World Studies (English II)
Summer Reading Assignment
Text: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Student Name: ________________________________Date:__________________ Grade:_______________/100
Be sure to read /review the entire packet before you begin so that you are familiar with the requirements. All assignments
are due the FIRST day of class. In order to be prepared for success during your sophomore year, it is important to draw on
the reading and writing skills you have learned and improved during your freshman year. See these assignments as your
opportunity to show-off your abilities to read well, organize your thinking, and write effectively. In addition, there will
be an open response essay TEST over the novel upon your return to school.
Common Core State Standards Addressed
RL. 1 Key Ideas & Details:
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn
from the text.
RL. 4 Craft & Structure:
Determine the meaning of words & phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings;
analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g. how the language evokes a sense of
time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Task 1: Pre-Reading task Define/Translate/Research the following terms and/or names. Example: What is an
alchemist? What is an allegory? Where is Andalusia? What is significant about Andalusia? Who is Melchizedek?
1.
Alchemist (define):
2.
Allegory (define):
3. Santiago ( research/translate):
4. Andalusia, Spain (research):
5. Melchizedek (research):
6. Narcissus (research):
7. Urim and Thummin (research):
(1)
Task 2: Cause Effect Flow Chart and Paragraph
Causes and the effects are common to most literature. Often an event will occur or have several “causes” with one or
more “effects”. For instance, in Romeo and Juliet, Juliet’s death – the effect- was caused by a series of events among
characters (the Friar, the Feud, etc…). Please trace a cause effect relationship that occurs in the text. MUST BE HANDWRITTEN in the chart provided
1. Decide on an effect/ outcome or consequence
2. Trace it back to at least 3 separate causes and explain with text support and page number how your “causes”
contributed to the effect.
Causes
3. Juliet’s cousin,
Tybalt is
Killed by Romeo
Page #
Explanation (Document quote and Pg #s)
Act III, Pg 322 –“Romeo is banished”
and cannot reach Juliet.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
(2)
Effect/Outcome/Consequence (list one)
Juliet’s Death
Task 3
Authors use many tools and approaches in their writing. As a reader of the text, locate relevant textual quotes that show
the changes Santiago goes through. Track these changes chronologically by listing the page number, actual quote, a
summary, and offer an explanation as to how the example characterizes Santiago. MUST BE HAND-WRITTEN on
chart provided
NOTE:
Ten examples should be chronological and spread evenly throughout the book.
Task 3 Chart
Track Santiago’s development as a character
Page
Passage word-for-word
#
(1)
22
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Merchant- “…whoever you are,
or whatever it is that you do,
when you really want
something, it’s because that
desire originated in the SOUL
of the universe.”
Summary
The merchant discusses the
idea that the universe has an
actual SOUL, which would
infer that it is alive and
capable of feelings and
thought.
Explanation of how it affects
characterization
Santiago is introduced to this idea that the
universe is a living thing with a soul through
this use of Personification. This allows
Santiago to believe in his journey because
this “force” will work with him to realize his
own Personal Legend.
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(4)
Task 4
Create Flash Cards – these will be used all year. (Use a ring to fasten all the cards together)
The following literary devices will be used throughout the year. Students will be tested on the definitions and
applications upon returning to school in August.
1. Simile – a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared
2. Metaphor – a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally
applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”
3. Juxtaposition – an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.
4. Theme – a unifying or dominant idea (a phrase… more than 1 word)
5. Syntax – the arrangement of words/patterns in a sentence
6. Diction – style of words the author uses
7. Denotation – dictionary definition
8. Connotation – emotional implication a word carries
9. Tone – author’s attitude
10. Mood – distinctive emotional quality or feeling
11. Hyperbole – obvious and intentional exaggeration “it’s raining cats & dogs.”
12. Understatement – the act or an instance of understating, or representing in a weak or restrained way that is not
borne out by the facts: The journalist wrote that the earthquake had caused some damage. This
turned out to be a massive understatement of the devastation.
13. Allusion –A reference to a well-known literary work, artwork, historical person, or event
14. Paradox – a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible
truth.
15. Symbol – something used for or regarded as representing something else
16. Personification – the attribution of human nature or character to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract notions,
especially as a rhetorical figure
17. Archetype – the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are
based (A hero or a villain)
18. Irony
a. Dramatic – situation of a drama and is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.
b. Situational – a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended
(firehouse burns down)
c. Verbal – Sarcasm
19. Imagery – the formation of mental images, figures, or likenesses of things, or of such images collectively
Visual (Sight) Auditory (Sound) Olfactory (Smell) Tactile (Touch) Gustatory (Taste)
20. Antithesis – opposition, or contrast of ideas or words in balanced parallel construction. (Ex. Ask not what your
country can do for you, but what you can do for your country – J.F.K.)
(5)
Task 5
Authors use many tools and approaches in their writing. Some tools or approaches an author might use are specific
vocabulary and imagery. As a reader of the text, discuss 10 tools or approaches (you are encouraged to use examples from
the list you studied in task 4) the author used, provide the passage and page number, and explain why you think the author
used this tool. MUST BE HAND-WRITTEN on chart provided
List: (NOTE: You may repeat up to 5 examples of a device.)
1. Identify a passage that includes a literary device (personification, hyperbole, foreshadowing, symbolism or
situational irony), summarize the passage in the summary column, and then explain why the author used it.
Task 5 Chart
Tool /
Page
Approach
#
EX:
Symbolism
1.
2.
3.
4.
29
Passage word-for-word
Summary
“Before the boy could reply, a
butterfly appeared and fluttered
between him and the old man. He
remembered something his
grandfather had once told him:
that butterflies were a good
omen.
Butterflies can fly and
symbolize freedom. Santiago
sees a butterfly while talking
and is reminded of their sign
of goodness to come.
Explanation of why author
used it
Butterflies have wings and
can fly; however, they are
also delicate and beautiful.
Butterflies and their
symbolism carry a positive
connotation and
foreshadow good things to
come for Santiago.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Summary: (50 at 2 pts each)
1. Task #1 – Definitions/Research (7)
2. Cause/Effect (3)
3. Character Development Passages (10)
4. Flash Cards – Literary Devices (20)
5. Literary Device Evidence Chart (10)………………………
(7)
Total _________/100