Summer Reading Assignment: Juniors, 2011-2012
1.
Obtain a copy of The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, which is available at public
library locations, various bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, Half Price Books, Amazon.com and
others. Price range varies.
2.
Read the entire novel.
3.
Familiarize yourself with the rubric before responding to the questions, as it will enhance your
understanding of the required responses, and improve your chances of attaining the desired grade.
4.
Write a 250 to 500 word paper discussing each of the following points:
1. Why do you think Kidd builds her story around the metaphor of the lives of bees? How do the
actions of the characters compare to the actions of the bees? Support your answer with specific
examples from the book.
2. What do you think the book suggests about forgiveness? Which characters need to forgive?
Which need to be forgiven? Support your answer with specific examples from the book.
3. Does the conclusion of the book seem satisfying or should Lily’s story have ended differently?
Why?
Your response must be in essay form with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Each paragraph should be supported with specific details from the book. Grammar, spelling and
usage should be correct.
5.
Bring this completed assignment, typed, to school on the first day of class. 10 points a day will be
deducted for each day this assignment is late. After three days, the assignment will not be
accepted.
Rubric:
50 points
45 points
40 points
35 points
30 points
25 points
20 points
15 points
The paper thoroughly discusses all three points and supplies specific supporting examples
from the novel. The quality of content and writing is excellent
The paper discusses all three points and gives supporting examples from the novel. The
quality of the discussion and writing is very good, but not excellent.
The paper discusses all three points and gives supporting examples from the novel. The
quality of the discussion is good but not above average. For example, the paper
summarizes the story rather than addressing the three questions.
The paper discusses only two of the points but provided specific examples from the novel
to support those points.
The paper discusses only two of the points and lacks sufficient specific supporting
examples.
The paper discusses only one of the points but provided specific examples from the novel
to support that point.
The paper discusses only one of the points and lacks sufficient specific supporting
examples.
The paper reflects the fact that the student read the novel, but does not discuss any of the
three required points.
1-5 points will be deducted for errors in grammar, spelling, usage, format.