English 9 Summer Reading Assignment

Transcription

1 English 9 Summer Reading Assignment Instructions: Read William Golding s novel Lord of the Flies in its entirety. Do not use any summary resources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.), as this will make your work in Quarter 1 much, much more difficult. Annotate the text as you read. Circle the names of important characters, highlight major plot points, and be sure to mark difficult, confusing, and important passages--in the margins or on a separate sheet. Construct a dialectical journal with 15 quotes and your responses. (Detailed directions below.) Dialectical Journal Assignment: 1. As you read, look for quotes that reveal characters actions and motivations. 2. Your goal is to find a total of at least 15 quotes, or 1-2 per chapter. The quotes must come from your own reading, not from an online source (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.). 3. Create a three-column document as shown below (you must type). 4. In the left column explain the context for each quote (what is going at this point in the story). 5. Write out each quote, in its entirety, in the center column. Quotes must be numbered and cited in MLA format (see below for example). 6. In the right column, show your thinking about this quote. For example: What does this quote say about a character s actions or motivations? What do this character s actions/motivations reveal about him? Why do you find this quote interesting? Note: What you write in the context and commentary columns should reflect your thinking; quoting or paraphrasing from any secondary or online sources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.) is not permitted. Your annotations and dialectical journal are due on the first day of school, and both will be graded. Assignments that are not ready to hand in when you enter the classroom will be considered late. Your journal will be evaluated based on format, number of quotes, and thoughtfulness of responses. Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins Dialectical - using reasoning and discussion to understand/discover truth; a dialectical journal records your conversation with the text, for the purpose of deepening your understanding What to do: The boys are beginning to find each other on the island. Ralph has found a shell that makes a loud noise when he blows it, and the other boys are coming out of the jungle to see what is happening. 1. Piggy muttered the name to himself and then shouted it to Ralph, who was not interested because he was still blowing [the conch shell]. His face was dark with the violent pleasure of making this stupendous noise, and his heart was making the stretched shirt shake (Golding 18). While Piggy is interested in gathering the other boys who are on the island, Ralph is immediately drawn to the power that the conch shell gives him. This hints at the different motivations that Ralph and Piggy have, and foreshadows Ralph s role as a leader. (Continued on next page) 1

2 What NOT* to do: The boys are on an island. Piggy muttered. making the stretched shirt shake (p18). This is an interesting quote. * Problems: The context is not specific. The quote is only partially copied. The citation does not contain the translator s last name. The p for page is unnecessary. The response does not explain why quote is interesting, or how it helps the reader understand the characters of Ralph and Piggy. 2

3 Honors English 9 Summer Reading Assignment Instructions: Read Beowulf (translated by Seamus Heaney) and To Kill a Mockingbird (by Harper Lee) in their entirety. Do not use any summary resources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.). Annotate both texts as you read. Circle the names of important characters, highlight major plot points, and be sure to mark difficult, confusing, and important passages--in the margins or on a separate sheet. Construct a dialectical journal with 10 quotes from each text and your responses. (Directions below.) Dialectical Journal Assignment for each text: 1. As you read, look for quotes that relate to the idea or theme of courage. 2. Your goal is to find a total of at least 10 quotes per text, for a total of 20 quotes. The quotes must come from your own reading, not from an online source (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.). 3. Create a three-column document as shown below (you must type). 4. In the left column explain the context for each quote (what is going at this point in the story). 5. Write out each quote, in its entirety, in the center column. Quotes must be numbered and cited in MLA format (see below for example). 6. In the right column, show your thinking about this quote. For example: How is courage being displayed in this quote? By whom? What does this quote show about the nature of courage? What does it mean to be courageous? Why do you find this quote interesting? Note: What you write in the context and commentary columns should reflect your thinking; quoting or paraphrasing from any secondary or online sources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.) is not permitted. Your annotations and dialectical journal are due on the first day of school, and both will be graded. Assignments that are not ready to hand in when you enter the classroom will be considered late. Your journals will be evaluated based on format, number of quotes, and thoughtfulness of responses. Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins Dialectical - using reasoning and discussion to understand/discover truth; a dialectical journal records your conversation with the text, for the purpose of deepening your understanding What to do: Grendel s mother has attacked in the middle of the night, taking revenge for the death of her son. At the funeral for Aeschere, her victim, Beowulf shares wisdom. 1. Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke:/ Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better/ To avenge dear ones than to indulge mourning./ For every one of us, living in this world/ Means waiting for our end. Let whoever can/ Win glory before death (Heaney 97). Beowulf approaches a dangerous situation with the desire to gain glory. He knows that death is inevitable, so instead of fearing death, his goal is to die fighting valiantly. To him, courage means acknowledging the reality of death but not being paralyzed by it. (Continued on next page) 3

