Dear Honors English 10 Students and Parents: To prepare students for Honors English 10, the English 10 team has selected the following summer reading books. The Odyssey ​
by Homer (translated by W.H.D. Rouse ­ copies are available for checkout through the English Resource Center during the last week of the 2015­16 school year) This has been called the best story ever written by many scholars. This is a classic epic hero tale of Odysseus and his quest to return home after the conclusion of the Trojan War. Throughout the journey the reader learns many traditional Greek beliefs and the role that the Gods play in the decision making process. This piece also examines the individual and how personal accomplishment collides with serving others. AND The Alchemist ​
by Paulo Coelho This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. Books are available through the English Resource Center, the Hennepin County Library system, and at area bookstores. Students will have two required tasks to complete to earn points toward his/her grade in Honors English 10. Both tasks will be submitted to Turnitin.com. To submit completed work, use the following directions: 1. Go to Turnitin.com 2. Log in (or create an account if you have never used this website) Class ID: 12789854
Password: Odyssey Once enrolled, students will see two assignments listed. Simply submit each assignment in the proper place. BOTH Assignments must be submitted no later than Friday, September 9 in order to receive full credit. This applies to ALL students, regardless of which semester you are scheduled to take Honors English 10. Assignment #1: ​
The Odyssey​
Journals For this assignment: Write two single­page journal responses to the reading using proper MLA format (size 12, Times New Roman, double spaced, 1 inch margins). You must include at least two specific quotes or examples in each journal, using parenthetical documentation (including page numbers). When completed, submit your journals to Turnitin.com. ​
Choose two of the prompts provided below. 1. How is the main character changing? What is he or she learning about life and the role he or she plays in it? Explain the nature of the change. 2. Sometimes we are pulled toward one or two characters in the story. We identify with them or feel sympathy for them. With which characters do you identify, and why do you identify with them? What emotions do you feel towards them (sympathy, frustration, interest, etc.)? 3. Is there anything you enjoyed or were irritated with about the way the book is written? How do you feel about the way the story was told? Would you read another book by this author? Why or why not? 4. Give the book a letter grade. Why did you grade it the way you did? At what point in the book did you decide if you liked it or not? What helped make this decision? 5. Did the book end the way you thought it would? Was it a solid ending? Were you disappointed? Why? Were you pleased? Why? Avoid generalities and focus on specifics. 6. What do you feel is the most significant passage/word/event from the novel? Why? Be specific with your choice and with your explanation as to why it is the most important. Assignment 2: Using Literary Analysis for Comparison On your first day of class, you will write a short comparison essay about ​
The Odyssey​
and ​
The Alchemist.​
A comparison essay notes either similarities ​
or​
similarities and differences. Prepare notes about these two books that will support the ​
comparison​
of these texts. You may: ● Write a list ● Create a Venn diagram ● Create a double bubble map ● Create a table ● Use a notecard format ● Use any other format that will clearly organize the information. You must: ● Identify at least four clear similarities and/or differences between the texts. ● Include at least two examples (paraphrase, direct quote, or summary) from ​
each​
text to support ​
each​
similarity/difference. This adds up to at least 16 direct quotes. ● Analyze each example in your own words (explain ​
how​
or ​
why​
the example supports the point). Include a Works Cited page with an entry for each book. Use parenthetical documentation accurately (see the Survival Manual on the English Department website for help). Submit to Turnitin.com. If you have any questions about the novels or assignments or submitting the work, please contact one of the teachers below. Good luck, and happy reading. Sincerely, The Honors English 10 team Josh Axtman ([email protected]) Alyssa Jackson ([email protected]) Sandy Johnson ([email protected]) Todd Organ ([email protected])