Summer Reading Assignment:
Honors English I
2015-2016
Select any one of the following novels to complete your summer reading. Answer the questions
that are listed below using complete sentences, well-developed paragraphs, and detailed
examples (direct quotes and page numbers where possible). You can answer these on the
computer or in a notebook. Bring the answers with you to your first English class. The
responses will form the basis for your first analytical paper. We will discuss how to piece all of
this together during this initial class.
Hemingway, Ernest
Novels
The Old Man and the Sea
Homer
The Iliad OR The Odyssey (prose or verse version)
McCullers, Carson
The Member of the Wedding
Orwell, George
1984
Stevenson, Robert Louis
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
White, T. H.
Once and Future King
1. Describe one character’s problems, or a choice made. What advice do you have for the
character?
2. Explain why you think a character acts the way he/she does.
3. Copy an interesting/important/enjoyable passage (note the page number) in the response
and comment on it.
4. Explain why you would or would not like to have a particular character as a friend.
5. Explain why you would or would not like to have lived in the time and place of the novel.
6. Write questions about a part of the novel that you had difficulty understanding. Choose
one question and explore possible answers.
7. Examine the values of a character you like/dislike.
8. What real person or event(s) are you reminded of by characters or events in the story.
9. What is your overall reaction to the work?
Summer Reading Assignment:
English I
2015-2016
Select any one of the following novels for your summer reading. In approximately five to eight
sentences answer each of the questions that follow the reading list (direct quotes and page
numbers where possible). These will form the basis of any open book in-class essay or paper
during the opening weeks of school. Bring the completed answers with you to class when
instructed.
Novels
Bradbury, Ray
Fahrenheit 451
Card, Orson Scott
Ender’s Game
Hemingway, Ernest
The Old Man and the Sea
Green, Bette
Summer of My German Soldier
Stevenson, Robert Louis
Treasure Island
Wilde, Oscar
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Remember, the answers you provide will be the basis of your first major grade for the course.
1. To begin the plot the protagonist encounters a problem or choice to be made.
Describe the problem or the choice. Discuss how the protagonist responds to the
dilemma. (Guy, Ender, Santiago, Patty, Jim, Dorian)
2. Motivation: explain why you think the protagonist from question number one acts
the way he/she does?
3. Copy a provocative/interesting/important/enjoyable passage (note the page number)
and then explain your selection in three to four sentences.
4. After reading the book, make predictions about what could happen next, explaining
the reason(s) for your predictions.
5. Explain why you would like to have a particular character as a friend.
6. Examine the values/traits of a character you dislike.
7. What is the novel’s setting? Explain why you would or would not like to have lived
in the time and place of the novel.
8. Identify a chapter or episode of the novel that you had difficulty understanding.
Write one question you had about that part. Discuss the possible answers to that
question.
9. What real person or event(s) are you reminded of by the protagonist or another
important character or event(s) in the story?
10. Reread your answers to the above questions. In light of those answers, what is your
overall evaluation of the book?
Summer Reading Assignment
Honors English II
2015-2016
Select one of the novels listed below. As you read, keep a Reader’s Response Journal* on
standard 8 ½ x 11” ruled loose leaf paper, using some of the questions/directions/
considerations that follow the reading list. These notes should be sent to Bishop Eustace and
addressed to Mr. Marquart by August 15. The more detailed and thoughtful your journal is,
the easier you will find it to complete your first paper.
Crane, Stephen
Hawthorne, Nathaniel
Hemingway, Ernest
Melville, Herman
Rice, Anne
Salinger, J. D.
Wharton, Edith
Wilder, Thornton
Novels
The Red Badge of Courage
House of the Seven Gables
The Sun Also Rises
Billy Budd
Interview with a Vampire
The Catcher in the Rye
Ethan Frome
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
*A Response Journal records the reader’s periodic reactions to the novel as it is being read.
First, number and date each journal entry and specify the section/chapters/pages that you are
about to discuss. Then write your first impressions/immediate reactions/any questions that arise
from your encounter with the novel.
Listed below are some considerations for your journal. Take some time to look over the entirety
of the topics so that you will have an idea of what you might consider as you read and react.
Note: The following is NOT an outline to be completed.