4 What NOT* to do: Beowulf speaks to the people. Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: glory before death (p97). Beowulf is courageous. * Problems: The context is not specific. The quote is only partially copied. The citation does not contain the translator s last name. The p for page is unnecessary. The response does not explain how Beowulf demonstrates courage or how the quote helps the reader understand the nature of courage. 4

5 English 10 Summer Reading Assignment Read and annotate ONE of the following texts: The Odyssey by Homer Antigone by Sophocles Primary Reading Question: How does this text depict the relationship between humans and God (or the gods)? Dialectical Journal Assignment: 1. As you read, your task is to understand the book s depiction of humanity s place in the world and our relationship to divine powers. 2. As you read, identify quotes that reveal either (1) humans place in the world, (2) the gods actions toward humans, or (3) human response to divine guidance. If you are reading The Odyssey, identify 1-3 quotes per section. If you are reading Antigone, identify a minimum of 20 quotes from the play. 3. Create a three-column document as shown below (you must type). 4. In the left column explain the context for each quote (what is going at this point in the story). 5. Write out each quote, in its entirety, in the center column. Quotes must be numbered and cited in MLA format (see below for example). 6. In the right column, show your thinking about this quote. For example: Why did you find this quote interesting or compelling? What about this quote did you find confusing? What does this quote say about humanity s relationship to divine beings? Note: What you write in the context and commentary columns should reflect your thinking; quoting or paraphrasing from any secondary or online sources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.) is not permitted. 7. Include a Work Cited page for the text. See the Purdue Online Writing Lab for guidelines. Your annotations and dialectical journal with Work Cited page are due at the beginning of our first class period. Assignments not ready to hand in when you enter the classroom will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your dialectical journal will be evaluated: number of quotes / thoughtfulness of context and commentary MLA format (refer to the Purdue OWL for examples of how to set up a heading/ header) citations and Work Cited page Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins Dialectical - using reasoning and discussion to understand/discover truth; a dialectical journal records your conversation with the text, for the purpose of deepening your understanding (Continued on next page) 5

6 What to do: Having escaped the clutches of divine Calypso, Odysseus is nearing home. However, his dedication to Penelope is about to be tested. He gave Calypso the excuse that he could only marry a human. Now, he meets a human princess and his loyalty is tested. 1. Show me the way to town, give me a rag for cover, just some cloth, some wrapper you carried with you here. And may the good gods give you all your heart desires: husband, and house, and lasting harmony too. No finer, greater gift in the world than that when man and woman possess their home, two minds, two hearts that work a one. Despair to their enemies, a joy to all their friends. Their own best claim to glory (Fagles ). Odysseus greets Nausicaa after washing up on the island of Phaeacia. It seems rude to start wishing a girl he just met a husband (how does he know what she wants or even whether she s already married?) but it does show that he thinks the best thing in life is to have a spouse and a home and lasting harmony with both. Nearing the end of the journey, Odysseus has made his decision. What NOT* to do: Odysseus has crashed on some island again. a joy to all their friends. Their own best claim to glory (p. 174). This is interesting to me. They claim their glory. * Problems: The context is not specific. The quote is not written out in its entirety, and does not cite the book or line number. It will not help the student remember the context or importance of the passage. The citation is incorrectly formatted. The commentary does not explain why quote is interesting to reader, nor how the quote helps the reader understand the answer to the research question above. 6

7 Honors English 10 Summer Reading Assignment Read and annotate The Odyssey by Homer. Primary Reading Question: How does this text depict the relationship between humans and God (or the gods)? Dialectical Journal Assignment: 1. As you read, your task is to understand the book s depiction of humanity s place in the world and our relationship to divine powers. 2. As you read, identify 1-3 quotes per section that reveal either (1) humans place in the world, (2) the gods actions toward humans, or (3) human response to divine guidance. 3. Create a three-column document as shown below (you must type). 4. In the left column explain the context for each quote (what is going at this point in the story). 5. Write out each quote, in its entirety, in the center column. Quotes must be numbered and cited in MLA format (see below for example). 6. In the right column, show your thinking about this quote. For example: Why did you find this quote interesting or compelling? What about this quote did you find confusing? What does this quote say about humanity s relationship to divine beings? Note: What you write in the context and commentary columns should reflect your thinking; quoting or paraphrasing from any secondary or online sources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.) is not permitted. 7. Include a Work Cited page for the text. See the Purdue Online Writing Lab for guidelines. Your annotations and dialectical journal with Work Cited page are due at the beginning of our first class period. Assignments not ready to hand in when you enter the classroom will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your dialectical journal will be evaluated: number of quotes / thoughtfulness of context and commentary MLA format (refer to the Purdue OWL for examples of how to set up a heading/ header) citations and Work Cited page Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins Dialectical - using reasoning and discussion to understand/discover truth; a dialectical journal records your conversation with the text, for the purpose of deepening your understanding (Continued on next page) 7

8 What to do: Having escaped the clutches of divine Calypso, Odysseus is nearing home. However, his dedication to Penelope is about to be tested. He gave Calypso the excuse that he could only marry a human. Now, he meets a human princess and his loyalty is tested. 1. Show me the way to town, give me a rag for cover, just some cloth, some wrapper you carried with you here. And may the good gods give you all your heart desires: husband, and house, and lasting harmony too. No finer, greater gift in the world than that when man and woman possess their home, two minds, two hearts that work a one. Despair to their enemies, a joy to all their friends. Their own best claim to glory (Fagles ). Odysseus greets Nausicaa after washing up on the island of Phaeacia. It seems rude to start wishing a girl he just met a husband (how does he know what she wants or even whether she s already married?) but it does show that he thinks the best thing in life is to have a spouse and a home and lasting harmony with both. Nearing the end of the journey, Odysseus has made his decision. What NOT* to do: Odysseus has crashed on some island...again. a joy to all their friends. Their own best claim to glory (p. 174). This is interesting to me. They claim their glory. * Problems: The context is not specific. The quote is not written out in its entirety, and does not cite the book or line number. It will not help the student remember the context or importance of the passage. The citation is incorrectly formatted. The commentary does not explain why quote is interesting to reader, nor how the quote helps the reader understand the answer to the research question above. 8

