ENGLISH 1—HONORS
Summer Reading—2011
FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY [REQUIRED READING]
TOPIC: CENSORSHIP
 STUDENTS WILL BE TESTED ON THE NOVEL ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011.
Assignments
1. Typed Reading Response
 DuE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2011 at LHS in central office.
2. Visual Product: See directions on Visual Product Rubric
 Due: Tuesday, September 6, 2011 in class.
Overview
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, is very thought provoking. It should stir
your feelings about the value of reading when you discover that the people
who live inside the pages of Fahrenheit 451 are forbidden to read anything
except government manuals. Even their comic books are wordless. Ray
Bradbury, one of America’s finest science fiction writers, has written this
novel to ask his readers questions about whether or not living in a closed
society, filled with people who all think alike, is best for the “good of all.”
These are questions raised by the conflict of the central character, Montag.
The human qualities of Montag and the ideas that motivate him to take
certain actions should make you think about what you would do if you were
in his circumstance. Do a close reading of all of his experiences and how he
reacts to life.
Page 1 of 5
Introduction
 The book is divided into three (3) parts.
Part I
“The Hearth and the Salamander”
Part II
“The Sieve and the Sand”
Part III
“Burning Bright”
Typed Reading Response Details—FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY
Due: TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2011
Assignment
 Typed reading response for the topic of censorship—a definition and an investigation of
this issue.
o
If you use reference sources, you should document those sources using the MLA
format required. LHS teachers expect documentation.
Directions
 Develop sections A, B, C
A:
Define censorship. Do an in-depth investigation of the term in the definition
section. Give examples of the many types of censorship in modern society.
Answer this part of the prompt with regard to the United States and then
internationally. Is there a reason for censorship today?
Yes/No/Sometimes? Why or, why not? (Based on examples).
B:
Explain censorship in the society presented in the novel. Which passages in the
book are glaring examples of a controlled environment where people are not
free to make their own choices? Reference at least one instance in each of the
three parts of the book.
C:
Explain the function of the character, Mechanical Hound, developed by the
government in Fahrenheit 451. What is it? What is its purpose? Would any
community, in any government, need such a creature ...and... Who/What
does this character symbolize? Explain.
Page 2 of 5
Notes
 The number of pages double-spaced, typed:
minimum 2 –
maximum 4
 See the assessment checklist. Your teacher will use it to grade
your writing sample.
Writing Rubric—Honors
Scale
0 = unacceptable
1 = needs improvement
2 = competent
3 = highly competent
Content
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the term censorship
0 1 2 3
Presents ideas in a logical order regarding topic of censorship in the society that
we live in today
0 1 2 3
Uses examples from the text regarding censorship in the novel in all three
sections
0 1 2 3
Explains the function of the Mechanical Hound
0 1 2 3
Explains need for this threat/surveillance for any community
0 1 2 3
Explains Mechanical Hound as a symbol
0 1 2 3
Essay complete demonstrating an ability to end “on topic.”
0 1 2 3
Mechanics
Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, effective transitions to
lead to the next idea
0 1 2 3
Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words (delete common verbs)
0 1 2 3
Uses correct spelling, grammar, usage
0 1 2 3
Uses Times New Roman, 12pt., double spacing
0 1 2 3
Uses Modern Language Association MLA format
0 1 2 3
A= 36 – 34
B= 33-28
C= 27-20
Page 3 of 5
D= 19-12
F= 12-0
 Plagiarism
You must use proper MLA formatting when writing your paper. The work
submitted must not show that you have copied/used ideas/words from
another source and presented them as your own. This practice is
unacceptable and it will result in a score of zero.
Visual Product— FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY
Due: Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Assignment
 Montag as the focus of visual product
Directions
1.
Choose one scene from the novel where Montag is interacting with others. Show a
very interesting moment when he is emotionally involved with a new experience, a
problem, or a decision (AFTER PAGE 20).
2.
Support this central character with other characters/atmosphere, details. Remember,
the visual must represent an event/a scene from the storyline (after the first encounters
with Clarisse).
Format
a) Poster or paper: collage using cutouts, illustration,
painting, comic strip to be mounted on the classroom
wall (no dioramas, please)
b) Title of the scene from the book. Please place your
name on it as well.
Page 4 of 5
Visual Product Rubric—Honors
Scale
1 = needs improvement
2 = Acceptable
3 = highly competent
4= Exemplary
Assessment Checklist
Shows scene from novel with characters (Not from “Are you happy?”)
1 2 3 4
Depicts Montag experiencing an important event
1 2 3 4
Shows atmosphere/details in the scene
1 2 3 4
Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus
1 2 3 4
Reflects an understanding of the literature selection
1 2 3 4
Is appropriate and appealing for classroom display
1 2 3 4
A= 28-24
B= 23-18
C= 17-12
D= 11-7
Page 5 of 5
F= 6-0
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