CP English 12 Summer Reading 2014-2015
Ms. White
Welcome to your senior year! I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you a bit more through this summer reading
assignment. Summer reading reveals much about the person sitting behind the desk. As your English teachers look at what you
turn in, thoughts that go through their minds are generated by the effort you put into your work, and an impression is instantly
made: hard-worker, insightful, creative, interesting, brilliant, are some; slacker, careless, lazy -- unfortunately, are others. So
few times in life we have the ability to make a first impression, so make the most of this one. Summer reading assignments are
due the first day of school. BRING THIS SHEET WITH YOU! No excuses!
ASSIGNMENT #1: (POD/LANGUAGE ARTS PREPARATION (Mr. Ankrom, Ms. White): Read the attached document and
respond to the attached questions. Be prepared to discuss.
ASSIGNMENT # 2: This I Believe (See the On-Line Classroom for specific edition)
Part A: This I Believe is a collection of essays by ordinary and extraordinary people. As you read, make notes of ideas or
essays that you may wish to discuss, ideas you agree with or disagree with, etc. You will need to bring the book to class, and I
will be asking for your observations. Prepare to discuss the essay that you feel is most relevant to you.
Part B: Write a thoughtful paragraph of response to THREE of the following questions. Use examples from the essays and/or
examples for your personal experiences to support your responses. Be prepared to discuss your observations. Responses
must be typed in 10 or 12 point font. Single space your answers, and add an extra space between each of your responses. You
name, course, period, and date the assignment (see example for date format) should be at the LEFT top left of the page.
Your name
CP English 12
Period
8.19.14
1. In two essays reflecting the toll of war, Newt Gingrich emphasizes the need for vigilance (“I believe that the world is inherently
a very dangerous place”) while John McCain celebrates the power of the quiet hero (“The true worth of a person is measured by
how faithfully we serve a cause greater than our self-interest”). What is your approach to the tides of danger and victory,
destruction and reconstruction that have shaped the world for as long as history has been recorded? Do you think the future can
be more peaceful than the past?
2. Several of the essays describe discrimination, such as Phyllis Allen’s recollections of growing up in a racially segregated
town, and Eve Ensler’s observations about atrocities committed against women. What do you believe is at the root of
discriminatory behavior? What causes some members of society to feel justified in causing the suffering of entire populations?
Howe can we ensure equality in the face of the forces behind discrimination?
3. What did you observe about the essays from half a century ago compared with contemporary ones? Which issues have
remained constant? What new ones have arisen that Edward R. Murrow’s generation could not have imagined?
4. Questions of mortality and immortality are raised throughout the book, from Isabel Allende’s response to her daughter’s death
to Elvia Bautistia’s experience of visiting her brother’s grave. At the heart of many of these essays is the notion that love
endures beyond a person’s lifetime. How does this book define a life well lived and a grief that is not in vain?
5. Martha Graham’s “An Athlete of God” closes by describing the acrobat as “practicing living at that instant of danger. He does
not choose to fall.” In what way does this describe the tandem of fear and faith experienced in our daily lives? What does it take
to “choose” not to fall?
7. In “Seeing Beautiful, Precise Pictures,” Temple Grandin describes how her ability to visualize resulted in humane new
procedures for numerous livestock-handling facilities. What ethical balance shapes her work? What small vision could you
translate into grand action in your community?
8. Benjamin Carson pays eloquent tribute to his mother in “There is No Job More Important than Parenting.” What qualities
make her a good parent? What beliefs enabled her to sustain and inspire her son? Who has held a similar role of redemption in
your life?
PART C: State your belief in a single, well-written sentence.
GRADING RUBRIC
Assignment is typed in 10-12 point font with the proper heading, single-spaced responses with a double space
between each response.
10
9
Excellent
8
7
6
5
Acceptable
4
3
2
1
Not Acceptable
Each of the three paragraphs have a topic sentence, supporting details (evidence), and is at least five sentences in
length. (10 points each)
Response 1
10
9
Excellent
8
7
6
5
Acceptable
4
3
2
1
Not Acceptable
Response 2
10
9
Excellent
8
7
6
5
Acceptable
4
3
2
1
Not Acceptable
Response 3
10
9
Excellent
8
7
6
5
Acceptable
4
3
2
1
Not Acceptable
_____ The personal belief is stated clearly in a grammatically correct sentence. (10)
10
9
Excellent
8
7
6
5
4
Acceptable
3
2
1
Not Acceptable
_____ The paper exhibits the best writing with close adherence to spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and usage.
One point will be deducted for each mistake. (-1 point per error)
Total Points (times 2) = __________________
Summer Reading Assignment Grade: __________________