9 Modern Western Thought Summer Reading Assignment, Part I PART I: Read and annotate The Odyssey by Homer. Primary Reading Question: How does this text depict the relationship between humans and God (or the gods)? Dialectical Journal Assignment: 1. As you read, your task is to understand the book s depiction of humanity s place in the world and our relationship to divine powers. 2. As you read, identify 1-3 quotes per section that reveal either (1) humans place in the world, (2) the gods actions toward humans, or (3) human response to divine guidance. 3. Create a three-column document as shown below (you must type). 4. In the left column explain the context for each quote (what is going at this point in the story). 5. Write out each quote, in its entirety, in the center column. Quotes must be numbered and cited in MLA format (see below for example). 6. In the right column, show your thinking about this quote. For example: Why did you find this quote interesting or compelling? What about this quote did you find confusing? What does this quote say about humanity s relationship to divine beings? Note: What you write in the context and commentary columns should reflect your thinking; quoting or paraphrasing from any secondary or online sources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.) is not permitted. 7. Include a Work Cited page for the text. See the Purdue Online Writing Lab for guidelines. Your annotations and dialectical journal with Work Cited page are due at the beginning of our first class period. Assignments not ready to hand in when you enter the classroom will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your dialectical journal will be evaluated: number of quotes / thoughtfulness of context and commentary MLA format (refer to the Purdue OWL for examples of how to set up a heading/ header) citations and Work Cited page Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins Dialectical - using reasoning and discussion to understand/discover truth; a dialectical journal records your conversation with the text, for the purpose of deepening your understanding (Continued on next page) 9

10 What to do: Having escaped the clutches of divine Calypso, Odysseus is nearing home. However, his dedication to Penelope is about to be tested. He gave Calypso the excuse that he could only marry a human. Now, he meets a human princess and his loyalty is tested. 1. Show me the way to town, give me a rag for cover, just some cloth, some wrapper you carried with you here. And may the good gods give you all your heart desires: husband, and house, and lasting harmony too. No finer, greater gift in the world than that when man and woman possess their home, two minds, two hearts that work a one. Despair to their enemies, a joy to all their friends. Their own best claim to glory (Fagles ). Odysseus greets Nausicaa after washing up on the island of Phaeacia. It seems rude to start wishing a girl he just met a husband (how does he know what she wants or even whether she s already married?) but it does show that he thinks the best thing in life is to have a spouse and a home and lasting harmony with both. Nearing the end of the journey, Odysseus has made his decision. What NOT* to do: Odysseus has crashed on some island...again. a joy to all their friends. Their own best claim to glory (p. 174). This is interesting to me. They claim their glory. * Problems: The context is not specific. The quote is not written out in its entirety, and does not cite the book or line number. It will not help the student remember the context or importance of the passage. The citation is incorrectly formatted. The commentary does not explain why quote is interesting to reader, nor how the quote helps the reader understand the answer to the research question above. (Continued on next page) 10

11 Modern Western Thought Summer Reading Assignment, Part 2 PART 2: Read the collection of first person sources from the Roman Empire available in the office or on the website. Essay Question: How do the Roman rulers think religion works? How do they misunderstand Christianity and its beliefs? Structure: The thesis of your essay should contain a claim and at least three reasons. Each body paragraph should present one reason with supporting evidence. Format: Your essay should be typed in MLA format. Refer to the Purdue Online Writing Lab for reminders of how to set up your paper and how to cite quotes from your primary text: < > You are NOT permitted to use any secondary sources in planning or writing your essay. The instructor is interested in what you notice while reading, not what others have thought, said, or published. Your essay is due on our first day of school. Essays not ready to hand in when you enter class will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your essay will be evaluated: accuracy of claim reasons evidence organization (intro, conclusion, each body paragraph focuses on one reason) clarity, directness, precision mechanics/formatting/citations Claim - statement of belief Reason - justification for claim Evidence - data gathered from the text in support of reason 11

