“…books contain the thoughts and dreams of men, their hopes and strivings and all their immortal parts. It’s in books
that most of us learn how splendidly worthwhile life is.”
- Christopher Morley
English 2 Pre-AP — Summer Assignment
Welcome to English 2 Pre-AP! You have decided to be part of the 2015-2016 English 2 Pre-AP course. The purpose of
this class is to prepare you for Advanced Placement English in your junior and senior years.
This class is a rigorous course in which we cover literature, language, and composition in depth. The material will be
covered at a rapid pace in which almost all of the reading will be completed at home. You will be expected to know how
to analyze literature and write provocative, compelling essays conveying ideas and meanings found in the readings. You
will continue to improve your grammar and writing skills as well as further develop your vocabulary.
Throughout the duration of the course, you will not only be expected to read core course books, but other works as well
as complete regular projects. In addition, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with others on projects related to
the curriculum.
Your commitment to English 2 Pre-AP begins this summer. You must read the following work as well as complete the
theme logs and Mandala project.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
(The Barnes & Noble Classics version is recommended though feel free to purchase any edition of the
book through Amazon.com or find a copy at the public library. Additionally, the book is available for
free for the Kindle at Amazon.com.)
We will be discussing and interacting with this book in the first part of the year; this is a required part of the class. By
reading and completing the assignments, you will prove that you are really ready to accept the rigors of the class. If you
do not complete the reading and assignments, you will not be allowed to transfer to a college prep class; therefore, you
will have to deal with the consequences of a significantly reduced grade.
Directions for the required summer assignments can be found on the following pages. You may want to take notes as
you read and jot down questions so you remember vital information in the book. A reading guide for use while you read
Wuthering Heights is also included in this packet. This is not a required assignment, but is highly recommended to aid
in your understanding of the novel and prepare you for the related work upon return to school. In addition, be
prepared for assignments based on your reading immediately upon returning to school in August.
Warning: SparkNotes and other such websites may be used as a supplement, but not as a substitute for the novels.
Please do not depend on these sites or you will find yourself unprepared for the exam.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. I may be reached by text or phone at (209) 968-6847.
If you misplace this copy, there will be an electronic copy available on the West High School AP website. Do not wait
until the last minute to complete the reading and assignments.
I look forward to an exciting, challenging, fun year and can’t wait to see you in class in August. Have a wonderful
summer!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ludwig
Eng. 2 Pre-AP Summer Assignment: 15-16
English 2 Pre-AP Summer Assignment Descriptions – 2015-2016
Assignment 1 – Theme Logs – due on the first day of classes – NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED! This assignment is
worth 90 points. The Theme Log assignment is intended to do two things: help you develop your active
reading skills and show that you are noticing more about the text than the simple plot line. As you read, focus
on the following themes in the novel. These are not the only themes you will find as you read, but they are
themes we will be discussing in the beginning of the school year.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
• Conflict Between Good and Evil
• The Nature of Love
• The Darkness of the Human Soul
Theme Log Directions:
• 9 Theme Logs – One for each theme as it is developed in the beginning, middle, and end of the novel.
• One Theme Log per page – typed in 12-point Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or other “bookish” font; if
you are absolutely unable to type your entries, handwritten neatly in blue or black ink ONLY. (Use MLA
format. See hand out.)
• If Theme Logs are handwritten, please use standard 8 ½ x 11” college-ruled binder paper – NO SPIRAL
NOTEBOOK PAPER! Theme Log format still needs to be adhered to.
• Follow the format outlined in these instructions for each theme log – notify me immediately if you have
any questions about the format. Points will be deducted for incorrect format.
*PLEASE NOTE – If you fail to complete this summer assignment, you will not be allowed to change classes;
therefore, you will have to deal with the consequences of a reduced grade.
Eng. 2 Pre-AP Summer Assignment: 15-16
Understanding and Identifying THEME
Courtesy of Jane Schaffer
1. Begin with this sentence frame: _________ is a story about ________.
2. The first blank is the title of the piece of literature. The second blank is a single word that
says what the piece is “really” about. HINT: An abstract noun is usually a good fit here.
3. No plot summary in the second blank—we don't want this:
Romeo and Juliet is the story of two teenagers who fall in love at first sight.
4. Instead, follow this kind of thinking:
Romeo and Juliet is the story of love.
5. Fill in the blank as many times as you have thoughts about the piece of literature. Make a
master list that looks something like this:
Romeo and Juliet is a story about
 Love
 Sacrifices
 Fate
 Control
 Hate
6. When you understand how the sentence frame works, and when you have a solid list, you
have begun to discover theme. (Don’t limit yourself; most pieces of literature can have many
themes.)
At this point, we can make phrases out of these abstract nouns:
 The power of love
 The inevitability of fate
7. Take these nouns/phrases and form complete sentences with one of them to work toward
theme statements. (BONUS: these may also sound like thesis sentences!)
8. Then the analysis should move from "What it is ABOUT?" (topic) to “WHAT does it SAY about
the TOPIC?” If Romeo and Juliet is about the power of love, what does it SAY about the power
of love? Answer that, and you have an analysis of theme.