Plot
Originality: have you seen this plot before? If so, where? How has this author renovated it?
What is special about this treatment?
Opening Situations
Is the opening scene clearly and effectively introduced? Were you moved to read on? Why?
Was it the characters, questions raised, setting, style that caused you to read on? Be specific with
your responses.
Development
Is there a cause-effect sequence of events? Is there much/too much coincidence? Is there
enough suspense to carry the reader forward? Is the presentation chronological or is flashback
used? What part does dialogue have to do with furthering the plot?
Outcome
Is the outcome believable after considering the story? Was it organic (grew naturally from the
story) or contrived as a matter of coincidence? In either case, what is its effect on the story?
Style
Length: Is the book long or short for the ideas presented? Any scenes/chapters that seem
unnecessary? Does diction or type of language influence the length?
Type of Language
Does the language seem abstract (appealing to the intellect) or concrete (appealing to the
senses)? Are both present? If so, when? Why?
Point of View
What is the narrative point of view? Why does the author think this is most beneficial?
Narrative Pace
A quick read or not? Once again, it will vary in the novel according to the author’s needs at that
time.
Setting
What is the importance of time and place to mood and atmosphere? Characterization and action?
Is it vital to the story or just a vehicle for the author’s ideas?
Characterization
Are the characters believable and lifelike, or and they one-dimensional and stereotyped?
Dialogue
Is there natural, interesting conversation that gives insight into the characters? Keep in mind that
setting and dialect can be part of this. Do these things hinder the work?
Individual Characters
Who is the protagonist? Antagonist? Any minor characters interesting as a catalyst? A foil? A
dynamic character? A static character?
Conflict
Link to plot, theme or characterization – is the main focus primarily external or internal? Or
both? How do subplots or minor conflicts relate to or enhance the main action?
Theme
This is the insight that the reader gains from reading, the universal meaning which makes the
novel worthwhile. To consider this, you may want to think about the conflict, the author’s tone
toward the topic and the characters in conflict, and the importance of the ideas you have derived
from the reading.
Summer Reading Assignment
English II
2015-2016
Choose one of the following novels and then answer all of the questions that follow. Be sure that
you use complete sentences, well-developed paragraphs, and detailed examples (use quotes and
page numbers where possible). Bring the completed answers with you to your first day of class.
The responses will form the basis of your first writing assignment for the course.
Boyne, John
Hurwin, Davida Wills
McCullers, Carson
Myers, Walter Dean
Twain, Mark
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
A Time for Dancing
The Member of the Wedding
Hoops
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Questions for Analysis
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Where you feel it is
appropriate include quotations and page numbers from the text. Remember, the answers you
provide will be the basis of your first major writing assignment for the course.
1. Do any of the characters change or grow over the course of the novel? What changes do
they make? What kinds of challenges do they encounter? What does the author imply
about the process of growing up or becoming mature? Do you agree/disagree?
2. How are the families of the community depicted in the novel? What influences do the
family and community have? What does the author imply about family and community?
Do you agree/disagree?
3. What forms of prejudice appear in the novel/play? What are the effects of prejudice for
both those displaying it and those who are victims? What answers to prejudice are
offered?
4. Is courage displayed by any of the characters? Describe that courage and your responses
to it. What does the author say about courage? Do their views agree with your
experiences?
5. Is tolerance or acceptance displayed toward those with emotional or mental handicaps by
any characters? Describe that tolerance and your response to it. What does the author
say about accepting others who are different? Do you agree/disagree?
Summer Reading Assignment
Honors English III
2015-2016
This year’s summer reading title will be a twentieth century American novel with a direct tie-in
to the earliest eras of British literature: John Gardner’s Grendel. Read a summary of Beowulf
(http://historymedren.about.com/od/beowulf/p/beowulf.htm) before you begin the novel, which
is a “prequel” to that famous poem. You will be expected to take notes as you read Grendel to
prepare to answer a series of questions about the content and structure of the novel as well as
your responses to the experience of reading it. Your answers will be collected on the first day of
classes in September
Directions: Answer these questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs, as though you
were writing a mini-essay for each one.