12 English 11 Summer Reading Assignment Read The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself. Be sure to read the biographical information on Douglass, the Preface by William Lloyd Garrison, the Letter from Wendell Phillips, and the appendix. These readings can all be found on pp in the Norton Anthology of American Literature, 8th edition, which is the required text for this course. Dialectical Journal Assignment: 1. As you read, your task is to discern Douglass s argument: both his claim and his reasons. 2. For each chapter AND for the appendix, identify 2-3 quotes that reveal his argument, or are interesting or confusing to you. This will give you a total of quotes. 3. Create a three-column document as shown below (you must type). 4. In the left column explain the context for each quote (what is going at this point in the story). 5. Write out each quote, in its entirety, in the center column. Quotes must be numbered and cited in MLA format (see below for example). 6. In the right column, show your thinking about this quote. For example: Why did you find this quote interesting or compelling? What about this quote did you find confusing? How does this quote reveal the argument Douglass is making through his narrative? Note: What you write in the context and commentary columns should reflect your thinking; quoting or paraphrasing from any secondary or online sources (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.) is not permitted. 7. Include a Work Cited page for the text. See the Purdue Online Writing Lab for formatting. < > Your annotations and dialectical journal with Work Cited page are due at the beginning of our first class period. Assignments not ready to hand in when you enter the classroom will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your dialectical journal will be evaluated: number of quotes / thoughtfulness of context and commentary MLA format (refer to the Purdue OWL for examples of how to set up a heading/ header.) citations and Work Cited page Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins Dialectical - using reasoning and discussion to understand/discover truth; a dialectical journal records your conversation with the text, for the purpose of deepening your understanding (Continued on next page) 12

13 What to do: At the beginning of his narrative, Douglass relates the difficulty of his own childhood, and situates it in the common practices of his land. 1. Frequently, before the child has reached its twelfth month, its mother is taken from it, and hired out on some farm a considerable distance off, and the child is placed under the care of an old woman, too old for field labor. For what this separation is done, I do not know, unless it be to hinder the development of the child s affection toward its mother, and to blunt and destroy the natural affection of the mother for the child (Douglass 946). This shows how the systems and practices of slavery disrupted natural family ties and connection. Is Douglass showing a particular way in which dehumanization occurred? It seems that maintaining the system of slavery requires destroying the relationship between a mother and child. What NOT* to do: Douglass doesn t understand. unless it be to hinder the development of the child s affection toward its mother, and to blunt and destroy the natural affection of the mother for the child (p. 946). This is interesting to me. * Problems: The context isn t specific, and takes the implication at face value. The quote is not written out in its entirety. The citation is incorrectly formatted. The commentary does not explain why the quote is interesting to reader, or what it reveals about the argument Douglass is making. 13

14 AP English 11 Summer Reading Assignment Read and Annotate: The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne AND Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson. In your annotations, be sure to identify character description (for The Scarlet Letter ) and the main point of each chapter/story episode (for both texts). This will help you begin to discern the argument of each text. Essay question: What argument does Just Mercy make about justice? What is just mercy? Structure: The thesis of your essay should contain a claim ( The text argues that justice is ) and at least three reasons showing why/how this is the argument of the text. Each body paragraph should present one reason with supporting evidence. Format: Your essay should be typed in MLA format. Refer to the Purdue OWL for reminders of how to set up your paper and how to cite quotes from your primary text. < > Your essay should include a Work Cited page for Just Mercy. Refer to the Purdue OWL for formatting guidance! You are NOT permitted to use any secondary sources (meaning, sources other than the text itself) in planning or writing your essay. Your instructor is interested in your observations and conclusions regarding the text, not what others have thought, said, or published. Your essay and annotations are due on the first day of school. Assignments that are not ready to hand in when you enter the classroom will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your essay will be evaluated: accuracy of claim reasons evidence organization (intro, conclusion, each body paragraph focuses on one reason) clarity, directness, precision mechanics/formatting citations/ Work Cited page Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins. Argument - attempt to persuade the reader to share a set of beliefs Claim - statement of belief Reason - justification for claim Evidence - data gathered from the text in support of reason 14

