June 1, 2016
Pre-AP English 3 Summer Reading Assignment
Dear Student,
Welcome to the Pre-AP English class of 2016-2017 We look forward to an exciting and productive year.
Although the curriculum of Pre-AP is similar to the regular sophomore curriculum (with a couple of extra units
added in), it challenges you to think more analytically and ask more questions about what you read. This course
will help you prepare for the more rigorous AP English and college courses in your future. To succeed in this
class, you will be expected to turn in all homework on time and to complete all work with your best effort.
The most important skill you will develop in Pre-AP is the ability to read a text closely and critically.
To help you begin this process, you will read a novel or non-fiction work over the summer. We have selected a
wide range of works for you to choose from. At least one of the books should fit your interests! Each of the
books focuses on a teenager/young adult who faces some type of adversity. To help you choose, we have
attached brief descriptions of each work to this letter. Look over the list and find one book that appeals to you.
Before purchasing your book, you might want to check out on-line reviews.
The first step in your assignment is to obtain a copy of the book! You can purchase a copy on-line or at
a local bookstore. Once you have obtained a copy, begin reading and completing the following assignments:
1) Write a double-entry journal—30 entries (typed)
2) Keep a Vocabulary log—15 words (see attached form)
3) Be prepared to discuss the themes of your book with your classmates.
These assignments (as explained below) are due on the first day of school; they will be used as a basis for
discussion and writing activities during the first weeks of school.
1) Double-entry journal. This is a reading journal in which you will write out responses to the book as
you read it. The purpose of the journal is to record specific evidence as you reflect on the conflicts and
themes that the book develops . All entries must eventually be typed to turn in on the first day.
 We suggest that you use notebook paper to write notes as you read—it’s hard to go back and
recapture your moment to moment thoughts.
 Heading: author, title of the novel, title of the course and your name.
 Divide each page into two columns. On the left side of the page you will copy a short quotation or a
short passage from the novel (about 10-15 words). Include page number. On the right hand side,
write a brief commentary about the entries (2-3 sentences each). 3 or 4 of the entries should be a
little longer-discussing the entry in more depth.
 Do not simply restate or summarize what’s happening; instead, search for the writer’s
purpose. For example, explain how the passage develops or emphasizes a key theme or discuss
the connotations/imagery that a specific word or phrase brings to mind. (See more suggestions
printed below)
 Make sure that your entries are spread evenly throughout the book-don’t write 20 entries on the first
half and only 10 on the second!!
 Grading: . Grades for the summer reading will be based on variety, insight and completeness.
How to include a variety of entries: Comment on how the author uses literary elements to convey his ideas:
1. Characterization: Comment on characterization—describe and discuss action, words, thoughts,
reactions, motivations. Comment on the character (Is he/she evil, devious, unbelievable?)
2. Conflicts/plot: Identify the causes, effects, or significance of the conflicts. Internal or external
conflicts? Do you notice possible foreshadowing?
3. Themes: What themes is the author developing? In these works, look for themes of courage,
determination, need for support from others, compassion, cruelty, or moral growth.
4. Writer’s purpose: Why did the author include a specific description, event, or character.
5. Writing style: What is the purpose of contrasts, imagery, similes, allusions, metaphors, repetition?
6. Connections: How does something in the book compare to current events, other readings, or
movies?
7. Questions: Ask questions, or challenge either the author or one of the characters.
8. Word choice: comment on the meaning and connotations of specific words or phrases
9. Predictions: Make predictions and explain your reasons for them.
10. Irony/Surprise Twists: Is anything in the book ironic or surprising? How does this irony alter your
view of character or meaning?
Here’s a sample taken from a journal on the futuristic novel 1984:
1. “…An unending series of
1. This basically describes the ultimate conformity—
victories over your own
inward conformity changing to what the government
memory. Reality control
says it should be. When what’s inside of us conforms,
they called it.” (35)
we lose identity.
2. “Your worst enemy, he reflected,
was your own nervous system.”
(64)
2. This captures the struggle between
inward questioning and outward conformity.
As person only has so much control over his body
language and facial expressions, so you can
literally betray yourself…
Note: It is important to vary your entries and to elaborate on some of them. At least 3 of your entries should
be several sentences long. Explore/discuss possible motivations; purposes;
2) Vocabulary log: Authors carefully selects their words, some of which will be new or unfamiliar to you.
Notice these words as you read and complete the attached vocabulary chart for 15 new or unfamiliar
words.
Take words from throughout the book. Include page number
For each word:
1) Write down the word and the page number you found it on;
2) Make an educated guess on its meaning based on how it is used;
3) Look up the word’s definition; and
4) Write an original sentence that uses the word in such a way that the meaning is clear. (See the
example below)
All four boxes must be completed to count as an entry.
Here’s a sample entry from 1984.
1 word: sordid
best guess: various
definition: dirty, filthy; wretched, squalid
Original sentence: The sordid kitchen was disgusting; dirty dishes were piled up in a grimy sink and fastfood wrappers littered the filthy floor.
.
This assignment should be fairly easy to understand, but if you have questions, stop by one of our rooms
before the end of school or contact one of us via email. We’ll be glad to answer questions. We hope you have
an enjoyable summer, and we look forward to meeting and working with you next fall. Keep learning!
Mrs. McGuinness ( [email protected]) ; Mrs. Donais, [email protected]; Mrs.Bender
[email protected]; Mrs Schonewill, [email protected]
.
VOCABULARY LOG: SUMMER ASSIGNMENT
Name __________________________________________
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word (10 words):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word (10 words):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word (10 words):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word (10 words):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word (10 words):
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word :
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word :
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
__ word:
best guess:
definition:
Original sentence that includes the vocabulary word
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ (p.______)
Note: Use your own paper to complete vocabulary entries 11-15. Follow the format.