of literature applies to the selected card. For example, for a card with hearts, the player will have to think about the characters or setting of the piece of literature.
- The number on the card determines how many statements to make about that element of literature. If a player chooses the three of spades, for example, he needs to name three plot points from the literature.(Note: He may look back at the literature for ideas, if necessary.)
- If the selected card is an ace, it’s a free pass. The player collects the card and leaves it in front of him, face up. When all four aces have been collected, the review is over!
