Summer Reading Assignment (Summer 2008)

Pre-AP/IB English 10

Mrs. Robinson & Mr. Sinnott

The Assignment:

1.        Select one novel from the list provided. No substitutions. If you would like to know more about the books, you can find a synopsis of each one on the AHS website by clicking on the Summer Work link (www.auburnschools.org/ahs). You can also search websites such as Amazon, Books-a-Million, and Barnes and Noble. Choose wisely. Pick something you have not already read. You can purchase a copy of the book, borrow it from a friend or family member, or check it out of the local library.

2.        Specifications for your written assignment (VERY IMPORTANT):

a.        Due Date: This assignment is due on the FIRST DAY of class. NO EXCEPTIONS!! Late assignments will be penalized 10 points PER DAY for each day it is late.

b.       Point Value: This assignment is worth 100 points.

c.        NO half-efforts or excuses: Don’t throw this together at the last minute. Don’t copy from others (That’s plagiarism, and it will get you a zero on the assignment.).

d.       Remember: This is our first impression of you. Make it a good one!!

3.        Typed Responses while you read: [The responses explained below MUST follow this format -- typed, Times New Roman, 11-point font, singe-spaced, 1/2 page in length for each of the responses. Give each response a heading that clearly identifies the response that will follow. When you finish the entire typed assignment, you will be turning in two pages total).

a.        Reader Response (25 points per section): Begin by dividing your book in half (either by chapters or by page numbers). After you finish reading the first half of the book, type a reader response to that section. DO NOT write a plot summary; instead, write about your reactions to elements such as the plot, characters, and/or the writer’s style. After you finish reading the second half of the book, type a second reader response using the same instructions you used for the first response. Each reader response should be 1/2 page typed.

b.       Passage Analysis (40 points): This is a crucial section of the assignment. It shows your ability to choose important passages within the novel and intelligently analyze them. Points will be deducted for responses that are general, vague, or that fail to accurately reflect the plot and/or the characters. This section should be 1/2 page typed. Choose ONE of these options:

1)       Choose one passage from the novel that you believe is important to the climax (turning point) of the novel. Type the passage (with page numbers) first. The passage should be several sentences long.  In the passage analysis, provide an explanation for WHY you feel this passage is so important to the climax of the novel. This response should be 1/2 page typed.

                                                    OR

2) Chose one passage from the novel about one of the main characters that shows either how the character changes in the novel or what kind of personality this character has. Type the passage (with page numbers) first. The passage should be several sentences long. In the passage analysis, provide an explanation for either how this passage shows how the character changes or what kind of personality traits this character exhibits. This response should be 1/2 page typed.

c.        Overall Evaluation (10 points): Complete this response last. This is your opportunity to express your honest opinion of the book. Consider what is done well & poorly. Consider its relevance and contribution to the genre of literary nonfiction. This section should be 1/2 page typed.

4.        A word of caution: The books on this list are adult texts written about the real world from a mature perspective. You need to carefully investigate the books you are interested in prior to choosing one to read. Get your parents approval for whatever book you choose. Also, please be aware that Pre-AP/IB English 10 is a class for mature students who can read with critical minds. Some of the texts we read in class (and on this list) examine adult themes and issues. Reading works that investigate difficult ethical choices and actions does not ever condone or celebrate the choices that characters make. Instead, AP classes are designed to allow students to see how the English language is used to convey the human experience in a vivid, dramatic, and unforgettable manner. We expect our students to be mature readers (or at least, on their way to being so). Choose your book for the summer carefully.

5.        This assignment is due the first day you have class with your English teacher. For some of you that will be the first day of class. (Remember: the school year always starts on a Blue day so check your schedule. If you aren’t sure which day you will see your English teacher, bring your assignment on the first day of school just in case.)

6.        DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!! Select a book and start reading now. The first day of school will be here sooner than you think.

7.        LATE PENALTY: A late penalty of 10 points PER DAY will be deducted from the final grade on this assignment for any student not turning the assignment in on the first day of class. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!

8.        As stated in earlier instructions on this sheet – You must completely finish each section. Do not type larger than instructed in order to fill the half-page requirements for each section! Type in 11-point font.

9.        If you misplace these sheets, visit the AHS web site (www.auburnschools.org/ahs) and click on the Summer Work link. Print out the assignment sheets for Pre-AP/IB English 10. If you do not have access to a computer, ask a classmate to let you make a copy of his/her assignment sheet, or visit the AHS Counselors’ Suite in Room 218 for a hard copy.

                                                                                                                                                                          Summer Reading Choices (Summer 2008)

Pre-AP/IB English 10

Mrs. Robinson & Mr. Sinnott

*For a brief synopsis of each novel, go to the AHS website at www.auburnschools.org/ahs. Click on Summer Work. You may also view brief summaries of each novel at websites like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-a-Million.