Einstein Middle School
Summer Reading Project (2014-2015)
For Students Entering Advanced English 8
Project Requirements:
1. Select one of the books from the 2015 Evergreen Young Adult Book Award Nominees list to read
during the summer: https://sites.google.com/site/eyaba2/nominees .
2. Write a multi-paragraph essay that addresses the following prompt:
Choose a main character from the book. Which three of the Einstein P.R.I.D.E. traits (Prepared,
Respect, Integrity, Determination, Excellence) best relates to this character and why?
3. Organize your writing in proper essay format:
 Introduction with a hook, overview and thesis statement (1 paragraph).
Your introduction should include:
 A hook (question, quotation, comparison or other attention getting statement that
connects to your book).
 An overview of your book (a two-sentence summary of the title, author and a
brief introduction to the characters and main conflict in the story).
 A thesis statement (a one-sentence statement of the P.R.I.D.E. trait or traits your
character shows and which you will discuss in your essay).
 Body with specific examples and supporting details from the text (3 paragraphs).
Each body paragraph should focus on a separate trait and include:
 A clear topic sentence introducing the P.R.I.D.E. trait.
 A brief definition of what the trait means.
 An example from the text in the form of a direct quote, (cited correctly with
quotation marks and page number).
 An explanation of how the quote shows the trait.
 Appropriate use of transitions to introduce and connect main ideas and
supporting details.
 Remember: your direct quotes and supporting details should help show how your
character demonstrates the P.R.I.D.E. traits you’ve chosen.
 Conclusion to summarize and wrap up main points (1 paragraph).
 Publish your essay in final draft format: typed, double-spaced, with a complete school heading (first
and last names, subject and date) and indented paragraphs.
Heading example:
Jackie Anderson
English 8 - Advanced
September 4, 2014
 Assignment DUE: Thursday, September 4, 2014
 Reminder: This is a mandatory assignment for entrance into Advanced English 8. Failure to
successfully submit a complete assignment by the due date may impact your standing in the class in the
fall.
Scoring Guide for Summer Reading Assignment- Advanced English 8
Name:
Standard
Organizes
and
develops
ideas with
details that
support the
topic
Uses
correct
conventions
(spelling,
homonyms,
capitalization,
punctuation, verb
tense)
and
publishes in
final draft
(typed, doublespaced, school
heading, indented
paragraphs).
4 (Exemplary)
3 (Proficient)
2 (Emerging)
1 (Unsatisfactory)
-Paragraphs are very
well-developed and
clearly organized
according to related
topics.
-Paragraphs are welldeveloped and
organized according to
related topics.
-Paragraph
development is
somewhat limited or
incomplete and/or
disorganized.
-Paragraph
development is very
limited, incomplete
and/or disorganized.
-Each body paragraph
thoroughly and clearly
explains one PRIDE
trait with multiple, very
specific and
convincing supporting
details, including one or
more relevant direct
quotes as evidence.
-Each body paragraph
clearly explains one
PRIDE trait with
specific, convincing
supporting details,
including one relevant
direct quote as
evidence.
-Each body
paragraph attempts
to explain one PRIDE
trait with supporting
details including one
relevant direct quote
as evidence, but
explanations are
limited and may lack
depth or relevancy.
-Body paragraphs do
not explain PRIDE
traits. Essay lacks
specific, convincing
supporting details and
evidence, including
direct quotes.
-Writing is typed in final
draft format
-Writing is typed in final
draft format with
-May be missing
some final draft
format requirements
and/or may be
somewhat sloppy.
-Writing lacks final
draft formatting
and/or is very
sloppy.
-Writing contains no
errors in basic
conventions.
-Writing contains
minimal errors in basic
conventions.
-Writing contains
several errors in
basic conventions.
-Writing contains
multiple errors in
basic conventions
which distract from
meaning.