Summer Reading List 2012-Mahon
English II, Pre-AP
Why do I need to read during the summer? AP and Pre-AP courses require outside reading in
preparation for the AP test. Students are expected to draw from a wide base of reading that has been
analyzed, critiqued, and discussed. If you do not love reading, writing, and analyzing literature, the
AP class may not be for you.
It is important to know a work well. Merely skimming a work will not prepare one for taking the
Advanced Placement test during the junior and/or senior years. An example of a Free-Response Essay
Question follows:
"Choose a novel or play that you have studied and write a well-organized essay in which you describe
an "illuminating" episode or moment and explain how it functions as a "casement", a window that
opens onto the meaning of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary."
Then a list of works is given from which a selection may be made. As you can see, without reading a
work thoroughly and giving it in-depth thought, this essay would be difficult to write. So, read for
enjoyment but process what you are reading. See notes below regarding active reading.
Summer Reading List:
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To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
Read Actively: As you read, read actively underlining important terms, circling definitions and
meanings, writing key words and definitions in the margins, write summaries in the margins, and
write questions in the margin next to the section where the answer is found. This process will help you
to concentrate better as you read and prepare you to respond to your reading. Credit will be given for
reading actively.
Vocabulary Chart: As you read, identify at least 40 words (this list should be from all three books) that
you are not familiar with or that you do not fully understand. Circle or highlight them. Write these
page numbers beside the word on your paper. Then define these words using context clues. Write
what you think the word means. Next, look the words up in the dictionary and write down the
definition. Finally, create a sentence of your own. Underline the word. Remember, writing your own
sentence does not mean asking what the word means or defining it. Use your own context clues. This
is due the first day of class.
Making a Visual Project: After reading all three works, choose one of the classic books and make a
visual project. The project is to be 3-D and representative of something you personally responded to
as you read. Do not make this project too literal, i.e. a tree with items in the fork of the tree for To
Kill a Mockingbird. Think of the symbolism in the book and use this as a springboard for your project.
Projects are not to be expensive. Use found items as much as possible. Be creative. No dioramas or
dolls used as people, please. Projects that require a base need to be sturdy. If cardboard is used it
needs to be covered or painted so the project has a finished appearance. Each project needs to have
an index card with the book title and author and your name included along with an explanation for
your choice. Projects will receive a grade and are due the first day of class.
Come to school prepared to discuss these books and to write responses to the reading. Credit will be
given for active reading (bring in your books with the notations you have made) and the visual
project. Happy reading, scholars!