AP English Literature & Composition
Wren High School—Mr. Filippo, Room 106
SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT AND NOTES -- 2014
Overview: As an AP English Literature student, you are required to read two novels over the summer,
one selected from a list, another designated title for all students. Before you read each novel, please
review the assignments and assessments required. Though you may certainly read books on the WHS
required summer reading list for seniors, please note that the AP work here satisfies the school’s summer
reading assignment and entitles you to full participation in the summer reading reward activity in
September. If you’re interested and have the time, I’d also recommend How to Read Literature Like a
Professor (Thomas Foster) –it’s a great optional reading choice for the summer.
Novel #1—Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
Assignment:
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Read the novel, taking notes as you go.
Complete a full Critical Analysis Grid by making observations about characterization,
details/imagery, technique, diction, syntax, and tone.
Using your Critical Analysis Grid and biographical/historical resources available on the internet or
in the library, complete a novel Data File Grid.
Assessment:
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Completed Critical Analysis Grid—Level 1 Grade; Due first day of class
Completed Data File Grid—Level 1 Grade (Doubled); Due first day of class
Reading Check Quiz (Objective details/Important quotes/“Mini-Essay”)—Level 2 Grade;
Administered within first few class periods
In-Class Essay—Level 3 Grade (Score on this essay will be used for the Diagnostic Exam);
Administered within first two weeks of class
Novel #2—Selected War Novel
Assignment:
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Read ONE of the novels below, taking notes as you go:
- Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
- The Things They Carried (Tim O’Brien)
- Slaughterhouse 5 (Kurt Vonnegut)
Complete a full Critical Analysis Grid by making observations about characterization,
details/imagery, technique, diction, syntax, and tone.
Using your Critical Analysis Grid and biographical/historical resources available on the internet or
in the library, complete a novel Data File Grid.
Creativity Project: You should prepare an individual creative response to your selected novel.
Use your notes, Critical Analysis Grid, and/or Data File to help you identify some important
aspect of the work—something involving characterization, setting, theme, imagery, style, or
[continued]
structure. Your response should NOT be a form of mere summary (this is a phrase you will get
used to in AP Lit . . . ). While predecessors have created and shared graphic novel-styled
illustrations, videos, dramatic presentations, and all types of visual art and music, I hope you will
choose something that fits your abilities and passions. Your “product” should be a neat,
creative, and thoughtful presentation of YOUR ideas—not a repackaging of someone else’s ideas
about the novel.
Assessment:
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Completed Critical Analysis Grid—Level 1 Grade; Due first day of class
Completed Data File Grid—Level 1 Grade (Doubled); Due first day of class
Reading Check Quiz (Objective details/Important quotes/“Mini-Essay”)—Level 2 Grade;
Administered within first few class periods
Creativity Project—Level 3 Grade (Using modified version of Level 1 & 2 Scoring Guidelines); To
be scheduled for presentation by September 19
IMPORTANT SUMMER INFORMATION AND FINAL NOTES ABOUT ASSIGNMENTS
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A quick glance at our syllabus and only minor reading between the lines on this summer
assignment handout should make it clear that I am interested in YOUR response to the things
you read over the summer and during our time together next year. Please do NOT rely on the
various internet literature aids to form an understanding and opinion of what you read. All work
and ideas submitted should be entirely yours.
Critical Analysis Grids and Data File Grids may be printed from my school website.
Make sure that I have yours and your parents’/guardians’ email addresses before leaving for the
summer. I will try to build my distribution list as soon as I can and may use this as a way to send
helpful information.
Between the AP Reading and traveling to do AP workshops and institutes for teachers
throughout the summer, please let me know if you have questions or need anything between
now and August. My contact information is provided below and on the syllabus. The best way
to get me over the summer is to send an email to my gmail address.
I encourage students to follow me on my school-related Twitter account, which I use to send out
quick bits of interesting stuff that is often connected to my classes. As I work and travel over the
summer, I usually keep tweeting.
MR. FLIP’S SUMMER CONTACT INFORMATION
Gmail Address: twfilippo@gmail.com
AP English Literature Class Website: http://www.anderson1.k12.sc.us/page/11011
Mr. Flip on Twitter: @bookinwMrFlip