ASSIGNMENT: Using the guidelines above, trace the development of each theme throughout
Wuthering Heights. Then create a theme log for each theme using a unique theme statement
charting the ongoing progression of the theme in the beginning, middle, and end of the novel
(see Theme Log Directions and Sample Theme Log).
Eng. 2 Pre-AP Summer Assignment: 15-16
Wuthering Heights
Theme Log Directions
Emily Bronte, the author of the dark and mysterious Wuthering Heights, lived a reclusive life,
which is reflected in her most successful novel. Many of the themes found in her novel come
from her own experiences. As you read, keep an eye out for themes that have to deal with the
subject matters of conflict between good and evil, the nature of love, and the darkness of the
human soul. For each of these themes, you will create three theme logs, one which shows how
that theme is shown in the beginning of the novel, the middle, and also at the end. All total,
you will turn in NINE theme logs on the first day of school in August. Theme logs are worth 90
points and will NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE! Failure to complete this assignment will result in a
zero. You will also NOT be allowed to switch classes, but will have to suffer the consequences
of a reduced grade!
Directions for Theme Log:
1. At the top of your paper write the title of the short story in italics.
Wuthering Heights
2. Underneath this make a list of as many subjects/themes as you can think of (Remember the
sentence frame from the previous page).
3. Choose one subject you want to focus on and complete the sentence frame:
Wuthering Heights is a story about the nature of love.
4. Write a theme statement in a complete sentence; in other words, come up with an opinion
about the subject based on evidence from the story.
Theme Statement: The love of one’s self can force a person to make choices that
effect one’s future, causing one to forsake the person one loves
most dearly in order to climb the social ladder, leaving behind
heartbreak and despair.
5. Find one quote that support your theme statement, document the quote properly and write
3-5 sentences of commentary that connects the quote to your theme explaining how the quote
proves the theme statement.
Example:
“’I’ve no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in
heaven…It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now…” (80). Though
Catherine realizes she loves Heathcliff more than she loves herself, her
self-centeredness and desire for material comfort cause her to put aside
her feelings for Heathcliff. She cannot face a life of poverty when the
alternative would provide her with advancement and opportunity
beyond her current station in life; she is willing to forfeit the feelings of
those around her for her own well-being. Without considering the
consequences of her actions, she leaves behind a trail of misery and
betrayal, ultimately destroying lives and creating havoc.
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Sample Theme Log
Saman Latifi
Mrs. Ludwig
English 2 Pre-AP
Each Theme Log MUST use MLA
format (See MLA handout). ONE
Theme Log per page! (You will
turn in 9 papers total.)
17 May 2013
“Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment”
“Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” is a story about ___________
•
Regret
•
Greed
•
Youth
•
Vanity
“Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” is a story about the follies of youth.
All mankind sins, either willfully or unintentionally in their lifetime; the effect of sin blinds man
and hinders them from approaching their desired destination, whether it be to go back and amend their
mistakes or start afresh in the nature of life.
“…it would be well that, with the experience of a lifetime to direct you, you should draw up a
few general rules for your guidance, in passing a second time through the perils of youth” (147). As Dr.
Heidegger pours his four venerable friends a cup of the magical water allegedly belonging to the
Fountain of Youth, the four enchanted friends believe his claim of its source and gulp the water down to
its last drop. Dr. Heidegger’s friends are not able to recognize the folly of the water because of their
ignorant praises of the successful effect it brings upon them. Their desired illusion of youth causes them
to commit the same mistakes they committed in their first trial through early life again. When the four
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intrigued comrades of Dr. Heidegger once again meet their true semblance and realize their chimera,
they become confused and try to consume as much mystical water needed to be young for eternity.
Assignment #2 – Mandala Project – due on the first day of class – NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED!
The Mandala Project is worth 100 points and will serve as an opportunity to introduce yourself
in a creative, imaginative manner. (This assignment may also be used in the first weeks of
school.)
What is a Mandala?
“The word ‘mandala’ is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to
mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be
seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself—“(www.mandalaproject.org).
Labyrinths, sand circles, and even the yin and yang are examples of mandalas.
You are going to create your own mandala which includes symbols which represent your vast
interests, goals, experiences, likes, dislikes, things that are important to you, represent you, etc.
(See attached for a thorough explanation of a mandala, including websites for more
information, and a worksheet to help you brainstorm ideas for your mandala.)
My expectations for your mandala are high! Your project must reflect effort and quality. I
expect to see a visual representation of who you are and get to know you through your
mandala. Please put time into your work. While this project may seem easy to do, your project
ought to be more than 4-5 pictures on a circle of poster board or cardboard. It needs to
demonstrate to me that you are willing to invest in this class. Be prepared for the possibility of
presenting your mandala and to use it for a springboard writing assignment in the first week(s)
of school.
*PLEASE NOTE – If you fail to complete this summer assignment, you will not be allowed to
change classes; therefore, you will have to deal with the consequences of a reduced grade.
I look forward to seeing your creativity and getting to know you!