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INCOMING JUNIORS - |
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IF YOU ARE IN: |
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Some of the
writing assignments you will be held accountable for in September may
include creative assignments like writing a letter from one character to
another and formal assignments like applying the content of the book to
a quote about the American experience. Armed with this knowledge, you
may want to create a written resource of the book for yourself in some
fashion. You might want to keep some kind of notes in your copy of the
book (if you purchase it) or a reading log.
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IF YOU ARE IN: Summer Reading and Writing Assignment In Advanced Placement Language and Composition we will study American literature—its many voices and its common themes. We will explore what our literature reveals to us about Americans as a group, how American writers influenced each other, and what connections exist between various art forms and aesthetic, political, and/or social movements in our culture. We will also devote a great deal of time to understanding and appreciating writing style. You will acquire a vocabulary with which to discuss writing style, and you will be expected to develop your ability to apply that vocabulary to the literature you will read. We will also work with you to continue to develop your own writing skills, with the long-term goal of developing/refining your own writing voice and ability to construct and support a persuasive argument. You will be asked to write often and in many different modes. Overall, the curriculum will prepare you for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Language and Composition, which is offered in May. Over the summer, we expect you to read two novels, each in its entirety: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Neither reading “Cliffs Notes” (or any other print or on-line equivalent) nor watching a film version is an acceptable substitute for the experience of reading a novel. Do not attempt to substitute one of these activities for actual reading—either now or during the school year. On the first day of school, come to class with the following completed assignments: 1. A personal essay: Write a personal essay in which you discuss your experience of reading these two novels, individually and as a pair. Along with discussion of your general experience(s), please include your answers to the following questions: Did you enjoy reading one book more than the other, and if so, why? Did you find yourself more emotionally involved in the characters’ experiences in one book than in the other? To what extent did you notice, and perhaps appreciate, the writing style of each author? What questions, if any, do you have about either book? This essay should be at least three typed pages in length—but not more than five typed pages. Note that a personal essay allows for more writing freedom than the traditional expository essay does. Unlike a formal, scholarly essay, a personal essay allows you the freedom to ask questions, to tell stories, to be free to express yourself as you wish. You do not need a thesis; in fact, you can begin with a story, a declaration, a quote, or anything else you like. From there, go where you wish, provided that you stay focused on discussing your experience with, and thoughts about, the two books. Write from a personal point of view (use “I”) and be honest. Feel free to express first thoughts and later thoughts, puzzling aspects of the book(s), connections you see to other books or to your own experiences, and so on. Order your thoughts, in whatever way feels natural to you, but be sure your reader can see the order you have created.) In addition, we will look for evidence of genuine reading, so refer to details—and possibly even passages—from the novels. We will expect your essay to be cohesive and technically accurate. To be consistent, use the present tense to discuss the events in each novel. We will collect these essays on the first day of class, and we will grade them; that grade will count as a major grade for the marking period (probably one of five major grades). Please print a second copy of your personal essay for use in class discussion. 2. Copies of two passages—one from each novel: We will devote the first few weeks of school to discussion and follow-up activities related to your reading of the two novels. Please choose from each novel a passage that you would be interested in discussing with the class and/or exploring further. Soon into the school year, you will likely be asked to lead a discussion on a passage from one of the books. Be sure to include on each of your copies the page number on which the passage is found. You might want to consider purchasing your own copies of the books, as that option offers you the freedom to write in your books as you please—useful when discussion time comes. Enjoy the books and your summer. We look forward to seeing you in September and to sharing a year of learning with you. We can’t wait to hear what you think about the books! Ms. Haslach and Mr. Whitehead |
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IF YOU ARE IN:
Over the
summer you will be reading at least two books. ALL STUDENTS WILL READ
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE BY J. D. SALINGER. For a second selection,
choose your book from among the titles below. Pick up a copy of the
books from any of the area libraries, or if you want personal copies,
purchase them from an area bookstore. |