May 1, 2014
Dear Future 9th Grade Pre-AP Students,
If you enjoy reading and writing, and also see the benefit of becoming a life-long learner, the English I.
Pre-AP course will be a good fit. We will work tirelessly; however, you should see growth in your level of
insight and overall writing ability as we take the first step towards College Readiness. Come prepared to
read within a diverse range of genres and to write for an array of varied purposes. Preparedness,
motivation, and work ethic are valuable indicators for academic success, so plan to be challenged!
Attached, please find the Summer Reading Instructions for both the Fiction and Non-Fiction selections.
Looking forward to meeting you in August,
Mrs. Iris McNair
Lamar High School
English I Pre-AP
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------English I Pre-AP
Lamar High School
Mrs. Iris McNair
imcnair@lcisd.org
Summer Reading Instructions
Instructor’s Notes:
For the summer reading, use any edition of the book; a brand new or mildly-used copy will work just as
well. While closely reading the novel, make all of the following annotations or (notes) inside your
personal copy. The annotation process can sometimes be tedious; however, if notations are
purposefully done, students should experience greater success with insight and understanding of a
literary work. If using a borrowed book, please invest in some sticky notes and highlighters. The Dollar
Tree chains in the area have packages of (4 ct.) neon-colored small notes, (1 ct.) single-colored larger
notes, and (3 ct.) different-colored highlighter packs all for ($1.00) each. Please do not wait until the last
minute to begin the summer reading, as the task will seem enormous if attempted once the new school
year has started. Also, feel free to email me with any confusion that arises during your Summer Reading
Experience, and I will be happy to help!
Required Summer Book List for English I Pre-AP:
Animal Farm by George Orwell (Fiction Selection)
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah (Non-Fiction Selection)
(Go to the next page).
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Book Borrowing:
If planning to borrow a book, please let your English teacher know by Friday, May 16, 2014, so we can
reserve copies to deliver materials to you during the last week of school before Final Exams.
Graded Assignment for Both Books:
Along with grades for your annotations or (notes), plan to begin testing over both summer selections
the second and third weeks of school with objective questions, short essay evaluations, and an In-Class
Theme or a Formal Essay. Again, please do not wait until the last minute to begin reading, as this may
cause a great deal of stress.
Highlighting or Using Sticky Notes:
First, write your full name (in print) inside the front cover of your book. Then, create a color-coding key
also inside the front cover of the book. If possible, attempt to use lighter colors; darker colors blur the
wording. (AP College Board recommends yellow as a primary annotation color). Suggested colors are
light yellow and light green, but you may use whatever is most convenient. If borrowing a book, the two
suggested colors are commonly found in sticky note packs as well.
Animal Farm
By: George Orwell
Highlighting or Using Sticky Notes:
1.) Color #1: Highlight each time a new SETTING location is mentioned. This practice will help
with tests and In-Class Themes as you are looking for a particular section of the book and
will also help you make connections with changes in settings as they relate to changes in the
action and conflict.
2.) Color #2: Highlight at least one IMPORTANT SENTENCE or INSIGHTFUL DETAIL in each
chapter where the reader connects in some format with the writing.
Written Notes in the Margins: Make notes in the book or use sticky notes to address all items listed in
this category. Remember, the more you connect with the text, the better understanding you will have of
the overall theme and author’s purpose.
A.) Characterization- Place a BOX around each new character that is introduced, (human or
animal), when it is mentioned for the first time. Then, identify information that contributes
to the reader’s understanding of the novel. The author will provide insight into a character’s
physical and personality traits along with values, motivation, thoughts, conflicts, and social
interactions. UNDERLINE all pertinent information that enhances your understanding of
each character and how that character contributes to the plot.
B.) Main Idea- After reading each chapter, go back to the chapter number and write one
SENTENCE to explain the main idea of that particular section of the novel.
C.) Confusing Text- Place a QUESTION MARK in the margins for confusing text or unclear
information. Then, google items of interest that extend your understanding and write ideas
in your book.
Page #3 / of 3
Sample Annotations:
Color #1: (Setting) - Manor Farm
Color #2: (Insightful Detail) - Mr. Jones is not a conservative farmer, as his actions display recklessness.
Sample Passage:
Notes:_____________________________
“ [Mr. Jones], of Manor Farm, had locked the hen-house
for the night, but was too drunk to remember to shut
the pop-holes. With the ring of light from his lantern
dancing from side to side, he lurched across the yard,
kicking off his boots and the back door…” (3).
main character/setting & name of farm
characterization-farmer careless
(?) - reader questions the values of farmer.
Mr. Jones does not fit the stereotype of
the tireless farmer’s work ethic.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
By: Ishmael Beah
Google Search: Before reading, research Ishmael Beah to learn a few biographical details about his
world in Sierra Leone, his education, and his contributions to end the political injustice that robbed him
of his childhood. Obtaining some background information will enhance your reading and give you a
point of reference on Beah’s work.
Highlighting or Using Sticky Notes:
1.) Color #1: Highlight or mark one important EMOTIONAL opinion (from each chapter) that
shows the writer’s feelings: compassion, anger, fear, confusion, anxiety, etc.
2.) Color #2: Highlight or mark one important LOGICAL detail (from each chapter) where the
writer uses reason to show factual evidence regarding major events in the book.
Written Notes:
A.) Factual Details: UNDERLINE facts, character introductions, interesting details, unusual
information, or any idea that prompts you to make a significant connection with the text.
B.) Insightful Passages: Using a STAR, mark poignant or (eloquently written) passages and
insightful wording or text that cause the reader (to think beyond the obvious interpretation).
Remember, you may also star and circle numbers on important pages.
C.) Vocabulary in Context: CIRCLE words or phrases that confuse your understanding of the
book. Define and keep a running, personal glossary inside the back cover of the book with a
personal guide for future reference.
**If you are using borrowed materials, please remember to use sticky notes where instructions ask you
to write in your book.