English 10H Pre-AP Summer Reading Assignment
Welcome to English 10H, a Pre-AP course. I look forward to working with you as we explore a variety of rigorous and engaging world literature.
For your summer assignment, read Life of Pi by Yann Martel in its entirety, complete five journal entries and make a list of possible topics for independent research. Neither reading "Cliff Notes" (nor any other print or on-line equivalent) nor watching a film version is an acceptable substitute for the experience of reading a novel. While it may supplement your experience, do not attempt to substitute one of these activities for actual reading.
Note: If, in the fall, you request a schedule change and drop this class, your score on this summer assignment transfers with you to your new class.
If you have questions, you can reach me at [email protected] throughout the summer months.
Enjoy your summer vacation and summer reading!
For your summer assignment, read Life of Pi by Yann Martel in its entirety, complete five journal entries and make a list of possible topics for independent research. Neither reading "Cliff Notes" (nor any other print or on-line equivalent) nor watching a film version is an acceptable substitute for the experience of reading a novel. While it may supplement your experience, do not attempt to substitute one of these activities for actual reading.
Note: If, in the fall, you request a schedule change and drop this class, your score on this summer assignment transfers with you to your new class.
If you have questions, you can reach me at [email protected] throughout the summer months.
Enjoy your summer vacation and summer reading!
Life of Pi by Yann Martel: After the tragic sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild, blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra (with a broken leg), a female orangutan and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. The scene is set for one of the most extraordinary and best-loved works of fiction in recent years.
Life of Pi full text pdf |
COMPLETE FIVE JOURNAL ENTRIES
Make sure each entry is labeled by number (i.e. 1, 2, 3). Begin each journal entry on a new page.
EACH JOURNAL ENTRY MUST BE 250-375 (approximately 1 to 1 1/2 pages). Use the questions below as a guide paying particular attention to the fictional elements of the novel - characters, plot events, setting, conflict and theme. This is your time to convince me that you are reading the novel, so add specific, thoughtful details in your journal entries.
Each response should
Entries may be handwritten or word-processed and printed. Each entry is worth 20 points. All entries are due the first day of class - August 10th.
Entry #1 - Before You Begin Reading
Before you begin reading, write about your first impression of the book:
Entry #2 - The Beginning of the Novel
After reading the first few chapters, these are some questions to consider:
Entry #3 - The Middle of the Novel
Towards the middle of your novel, these are some possible questions. Remember to include examples from the novel to support your points.
Entry #4 - Before the End of the Novel
Before reading the last chapter or two, consider these questions:
Entry #5 - After Reading the Novel
After finishing your novel:
Make sure each entry is labeled by number (i.e. 1, 2, 3). Begin each journal entry on a new page.
EACH JOURNAL ENTRY MUST BE 250-375 (approximately 1 to 1 1/2 pages). Use the questions below as a guide paying particular attention to the fictional elements of the novel - characters, plot events, setting, conflict and theme. This is your time to convince me that you are reading the novel, so add specific, thoughtful details in your journal entries.
Each response should
- be written in paragraph form which begins with a topic sentence that addresses the overall purpose of the entry.
- exhibit a substantial level of detail that demonstrates your understanding of the novel,
- use present tense verbs when referring to events in the novel,
- use an academic voice (3rd person pronouns - he, she, they) when appropriate, and
- follow the conventions of standard written English.
Entries may be handwritten or word-processed and printed. Each entry is worth 20 points. All entries are due the first day of class - August 10th.
Entry #1 - Before You Begin Reading
Before you begin reading, write about your first impression of the book:
- What prior knowledge, if any, do you have of this book?
- Consider the title, cover, and chapter titles listed in the Table of Contents (if any). What inferences can you make about the book?
- What expectations do you have for the book?
- What questions are generated in your mind?
Entry #2 - The Beginning of the Novel
After reading the first few chapters, these are some questions to consider:
- What has happened, if anything, before the story of the novel began?
- What's going on as the story begins?
- Who is telling the story? (narrator, point of view)
- What is the setting of the novel? Is the setting important or could the novel be happening anywhere? Why?
- What is the initial or first problem faced by the main character?
- How does the author get you to read on or hold your interest?
Entry #3 - The Middle of the Novel
Towards the middle of your novel, these are some possible questions. Remember to include examples from the novel to support your points.
- What new things are added to the original problem as the novel progresses?
- What plot twists or unexpected events happen as the novel goes on?
- Comment on the style of the novel. Is it easy or hard to follow the events? What makes it so?
- Is the language in the novel difficult or easy? Provide examples.
- Is there a message or main theme emerging in the book? What is it? How is it shown?
- Describe any new characters that are introduced. What are their purposes?
- At this point, if it were not required, do you want to finish the novel? Explain.
- Is the plot holding your attention? Why or why not?
Entry #4 - Before the End of the Novel
Before reading the last chapter or two, consider these questions:
- Have the main conflict and any secondary conflicts been settled to your satisfaction? What makes you think so?
- How do you expect the author to conclude the story?
- What makes you think so? What loose ends still need “tying up”?
Entry #5 - After Reading the Novel
After finishing your novel:
- What is the climax of the novel – point of highest interest or suspense?
- How are the major and minor conflicts solved? (What is the novel’s resolution?)
- What were the major events that helped to resolve the plot?
- What message or theme did you get from the novel? How was this message or theme conveyed?
- How has the main character changed over the course of the novel? Provide examples.
- Were you satisfied with the end of the novel? Why or why not?
- Is the novel believable?
- Why would you (or why wouldn't you) recommend this novel to a friend?
- Why did (or didn't) the novel meet your expectations?
- What did you like the most and the least about this novel? Be specific. Think of the plot line, the style of writing, the characters, the setting, etc. when making your comments.
Summer Reading Assignment |