Summer Reading List 2017: 11th Grade British Literature and Composition (Standard)
A Rationale for Summer Reading
• To generate interest and pleasure in reading that enriches literary and philosophical experience
• To use time not available during the school year to read classics that expand cultural literacy
• To prepare for thoughtful discussion and writing beginning the first day of class
• To encourage a lifelong love of reading
Required Text
1984
Note: It is important that you purchase the edition indicated by the ISBN.
George Orwell Signet edition
ISBN: 978-0-451-52493-5
Winston, the main character, finds himself desiring to rebel against his controlling government in this
futuristic novel. As he develops a forbidden relationship with his comrade Julia, he discovers how far he
will go in his quest for individuality and freedom, risking a forceful response from the government.
Required Text General Instruction/Evaluation
Students will be assigned a test, journal entries, the first essay of the school year, and participate in
seminar over 1984 during the first weeks of the school year.
Choice Texts General Instructions/Evaluations
Select the choice book for summer reading by May 1 and register the selection with either Kristin
Vazquez or Steve Hollis. This choice book will be your primary source for the research paper. We will
begin the research paper process on the first day of English class. As you read, please do the following:
• Annotate while reading. Mark characters’ names (especially the first time they appear), time or
place, conflict, how characters develop/change through the story, etc.
• Note any themes (central ideas) as you read. Some possible themes include man vs nature,
individual vs society, independence, the abuse of power, the danger of duality, pride, loneliness,
conscience vs convenience, insecurity, how class structure affects relationships, redemption, and
appearance vs reality. (This list does not include every theme from every book, but it should give
an idea of what to look for while reading.)
• Create 5 quote cards on lined 3x5 index cards with quotes that pertain to the theme of the text.
These will be turned in on the first day of school. Please use the format included below to create
your quote cards.
• Create 1 source card on a lined 3x5 index card with bibliographic information for your primary
source. Google “Purdue Owl” for how to cite a book with one author. Please use the format
included on the next page to create your source card.
• Write down your questions as you read and create quote and source cards. You may email your
research paper advisor with questions at any time. ([email protected] or
[email protected])
Sample Source Card:
K.VazquezTheIslandofDr.Moreau1
McConnel,Frank.TheScienceFictionofH.G.Wells.OxfordU.P.,
1981.
PrimarySource
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [1]: Useyournameinsteadof
mine.
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [2]: Titleofyourprimary
source
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [3]: Puta1heretoshowthat
thisisyourprimarysourceandyourfirst
categoryofnotecards.
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [4]: Google“PurdueOwl”tosee
howtociteyoursource.Lookforabook
withoneauthor.
Sample Quote Card
KVMoreau’sPurpose1.1
“Moreau’sobsessionistocreatearaceofperfecthumanbeings
andtoimprovehisideaofevolution”(McConnel92).
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [5]: Yourinitials
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [6]: TopicofQuote
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [7]: Sourcenumber,then
numberthecards—thisismyfirstquote
fromsource1.Formysecondquote,Iwould
write1.2.
Kristin Vazquez 4/26/2017 3:24 PM
Comment [8]: Includecomplete,correct
citation.
Please remember the BA English Department policy:
Do not consult internet novel guides, any other electronic or printed summaries, or movies;
read the texts themselves.