Honors English Summer Assignments

Honors English I
Contact: Andrea Gallagher

Students will read of the Fitzgerald translation of The Odyssey (by Homer) and complete the following tasks:

Students must bring the text with markings/notes and the visual representation to class on the first day; there will be a twenty point deduction for late work.  Also, students should prepare for a quick reading quiz on the first day—the quiz will cover characters, themes (big ideas), and basic events in the plot.

Honors English II
Contact: Angele Robertson 216- 0726

Summer Reading and Assignment Components

  1. Read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, translated and abridged by Lowell Bair and Lord of the Flies by William Golding.  Active reading recommended (take notes!)
  2. Choose only one of the two novels on which to write an analytical essay (1-2 pages typed, double spaced, 12 font, Times New Roman) in which you explore the motivation and characterization of 3 characters in the novel. Include a discussion of the characters in terms of flat, round, static, and dynamic as well as the ideals, desires, etc that motivate them. Offer supporting evidence from the text to back up your discussion. Additionally, use at least 3 direct quotes, citing them by using "" marks as well as (89) or whatever page on which the quote can be found in (). Quotes should be relevant to your argument and offered as further proof of your analysis of each character. To help you understand character terminology:
    www.k-state.edu/english/baker/english320/cc-static_vs_dynamic_characterization.htm
  3. Choose only one of the following prompts to complete for the novel you do not analyze. Written responses bust be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font 12, 1-2 pages.

Assessments
1.  Plan to submit analytical paper and prompt from #3 on the first day of English class
2.  Expect to take a reading comprehension test on both novels the first day of school

Students enrolled in Honors English II must also complete the required  summer reading assignments for Honors Global Studies II or AP World or European History.

Honors English III & AP Language and Comp.
Contact: Tamela Watkins
Cherie Armel

We are pleased to welcome you to Honors English III for the 2008-2009 school year. We will be studying American literature in the class, with an emphasis on analytical and formal essay writing.

We’d like you to do the following reading assignments during the summer. Required reading is The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. While both are considered American classics, they offer different views of American society in the 1850s and 1920s. You should be prepared to take a quiz on both Huck Finn and The Great Gatsby within the first three days of school.

In addition, you must select one of the books from the choice list. Please take time to look over the list carefully. You will be asked to complete a variety of assignments on this novel when your class begins.

If you are planning to take AP Language and Composition during the 2008-2009 school year, you will be receiving a letter on the first day of school that will outline any additional assignments. The AP Language and Composition class will be during the second semester of the school year.

We’ve notified Barnes and Noble in Mt. Pleasant that these books have been assigned; they will be ordering extra copies of them. Of course, you also can find the books at your local library. If you would like to borrow a book from the school, please see Ms. Armel in H-117 or Mrs. Watkins in F-202 by June 3.

We look forward to studying American literature with you next year.

Honors English III Summer Reading List
For 2008-2009 School Year

Required Reading:

Choose one of the following novels:

 

Honors English IV
Contact: Linda Fraser

Assignment Purpose
Students read and view the following selections to gain a sense of history and culture surrounding British literature. Students should choose films that generate curiosity and interest but remember that some content, even in a historical context, may be considered objectionable. Seek assistance from parents, media specialists, and/or teachers in choosing suitable viewing material.

Summer Reading and Assignment Components

  1. Read chapters 1-32 of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.
  2. View one film from the following list:
    • The Lion in Winter (PG)
    • First Knight (PG-13)
    • A Man for All Seasons (G)
    • Excalibur (R)
    • Shakespeare in Love (R)
    • Elizabeth I (R)
    • The Mists of Avalon (PG-13)
    • The Messenger-The Story of Joan of Arc (R)
  3. Write an essay about the film that includes the following components
    1. an introduction
    2. a comparison/contrast of the viewer and the main character, with the consideration of personalities, family, likes, dislikes, values, beliefs, and goals
    3. an evaluation of the culture revealed in the film, including aspects to be admired, envied, or discussed
    4. an evaluation of the ending, including suitability as a resolution to the plot and audience appeal
    5. a conclusion

Assessments
1. Expect to take a quiz on the first day of class.
2. Complete a writing assignment given on the first day of class.

Grading
The quiz and written work will be counted as a
literature grade of the 40% category.

AP English Literature and Composition
Contact: Andrea Gallagher

  1. Read Radio Golf  by August Wilson, The Awakening  by Kate Chopin, and The Jungle by Upton Sinclair.
  2. Prepare for a reading check quiz and in-depth discussion of each of the works listed in task one.
  3. Based on your reading of the title in task one, write a double-spaced, typed essay (no more than three pages, please) on one of the following sample AP Free Response prompts:
    1. Many novels contrast places to represent opposing forces or ideas that are central to the meaning of the work. Explain how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the meaning (theme) of the work.
    2. Show how the title signifies the purpose and the theme of the work rather than simply its subject.  Avoid mere plot summary.
    3. Explain how the full presentation of a complex and important character, who might be considered evil or immoral based on the character’s actions alone, makes the reader react more sympathetically than he or she otherwise might.
    4. An effective literary work does not merely stop; it concludes. Discuss why and how the ending functions in this way.
    5. Some novels seem to advocate changes in social and political attitudes or traditions. Note briefly the attitudes or traditions the author apparently wishes to modify. Next, analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader's views.
    6. Choose a character whose mind is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, obligations, or influences. Explain how this conflict within the character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole
  4. Choose one of the following books to read in addition to the three above:
    1. Fat Envelope Frenzy by Joie Jager-Hyman (ISBN 9780061257162)
    2. 100 Successful College Application Essays compiled and edited by members of the staff of the Harvard Independent (ISBN 0451207130)
    3. The Overachievers:  The Secret Lives of Driven Kids by Alexandra Robbins  (ISBN 9781401309022)
    4. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster (ISBN 006000942X)
  5. Write a journal (not more than two pages, please) in response to the nonfiction book.  How does this selection compare to your own journey as a college-bound student? (Your writing for task two should be analytical and include text support; your writing for task four should demonstrate your personal writing style and voice.  Both writing assignments must be submitted on or before the first day of class.)
  6. Go to http://space4thought.wikispaces.com/ and participate in the discussion at least twice during the summer.  Be sure to sign your posts to ensure proper credit.