15 Senior Practicum Summer Reading Assignment for English 12, Honors English 12, and AP English 12 Read and Annotate ONE text in preparation for your practicum work. You may choose from: OR General Worldview Resources : Possible: A Blueprint for Changing How We Change the World by Stephan Bauman (2015) Creation Regained : Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview by Albert Wolters (2005) Topic-Specific Resources : Any full-length book from the Senior Practicum Research Resources document (Texts not on the list may be substituted pending your English teacher s approval) PART I (to be submitted to your English Teacher): Dialectical Journal 1. As you read, look for quotes that are relevant to the work you will be doing for practicum. Note : It will be most helpful for you to look for quotes that relate to your task of identifying and understanding areas of brokenness in our world, and discerning how to restore those areas to what they were created to be. 2. Your goal is to find a total of at least 15 quotes throughout the text. 3. Create a three-column document as shown below (please type; this will help you for practicum). 4. In the left column explain the context for each quote (what is going at this point in the text). 5. Type out each quote, in its entirety, in the center column. Quotes must be numbered and cited in MLA format (see below for example). 6. In the right column, respond to this quote with reflections and/or questions. Consider: How does this quote help us identify and understand the brokenness we see in the world (or in a specific area, if you are reading a topic-specific text)? How does this quote help us discern how to restore those areas of brokenness to what they were created to be? Note: What you write in the context and commentary columns should reflect your thinking; quoting or paraphrasing from any secondary sources (Amazon, Goodreads, the back of the book) is not permitted. 7. Include a Work Cited page for the text. See the Purdue OWL for formatting guidelines: < > This assignment is due on the first day of school. Assignments not ready to hand in when you enter class will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your dialectical journal will be evaluated: number of quotes / thoughtfulness of context and commentary MLA format (refer to the Purdue OWL for guidance on heading/header, citation details) citations and Work Cited page (Continued on next page) 15

16 What to do: Context: Quote: My Thoughts: Bauman is describing the questions he and his wife wrestled with after spending six years in Africa, an experience which left them questioning whether it was possible for them to change the world. 1. What is God s purpose in human suffering? What is my calling in light of this purpose? How can we create lasting change--change that meaningfully empowers those that suffer most? What must I learn from those I am seeking to serve? Who must I become? (Bauman 13). 1. These questions challenge not only my understanding of problems, but my understanding of those who suffer and my role in relating to them. Honest wrestling with these questions has the potential to reshape not only my thinking, but my ways of relating to others. What NOT* to do: Context: Quote: My Thoughts: Talking about finding purpose. What is God s purpose. Who must I become? (p13). These are good questions. * Problems: The context isn t specific, and does not provide any helpful information. The quote isn t numbered. The quote is not written out in its entirety. The citation is incorrectly formatted. The commentary does not explain how the quote helps us understand problems in the world. PART II (to be submitted to your Practicum Teacher): Annotated Bibliography Entry 1. Copy the citation for your text from the Work Cited page you ve created for your English assignment. 2. Summarize the argument of the text (roughly 1 paragraph). An effective summary will address: Topic of the text: what is it about? Scope of the author s argument: how much of much of the topic does it cover? does it focus on a specific aspect/ time period? are there things the text doesn t address? Stance: what position does the author take? what primary claims is he/she making? 3. As you read, find 2 quotes from the reading that will help you answer your fall research question: What is the root cause of the problem you have selected? Copy in full and cite each quote (using an MLA-style parenthetical citation). Briefly explicate each quote, explaining how it helps you understand the underlying/root causes of your problem. Note: Because this is a formal writing assignment, avoid using first person ( I / my / etc.). Deadline : This assignment is due to your practicum teacher in the first senior Bible class of the school year. Assignments not ready to hand in at your first senior Bible class will be considered late. Grading : The following elements of your annotated bibliography entry will be evaluated: citation format content of your summary paragraph and explications relevance of your quotes to the research question clarity, directness, precision, and mechanics of your writing/ use of formal voice 16

