Sophomore Honors English: Summer Reading Assignment 2015-2016
Introduction
Sophomore Honors English is a rigorous course in which you will be required to read, write and
think a great deal at an advanced level. Throughout the year, we will read and analyze several
novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction articles. In addition, we will write both process and
timed writings in large quantities. We will also focus on mastering writing conventions in an
effort to improve your writing skills and prepare you for La Quinta’s AP English program.
Summer Reading Assignment
Read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This novel deals with topics of prejudice, racism,
and coming-of-age in the Southern United States during the 1930s. Set in Maycomb, Alabama
and revolving around the Finches, a middle class, white family, the novel contains themes and
insights about society and culture that keep it relevant sixty years after its publication. There
will be a fair amount of Southern dialect, so keep a dictionary handy to clarify the meaning if
you are ever lost.
If possible, we strongly encourage you to purchase a copy of the book (it is widely available at
every bookstore and even Target! Check out your local used bookstore too). It will also be
available at La Quinta until June 5. After that, a very limited supply will be available at Paine
Elementary during the summer.
I.
II.
Read the following articles on Harper Lee and familiarize yourself with her character
and life. It is interesting to note that she has another book being published.
 http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/30/books/30lee.html
 http://www.neabigread.org/books/mockingbird/mockingbird04.php
As you read, annotate the text. You should complete the basics of annotation (see
explanation below) and focus on character development, theme, and literary elements.
 For character development, look for details about or changes in the character that are
important to the plot and the author’s message/s (theme).
 For literary elements, mark the literary elements that illuminate meaning and help to
define the author’s style or that relate to the theme. Literary elements can include but
are not limited to imagery, foreshadowing, irony, symbolism, figurative language,
allusion and juxtaposition.
 Please mark the details for character development and the literary elements in
different ways (i.e., different post-its, colors, symbols) so they can be easily
identified.
 DO NOT just label passages of character development and literary elements! You
should identify and connect the purpose of each. Go beyond, “This is…” and find the
“This means…connects to…creates…affects…”
 Remember to read to understand rather than read to finish.
About Annotating the Text:
 Annotating is simply interacting with the text by writing directly on the page or
writing on post-its. Defining difficult words, asking questions, making predictions
and interpreting passages are the basics of annotating any text.
 The amount you annotate depends on what type of reader you are (many teachers take
several short notes on each page).
 If you check out a copy of the book from the library, you should use large post-its for
your annotations. You will need this book for an extended period of time, so take care
to ensure the proper arrangements.
 If you purchase a copy, I encourage you to write and highlight directly on the pages
and supplement with post-its as needed.
 Please put your name and period on the inside cover of your book and be prepared to
turn in your annotated book at the start of class.
III.
As you read, complete a dialectical journal. Your twenty quotations should be integrated
using MLA documentation and your analysis should clear, concise, and complete. You
should have a sampling of quotations from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel.
Do NOT use quotations that are analyzed for you in any study guide materials, including
SparkNotes online. You will need:
 One paper with 10 entries that will have quotations related to “conformity”
 A second paper with 10 entries that will have quotations related to “identity”
About Dialectical Journals:
 Use the format shown in the example below.
 Notice how the quotation is given context by explaining who is saying/doing what
and what is happening. This information is used to integrate the quotation into a
larger, coherent sentence, followed by the page number in a parenthetical citation.
 Notice how the analysis does not simply explain the quotation. It goes much deeper,
perhaps relating to a theme, the author’s purpose, or something else beyond itself.
 Here is an example:
Quotation 1 (page number)
When he is receiving religious instruction, Huck
thinks to himself, “I was in a sweat to find out all
about him; but by-and-by she let it out that Moses
had been dead a considerable long time; so then I
didn’t care no more about him; because I don’t take
no stock in dead people” (2).
IV.
Quotation 1: Analysis (Student response)
Huck misunderstands the Widow’s teaching of biblical
morals, and instead focuses on the person rather than the
message. Through this humorous example, Twain satirizes
religion by revealing its irrelevance because it’s based on
outdated ideas.
Final Notes and Reminders
Remember, we’ve read all the supplementary guides like Sparknotes, Cliffnotes, Pink
Monkey, etc. Not only that, but we know how to use Google! Also, do not use a
previous student’s book that has already been annotated. When you complete your
assignments and annotations, we want it to be your thoughts, feelings, and analysis.
Don’t rely on other people’s ideas because they won’t be available when you are writing
an essay in class and it is academic dishonesty. Work hard and grow your knowledge
over the summer. Reading and analyzing a book is one of the best ways to improve your
intelligence, your writing, and your vocabulary.