ATOTC Resources to help you with comprehension
A Tale of Two Cities is a tough book! If you're struggling with comprehension and analysis, you're not alone. Even good eighth grade readers find support structures helpful for this unit.
Some of you may need visual reinforcement, while others may benefit from an audio track. Use what helps! And if you try them all and still struggle with the text, talk to me about this.
I suggest reading the chapter summaries (scroll down) prior to reading the chapters from the text. They will form a "map" in your brain for the plot to come, and you will grasp more of what you read. Tip: Do not try substituting the Sparknotes summaries for actual reading. It doesn't go well. Just trust me on this one.
Some of you may need visual reinforcement, while others may benefit from an audio track. Use what helps! And if you try them all and still struggle with the text, talk to me about this.
I suggest reading the chapter summaries (scroll down) prior to reading the chapters from the text. They will form a "map" in your brain for the plot to come, and you will grasp more of what you read. Tip: Do not try substituting the Sparknotes summaries for actual reading. It doesn't go well. Just trust me on this one.
Reading Questions
These questions are excellent to use pre-, during and post- reading. Using and answering the questions will ensure that you will be prepared for our discussions and in-class work with the novel.
Free Audio versionClick on the image above to get to loudlit.org's free audio version of ATOTC. Listen as you read! |
Graphic NovelClick on the cover for an awesome illustrated version of the book. It is a little light on details (again, not a substitute for reading), but it will give you a good idea of what's going on as you read the text.
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e-Dickens and APPSThere are many free digital versions of the printed text, too. Find versions to download or read online here. Also, you can download many ATOTC apps for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Finally, you can check out a copy for your e-reader from your library.
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Dickens GlossaryReading Dickens isn’t easy! Click on the image below to use the Dickens glossary to help you with some of the dialect! (Scroll down to find the glossary when you enter the site).
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Chapter Summaries and Sparknotes
Use the chapter summaries below, this one from SPARKNOTES and this (SPOILER ALERT) video sparknotes to keep track of events as you read. It is to be used IN ADDITION TO careful reading. : )