2013-2014 Central Middle School 6th Grade Summer Reading
Dear Parent/Guardian,
All students entering the sixth grade this fall must read one book over the summer. Everyone will read The Cay, by
Theodore Taylor. Students will take an AR test on this book during the first few weeks of school. Students need to have a
copy of their book for the first week of school for discussion groups and activities. Students should complete all activities
listed below. Students may answer questions on loose leaf paper or type using 12-point Arial. If typed, the activity must be
printed out and turned in during class. The assignment is due Wednesday, August 14.
1. Read the article “A Monster Storm”.
2. Answer these questions in complete sentences:
a. What is a storm surge?
b. Based on what you have read, what steps might people take today if they knew such a storm was headed
their way?
3. Read The Cay.
4. Fill out the attached reading log.
5. Answer BOTH of the following prompts in paragraph form – one paragraph per prompt - (use the outlines below as
a guide).
a. Which story gives a more vivid account of a hurricane? Give reasons for your response. Defend your
answer with evidence from the more vivid story.
b. Compare the storm in “A Monster Storm” to the one in The Cay. List two ways they are similar. Provide
evidence from both texts to support your answer.
Prompt A Outline:
Sentence 1: Restate the question and give your reasons.
Sentence 2: Explain your answer using more details.
Sentence 3: Use a quote from the novel that supports your answer.
Sentence 4: Explain your quote using more details.
Sentence 5: Write a concluding sentence that summarizes your paragraph.
Prompt B Outline
Sentence 1: Restate the question and list your similarities.
Sentence 2: Explain your first similarity using more detail.
Sentence 3: Explain your second similarity using more detail.
Sentence 4: Use a quote from one of the stories that supports your answer.
Sentence 5: Use a quote from the other story that supports your answer.
Sentences 6 & 7: Explain your quotes using more details.
Sentence 8: Write a concluding sentence that summarizes your paragraph.
Active Reading Log
The Cay Chapters Seven – Twelve
Each chapter of The Cay gives more information about the characters and the setting. As you read each chapter, record
the important details that you learn about Phillip, Timothy, and the cay itself.
Chapter
7
Phillip
Ex: realizes that he is
helpless without Timothy
Timothy
the cay