AP Language and Composition 2011 Summer Assignments
Hello,
You have made an important decision to take Advanced Placement English Language and Composition. Please review
the information below and the attached required summer assignments to prepare you for Advance Placement English
Language and Composition. Assignments will be due the first day of class.
AP Language and Composition is a course designed to emulate the expectations of a college freshmen composition
course. Upon successful completion of the course and AP Language and Composition exam, you may have the
opportunity to receive credit for a college freshmen English course. The AP Language and Composition exam is
designed to test you on whether you read and write English at a college-level.
Elizabeth Hustwit
AP Language and Composition Instructor
Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts, 6-12
ehustwit1@pghboe.net
Summer Assignment Part 1: ( July) Read Alexandra Robbins’ The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids. Discuss the
following eight characters: Julie, Audrey, Frank, Taylor, Sam, Pete, Ryland, and C.J. Use a separate sheet of paper(s) for each
student, answering the character questions below in a thoughtful, well crafted manner. Be sure to explain your answers to
questions 8-10, with reference to the text.
Character Questions (10 points per character):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name of character
Year in school
School attended (include city and state if given)
Physical description
Academic Achievements
Extracurricular Activities
Frustrations
Why this student is perceived as an overachiever
Your personal reaction to this student and his/her situation
Explain where you believe the student “went wrong”
Additional Questions (20 points):
1.
2.
With which of these students do you most closely identify, and why? (10 points)
What is so dangerous/destructive about being an overachiever?1 (10 points)
Format: Heading in the upper left corner; Size 12 Times New Roman Font; Double Space
Please note proper heading below:
Name
AP English Language and Composition
2010 Summer Reading Assignment Part 2
Mrs. Hustwit
Summer Assignment Part 2: ( August) Read Native Son by Richard Wright and think about the following question.
Does Bigger Thomas have free will?
Please note the following information:
1 Adapted from assignments developed by Glenbrook South High School: Glenview, IL
2. Thank you Ms Robinson for her assistance in crafting this assignment.
You must secure your own copies of Richard Wright’s Native Son and Alexandra Robbins’ The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of
Driven Kids. Books are available at local bookstores, online, and at local public libraries.
Summer assignments will be due the first day of class. No assignments will be accepted via email. Use your time wisely and do not
wait until the last minute to begin your work. You will be graded on your ability to respond in a thoughtful, mature, cogent
manner. Organization, sentence fluency, word choice, details, explanations, and ability to present a neat and orderly assignment
will also contribute to how you will be assessed. Each assignment is mandatory and will be worth 100 points each.
If there are any questions regarding the assignments, please email me at ehustwit1@pghboe.net before Monday, August 16, 2010.
I will not respond to students who wait until the last minute to complete the assignments.