AP Literature and Composition Summer Reading Assignment 2013
This is a course designed for students to deeply study representative works, from multiple genres and
time periods. To build upon your reading, writing, and analysis skills, preparing for this intense
course includes a summer reading and written assignment, which is specified below.
Reading Assignments

How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster
o
If possible, this book should be purchased as we will refer to it throughout this course.
o
Read the book and develop an understanding of literary analysis and how the repetition of
patterns and symbols provide a deeper level of meaning in most texts.

Elements of Style by Strunk & White
o
If possible, this book should be purchased as we will refer to it throughout this course.
o
Read the book and develop an understanding of the various elements of grammar that are
addressed. There will be a grammar test shortly after returning to school.

1984 by George Orwell
o
Again, purchasing this book would be ideal, but it is not necessary. If needed, I have
copies you can check out for the summer, but you cannot mark in them.
o
Read the novel and focus on basic literary elements, such as symbolism, allusions, etc.
o
Also, pay careful attention to the idea of truth in this novel.

State of Fear by Michael Crichton
o
Again, purchasing this book would be ideal, but it is not necessary. If needed, I have
copies you can check out for the summer, but you cannot mark in them.
o
Read the novel and focus on the idea of truth. Also, find real-life examples of misleading or
dishonest media.
Things to make note of in your text:
 Mark anything that you think is confusing, interesting, surprising, or important.
 Note passages that generate a strong positive or negative response.
 How does the writer present the argument and prove it?
 What is the writer’s argument and tone and how are these achieved?
 Analyze the diction (word choice) and syntax (sentence structure) used to express point of view.
 Consider the writer’s purpose: to explain, to persuade, to describe, to entertain, to editorialize.
 Also, consider any logical fallacies in the author’s arguments.
 Write connections between this text and other texts.
Writing Assignments
There are five assignments to accompany your reading. Each is due the first day of school. All
assignments must be bound in a three-ring binder, compiled in the order they appear below.

Choose FIVE chapters from How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Foster and apply what
you have learned in those chapters to 1984 and State of Fear.
o Create a power point slide show that explains the main points made in the Foster chapters
and how those points apply to the books.
o You need to have the following information in your slide show:
 Begin with a slide that has the titles and authors of the books.
 Include a brief summary of the book.
 A slide that explains the main points of each chapter from How to Read Literature Like a
Professor that you have chosen to explain.
 A slide that provides at least two examples (quotes please) from the books for each
chapter in Foster’s book that you chose. Please include page numbers for each
example.
 Make your slides visually appealing – color, pictures, etc.
Assignments adapted from Dr. Melissa King Rogers
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
Vocabulary compiled from How to Read Literature Like a Professor, 1984, and State of
Fear: As you read, compile a list of unfamiliar vocabulary and define each word. Note the work
and page number where you find each word, and include the sentence in which the word was
used. Submit one list all together that identifies the source text for each. Please number each
entry in your list and identify the text in which you found your words.
A Text Review Guide completed for each fictional work: The AP exam takes place in May,
and you’ll need to do some active processing now to develop notes that will assist you in
studying for the exam. For each fictional work you read, complete a Text Review Guide.
Pivotal Passage and Response (one from each fictional work): It is critical that you think
about what’s important in your texts. Just read well and think deeply.
Here’s what to do:
o For each text, find one pivotal passage to reflect upon. It may be as short as a few lines
or as long as a page or so. The passage should be interesting, thought-provoking, and
significant to the work’s meaning(s) as a whole. Think critically and write a focused
analysis on a few key elements rather than a random reflection. Here are some possible
elements to explore:
How does the passage…
* develop central theme(s) or conflicts?
* use images or symbol(s) to convey meaning?
* develop character in a rich, significant way?
* use setting details to convey important themes, conflicts, or meanings?
* exhibit important shifts or turning points instrumental to the work?
Read through the entire text before choosing your passage—you have to be able to connect
it to the work as a whole.
o Get past the beginning: Choose a passage that occurs at least one quarter of the way into
the work (approximately).
o Copy (photocopy, write, or type) the entire passage and include it at the beginning of
your response.
o Write a thoughtful, detailed discussion of your passage. Include, and highlight, a clear
thesis statement that addresses the reasons the passage is particularly significant. Each
response should be at least 350 words, double-spaced (typed only). Your response should
analyze the passage specifically and discuss its most important elements, and you should
demonstrate in your response that you have read the entire work. Do not merely
summarize or translate the passage. Instead, address important elements in the passage
and how they convey important meanings that are significant to the work as a whole.
o Pick a passage you will enjoy writing about. This is designed to be interesting and not a
chore. Make this assignment belong to you.
A short (1-page) treatise on “truth”: This essay should include a thorough definition, a
statement of your philosophy on truth, and a basic interpretation of how society, in general,
identifies or manipulates truth.
If you have any questions throughout the summer, contact me, Mr. Wegley, at
gary.wegley@beavercreek.k12.oh.us or at my home, 236-8880.
Assignments adapted from Dr. Melissa King Rogers
AP English Text Review Guide
Type responses on another sheet. Just retain this format.
Cultural context/genre (Identify & explain relevant information about literary period, author, type of
text, etc.)
Setting(s)/Tone & Mood (Identify the setting(s) and their significance; identify the atmosphere in the
text as established by the tone and mood; include, where relevant, quotes from/references to the text)
Brief Plot Summary (Summarize the plot of the text succinctly w/ special attention to development &
resolution of conflicts)
Motivation/Tension/Development
Main Characters: List &
make notes about important
characters in work
Name/Role
Identifying Quote(s)
List as many as necessary.
Significant Relationship
to Main Character(s)
Minor Characters
Name/Role
List as many as necessary.
Motifs
(signif. objects,
concepts, ideas,
issues, statements
recurrent in text)
Motif
Significance (quote from text, where relevant)
List as many as necessary.
Theme
Themes
(questions,
statements, and/or
dichotomies (i.e. this
vs. that)
Identifying Quotes/References (where relevant)
How manifested in plot/characterization/other elements
(quote from text as relevant)
List as many as necessary.
Assignments adapted from Dr. Melissa King Rogers
AP English Student and Parent Information Sheet
Please complete this sheet and return it to Mr. Wegley in room 2044.
Student’s Name:
Student’s Email Address:
I’d like to know a little more about you as a student to get a sense of the interests and abilities of the
class. Please take a moment to tell me about yourself. Feel free to include any additional information
you’d like me to know about you.
Why have you chosen to take AP English?
What do you think are your strengths as a student?
What would you like to work on most in AP English, and why?
Please have a parent complete the sections below.
Names of Parent(s):
Address:
Phone Number:
Parent’s Email Address:
I am aware of the commitment involved with the AP English course.
Student Signature:
Parent Signature: