Summer Reading 2015
AP English Literature / Test May 4, 2016
Welcome to AP English Literature and Composition! AP English is a freshman
college level course that gives you the opportunity to earn one-half credit in
literature and one-half credit in composition. To be successful in the class, you
need a working knowledge of writing essays, analyzing literature, and using basic
research skills. The course work is rigorous but rewarding to a committed
student. We will move at a fairly rapid pace, so you will need to prioritize and
manage your time well.
In accordance with the College Board AP guidelines, students who register for
AP English Literature have a summer reading assignment. Your summer
readings include 1984 by George Orwell, Frankenstein by Mary
Wollstonecraft Shelley, and Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan. The books
are available at the library, A-159, or you may wish purchase your own books so
that you can write notes directly on the pages. This important summer reading
assignment will keep your brain active helping to ease your transition into the
senior year. We will discuss all three novels and refer to the novels throughout
the year. I expect that you will take notes on one of the required book as outlined
below. You can use these notes for your first AP in-class writing.
After reading the 3 novels (1984 by George Orwell, Frankenstein by Mary
Shelley, and The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan) take notes on the novel
that you have selected to write about. You can use these notes to assist you
during your in-class writing about your summer reading assignment.
1. Discuss the significance of the title (and sub title).
2. Write a plot summary (Keep this short).
3. Comment on literary elements:
a. style (Many elements contribute to style: word choice, sentence length, tone,
figurative language, use of dialogue, and point of view.)
b. point of view – Who is the speaker? How does the perspective influence the story?
c. Setting – when, where – why did the author choose this setting? Is it
important to the theme
d. major themes
e. major characters – list and explain how characters are related to each other or any
conflicts that exist.
Please be aware that dropping an AP class in the fall is greatly discouraged.