Shore Regional High School
~ an International Baccalaureate Organization School
Diploma Programme Level 2:
English A1-Higher Level
Instructor: Ms. Melissa T. Bahrs
Required Summer Assignment
The first year of English A1 for the IBO Diploma Programme will cover Parts 4 and 1 of
IB English’s four compulsory parts. These two “junior year parts” are known as:
“School’s Free Choice” and “World Literature.” The second year of IB English will
encompass Parts 2 and 3, the final two of IB English’s four compulsory parts; these two
(senior year) parts are entitled: “Detailed Study” and “Groups of Work.”
To begin our journey into the English portion of the IB Diploma Programme, it is
important to become learners who, according to the IB Learner Profile (IB Learner
Profile Booklet), “…strive to be: Inquirers ~ Knowledgeable ~ Thinkers ~
Communicators ~ Principled ~ Open-Minded ~ Caring ~ Risk-Takers ~ Balanced ~
and ~ Reflective.”
With this in mind, it seems right and good (!) to become acclimated to being: inquirers,
thinkers, communicators, reflective, and risk-taking, etc…as the Profile requests.
Literature, literary critique, and philosophy are great areas in which to sharpen our minds
and sensibilities in this regard, as well as to help us to get into the mindset and profile of
the IB Learner.
We will begin this summer with reading and assessing two non-fiction pieces, literary
critiques by Mark Twain, noteworthy American writer, on the writing of James Fenimore
Cooper, another noted American writer. (Twain is less than admiring of his counterpart,
shall we say).
We will then go into the philosophical arena with an essay by John Berger entitled “Ways
of Seeing.” In his essay Mr. Berger suggests that perspective, connectivity, and inquiry
are paramount, and that images must be seen in context of each other.
Next we will move to fiction, with a read from British Literature out our This 20th century
novel, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, will appear to our minds and imaginations
on levels that range from literal- adventure story, to institutional-governmental, to
psychological-spiritual. Imagery is strong in this novel, with much imaginative and
descriptive detail important for us to “sense” and “hear.” The characters interest us, as
does their predicament/the book’s plot. This novel, as do the other three works for the
summer, gives us an excellent mind-tuning, and will help us to develop our senses of
inquiry and critical thinking.
We will read a Latina author this summer: Judith Ortiz Cofer, with her work Latin Deli.
I term this the New Narrative style, for Ms. Ortiz Cofer frames her work of creative
fiction in a place (fictional) in Paterson, New Jersey --- piecing together song, poems,
essays, reflections, short stories, and quotations in an innovative framed narrative.
(See full Latin Deli assignment below).
Be “open-minded and reflective,” among other qualities --- as IB asks of us.
Start this summer with the following work, reflections, and writings:
I.
“Fenimore Cooper’s Literary Offences” and “Fenimore
Cooper’s Further Literary Offences:” two literary critiques
by Mark Twain. - (Attached)
* Writing Assignment: In a single essay, summarize and
analyze the contents of both articles. Include major ideas,
specific examples, and analysis of Twain’s tone.
II.
“Ways of Seeing,” an article by John Berger, reprinted from
the anthology Ways of Reading. – (Attached)
* Writing Assignment: In an essay, summarize, analyze,
and evaluate the major concepts expounded in the article.
How might these concepts be applied to the interpretation
of literature?
III.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
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Writing Assignment: Golding’s allegorical novel contains
twelve chapters - with twelve corresponding titles - that
suggest not only plot, but also symbolic importance. However,
we do not “realize” the symbolism of these twelve chapter titles
until the novel’s tale unfolds a bit. After reading the novel,
creatively portray the symbolism of three of the twelve chapter
titles. The three chapters you choose should reflect some sort
of personal experience of yours, or of someone you know.
Your created portrayals will reveal: 1) the symbolism
implied by the chapter title and 2) some connection to
personal experience. Use words (and graphics, if desired).
IV.
Latin Deli
by Judith Ortiz Cofer
Latin Deli, by Judith Ortiz Cofer, may prove to be one of the simplest – looking, but
most challenging and intriguing books you have read to date! Author Judith Ortiz Cofer
links quotations, essays, short stories, and poems into a compelling work of
“remembrance” from a Hispanic female writer-perspective. The collection is “framed”
within the happenings of an apartment building known as the El Building, in Paterson,
New Jersey, and centers on the nostalgia for the island of Puerto Rico that the women and
girls of the building feel, as well as life experiences that are universal.
Ms. Ortiz Cofer’s writing style is unique: read the book this summer, and keep a
reading journal, discovering her unique voice and style for yourself! In the reading
journal, make original / your own commentary on the following selections:
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“My Grandfather’s Hat” p 78 “Olga” p 84 “Old Women” pp 91-­‐92 “The Paterson Public Library” pp 130-­‐134 “The Story of My Body” pp 135-­‐146 “The Chameleon” p 147 “The Myth of a Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria” pp 148-­‐154 “To a Daughter I Cannot Console” pp 163-­‐164 “Anniversary” pp 164-­‐165 “5:00 AM: Writing as a Ritual” pp 166-­‐168 On Day One of school in September, bring in both your Latin Deli book and your
reading journal with your completed commentaries /reactions for each of the above
selections.
V. Summer Blog
I have set up a blog for commentary (timed) throughout the summer. The blog will be
accessed via my school website. There will be three questions over the summer: one is
regarding our non-fiction summer readings, the second is regarding the fiction work Latin
Deli, and the third blog question is regarding the fiction work Lord of the Flies.
Question One Due: July 15
Question Two Due: Aug.1
Question Three Due: August 31:
Non-Fiction Works
– Question
Fiction Work Latin Deli
- Question
Fiction Work Lord of the Flies - Question
All work is due on the first day of school in September with the exception of the
Summer Blog work. No late work will be accepted.