Grendel Guided Reading Questions
Chapter 1
1. How does Grendel describe himself? What do Grendel’s words reveal about his selfimage?
2. Describe Grendel’s mother and his relationship with her.
3. Which human does Grendel admit he admires? Why does he admire this person?
Chapter 2
1. How does Grendel’s first meeting with humans affect him? Why does he call them
dangerous and fear them more than he fears the bull?
2. Describe young Grendel’s epiphany in this chapter.
Chapter 3
1. As a detached observer, what does Grendel learn about Hrothgar and his theories? What
shocks Grendel about human behavior toward other humans? Why does Grendel fear
Hrothgar?
2. Why is Grendel so impressed and affected by the Shaper? Why does he fear the Shaper?
Chapter 4
1. Why does Hrothgar build Hart? What does Hart represent to the Danes?
2. How does the story of Cain and Abel affect Grendel?
Chapter 5
1. Why does Grendel visit the Dragon?
2. How does the dragon’s mind differ from Grendel’s and from men’s?
3. How does the Dragon explain the role of the Shaper?
4. What does the Dragon suggest about heroism and nobility? What do they require? Do
you agree? Why or why not?
5. What is the Dragon’s ambition? His final advice?
6. How is Grendel “caged in a limited mind”?
Chapter 6
1. How does Grendel now react to the Shaper’s song?
2. Why do you think Grendel has found “unearthly joy” when he begins his attacks on the
men?
3. According to Unferth, what is heroism?
4. Why doesn’t Grendel kill Unferth and why does this make Unferth so bitter?
Chapter 7
1. Describe Wealtheow.
2. What effect does she have on the Danes? On Grendel?
Chapter 8
1. What threats surround Hrothgar after Hrothulf’s arrival?
2. Describe Red Horse’s political ideology.
Chapter 9
1. What is Grendel’s opinion of religion?
2. What is the significance of Grendel’s encounter with Ork?
3. What does Ork have to say about the king of the gods and about the nature of evil?
Chapter 10
1. How does the Shaper’s death affect Grendel?
2. Explain “Nihil ex nihilo, I always say.”
Chapter 11
1. Describe Grendel’s reactions to Beowulf’s arrival?
2. In what ways are Beowulf and Grendel alike?
3. What happens when Unferth challenges Beowulf about Brecca?
4. How does the Queen respond to Beowulf?
Chapter 12
1. How and why is Grendel defeated?
2. Explain Grendel’s last words: “Poor Grendel’s had an accident…so may you all.”
Summer Reading Assignment
English III
2015-2016
This year’s summer reading title will be a twentieth century American novel with a direct tie-in
to the earliest eras of British literature: John Gardner’s Grendel. Read a summary of Beowulf
(http://historymedren.about.com/od/beowulf/p/beowulf.htm) before you begin the novel, which
is a “prequel” to that famous poem. You will be expected to take notes as you read Grendel to
prepare to answer a series of questions about the content and structure of the novel as well as
your responses to the experience of reading it. Your answers will be collected on the first day of
classes in September.
Directions: Answer these questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs, as though you
were writing a mini-essay for each one.
Grendel Guided Reading Questions
Chapter 1
4. How does Grendel describe himself? What do Grendel’s words reveal about his selfimage?
5. Describe Grendel’s mother and his relationship with her.
6. Which human does Grendel admit he admires? Why does he admire this person?
Chapter 2
3. How does Grendel’s first meeting with humans affect him? Why does he call them
dangerous and fear them more than he fears the bull?
4. Describe young Grendel’s epiphany in this chapter.
Chapter 3
3. As a detached observer, what does Grendel learn about Hrothgar and his theories? What
shocks Grendel about human behavior toward other humans? Why does Grendel fear
Hrothgar?
4. Why is Grendel so impressed and affected by the Shaper? Why does he fear the Shaper?
Chapter 4
3. Why does Hrothgar build Hart? What does Hart represent to the Danes?
4. How does the story of Cain and Abel affect Grendel?
Chapter 5
7. Why does Grendel visit the Dragon?
8. How does the dragon’s mind differ from Grendel’s and from men’s?
9. How does the Dragon explain the role of the Shaper?
10. What does the Dragon suggest about heroism and nobility? What do they require? Do
you agree? Why or why not?
