Advanced Placement English 12 Literature and Composition
Summer Reading Assignment
(i.e.,the one that meets every other day)
Warhill High School
Instructor: Mrs. B. Akers
(akersb@wjcc.k12.va.us)
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
The following summer assignment needs to be turned in by Thursday, August 14th to Mrs.
Akers’ school mailbox in a manila envelope (note: remember that the school operates on a four day
week during the summer). If there is a part of the assignment which is not clear, contact Mrs.
Akers at 220-8777 (h) or 880-5139 (c). Leave your name and a return number. Every student
should be calling to check on novel choice for Senior Research Paper. In order to be in this class,
summer work is mandatory.
Summer Reading Project (Work to be Submitted)
Introductory Letter

One cover letter, to be submitted with
your college essay, introducing yourself
and explaining your reasons for taking
AP English Literature

Please know that, by and large, this
letter conveys the proverbial first
impression that you make on your future
teacher (even if you have had her
before). Make it a special one.

Completed College Application
Essay/Scholarship letter
One completed essay using a topic
suggested by a college of your choice,
or one from the Common Application.
Make sure that your essay’s prompt is
typed at the top of your page. On the
off chance that there is no essay,
please look for appropriate scholarships
and respond with a letter to engage that
scholarship in your future.

Please keep in mind that some colleges
ask applicants to complete one longer
“personal statement” in addition to
several other “short answer” essays.
For this summer project, we ask that
you complete one longer “personal
statement” essay; shorter, e.g., 100word, essays may not be substituted for
full credit
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Read, highlight, and/or annotate the
novel. Though not required, it might be
helpful for you to keep a reading log as
you proceed, collecting and analyzing
key quotations, major themes, critical
events, or defining characteristics of
persons and their society.

You will be assessed on your
understanding of the novel when you
return to school.
Part I. Things Fall Apart-Chinua Achebe
A. Secure and read a copy of this novel. Bring to school the first week.
B. Although your annotation will not be graded, it is important you recall things from the novel for
the entire year as a thematic focus. There will be an assessment on the novel. Use “sticky”
notes/color coding to help you locate information about the major characters, the setting, and
traditions among some of the significant features of this piece. Looking at life in Okonkwos’ village
will be an “archetype” for most readings during the school year in A.P. 12 as well as a possible
A.P.Test novel selection.
Part II. Now, here is what you do not have to read or write over the summer, but it will help you
in your quest to become A.P. scholars:
 Purchase a novel (British or world literature) on which you would like to concentrate for
your senior research paper. You could even read the novel if you wish.
IMPORTANT:

Call Mrs. Akers with your choice for approval before buying that classic novel

No late summer work!
Have a safe and wonderful summer. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Now you all
are truly seniors!
Mrs. Akers