University School Middle School
Summer Reading Assignment 2013-2014
Incoming 8th Grade
Students must complete ALL of the assignments outlined below:
Mandatory Reading Assignment

Read Animal Farm, by George Orwell. Students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding of the literature at the beginning of the school year. **All students must have the
Signet Classic (1996) version: ISBN-10: 0451526341 / ISBN-13: 9780451526342

Complete the attached guided reading questions for Animal Farm.
Selected Summer Reading Assignment

Read one of the novels listed below and answer the following prompt in a 3-paragraph essay. You
must include an introduction and a conclusion; however, you can make the essay longer if you
choose. Responses should be typed in 12-pt font and double-spaced.
Some say that one of the key themes in dystopian novels is that human beings are inherently evil. What is
your author’s message about human nature? How does the author use character, plot, and/or symbolism
to convey different views of humanity. Provide evidence from your novel to support your answer.
1984
Alas Babylon
Anthem
A Wizard of Earthsea
Call of the Wild
Fahrenheit 451
The Great Wide Sea
The Wave
George Orwell
Pat Frank
Ayn Rand
Ursula K. Le Guin
Jack London
Ray Bradbury
M.H. Herlong
Todd Strasser
Frequently Asked Questions

Is the assignment being graded?
Yes. This assignment will be collected and graded. Students will take an objective assessment during the
first week of school. Completing the guided reading questions will prepare students.

Is this a group project?
No. This is an individual assignment. Students are expected to submit original work.

What happens if I haven’t read the books before the first day of school?
As a member of the University School community, you are expected to complete the reading over the
summer. You will be assessed on the assignment from day one, and the grades will be entered in
MyBackpack.

When is the assignment due?
The due dates for the assignments will be posted on Blackboard once the school year has begun. Expect
to turn in both assignments on the first day of school.
University School Middle School
Summer Reading Assignment 2013-2014
Incoming 8th Grade
Guided Reading Questions
Directions: In complete sentences, answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper. Your
responses should be typed in 12-pt font and double-spaced, providing sufficient support when necessary.
Chapters 1-5
1.
According to Old Major, what is the cause of the animals’ problems? Explain Old Major’s reasoning.
2.
What are the commandments Old Major gives the animals? (they are also listed specifically in chapter 2)
How do the animals react to these commandments? Why do you think they react the way they do?
3.
Why don’t the pigs like Moses’s stories about Sugarcandy Mountain?
4.
What causes the animals finally to rebel against Mr. Jones and his four farmhands?
5.
After the humans have been chased from the farm, what is the first thing that the animals do?
6.
What further examples of the difference between the pigs and the other animals occur?
7.
What happens at the Battle of the Cowshed?
8.
What was Snowball’s part in this battle? Where do you think Napoleon is during the battle?
9.
Explain the windmill controversy from both Snowball’s and Napoleon’s point of view.
10. What changes does Napoleon make after his dogs chase Snowball off the farm?
Chapters 6-10
11. Why does Napoleon now decide to engage in trade with neighboring farms? How do the animals react?
12. How is the windmill destroyed? Why does Napoleon blame Snowball?
13. Why does Napoleon order that the hens’ eggs be sold? How do the hens react?
14. Why does Napoleon order the animals to stop singing “Beasts of England”?
15. Why does Squealer report that Napoleon is dying?
16. Which one animal makes a connection between Squealer’s acts and the commandments?
17. What happens to Boxer? Why do the animals allow it to happen?
18. How have the pigs’ actions changed since the beginning?
19. All seven commandments have now been erased. What is the new commandment, and how has it been
true since the beginning?
20. At the end of the novel, what has happened to the pigs’ appearance? How might this be symbolic?
University School Middle School
Summer Reading Assignment 2013-2014
Incoming 8th Grade
Animal Farm
Writing Prompts
Directions: On a separate piece of paper, respond to TWO of the following prompts in complete sentences.
Your answers should be in paragraph form and should include details from the story. Responses should be
typed in 12-pt font and double-spaced.
A) Although, on the surface, Animal Farm is a story about barnyard animals, as an allegory it represents the
conflict that arises from change and revolution. Compare the problems that the animals experience in the
novel to those encountered during a specific period from our history. You may select a current conflict for
your comparison.
B) Most of the characters in Animal Farm don’t seem to change or grow from their experiences. As twodimensional characters, they act as symbols or archetypes for different personality types. Select three of
the characters from the novel and explain what type of person they represent. Include specific details and
events from the novel that demonstrate these character traits.
C) Without education and leadership, the animals in the story are helpless to protect themselves against the
manipulation of the pigs; however, some characters appear to understand what is happening to them.
Supporting your response with evidence from the novel, decide which characters (besides the pigs) are
responsible for the success/failure of Animal Farm.