11. What is the Dragon’s ambition? His final advice?
12. How is Grendel “caged in a limited mind”?
Chapter 6
5. How does Grendel now react to the Shaper’s song?
6. Why do you think Grendel has found “unearthly joy” when he begins his attacks on the
men?
7. According to Unferth, what is heroism?
8. Why doesn’t Grendel kill Unferth and why does this make Unferth so bitter?
Chapter 7
1. Describe Wealtheow.
2. What effect does she have on the Danes? On Grendel?
Chapter 8
1. What threats surround Hrothgar after Hrothulf’s arrival?
2. Describe Red Horse’s political ideology.
Chapter 9
1. What is Grendel’s opinion of religion?
2. What is the significance of Grendel’s encounter with Ork? What does Ork have to say
about the king of the gods and about the nature of evil?
Chapter 10
1. How does the Shaper’s death affect Grendel?
2. Explain “Nihil ex nihilo, I always say.”
Chapter 11
1. Describe Grendel’s reactions to Beowulf’s arrival?
2. In what ways are Beowulf and Grendel alike?
3. What happens when Unferth challenges Beowulf about Brecca?
4. How does the Queen respond to Beowulf?
Chapter 12
1. How and why is Grendel defeated?
2. Explain Grendel’s last words: “Poor Grendel’s had an accident…so may you all.”
Summer Reading Assignment
World Literature
2015-2016
Choose any one of the following works to read over the summer.
Complete the questions listed below using complete sentences, well developed paragraphs, and
detailed examples
(quotes and page numbers where possible). Bring the completed responses with you to yourfir
st English class. The responses will form the basis of your first in class essay or analytical
paper. In addition to the "writer's response" answers, complete the college essay
questions which will become part of the college essay writing experience.
Ibsen, Henrik
Miller, Arthur
Morrison, Toni
O’Neill, Eugene
An Enemy of the People
All My Sons
The Bluest Eye
Long Day’s Journey into Night
Questions for Analysis
Directions: answer the following questions in complete sentences. Include direct quotations and
page numbers from the text.Remember, the answers you provide will be the basis of your first
major paper for the course.
1. List three(3) major characters of the literary work, and in well developed paragraphs
give an example of what the character learns by the end of the work.
2. Pretend that you are one of the major characters in the literary work. Write a
monologue (one person talking) of the character telling his/her most unique experience.
3. Compare or contrast two of the characters in the work with any two characters studied from
works in your sophomore or junior English classes.
4. Pick a social or political issue. Compose a speech (100-150 words) to be given on that topic
by one of the major characters in the work read. Be sure the contents reflect the
character's personality. Possible issues are political corruption, prejudice, drug addiction,
family communications, poverty, or disillusionment with society.
College Essay Writing
Follow the directions and have the completed essay with you the first full day of class.
Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected
topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of
your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the
option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words,
using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit,
not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The
application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
Topics:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they
believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then
please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an
incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons
did you learn?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act?
Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an
intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal
importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took
or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition
from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Summer Reading Assignment:
AP Literature and Composition
2015-2016
Below you will find a listing of various readings. You are to select one of these and have a
completed paper emailed to jbrady@eustace.org by August 15. These will be returned during
the first week of classes and will count as the initial grade for the course. In the development of
the paper, you must incorporate direct quotes and you may use researched information to assist
you in interpreting the ideas. The length of the paper is 4-5 pages. Use proper MLA format.
Conrad, Joseph
Hemingway, Ernest
Heller, Joseph
Huxley, Aldous
Chekhov, Anton
Tolstoy, Leo
Heart of Darkness
The Sun Also Rises
Catch 22
Brave New World
The Cherry Orchard
Anna Karenina
Assignment:
A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of
associations beyond itself. In literary works, a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or
enlarge literal meaning. Select one of the works above and focusing on two-three symbols, write
a paper analyzing how the symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters
or themes of the work as a whole. Use textual support details. DO NOT USE PLOT
SUMMARY! THERE IS NO NEED TO RESEARCH! LET ME SEE WHAT YOU CAN
DO!
College Essay Writing
Follow the directions and have the completed essay with you the first full day of class.
Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected
topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of
your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the
option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words,
using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit,
not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The
application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
Topics:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they
believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then
please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an
incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons
did you learn?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act?
Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an
intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal
importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took
or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition
from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Summer Reading Assignment:
World Literature with Film
2015-2016
Choose any one of the following works to read over the summer. Complete the questions
which are listed below using complete sentences, well developed paragraphs and detailed
examples (you must include quotes and page numbers). Bring the journal with you to our
first English class. The responses will form the basis of your first in class essay or analytical
paper.
McCarthy, Cormac
Miller, Arthur
O’Neill, Eugene
Salinger, J.D.
All the Pretty Horses
All My Sons
Long Day’s Journey into Night
The Catcher in the Rye
Questions for analysis:
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Include direct quotations
and page numbers from the work read.
1. List two major characters from the selected work and in a well developed paragraph give
an example of what the character learns by the end of the novel.
2. Pretend that you are one of the major characters in the literary work. Using the conclusions
that the protagonist comes to by the end of the work, write a monologue from his/her point of
view which describes what they feel the future holds for them and why?
3. Compare two of the characters in the novel with any two characters studied from works in
your sophomore or junior English classes.
4. Pick a national issue. Compose a speech (100-150 words) to be given on that topic by one of
the major characters in the work read. Be sure that the contents reflect the character’s
personality. Possible issues are aging, political corruption, prejudice, family communications,
poverty, disillusionment with society.
Students entering World Literature with Film are required to watch a film over the
summer that they have never before seen. Students are to take notes on the film after the
initial viewing. This assignment will also be developed into a first quarter assignment.
World Literature with Film - 2
College Essay Writing
Follow the directions and have the completed essay with you the first full day of class.
Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected
topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of
your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the
option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words,
using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit,
not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The
application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
Topics:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they
believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then
please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an
incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons
did you learn?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act?
Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an
intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal
importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took
or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition
from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
AP Language and Composition - Mrs. Frantz
2015-2016
Summer Assignments
• 2-3 page Argument Essay– due on Saturday, August 1st (email to
wfrantz@eustace.org as a Microsoft Word attachment) – test grade
• College Essay for the Common Application – due on the first day of class
• Assignment for Thank You for Arguing by Jay Heinrich – due on the first day of
class – quiz grade
• Personal Response to The Overachievers - due on the first day of class - quiz grade
Argument Essay: Length: 2-3 typed pages in MLA format. This essay must be emailed to
me by 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 1st: wfrantz@eustace.org. I will acknowledge that I have
received your essay in an email. If you do not hear from me within 24 hours, assume that
your email did not reach me, and resend your work (test grade). Directions: Choose one of
the options below for your essay topic. In your essay, provide background information on the
situation/topic, express your opinion about the situation/issue, explain why readers should care
about this problem, acknowledge opposing viewpoints on the issue and provide a rebuttal, and
offer specific recommendations on how to improve matters:
1) What are you really learning at school?
2) Are adults hurting their children by pushing them to achieve?
3) What is more important, talent or hard work?
4) What can older people learn from your generation?
Your writing needs to be clear and easy to understand. Although your voice should sound
natural, do not use slang (i.e., OMG) or describe something (or anything) as "stupid."
Assignments for Thank You For Arguing - due on the first day of class. Your assignments
should be typed in MLA format and stapled (quiz grade).
1. Each chapter of the book includes rhetorical terms and their definitions. Make an alphabetized
vocabulary and definitions list and title this list "Rhetoric Terms from Thank You for Arguing."
2. At the end of each chapter, describe a potential scenario in which you could apply Heinrich's
tips to convince others to agree with you on a call for action/give you what you want/understand
and accept the validity of your perspective on an issue.
Personal Response to The Overachievers - due on the first day of class. Your assignment
(approximately two pages) should be typed and written in MLA format (quiz grade).
What is Alexandra Robbins trying to suggest in this work about overachievers and what, if
anything, does she feel ought to be done to help relieve today's students of the burdens they face?
What is your personal response to this work? Do you agree with her assessment? Why or why
not? Which student concerned you the most? The least? Explain your response.
College Essay Writing
Follow the directions and have the completed essay with you the first full day of class.
Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected
topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of
your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the
option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words,
using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit,
not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The
application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
Topics:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they
believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please
share your story.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or
time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the
experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would
you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual
challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no
matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to
identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition
from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.