Spring, 2011
Pre-AP/ Pre-AP Quest/ Pre-IB English I
Summer Reading Assignment
Welcome to Pre-AP English I. We look forward to working with you during the next school year.
During each six-week grading period, students will read a novel and/or conduct research outside of class in
addition to in-class instruction.
Our literature study will begin this summer with Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
If possible, students should purchase their own copies of Lord of the Flies. It is an advantage to be able to
take notes in the margins and underline or highlight notable passages. Books are available at local
bookstores, as well as through on-line retailers (least expensive paperback ISBN: 0399501487). There are
also a limited number of copies available for students to check out from each high school. These books will
be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested may contact one of the people listed
below, preferably before June 4, 2011.
As you read Lord of the Flies, we want you to annotate the text. You can find assignment guidelines
and instructions for annotation on the following page. Because we will be using this novel as the basis for
much of the work you will do during the first six weeks of school, it is imperative that you complete the
book before the first day of class. On the first day, please bring your annotated copy of the book to class.
You can expect a test over this novel sometime during the first week.
Signing this document indicates that:
1. The undersigned has received a copy of the summer reading assignment.
2. The undersigned understands that instruction and assessments during the first weeks of
school will be based on this reading assignment. Completion of this assignment is
necessary for success in this program.
If there are any questions or concerns, please contact us. Have a good summer!
Cedar Park High School
Cheryl Collins ([email protected])
Rouse High School
Lori McDonald ([email protected])
Vista Ridge High School
Vicki Yoder ([email protected])
Leander High School
Dan Rucker ([email protected])
Vandegrift High School
Tara Stewart ([email protected])
I have received the summer reading assignment for Pre-AP English I. I understand the requirements for
completion prior to the first day of class, August 22, 2011.
Student name (print) _______________________________
HS Campus I will attend: ______________
Student signature ____________________________________
Date ________________
Return the white copy to the teacher. Keep the yellow copy for your information.
ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES:
Allow time to read and annotate the novel carefully. Annotating simply means
marking the pages with comments and /or notes as you read. If you are unable to
purchase a novel, then use sticky notes for annotating a borrowed copy.
Annotating may include highlighting key words, phrases, or sentences; writing questions
or comments in the margins; bracketing important ideas or passages; connecting ideas
that are important to understanding the work; circling or highlighting unfamiliar words.
Specific items for annotation might include: character description; literary elements
(symbolism, theme, foreshadowing, etc.); figurative language (similes, metaphors,
personification, etc.); plot elements (setting, mood, conflict, etc.); diction (effective or
unusual word choice); vocabulary words.
FOCUS OF ANNOTATION:
As you annotate, please pay close attention to the characters and themes below. This
will help guide your reading and provide some direction as you annotate.
Characters: Ralph
Motifs: Civilization vs. Savagery
Jack
Piggy
Fear of the unknown
Simon
Loss of innocence
HOW TO ANNOTATE A TEXT:
Highlighting/Underlining: Highlighting stands out from the page and allows you to
scan a page quickly for information. Be careful not to mark too much! Make sure to
note why you’ve highlighted the information.
Brackets [ ]: If several lines seem important, place a bracket around the passage,
then highlight or underline only key phrases within the bracketed area.
Asterisks *: An asterisk indicates something unusual, special, or important. Multiple
asterisks indicate a stronger degree of importance.
Marginal notes: Use space in the margin to respond to ideas in the book that are
highlighted, underlined, in brackets, or have asterisks. Use marginal notes to: ask
questions; label literary elements; summarize critical events; explain ideas; make a
comment; identify characters.
Summarization: Summarizing at the end of the chapter helps rethink and remember
the main points of each chapter.
The most effective annotation is a combination of
all of these techniques! Use them all.