AP English Language and Composition
Summer Work
“The two capital secrets in the art of prose composition are these: first the philosophy of transition and
connection; or the art by which one step in an evolution of thought is made to arise out of another: all fluent
and effective thought depends on the connections; secondly, the way in which sentences are made to modify each
other; for the most powerful effects in written eloquence arise out of this reverberation, as it were, from each
other in a rapid succession of sentences.”
Thomas DeQunicey
“Begin at the beginning,” the King said, gravely, “and go on till you come to the end; then stop.” Lewis Carroll
Welcome to AP English Lang. and Comp! This is a class that will push you in many ways. We’ll spend the year working
on our writing – and in the process we’ll become better readers and thinkers. In the end, it is our hope that you understand
the elements of effective writing and that you are adept at utilizing those in your own writing.
The summer work for this class will involve reading and, of course, writing. We’ll ask you to return to school in August
with two pieces. The reading is not extensive; we have opted for good shorter pieces because they are more reflective of
what we’ll be writing. Read each one carefully. For each piece, take notes on three things:
1. The author’s purpose: Why is she/he writing? What is the main idea or thesis of the piece (stated or not)? Once
you have discovered that, take notes on content that specifically supports it.
2. The author’s technique: Is it a pro/con piece, an expository piece, a comparison/contrast essay or a cause and
effect organization? Take notes on how the writer develops the piece.
3. The author’s tone: Is this serious, playful, informal…? How do you know? Take notes on specific places where
the author’s tone is clear.
We will ask you to read each piece actively by underlining or highlighting each of the above with a different color (e.g.
yellow for purpose, blue for technique, green for tone), then transfer important information to a notebook (a bound
composition book works well). Bring that book with you on the first day of class. There will be an open note test on the
summer reading when you return, so take good notes! There are two types of writing in the summer packet:

Essays – We’ve chosen these because they are representative pieces. They contain excellent writing; they’re
well-structured, they have a clear thesis (stated or not), they are provocative and/or evocative, they contain
beautiful language, well-structured sentences, and compelling evidence. Based on your reading and your own
knowledge, use your notes to further develop your understanding.
 Writing about Writing – What does the piece focus on? What is new knowledge for you? Does the writer tell
you something you didn’t know? Your notes should reflect all of that.
You should plan on keeping a summer journal with those notes.
Your first piece of writing: Write something that you like. This could be a story, a non-fiction piece, a poem, a creative
piece. The only requirements are that it’s original, it’s written this summer. (No, you can’t turn in your 10th grade
historical fiction or your JRP…), and you’re proud of it. Then write a paragraph explaining what you like about it.
The second piece of writing: When you have finished reading the articles on writing, write a letter to us that introduces
you as a student and a writer. In it, include an assessment of your own writing. Describe your strengths, your challenges
and your goals for this upcoming year.
To summarize – your summer work is as follows:
1. Read and take notes on the essays in your reading packet (first with color-coded underlining and/or
highlighting), then, in a notebook. Then, transfer important info to a notebook (a black/white composition
book is fine). There will be an open note test at the beginning of the school year.
2. Write something that you like – and that you’re proud of.
3. Write a letter that includes assessment of you as a student and a writer. Include goals for this year.
Bring all of this with you on the first day of class.
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E-mail your teacher (Gavin or Steve) at [email protected] or [email protected] if you have questions.
Do take time to enjoy yourself and relax this summer – We’ll see you in the September!