17 Honors English 12 Summer Reading Assignment Read and Annotate: Choice of text for practicum The Picture of Dorian Gray* (1891), by Oscar Wilde Assignments: 1. For your practicum text, complete the dialectical journal as described above. 2. Essay: For The Picture of Dorian Gray, pay attention as you read to the competing views of beauty s relationship to moral goodness portrayed in this novel. For your essay, choose ONE character from the novel and explain his view of the relationship between beauty and moral goodness. (Caution: avoid coming to the conclusion that they are synonyms!) Structure: The thesis of your essay should contain a claim (identifying the character s view of the relationship of beauty to moral goodness) and at least three reasons (explaining how this view is evident in the character s words or actions or why the character understands the relationship between beauty and moral goodness in this way). Each body paragraph of your essay should present one reason with supporting evidence. Format: Your essay should be typed in MLA format. Refer to the Purdue OWL for reminders of how to set up the format of your paper, and how to cite quotes from your primary text. < > Your essay should include a Work Cited page for The Picture of Dorian Gray. Refer to the Purdue OWL for guidance! Note: You are NOT permitted to use any secondary sources in planning or writing your essay. This assignment is due on the first day of school. Assignments not ready to hand in when you enter class will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your essay will be evaluated: accuracy of claim reasons evidence organization (intro, conclusion, each body paragraph focuses on one reason) clarity, directness, precision mechanics/formatting citations/ Work Cited page Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins. Argument - attempt to persuade the reader to share a set of beliefs Claim - statement of belief Reason - justification for claim Evidence - data gathered from the text in support of reason * If using the Norton Critical Edition, be sure to read the 1891 version of the novel. 17

18 AP English 12 Summer Reading Assignment Read and Annotate: 1. Choice of text for practicum 2. One of the following novels: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, by James Joyce Writing Assignments: 1. For your practicum text, complete the dialectical journal as described above. 2. For the novel you choose, write an essay in response to the following question: According to the text, how does a person come to find or know his/her true vocation? Essay Structure: The thesis of your essay should make a claim about the pursuit/understanding of vocation generally, not just about the protagonist s experience. Your reasons should also be general statements drawn from your reading of the text, not specific examples. Each body paragraph of your essay should present one reason with supporting evidence. (Remember that your reader knows the text, so aptly chosen quotes are better than unnecessary summary.) Essay Format: Your essay should be typed in MLA format. (See Purdue OWL for details.) < > Your essay should include a Work Cited page for the novel. See Purdue OWL for guidance! Note: I am interested in your independent analysis. You are NOT permitted to use any secondary sources (meaning, sources other than the book) in planning or writing your essay. Both assignments are due on the first day of school. Assignments not ready to hand in when you enter class will be considered late. Grading: The following elements of your essay will be evaluated: (see notes on next page for more detail) persuasiveness & insight of your analysis evidence and explication organization (intro, conclusion, each body paragraph focuses on one reason) clarity, directness, precision mechanics/formatting/citations/work Cited page Annotate - underline key passages, write notes and questions in the margins. Claim - statement of belief Reason - justification for claim Evidence - data gathered from the text in support of reason Vocation - from the Latin for to call -- here, one s calling to a particular role/kind of work (Continued on next page) 18

19 Guidance for AP 12 Summer Reading Essay Notes on developing a strong claim: Make sure your claim answers the question above Test your claim against the WHOLE text Your claim should be supported by reasons that say how/why it is true Notes on finding text support: Remember that your reader knows the text you are FREED from the burden of summarizing it! The pillars of your support should be direct quotes; the best quotes will be ones that illuminate the meaning of the whole work Look for the strongest possible evidence for your claim/reason; don t settle for the first quote you think of Introduce your quotes-- remember that your reader knows the story, so she just needs context & orientation Attend to formatting details: Long quotes (longer than 4 full lines of text) should be blocked (see Purdue OWL for details/examples) Citations should be in this format: (Ellison 47) - no comma! Notes on organization/style/format: Let your argument dictate your organization (each paragraph should be a building block in your argument) Paragraphs should have clear topic sentences Read your paper out loud to catch surface errors, wordiness, etc. Examine your paper for proper formatting: Use a serif font (Cambria, Garamond, Times New Roman, etc.) Italicize titles MLA header = last name / pg # (e.g. Dedalus 1) 19